Cookie cutter PR? For whom?
October 31st, 2006 by Doug
In my blogrolling today, saw a reference to a local (to me) “PR Store,” called “PRstore” (no false advertising there). It is an actual physical store front across from Whole Foods in Newton, MA. A quick look at the Web site appears to tell me it is offering cookie-cutter style templated PR services–for SMBs I gather. Maybe I have this wrong, so feel free to write in and set me straight on what this store really is.
As I am a Whole Foods frequenter, I may have to walk in and see WTH this store is– they may have some good ideas, I just can’t tell from their Web site. My knee-jerk reaction is to be horrified at the lack of customization– something we agency folks feel is what sets us apart from — well, cheap cookie-cutter PR services. Wouldn’t SMBs be better served by whatever attentions they can afford from a freelancer or boutique agency?
Hat-tip to Chuck at Media Metamorphosis (and the Garden City Blog!)
Technorati Tags: PRStore Public+Relations PR
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November 2nd, 2006 at 11:03 pm
Doug, did you really just acronym out the phrase “what the hell.”
You should feel shame.
And you are thinking about this all wrong. Take a look at half the releases on business wire every morning. Cookie cuuter. Don’t be upset just because this company came up with the idea first.
November 3rd, 2006 at 10:48 am
To the distinguished gentleman with the ironic handle: “Optimist”): Are you saying cookie-cutter is a good thing? I agree that formats and anything that expedites production are helpful, but “cookie-cutter-ization” (there’s another buzzword for you to choke on) here feels like it could come dangerously close to applying to the actual content– in which case, don’t bother doing a release at all, no one will read it..
November 3rd, 2006 at 1:30 pm
I’m with The Optimist.
I don’t think the Boston-area PR power structure of “Todd, Todd and cute bods” (Terry and various interns) is threatened.
Doesn’t look like they’re offering cookie cutter media and blogging outreach just yet:
http://www.prstore.com/pressreleases.html
“ReleaseWatch
A ReleaseWatch report is generated every time you send a release. It is sent to you via email and includes links to sampled sites where your release appears. A typical report will show between 5-15 links, and it’s sent to you within 60 minutes after the release is distributed. Sampled sites include CBS MarketWatch, Forbes, Yahoo!, Lycos and MSN Money.”
Umm, OK, thanks, I guess
November 3rd, 2006 at 8:27 pm
Dude you mis-read me– I was not seeing this as a threat — actually, quite the opposite– I was actually questioning its usefulness.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Glad I ran across your blog. As one of the founding partners of the PRstore franchise, I can assure you there is no cookie cutter to be found in anything we do — which is everything related to marketing for the small business owner.
Need a business card, a TV spot, a billboard — come to PRstore. It will be custom designed just for you. Just as in any agency, our writers will write your text based on a personal interview with you, the client. The design is custom with your photos or selections from our vast stock library. The colors reflect your existing identity or one we create for you.
Nope, can’t buy the cookie cutter thing. Just ain’t so. Try it and see. As for its usefulness, we have thousands of satisfied customers. And thanks for reviewing the concept.
Michael Butler
PRstore, LLC
15800 John J. Delaney Dr.
Suite 400
Charlotte, NC 28277
704 333 2200
mbutler@prstore.com