Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 19, 2008

'As the CEO of a PR agency, I can’t even tell you how many potential clients ask “Do I really need PR?” Usually I just answer with a simple and slightly aggravated “Why Yes!” Today, however, I will answer with an example of what a smart, finely crafted and well-timed PR campaign (with strategy) can do. The past few months we have seen historically vilified Microsoft attempt to take the current underdog, Yahoo, over with a slow hand.

Google 43

Google Corporate Company Agency 43

Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 28, 2008

'A wise Canadian noted recently that you must break something down to simple/common terms to describe it most effectively. He gets even more points by referencing Ghostbusters and Twinkie snack cakes to prove his point. So here’s a pretty simple logic equation you can use to remember an important tip for media relations and career relations. Pitch Letter is to News Release as Cover Letter is to Resume A press release is not a pitch.

Media Relations 40

Media Relations Media Pitching Blogging 40

Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 22, 2008

'Wall of International Peace - Moscow uploaded by Jeff Bauche._.•´¯) We created a room on Friend Feed to kick the conversation up a notch around here. Two people posting and many (wonderful) people commenting is great. But there''s a metric ton of relevant media relations content online. We need your help. Some of you already have a FriendFeed account.

International 40

International Internal Pitching Media Relations 40

Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 16, 2008

'We’re so over the whole he said, she said around “lists that are the absence of all colors.” We’re moving on. This comment from Tolu O. is one reason why. - Dear Kevin and other knowledgeable people in social media/PR, I want you all to know that you have put the fear of God in me. I am officially wary of pitching anybody now. Traditional media folks, new media folks-- it does not matter.

Wikipedia 40

Wikipedia Pitching Blogging Social Media 40

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Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 11, 2008

'When Lifehacker’s Gina Trapani started getting unsolicited pitches sent to her personal email address, she took action, Chris Anderson style, and created the PR Spammers Wiki. And you thought we were harsh. This inspired a handful of posts weighing in on the topic some note black lists won’t work (they won’t), others suggest a response mirroring Anderson’s and Trapani’s tactics (not worth it).

Pitching 40

Pitching Blogging Media Relations Industry 40

Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 1, 2008

'A fellow PR blogger sent us a bad pitch and wondered aloud if we still collect them. We do. He noted that bad pitches are such a common occurrence; they''ve gone from extraordinary to plain old ordinary. He''s right. Bad pitches are old news. This adds fuel to our (bon)fire. The fact that they''re blending into the white noise of spam, bacon and other slices of info on the interruption samich we choke down every. single. day. makes them all the more worthy of our scrutiny.

Pitching 40

Pitching 40

Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 1, 2008

'PR people can’t afford to be wall flowers (passive aggressive perhaps, but not shy). But some PR people go to the extreme. Actually they get to extreme and take a running leap off extreme. An anonymous trade editor sends us "Idiot Exhibit One" which is less a pitch and more of a demand. The subject line says it all (loudly in caps lock) BOOK THIS FATHER''S DAY INTERVIEW OR EXPLAIN WHY YOU DIDN''T.

Pitching 40

Pitching Interviews 40

Bad Pitch Blog

MAY 27, 2008

'Arthur Harris of the Royal Air Force is often credited as the innovator of carpet bombing during World War Two, which was a tactic used to achieve the complete destruction of a target region and demoralization of its residents. When the head of marketing at New Line Cinema sends out his next batch of thank you cards, he may wish to extend special consideration to the Harris family.

Blogging 40

Blogging Pitching Film Television 40