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Words of the Day
“Journalism is the first rough draft of history.” – Anonymous
Welcome to WordSmith, Deane♦Smith Media Innovations’ pioneering blog on issues, trends and opinions in the world of communications – and insightful strategies to reach the right audience with the right message at the right time. Tune in early and often to this blog to catch the latest pithy PRognostications of a recovering journalist. Yes, after serving five years at a major metropolitan daily in Washington, DC, I finally saw the light and jumped over to the dark side. In more than two decades with agencies, corporations and brand-building, I have found that I can ply my craft and passion for writing in the exciting waters of public relations, marketing and advertising. And I have never looked back. Although, when major news breaks, I start bleeding ink. I stop everything I’m doing and gaze zombie-like into the newsrooms of my past … plaintively waiting for my editor’s voice. “Smith, Smith – grab your reporter’s notebook and hit the streets. Bring me some color for A1.”
WordSmith will be this recovering journalist’s – and the DSMI team’s – mission to bring color and clarity to the world of communications.
Golden Mic
Each week, WordSmith will bestow a Golden Mic Award to the person, group or company in the court of public opinion that best exemplifies the tenets of solid PR, marketing and advertising — and those who don’t. Stay tuned … and step-up to the mic!
Now, on to the WordSmiths of the day …
Mark McGwire Finally Hits The Truth
After years of dodging the steroid issue, this MLB slugger finally owned up to the truth and admitted what many had suspected for so long – that steroids and human growth hormone helped make him a home run king. This highlights the Golden Rule in PR … honesty is the best policy. Tell the truth – or at least as much as you can under the circumstances. In McGwire’s case, he didn’t come clean. In fact, he didn’t say anything. And in the court of public opinion, when you don’t say anything, or even worse, “no comment,” then the public draws its own conclusions, and fills-in the void. Get out ahead of any negative press by telling the truth, and then say you’re sorry. Then move own. It becomes a bad publicity, one-day story. And you can begin taking more positive PR steps. These are hard PR lessons for the likes of McGwire, Tiger Woods, O.J. Simpson and numerous other superstars who believe they are untouchable. This could be one small step … or first base … in Mark McGwire’s quest for reputation repair, and possibly Cooperstown.
Palin Is A Fox
Love her or hate her, Sarah Palin sure knows how to keep herself in the public eye after leaving public office. On the heels of her runaway best-seller Going Rogue, Palin has signed on as a contributor for the top-rated Fox News Channel. Palin made her Fox debut recently on The O’Reilly Factor, and will appear regularly as a commentator. She will also be a host of an occasional series “Real American Stories” about how everyday Americans cope with challenges. This will give her the biggest stage on TV news to hone her message, delivery and image. WordSmith wonders how long this high-profile figure will stay out of politics.
Harry Reid Isn’t
Speaking of apologizing … Harry Reid has begged forgiveness for his ill-advised racial comments about then-presidential candidate Barack Obama. He joins former Senate leader Trent Lott as the latest example of why there really is no such thing as “off the record.” In today’s world – on the Internet, twitter sphere, blogosphere, social media circles and with journalists, be mindful of what you say. The jury is still out on the ramifications of the recently published book Game Change … and whether it really will with Reid’s political future.
What’s that smoke in N.J.
The New Jersey legislature has approved a measure that will make the state the 14th in the nation to legalize marijuana for patients with chronic illnesses – but the first on the East Coast. The measure , which would allow patients suffering from severe illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, MD and MS to get marijuana through state-monitored dispensaries. Educators and law enforcement officials worked doggedly against the proposal fearing it would lead to more abuse and increased drug use by teens. Stay tuned for more smoke screens on this issue.
Tiger Woods Loses Ride
Since his Cadillac Escalade crash and escalating escapades, General Motors has ended an agreement allowing Tiger Woods to have free vehicles. Even though his endorsement contract with Buick ended in 2008, Woods was allowed to drive several vehicles, including the Caddy SUV and a Buick Enclave for personal use. Since his crash last November, and amid allegations of marital infidelity by several women, Woods has lost other endorsement deals with companies like Accenture and Tag Heuer. Bad PR continues to grab this tiger by the tail.