Thursday, March 30, 2006
What happens when blogging rears its ugly head
No doubt, you got Rick Murray's e-mail about Strumpette, a blogger who has launched a full frontal attack on Edelman via comments about Steve Rubel, our blog guru in NY. Rubel, in case you didn't know, is considered one of the most powerful bloggers in cyberspace. I've followed his blog for at least 18 months and think he's very insightful and interesting. Check it out for yourself at www.micropersuasion.com.
Anyway, Strumpette, whose identity we don't know for sure, really "gets" this whole blogging thing. "She" has figured out that putting something mean-spirited and controversial is a great way to drive up traffic. It has worked like a dream. In less than a week "she" has created quite a stir.
Rick asked us to ignore "her." Frankly, that's not realistic. Who wouldn't want to check out a blog where someone is bashing your company? But please do consider this: when you go onto a web site or blog, your movements can be tracked. "She" knows which viewers came from within the Edelman system by the way our servers are named. So if you want to check it out, please do so from home using a commercial brower such as IE or Mozilla. Let's not drive up her numbers while we're at work. Trust me, she'll keep tabs and continue reporting on how upset Edel-people are at what's going on. She doesn't deserve the attention, so let's not give it to her.
Anyway, Strumpette, whose identity we don't know for sure, really "gets" this whole blogging thing. "She" has figured out that putting something mean-spirited and controversial is a great way to drive up traffic. It has worked like a dream. In less than a week "she" has created quite a stir.
Rick asked us to ignore "her." Frankly, that's not realistic. Who wouldn't want to check out a blog where someone is bashing your company? But please do consider this: when you go onto a web site or blog, your movements can be tracked. "She" knows which viewers came from within the Edelman system by the way our servers are named. So if you want to check it out, please do so from home using a commercial brower such as IE or Mozilla. Let's not drive up her numbers while we're at work. Trust me, she'll keep tabs and continue reporting on how upset Edel-people are at what's going on. She doesn't deserve the attention, so let's not give it to her.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Why being an insomniac is a bad thing
Those who know me well know that I don't sleep much. It's a good thing. Except when it's a bad thing. For instance, it's about 1:00 a.m. and I'm sitting here in a chair with my laptop connected to a wireless network in my home. I'm too lazy to get up and get the remote across the room, so the television is playing the Conan O'Brien Show. The only good thing I can say about this moron is that he has the best lead-in on TV. I'm a huge Jay Leno fan.
For the life of me, though, I can't figure out what's appealing about Conan. He has the mentality of a 13-year-old boy. I'm surprised he doesn't put whoopee cushions in the guest chair. That's the sort of thing he'd think is hilarious. And will someone please tell him he needs a new opening schtick? I don't think I've ever seen the show when he didn't jump, spin and pull at imaginary suspenders. For crying out loud, Conan, spring for a jokewriter or something. What was NBC thinking when they named him to be Leno's successor!?
Does anybody out there like this clown?
For the life of me, though, I can't figure out what's appealing about Conan. He has the mentality of a 13-year-old boy. I'm surprised he doesn't put whoopee cushions in the guest chair. That's the sort of thing he'd think is hilarious. And will someone please tell him he needs a new opening schtick? I don't think I've ever seen the show when he didn't jump, spin and pull at imaginary suspenders. For crying out loud, Conan, spring for a jokewriter or something. What was NBC thinking when they named him to be Leno's successor!?
Does anybody out there like this clown?
Friday, March 24, 2006
Sandbox Top Five. . .and more
I got tons of great answers to the fill in the blank question for this Sandbox edition's top five. Below are the original five published in sanbox and then some. . .
Working at Edelman provides us with new, exciting and sometimes unexpected experiences. We asked the office "Since working at Edelman, I never thought I would ___________________"
“I never thought I would be walking the Snuggle Bear along Peachtree and Piedmont during morning rush hour."
“Visit Playboy's Web site for research purposes.”
“Be on my fifth office in just seven years, but I can't wait for the move”
“Since working at Edelman, I never thought I would have to dress up in matching pirate costumes with my dog, Rocky, and go on live television. We did a segment for Good Day Atlanta with our client, Party City, for Halloween. While they said they only needed Rocky for the pet version of the costume, somehow I also ended up on camera in a matching "people" costume.
“Learn as much as I have”
"...visit scenic Tift County, Georgia. I'm pretty sure the county's mascot is the mosquito."
"Since working at Edelman, I never thought I would be prepared to compete as an Olympic runner because of my daily four-lane sprint across Spring Street in rush hour."
"drive the Snuggle bear around in Christina Smedley’s car without his head!___________________"
"…have the opportunity to move to New York while still working for the same great company!
…ride in an Indy race car with a real Indy car driver!
…meet and hang out with a super hot extreme skier in Las Vegas!
…stand on center court at the National Tennis Center where the U.S. Open is played!
…experience the “interesting” city of Lynchburg, TN for a whole-pig-roasting BBQ competition!
…hang out with Reverend Run and Russell Simmons in the green room at CNN!"
"be pulled into the restroom for a quick impromptu meeting"
" I never thought I would both work and play with the people in my office. :)"
. . . and I have to add "I never thought a photograph of me upside-down on a 75 foot swing would run on the AP and be picked up by 50 publications!"
Stay tuned for the next Top Five!
Happy Friday!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Are You Wearing Green? by Carol O'Milliron
It's 9:00 a.m. Are you wearing green today?
Rachel and Evita are not, but Evita did volunteer to be pinched.
Dan has green in his wallet, and Yona has green eyes.
Cynthia and Dawn are wearing the most glamourous greens.
Stephanie and Taylor are probably tied for the brightest greens.
And two of our colleagues who don't appear to be wearing green, are both wearing green underwear. I know, cause I've seen it.
Are you wearing green? Post your comment and tell us what it is.
Rachel and Evita are not, but Evita did volunteer to be pinched.
Dan has green in his wallet, and Yona has green eyes.
Cynthia and Dawn are wearing the most glamourous greens.
Stephanie and Taylor are probably tied for the brightest greens.
And two of our colleagues who don't appear to be wearing green, are both wearing green underwear. I know, cause I've seen it.
Are you wearing green? Post your comment and tell us what it is.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Atlanta is ready for its close-up
I may be behind the news curve here, but last night I saw a trailer for a new movie: ATL. The tag line of the movie is “A New American Story,” and it’s about four friends growing up in Atlanta. The main location of their story is a roller skating rink that’s based on JellyBeans, an Atlanta roller skating rink that used to be around. The experiences depicted in the movie are, from what I understand, a pretty accurate reflection of what it was like at the Greenbriar location of JellyBeans. There used to be a JellyBeans located on Roswell Road, too. I remember going to "my" roller rink all of the time in middle school. It was the place to hold a birthday party, and to hang out. I was probably there monthly. Of course, I’m sure my experiences were much different than those depicted in this movie.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how Atlanta appears in this film, and if we as a city will capitalize on this. Is the next step in the Brand Atlanta campaign to use this film for cross-promotion? The film is loosely based on the experiences of many of today’s hip-hop stars who grew up in Atlanta. Outkast, Goodie Mob, T-Boz of TLC, Jermaine Dupri and producer Dallas Austin all hung out at the rink in the 1980s. Could this have been their opening day? :)
The film stars Big Boi, Bone Crusher and T.I., among others, and is produced by Dallas Austin, T-Boz and Will Smith. I believe it opens March 31.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how Atlanta appears in this film, and if we as a city will capitalize on this. Is the next step in the Brand Atlanta campaign to use this film for cross-promotion? The film is loosely based on the experiences of many of today’s hip-hop stars who grew up in Atlanta. Outkast, Goodie Mob, T-Boz of TLC, Jermaine Dupri and producer Dallas Austin all hung out at the rink in the 1980s. Could this have been their opening day? :)
The film stars Big Boi, Bone Crusher and T.I., among others, and is produced by Dallas Austin, T-Boz and Will Smith. I believe it opens March 31.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Did I just hear what I think I just heard?
For those of you who have never been “lucky” enough to sit in my current office, you are missing out on many very interesting hallway conversations—or more accurately, random parts of conversations. Below are just a few of the phrases that I have heard in the past few days. I will not reveal the sources of this dialogue, but you (and I) know who you are.
“You never know when someone’s gonna walk up on ya.”
“Can’t you feel the love?”
“Don’t draw attention to the fact you’re an American.”
“He was in the pit of despair.”
“That’s worth blogging about.”
“She was the laziest woman I have ever seen.”
“You will see dust behind me as I run out the door.”
“It’s Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay everywhere.”
“Def Leppard and Journey…”
“Don’t call me ma’am!”
"It's all NAFTA related."
“You never know when someone’s gonna walk up on ya.”
“Can’t you feel the love?”
“Don’t draw attention to the fact you’re an American.”
“He was in the pit of despair.”
“That’s worth blogging about.”
“She was the laziest woman I have ever seen.”
“You will see dust behind me as I run out the door.”
“It’s Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay everywhere.”
“Def Leppard and Journey…”
“Don’t call me ma’am!”
"It's all NAFTA related."
Edelman Atlanta is so helpful to other offices, I couldn't even fit all of our stories into the Sandbox. Below is the unedited version of Shovel Swap for this week's Sandbox:
Shovel Swap
networkin’ it
How may we help you?
Often, other Edelman offices call upon Edelman Atlanta to lend a helping hand on accounts and the Atlanta office occasionally recruits members of the Edelman network to join a pitch team or help out with various projects. Atlanta office staff share some of their experiences below:
The Atlanta office received an RFP from the Federal Reserve of Atlanta, which called for a communications audit. Doing one effectively required expertise within the financial landscape, communications and reporting. The branches of the Reserve are infamously tight-lipped and cautious when it comes to their public communications and activities. Edelman Atlanta was able to tap our strong financial teams in New York and Chicago to help craft the response, flex their credentials and align the best team to far exceed the RFP’s required expertise. – Steve Behm and Patty Tucker
The Snuggle Singing Scentsation program consisted of an 8-market tour over three week period. The goal was to find singing moms from across the country. The NY office partnered with Atlanta to add strength and numbers while on the road. The Atlanta team assisted in everything from securing vendors to running the local market events. As the program continued into the "prize package" phase at the Grammy's, the LA team jumped in as well by pitching key entertainment outlets and assisting the NY team manage the event. The best thing about working with other offices was that the core team had more hands on deck and a large Edelman support system to jump in when needed. – Jennifer Babbit
When I visited the Sacramento office in early December they were working on an upcoming event at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta with client VSP. They were looking to pull media lists together of local reporters and asking how to make the most of their media outreach in Atlanta. When the event actually took place in Atlanta in February they tapped us again for some last minute help and advice. It's started a great dialogue between the Atlanta and Sacramento offices which will lead to more work together in the future. - Kristen Stone
Other collaborations include:
Tempur-Pedic: the team engaged Celebrity Services in New York to research high profile chefs to consider for a Tempur-Pedic event.
Lanventure: Atlanta office worked with a Strategy One team out of D.C. to develop and field the second Designing Out survey.
Char-Broil: the team brought in an EIS team out of Chicago to build Char-Broil's new web site, a New York Hispanic team for media relations outreach, Strategy One in D.C. for online blog and media placement analysis and Employee Engagement assistance out of Chicago.
A member of the Hamburg office, Pia Coenen, traveled to Atlanta to assist with IAAPA 2005 and prepare for the 2006 IAAPA Euro Attractions Show.
Shovel Swap
networkin’ it
How may we help you?
Often, other Edelman offices call upon Edelman Atlanta to lend a helping hand on accounts and the Atlanta office occasionally recruits members of the Edelman network to join a pitch team or help out with various projects. Atlanta office staff share some of their experiences below:
The Atlanta office received an RFP from the Federal Reserve of Atlanta, which called for a communications audit. Doing one effectively required expertise within the financial landscape, communications and reporting. The branches of the Reserve are infamously tight-lipped and cautious when it comes to their public communications and activities. Edelman Atlanta was able to tap our strong financial teams in New York and Chicago to help craft the response, flex their credentials and align the best team to far exceed the RFP’s required expertise. – Steve Behm and Patty Tucker
The Snuggle Singing Scentsation program consisted of an 8-market tour over three week period. The goal was to find singing moms from across the country. The NY office partnered with Atlanta to add strength and numbers while on the road. The Atlanta team assisted in everything from securing vendors to running the local market events. As the program continued into the "prize package" phase at the Grammy's, the LA team jumped in as well by pitching key entertainment outlets and assisting the NY team manage the event. The best thing about working with other offices was that the core team had more hands on deck and a large Edelman support system to jump in when needed. – Jennifer Babbit
When I visited the Sacramento office in early December they were working on an upcoming event at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta with client VSP. They were looking to pull media lists together of local reporters and asking how to make the most of their media outreach in Atlanta. When the event actually took place in Atlanta in February they tapped us again for some last minute help and advice. It's started a great dialogue between the Atlanta and Sacramento offices which will lead to more work together in the future. - Kristen Stone
Other collaborations include:
Tempur-Pedic: the team engaged Celebrity Services in New York to research high profile chefs to consider for a Tempur-Pedic event.
Lanventure: Atlanta office worked with a Strategy One team out of D.C. to develop and field the second Designing Out survey.
Char-Broil: the team brought in an EIS team out of Chicago to build Char-Broil's new web site, a New York Hispanic team for media relations outreach, Strategy One in D.C. for online blog and media placement analysis and Employee Engagement assistance out of Chicago.
A member of the Hamburg office, Pia Coenen, traveled to Atlanta to assist with IAAPA 2005 and prepare for the 2006 IAAPA Euro Attractions Show.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
I Would Like to Thank....
* The Academy, who picked a lot of the same movies I did -- allowing me to win the office Oscar Pool for the second year in a row.
* All of you who paid in $3, especially whomever contributed in nickels, because it made the envelope quite hefty. (John tells me it was Dan, but I believe otherwise....)
* Phil Gomes, whose teachings during Blog Day Afternoon taught me some neat tricks to find some intelligence online (mostly oscarwatch.com).
* And to JMo, for keeping gambling alive, and mostly inspiring me to just try to kick his butt personally (which three of us did).
And hip hip hooray for March of the Penguins, one of the predictions I was able to make all on my own.
* All of you who paid in $3, especially whomever contributed in nickels, because it made the envelope quite hefty. (John tells me it was Dan, but I believe otherwise....)
* Phil Gomes, whose teachings during Blog Day Afternoon taught me some neat tricks to find some intelligence online (mostly oscarwatch.com).
* And to JMo, for keeping gambling alive, and mostly inspiring me to just try to kick his butt personally (which three of us did).
And hip hip hooray for March of the Penguins, one of the predictions I was able to make all on my own.
The Loss of One of the Few Lovely Spokespeople
In our line of work we constantly deal with terrible spokespeople - there are divas and dingbats, those that are difficult and many that are detriments to our clients. I had the pleasure to work with a spokesperson that was none of the above.
Dana Reeve, best known as the wife of Superman Chritopher Reeve, was the face and voice of the Claritin pediatric outreach for two years in a row. She was a wonderful woman to work with. She was a PR dream and a wonderful personto work with. From a professional view, she mingled with the clients, delivered all of her key messages perfectly, and truly believed in the benefits of the product she was touting. Personally, she was kind, open and even invited our team and clients to her home for media training when her husband was on his final days.
Most importantly, she was very real. I had the pleasure of spending several days with her doing media interviews around NYC. She shared with me stories of her children, difficult experiences in her life like dealing with Christopher's ex-wife and the struggle of going back to work to try and make enough money to handle all of Christopher's many hospital bills.
I rememer calling my mom after working with her and telling her about what a great person she was and what a phenomenal work perk it was for me to get to spend time with her.
When I read about her death this morning, I was saddened and surprised. It is hard to understand why one family would suffer so many struggles. I think of her son, and Christopher's children and hope that they will continue to remain strong and try and emulate the wonderful people that their parents were.
Also, I try to look on the bright of side of things and as Carol said this morning, "she gets to be back together with her Superman."
Dana Reeve, best known as the wife of Superman Chritopher Reeve, was the face and voice of the Claritin pediatric outreach for two years in a row. She was a wonderful woman to work with. She was a PR dream and a wonderful personto work with. From a professional view, she mingled with the clients, delivered all of her key messages perfectly, and truly believed in the benefits of the product she was touting. Personally, she was kind, open and even invited our team and clients to her home for media training when her husband was on his final days.
Most importantly, she was very real. I had the pleasure of spending several days with her doing media interviews around NYC. She shared with me stories of her children, difficult experiences in her life like dealing with Christopher's ex-wife and the struggle of going back to work to try and make enough money to handle all of Christopher's many hospital bills.
I rememer calling my mom after working with her and telling her about what a great person she was and what a phenomenal work perk it was for me to get to spend time with her.
When I read about her death this morning, I was saddened and surprised. It is hard to understand why one family would suffer so many struggles. I think of her son, and Christopher's children and hope that they will continue to remain strong and try and emulate the wonderful people that their parents were.
Also, I try to look on the bright of side of things and as Carol said this morning, "she gets to be back together with her Superman."
Friday, March 03, 2006
How to flame out early in your career
I know it's not supposed to be funny, but I couldn't help but chuckle when I read about the Mark Taylor campaign worker who set fire to Taylor's campaign office in order to create a diversion. Seems he missed a deadline for a crucial research project he was working on and decided torching the place could distract people away from the fact that he didn't get his work done.
I'd say this guy has some real burning issues he needs to deal with. At a minimum, he needs to learn how to throw up a smoke screen more appropriately. Otherwise, he's going to burn out before he really gets started in his career.
I'd say this guy has some real burning issues he needs to deal with. At a minimum, he needs to learn how to throw up a smoke screen more appropriately. Otherwise, he's going to burn out before he really gets started in his career.
