Why PR doesn’t work

Guy Kawasaki, citing Margie Zable Fisher’s theprsite.com, 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.

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Comments (8) left to “Why PR doesn’t work”

  1. Margie Zable Fisher wrote:

    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

  2. Matthew Stibbe wrote:

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

  3. 10,000 Marshmallows Daily Links 2007-05-25 - 10,000 Marshmallows - Marketing Accountability: How to eat 10,000 Marshmallows wrote:

    [...] Bad Language: Why PR doesn’t work “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.” [...]

  4. Everything is average nowadays... « Heather Yaxley - Greenbanana views of public relations and more wrote:

    [...] Kaiser Chiefs correct?  Does this criticism apply equally to public relations? Is Matthew Stibbe right to feel “PR doesn’t work” and needs a fundamental [...]

  5. Jacob Skir wrote:

    Great analysis.

  6. Susan Gunelius wrote:

    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).

  7. PR2.0 wrote:

    Why PR Doesn’t Work and How to Fix It…

    Ask anyone what’s wrong with PR and you’ll unintentionally draft a manifesto
    that consists of radically varied top 10 lists. The answers will
    collectively form the foundation for revolution in the communications
    business.

    Rather than highlight…

  8. Buzzards Circle Over the PR Industry - 10,000 Marshmallows - Marketing Accountability: How to eat 10,000 Marshmallows wrote:

    [...] Why PR doesn’t work - “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.” [...]

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