Negative Doesn't Always Mean Negative

PR buzz is not always perfect. As a PR pro, you know that you can do a lot of work, but still need a little bit of luck.

When you work with reporters, you do not have full control of what gets shared; even if YOUR prep work is spotless. You may have created great keywords and statements that can get misdirected, or your product may be poorly reviewed. It's really out of your hands. However, bad news is not ALWAYS bad. It's still news, right?

Currently, I work with a client that is very unique and has gained success with a niche market. They are trying public relations for the first time ever and getting a lot of buzz. However, the mainstream market does not particularly love the product and are willing to say it. My client knows and even says they are not a brand for everyone, but he still gets nervous after reading a negative review or hearing a negative comment. Nonetheless - they are getting ALOT of publicity. One review did come back negative, but they still placed a large photo in the review and said where someone could buy the item. This is what counts.

Again, in a situation when a reporter does give you negative feedback - don't be surprised. This can happen! I was reading about a similar situation where a brand received negative PR after reporters tried the product and didn't enjoy it. The company came out making a statement that said too many went way too far with reviews and said they wouldn't release any more items to be tried until further notice. This is a poor move and never do this. PR works symbolically with media - they need each other. So, if you think something, don't way something. You don't want the reporters on your bad side even more.

Royal Wedding: PR Firms Jump Right In

Press releases have come flurrying in once the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton this week.

Within minutes of the announcement that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged to be married, PR companies across the country jumped into action by using the engagement to publicise their travel clients. Here are a few of the travel offerings and wedding related press releases the couple has received thus far.

Kate and William: Dublin's on your doorstep, says Irish Ferries

"To celebrate the news that William and Kate are to marry and live in north Wales, Irish Ferris is offering the happy couple free crossings to Dublin."

"Dublin's bright lights, great 'craic' and top class shops are less than two hours from Anglesey, where William is based," says Irish Ferris Declan Mescall.

This makes the Irish capital closer and easier to reach than London's West End - perfect for Kate's girly weekends when William is flying, or a romantic break for the couple themselves.

Irish Ferris is giving Kate and William unlimited Holyhead to Dublin travel, in Club Class, as long as they live in north Wales."

Royal retreat fit for a King

"Finally, it's the news we've all been waiting for, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced their engagement! Following the recent royal proposal in Kenya where should the couple celebrate their honeymoon? Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in the Philippines, of course!"

Celebrating the Royal Engagement

"Today's announcement of the royal engagement is a cause for celebration, not just for the royal couple and their family, but fro the whole of England.

The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton is wonderful news, and all that Visit England join the rest of the country in congratulating the young couple on their impending marriage.

The happy couple have yet to announce the location for the ceremony, or the honeymoon - and although traditional locations such as Westminster Abbey have been suggested, there are many other options to be considered.

Attached: 10 Alternative Locations for the Perfect English wedding."

With news of a royal wedding, try amaging retreats for your very own special day

"News of a certain engagement today will get many thinking of their own specila day and Amazing Retreats can offer a venue to make you feel like royalty! From a Scottish Castle, which has played host to many a celebrity bash, to country manor houses and even a fort in the Soleng Amazing Retreats has secluded wedding venues aplenty!"

Following in the footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton and propose to your loved-one in Kenya

"Folowing the exciting announcement of Prince William and Kate middleton's engagement, Kuoni has selected a range of romantic Kenya holidays that provide the perfect setting to propose to your loved-one."

Calling all Kate and WIlliams to Ten Manchester Street, Marylebone

"Ten Manchester Street is offering all engaged couples called William and Kate a complimentary afternoon tea with chilled bottle of champagne."

Complimentary Room for Newly-Engaged Couples at The Landmark London

"Marylebone's regal 5-star hotel The Landmark London are offering any couple who have become engaged in the last month a free night's stay at The Landmark London complete with a bottle of chilled Champagne in the room to celebrate their engagement."

Fit for a King - free overnight stay and spa treatments at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

"For happy couples that have become engaged this week - The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate, a 43 acre woodland retreat and luxury hotel are offering a free overnight stay and a his and hers spa treatment."

Can You Use a Trademarked Logo Without Permission? State Fair Asks for Logo to be Removed from Bachmann TV Ad

During Minnesota State Fair time, if you were watching TV, you may have seen the Michelle Bachmann ad criticizing Tarryl Clark for 'raising taxes on a variety of State Fair goodies.' The ad was criticized for not only slander, but for showing the Minnesota State Fair logo twice during the chimerical.

"I know, I know, it's State Fair time and you don't want to hear about politics," says Jim "The Election Guy," a character in Bachmann's TV ads. "But while you're at the fair, you should know Tarryl Clark here voted to raise taxes on your corn dog. And your deep fried bacon. And your beer."

While Clark did vote 'yes' on a bill that would increase taxes on liquor sales, Bachmann's claims about corn dog and bacon taxes are a bit misleading. Her campaign says Clark favored a transportation bill that included a metro sales tax hike, which affects corn dogs and bacon but does not specifically target those things.

The State Fair was upset because their logo appeared twice in the TV ad and Fair officials asked the image to be removed. "The State Fair does not endorse any candidate running for political office," said a State Fair official.

Bachmann's campaign said that although they believed they have legal right to keep the image in the ad, they would switch it out for a generic one "out of good faith."

This got me to thinking, what is the proper usage for logos? I think of this issue as almost like a product placement the State Fair did not ask for. The American Advertising Federation (AAF) believes product placement is a good way to advertise, but says it is when everyone benefits from it: the placement source, the company being promoted and the consumer. Also, it is alright if the placement is disclosed in some way. Also, product placement is always agreed upon by both parties involved. That is the issue here. It may not be illegal, but if you're not going to ask for usage permission, don't complain when the party in question doesn't like it and asks to be removed from the situation. I think the Bachmann campaign should be lucky they didn't get into more trouble.

For more questions and answers regarding ad usage, look to the AAF's website here.

Threat and Anxiety: Why Negative Political Ads Work

The race for the next Minnesota Governor is underway and has been for about awhile now. The election is over two months away, but the three candidates are already battling it out on TV with negative campaign ads and I'm already sick of it. Negative campaigning has long been a part of politics. This got me to thinking though, why do candidates use negative campaign ads, attacking the other person? Because they work.

Candidates use negative attacks because they work. By threatening voters, by making them anxious, afraid, and fearful, candidates can win elections.

A controversial attack ad now running in Minnesota comes from The Alliance for a Better Minnesota, an independent liberal group. The ad in question is called "Missed Votes" and it's here.

The ad claims that Tom Emmer has missed 142 votes (1 out of every 5 votes) in the state legislature in 2010, and compares it to missing one day of work each week. It's geared to target everyone, not just one party in particular party or its supporters. It aims to anger those who are working hard to keep their jobs by working more hours than usual and upset those who are unemployed, want to work and are looking for work. The ad threatens Minnesotans and makes them fearful of electing Tom Emmer as Governor because he may not do his job.

Threat and anxiety are powerful stuff in political campaigns, and recent research says that these negative emotions are strong predictors of candidate support and voting behavior. It has been found that candidates chosen are more likely to physically threaten the subjects actually lost 65% of the real elections (involving those same candidates).

Favre Return an Elaborate Publicity Stunt?

As if anyone actually doubted it would happen. Brett Favre reported to camp with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. I'm glad he's back, we really needed him to come back. Also, I never had a problem with his age and debate with retirement. Last season we saw him get beat up a lot - I don't blame him for wanting to consider his options. However, there's part of me that thinks this entire media blitz yesterday (and this entire year since that terrible game January 24th) was just part of an elaborate promotional campaign by the Vikings and the NFL. Do you really think it took sending three players, Jared Allen, Ryan Longwell and Steve Hutchinson to Hattiesburg to get Brett to return? Further, do you think he just suddenly told wife Deanna that he was leaving for Minnesota, you and the kids catch up with me in a few weeks? I don't think so. Without a doubt, the Vikings are better with Favre than without him; everyone knows it. But, there isn't a better way to start the season with hype and drama than this!

Coach Brad Childress has been fine with the timing of everything and the story has kept the NFL at the front of sports headlines throughout the summer. That's worth the salary increase that Minnesota reportedly offered Favre. Truthfully, every team should pitch in some cash for the publicity they got from this.

Regardless, it should be a good season! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!

Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston: Is All Publicity Good Publicity?

I love celebrity gossip, but I'm tired of wannabe celebrities, such as Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston, being stupid and getting press for it. There should have been no shock or awe yesterday when Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston broke up (again). The only surprise was that their reunion lasted as long as it did! There are many reasons why I knew this relationship wouldn't last and there would be no happy ending for this pair. However, I don't think it was suppose to work, I think it was just another attempt to gain fame. I think everything has been for an attempt at fame.

First, the last thing you want to hear is that your fiance knocked up another woman, even if you had been on a "break." The National Enquirer printed the rumor that Levi impregnated his ex girlfriend (Bristol's old BFF,) but the girl in question denied the rumors. Palin is now saying that Levi himself told her on July 14th (the same day they went public with their second engagement) that he may have gotten another girl pregnant. Yuck.

Second, it's hard to believe that Sarah Palin would ever support this marriage because of all the things Levi said and did after the couple broke up the first time.

Third, Bristol said tearfully that Levi is "just obsessed with the limelight and I got played." I can't believe she didn't figure this out before. I guess she didn't pick that up, after the Playgirl spread, the Pistachio nut ads and the hanging out with Kathy Griffin... need I say more?

Fourth, Levi has always mocked the Palin family and still continues to do so. Bristol told People, "The final straw was him flying to Hollywood for what he told me was to see some hunting show, but come to find out it was that music video mocking my family."

Lastly, the two had reportedly tried to sell a reality show about their relationship. One wonders if they just got back together to sell their stories and photos to tabloids and maybe get a reality TV series out of the deal. Was it all just an act to drum up interest and drama?

I don't mean to be a Debby Downer, but would you get married if you were in this relationship, even with a kid involved? Hell no!

I believe somewhat that bad publicity is still publicity, but I don't believe that you can build a fame career on always being stupid. I'm sure someday (or at least I hope) they will finally fall off the radar just like all the other no-name, wannabe celebrities. Hey, remember: Paris Hilton, Jamie Lynn Spears, Carrot Top, Jack Osbourne, Tara Reid or Kevin Federline? Barely.

What do you think? Was their reunion for real or just for fame and fortune?

Are Press Releases the Answer?

If you are an entrepreneur or work for a small business, most likely when you hear 'PR' you think send out a press release. And yes, press releases have their place as media-relationship building-tools and announcements, but there is a much better way to get some great, press mentions.

Actually, if you send out a poorly written press release to the wrong people, you can do more damage than good. After all, reporters receive hundreds of press releases each day and have no problem instantly deleting or tossing the bad ones.

Instead, do some research. Ask yourself these questions:

Who do you want to talk about your business?
Who is the appropriate media member to contact?
What is that person going to care about?

Once you've gathered your talking points, pick up the phone and introduce yourself to the reporter. Give your story succinctly and with passion.

You have a 50/50 chance: The reporter will want more information or thank you for calling. Either way, you're started to build a valuable, media relationship.

Today, PR activities can help your business grow quickly through credible, third-party media mentions and word-of-mouth buzz. However, if you don't take the time to develop and practice pitching your unique story idea, or hire an experienced expert to do it fo ryou, all of your efforts can be a complete waste of time and money.

Public Relations vs. Publicity

There are two words that surround the industry of public relations that do not do it justice, spin and publicity. Public relations is neither of these things.

Many times consumers think that public relations reps will 'spin' information in order to make their client's information newsworthy or interesting. However, if you are a good PR person you will never tell something that is untrue.

Publicity does not always mean positive media exposure, it just means media exposure. True public relations professionals will create a positive and honest reputation for their client in their market. However, if a company receives one-time positive media exposure the benefits will not last forever.

So, what you should remember about good public relations professionals? They should always be looking for proactive ways to reach out and keep ongoing PR. They should make sure to always build long lasting mutually beneficial relationships between their clients and its target public. They will know their public and understand how to meet their needs and lastly create a dialogue that best reaches them.