By definition, there’s a feel-good element to a hero. They overcome obstacles on their way to a positive outcome. And if the hero starts out as an underdog a la “David versus Goliath” there’s even more of a reason to have a rooting interest. The same concept holds true in business storytelling. While we tend …more
When the New York Times hired Ashlee Vance, many enterprise computing PR folks rejoiced. Tired of watching the Web 2.0 hotshots dominate business media stories on computing, they thought, “Finally. Here is a major daily bringing on Vance with the implied message that enterprise computing once again matters.” Not exactly. It was as if people …more
Siemens recently took its new high-speed train for a spin with reporters on board. The story provides the perfect fodder to resurrect “Iron Reporter,” the forum in which we contrast how two reporters tell the same story. Today’s challenge pits Andrew E. Kramer from The New York Times (“Siemens Fills Need for High-Speed Trains in …more
PR consultancies are notorious for not applying their craft to building their own brands. I’d like to think we’re an exception to the rule. Equally important, we strive to bring the art of storytelling to our own communications as well as our clients. As a result, we’ve enjoyed attention in publications ranging from …more
The condemnation of jargon in news releases has gone on since the invention of the tool, with the latest salvo coming from Ben Worthen at The Journal. This is a tough one. You can articulate a rationale worthy of the Wiley College debate team, but a given company will still insist on inserting wonderful phrases like …more
When YouTube debuted, I remember thinking what’s all the fuss? You obviously don’t want me reading tarot cards at the local county fair. Universal McCann’s study on social media on video traction shows that more than 80 percent of Internet users watch video online: With that said, I don’t know if anyone predicted that video would …more
