Why PR doesn’t work

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Guy Kawasaki has a good top ten list of Why PR doesn’t work. (Actually, it’s pretty pro-PR but explains the reasons in terms of poor relationship management.)

I think there are times when PR won’t work, even if the the client and the PR firm are communicating well. There are also times when PR doesn’t work because, frankly, the PR industry is inefficient, cynical and expensive. Worst of all, PR companies – whose job is communication – often do a really, really bad job of communicating.

Here are some examples.

Despite the tone of these comments, I’m not against PR firms per se. In fact, I collaborate with several good ones. But I do feel that there needs to be some kind of fundamental change in the way they function. I think writing has something to do with it. But then, I would, wouldn’t I.

About Matthew Stibbe

Matthew Stibbe is CEO of Articulate and Turbine. Before that, he ran a computer games company for ten years, worked as a freelance journalist. He has a commercial pilots licence and a degree in modern history.
View all posts by Matthew Stibbe →

9 Responses to Why PR doesn’t work

  1. Margie Zable Fisher May 25, 2007 at 10:41 am #

    Hi Matthew,

    I found your blog because you mentioned me in this blog entry. Your blog is hilarious!

    It’s funny that the London PR scene is similar to the U.S.

    Cheers!
    Margie

    Reply
  2. Matthew Stibbe May 25, 2007 at 10:56 am #

    Thanks for visiting – I think PRs are the same everywhere! :) Matthew

    Reply
  3. Jacob Skir May 28, 2007 at 12:14 pm #

    Great analysis.

    Reply
  4. Susan Gunelius May 28, 2007 at 4:47 pm #

    I read your link in Guy Kawalski’s blog and wanted to let you know that I love your real world examples of public relations pitfalls. It really puts things into perspective, and I mentioned your post on my blog (www.MarketingBlurb.com).

    Reply

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