The obvious answer is no, but perhaps a more nuanced view should rule the day. Maybe it’s OK — dare I say helpful — to fool the reader, if by doing so, the publication serves up information that the reader cares about. I raise the issue after stumbling across sponsored content on UC Davis’ approach …more
While the communications world increasingly tilts toward digital, there are opportunities to play the contrarian card with an analog tactic. Executed right, the payoff can generate more than your fair share of attention. That’s what SHETRANSFORMS.US strove for last week. As background, SHETRANSFORMS.US advocates for taking the gender bias out of online search. The organization …more
French President Emmanuel Macron has concluded that government legislation is the antidote for “fake news.” Before going further, it’s worth stepping back and considering what constitutes fake news. I see two components to the equation. First, you have the source. Does the media property practice the tenets of journalism? Does the media property have a …more
I continue to come across shards of content that amuse, surprise or teach. As individual content, each one doesn’t necessarily frame a post. Which is why I invented the grab-bag post. Coming at you … Japanese Train Apologizes for Departing 20 Seconds Early That’s not a typo in the headline. . A Tokyo …more
Should publications try to fool the reader? The obvious answer is no, but perhaps a more nuanced view should rule the day. Maybe it’s OK — dare I say helpful — to fool the reader, if by doing so, the publication serves up information that the reader cares about. I raise the issue after stumbling …more
Back in 2015, I wrote that PR’s version of the Industrial Revolution had begun. I made the point that the upheaval in the business of communications was redefining our world in similar way that manufacturing did in the 18th century and captured 10 symbols as proof points. Now, two plus years later, let’s revisit those …more
The quest by both brands and publications to fool the reader continues. In response, the FTC has made a push for disclosure on sponsored content and native advertising. But what about the online search for news? I was reminded of this challenge during a client campaign that included a sponsored content spoke. If you plug …more
