To Be Frank...

As a student climbing my way to the top of the PR-education mountain, I find that the biggest themes of my schooling have been integrity, honesty and ethics. Even if you can't write, spell, report, or put together a news release, above all: be ethical. We've even got our own code of ethics (good luck finding a "CEO Code of Ethics").

Thankfully, the proof is in pudding; Baylor completed some research during which they interviewed 30 PR professionals who all had 27+ years of experience. Some said they left their jobs because they chose not to take part in an unethical practice, stating that they cannot lose their credibility because it's all they have. 

Once you're known for being dishonest, there's really no point in continuing on with being a PR "professional." 

Who will listen to someone who is supposed to represent their company that cannot be trusted?

The article also focuses on the importance of creating relationships with legal counsel and other "key decision makers" in order to ensure "fire prevention" versus "fire fighting." 

Find the article here 

Techno-Mickey

Walt Disney World will introduce a new, time-saving technology for its visitors this spring. Visitors will have a bracelet that stores information for their stay such as admission ticket, room key, credit card and personal identification info. Guests will also be able to make purchases with a tap of their new bracelets.

Enter: big brother. Is this too much? Should a theme park, no matter how whimsical, be able to track guest behavior and act accordingly?

From a marketing and PR standpoint, this is a fantastic move by Disney. Analyzing consumer behavior is the seed of all flourishing campaigns and this offers a cost-effective, simple and extremely swift way to profile guests.

The information stored on the MagicBand is completely up to the visitor; as a parent, if you don't want Cinderella to come say hello to your daughter on her birthday, that's up to your discretion.

MagicBand's addition to the park will keep them up to speed on new technology and *hopefully* avoid any future personal information pitfalls. I suggest the PR team come up with some preventative crisis management for this one...