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Pity is Power in PR Wars Substack
When I began writing novels in the 1990s, I studied the different types of stories that have been told throughout history. One of the most famous models is “Overcoming the Monster.” Think Disney films and Jaws. A shark terrorizes a beach community, and a brave but unsure police chief sets out on a high-seas adventure where […]
Everybody’s Talking Substack
The authorities finally arrested a suspect in the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. Key evidence includes the suspect’s having admitted to his involvement in the murder over the years in his memoir, in discussions with associates, and on YouTube. These things are what are known in the sleuthing trade as clues. Two teenagers were […]
When Bad Things Happen to Good Intentions Substack
Being kind and good is becoming a real problem. It’s not genuine kindness and goodness that’s causing all the trouble. It’s the smarmy desperation of high-profile people and institutions to be seen as wonderful that’s leading to futile and stupid gestures, to quote Animal House’s Prince of Smarm, Otter. Take Sam Bankman-Fried. A recent Bloomberg […]
Before You Pick a Fight, Beware the Ghost in the Machine Substack
Almost every person or institution under fire believes they have a good story to tell. Those are the exact words they use, too. “Good story to tell.” It’s only natural because we are hardwired to think the best of ourselves and the groups we belong to. The challenge is that the outside world rarely thinks […]
The Investment Startups Can’t Afford to Miss Substack
Startups are undeniably the driving force behind the American economy’s growth and dynamism. They’ve fueled job creation, fostered innovation, attracted international capital, imbued a culture of entrepreneurship that promises continued economic resilience and adaptability in the future, and introduced products and services into our lives we can’t imagine living without. Startups chart a distinct course […]
How Are You Engaging with Your Enthusiasts? Substack
Last weekend, I took my niece and nephew to Cedar Point, the greatest amusement park in the United States and perhaps the world. As someone born and bred in Northwest Ohio, this park is a source of immense pride and joy; as much as I love the City of Sandusky, it’s not often a town […]
Damage Control Doesn’t Have to Be Made for Cinema Substack
In the mid-1980s, I worked on one of my first major corporate crises. It involved allegations that the Audi 5000 sedan took off like a rocket of its own volition, causing murder and mayhem. The syndrome — and a syndrome was needed to sell it — was called “sudden acceleration,” and it destroyed the Audi […]
Crisis Management Barbie – Come on Barbie… Back in the Box Substack
Spoiler alert: The following contains spoilers about Barbie, the movie. If you haven’t seen the movie and want to be surprised, leave this unread in your inbox until then. Additionally, this is not a sponsored post. However, it would not be surprising if it was because the Mattel and Warner Brothers marketing teams have put […]
Credible Brand Activism Starts Internally Substack
In an age where a single tweet can ignite global controversy, a company’s reputation and values have become intrinsically linked to its market value. The public’s dual role as creators and consumers of content in the social media era has dramatically amplified the importance of a company’s intangible assets. This shift necessitates synchronizing of internal […]
The Tylenol Tale Gets an Ending Substack
James Lewis, the only known suspect in the 1982 Tylenol murders, was found dead a few days ago in Massachusetts, aged 76. His death appears to be from natural causes. It’s a whimper of a coda to a bizarre case where seven people were killed after taking Tylenol capsules laced with cyanide. No one was […]
