Day: November 19, 2002

There’s been a lot of response to two recent articles.

First up, Thomas Charlton and his career ending interview with Inc. has caused a lot of interest and we’re trying to find out any additional information on his departure. Trayce Zimmermann who’s a boxing publicist loved the mix of boxing and technology! Trayce thought the mixture might have been a bit “tough” for Inc and given the feedback on the magazine’s online bulletin board it would seem that’s the case. Trayce is the recipient of the most interesting PR vertical market award 🙂

I also had a lot of feedback on the story about Springbok PR closing its doors.

James Horton, who looks after the well known Online-PR site, commented that while in the past many in the PR industry had pondered if the conglomerates would fall apart over time, he believes that: “the large firms will remain because they can serve large accounts. They will, however, have offices that fall apart regularly, which they will close or replace with new teams. And, they will continue to buy mid-sized firms to bulk revenues.”

I’d agree with much of that thinking. However during the end of the last decade there were fears expressed that independent firms were becoming a thing of the past. Now, in a difficult economic climate, smaller firms have an advantage over the large conglomerates in terms of flexibility and a smaller cost base. I expect we will see an expanding number of independents who are growing quickly. And that has to be good for the PR business. Full stop.

And on the subject of small independent firms, Phil Gomes who hosts his own PR blog, has jointly founded a new independent hi-tech agency G2B Group. We wish him the best of luck!

It’s been a while since we last nominated a Flash Hall of Shamer. However Ernie Reno’s insightful interview into how he’s single-handedly saving the PR industry deserves a mention. So please welcome Avatar Communications to the PR Opinions Flash Hall of Shame.

> The Council of Public Relations Firms has come to the defence of Nike Inc. in its appeal to the United State Supreme Court, where it is asking that California’s recent ruling that Nike’s discussion of public issues is not protected by the First Amendment and the Constitutional guarantee of free speech be overruled. Read all about it here.

> Just when we thought (sadly) that Corner Bar PR was dying, they have posted some new content. It’s a story on Online customer service.

> The Indianapolis Star interviews Eric Reno, founder of Avatar Communications. According to Ernie, “PR people never understand what we want. Many have no writing skills. They don’t understand how the communication process works. And they can’t explain to companies why hiding the truth only hurts their cause and that telling the truth makes getting their message out so much easier.” Never let a good generalization get in the way of the truth Ernie.

> Fraser P. Seitel over at O’Dwyers explains why timing is everything in his selection of PR Boob of the Week.

> Also in O’Dwyers is the latest PR salary survey, which finds that in-house practitioners are (on average) earning more than their agency brethren.
Lies, damn lies and statistics….