Sugar Industry In a PR Stretch: Corn Refiners Association Leverages Accusations Against Refined Sugar Industry for Pitching New Study To Create False Scientific Controversy About High Fructose Corn Syrup – The Refined Sugar Industry and the Corn Refiners Association are in yet another heated debate about whose product is better. This time, the refined sugar industry is trying to pull the wool over consumers’ eyes by publishing a survey with several limitations, and did not produce conclusive results. The survey was completed as a backlash against the CRA, which asked the FDA to print “corn sugar” instead of “high fructose corn syrup” on nutrition labels. Now there are lawsuits and complaints being made everywhere you look in the nutrition and food industry, and all that’s being accomplished is misconception. The two industries are not paying attention to their stakeholders, which are, obviously, consumers. Sugar products are in nearly everything we eat, so shouldn’t their focus be on making people healthier and encouraging moderation?

Make Every Word Count – 4 steps to becoming a memorable speaker - Patricia Fripp, a speech coach and trainer, published an opinion piece on the BullDog Reporter on how to make your speech intelligent, memorable, and audience-focused. Her four key points were organization, analysis, edit, and specify. Explicit language is a key way to sound like an expert, and it’s often forgotten in our events. Language is an important tool, often overlooked. As PR people, it’s our job to make sure our clients attend and speak at the right conferences, and we often write the proposals. 2012 should focus on speech which will invite discussion, generate leads, and eventually close deals.

Lastly in PRobecast, we’ll pick technology trends we’d like to see happen for 2012. Our discussion centered on Facebook ads versus fan pages, and which are more efficient.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

We chose Patricia Fripp’s article on being a memorable speaker. In PR, all too often we forget those important communications skills we learned. It’s time to make 2012 the year to bring back speaking properly while catering to your audience. Pick up your AP style book!

Who do you think should have won? Do you agree with us?

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Abercrombie to ‘Jersey Shore’: Ditch our brand – Abercrombie and Fitch has sent an offer to the cast of the Jersey Shore offering them compensation for the halt of them wearing the brand on television. A&F is concerned that by the cast wearing their brand they are “distressing” fans of their brand. What do you think of Abercrombie’s offer? Is the Jersey Shore really hurting its brand?

Google Goes Soup-To-Nuts On Android With Bid For Motorola – Google put in a bid to buy Motorola for 12.5 billion dollars – a move that signals how moving into the Android market (by owning their hardware) is going to be an important strategy in the future. If the deal goes through, Apple will definitely have some big competition. Will Google every one-up Apple?

Amazon Launches New iPhone App for College Students – Amazon has launched an application for iPhones targeting college students. The app lets students do price checks on things they need including, textbooks, electronics, etc. It also allows them to list items they no longer use on their “trade in” feature. Rather than getting cash back, students will receive Amazon gift cards for items sold. Do you think this is a helpful application for college students?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This is it was a surprising twist, both Renatta and Justin voted for A&F. Noting that the brand doesn’t openly advertise, this is a big PR stunt for coverage and is a bold move for the company considering the popularity of Jersey Shore. This PR stunt has also received a lot of coverage and got everyone talking about the brand.

Who do you think should have won?

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New Cigarette Warnings – Starting in September 2012, the Food and Drug Administration is going to start pushing out graphic warnings that will be required to be placed on the packages of cigarettes. Graphics include: dead bodies, decaying teeth with cancer of the mouth, etc. What do you think of this campaign? Will this get people to stop smoking?

Mobile apps are helping people save money – Putnam Investments recently launched an application for iPhones that can scan bar codes to compare prices at other stores. Once the prices come up, it will reflect which purchase is better for your savings in the long run. The article on USA Today, also says that other programs such as UPromise and one from PNC Bank also help consumers save money. What do you think of these types of applications?

Whitey Bulger arrested – The big news of the week is that Whitey Bulger has finally been caught and arrested after being found in Santa Monica. Now 81, Whitey has been on the run for 15 years, after he was tipped by an FBI agent that he was about to be indicted. In 1995, Bulger was indicted for racketeering and for 19 murders. This capture was just after one day of a newly launched campaign by the FBI, trying to locate Bulger and his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Elizabeth Greig.

Dog with 4 prosthetic paws – At just over 5 weeks, a puppy named Naki’o – and his brothers and sisters – were abandoned after their family’s house was foreclosed on in Nebraska. Fortunately the puppy survived through the winter, however, his paws were deformed into rounded stumps after being stuck in an icy puddle. According to Incrediblefeatures.com, Veterinary technician Christie Tomlinson “organized a fundraiser to pay for Naki’o to have his two back legs fitted with prosthetics.” He is now the first dog to have a set of four prosthetic paws. It’s amazing what technology can do!

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

While the Whitey Bulger story is huge, Renatta and I chose the new cigarette labels as this week’s winner. When it comes to younger kids choosing to smoke – seeing it as being ‘cool’ – we think these labels can really change their minds before taking their first drag. While some adults are just used to their routine, this campaign could be very effective in encouraging younger kids and teenagers to live a healthier lifestyle.

Do you agree?

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Sore losers – Canadians riot after the Bruins win: Wednesday night, the Bruins won Game 7 of the Stanley Cup and riots started shortly after. This seems to be a trend when it comes to big games and teams losing in cities. Passion or not. We don’t see our clients rioting if they don’t get included in a big article, or even ourselves rioting in anger and aggravation knowing we’ve pitched that same editor and we would get slack from the client side. What is it with sports and intensely violent behavior after a big event?

Will websites become extinct?: The curator of the Digital Archaeology exhibition in NY is predicting that websites as we currently know them will all disappear in a couple years as more and more focus will be on the individual – the social web – rather than the organization. Now, I know things certainly do change, but could it be possible that websites will go away?

Activists slam “Gay Girl” blog hoax: A blog that was originally thought to be a 25 year old lesbian documenting her life as she was held captive in Syria, has now been reported to actually be authored by a 40 year old American student in Scotland, Tom MacMaster. MacMaster is saying that while the entries were all fictional, the facts were true. This has Gay and political activists extremely angry, since many had been campaigning and investigating ways to free the blogger. Should the blogger been transparent from the beginning?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

Call us biased, but this week the Bruins won. While it’s not a PR move, they worked so hard in this series, and have been striving to get the Stanley Cup since 1972. That’s perseverance!

Do you agree?

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The first tablet, dubbed the S1, is a 9.4” tablet that is thicker on one end and tapers down toward the other end, making it easier to grip. The other tablet, cleverly called the S2, is a smaller, clam-shell style device that folds open to reveal two 5.5” touchscreeens and can easily fit inside a jacket pocket.

Sony tablets S1 & S2

I have a feeling I will end up purchasing at least one of these devices, perhaps both. Although Sony products tend to be a little more expensive than their competitors, their quality, reliability and design more than make up for it. I’ve been using the same Sony Vaio laptop for the past 4 years with no problems (knock on plastic) patiently waiting for the right time to upgrade, which is hopefully coming in a few months.

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Google Plus One Button

Users who opt in will start to notice a small +1 button beside each link that comes up in Google search results. When you click on this button, your name becomes associated with that link across the web. It also shows up in a feed on your Google profile which is required to use it. You can also +1 an advertisement you like which will subsequently be recommended to your friends.

I’m thinking that the +1 button will most likely be successful (more than Buzz anyway) due to the fact that (according to Google) the data will have a direct influence on its search rankings, but its also another means of combating content farms, as users will be less likely to share their content. Will you be opting in?

See video for more information:

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Is tech changing who we really think are our friends? – Sherry Turkle, author of “Alone Together,” is concerned about how technology is changing people and causing possible psychological side effects with excessive use of not just physical tech, but social networks and the internet in general. In her book, she says who many of the adolescents interviewed said that they don’t particularly like using the phone – the conversations are too long, prying and hard to end – while texts are an easy way to control the situation. Is technology making it easier for people to engage without the personal connection?

Is a non-alcoholic beer a Gatorade competitor? – A non-alcoholic beer is the latest drink being marketed as a sports and fitness beverage. The beer is apparently full of vitamins and has “natural regenerative powers” that help athletes recover from a strenuous workout. It’s currently the number 1 non-alcoholic beer in Germany. Would you grab one of these recovery drinks over a Gatorade?

Google launches a new ‘Person Finder’ page – Google has launched a Person Finder page to help victims of the New Zealand earthquake. It’s all user-generated data and people can go in and search, add information about someone or leave a message for a lost loved one on the site. They’ve previously created similar pages after the disasters in Haiti, China and Chile.

Coming to your conference room soon: Holograms – Developers of holographic displays are working on new technology that could change the way we think of conference calls – hologram video projection. This technology could present a filmed presentation live and 3-D right in front of your eyes. Some are skeptical of the technology, saying that if it’s just a hologram, anyone sitting up close. Either way, if the technology does in fact work as planned, it definitely changes the meaning of teleconferencing people in.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

Google isn’t always on the receiving end of complimentary news – but by offering a way for victims of these tragic disasters to help locate friends and family members makes them our PR Power Ranker of the week. It’s nice to see bigger brands help those that need it, especially under these circumstances.

Do you agree with us?

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Technorati Tags: Along Together, Erdinger, Person Finder, Sherry Turkle

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You’re favorite Super Bowl ad - Whether or not you’re a football fan, you are probably watching the Super Bowl – if not for the actual football part of it, for the commercials. It’s time for Topaz to talk about our favorite – or least favorite ads from Sunday’s big game.

Facebook wants to trademark “face”- Facebook is trying to trademark the work “Face” in the United States in regards to online social networking and related activities. They are also trying to trademark the word “book” in the EU and – according to TechCrunch – have already started some duels with companies trying to use the work “book,” such as Lamebook and Teachbook. Is this going too far?

Privacy Concerns [POLL] - A recent USA Today/Gallop Poll found that just over 50 percent of Google and Facebook users are concerned about privacy. However, as the article goes on to discuss, technologists and privacy experts are saying that these results show the lack of knowledge people have in regards to the rising risks on the Internet. Are people just turning a blind eye, or do they need to get “in the know” when it comes to internet security and the risks out there?

iPhone app for confession – The U.S. Catholic Church recently OKed an iPhone application to help people with confession. The application costs $1.99 and can give users a custom examination of their conscience. Users can even add sins to the app that are not listed. However, this does not cancel out actually going to confession – you must still confess in person.

Future of Mobile Apps - This week’s Mobile Monday in New York brought up some interesting trends/predictions about mobile applications with one chief executive even saying that these mobile apps will soon die out in favor of simple mobile websites. Others predicted that 2011 will see a rise in mobile transactions and that privacy will become a bigger issue. Either way, bringing several entrepreneurs to the table will induce a very engaging and interesting conversation.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

The Catholic Church’s new iPhone app won this week’s PR Power Ranking. They’re keeping up with the times by enticing a younger audience to engage with them. It’s a smart business move as well – $1.99 adds up and it’s getting a lot of downloads!

Who do you think should have won?

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Nice tree…err tower – A Long Island family is saying that they were lied to when a cell phone tower was put in their front yard. Apparently, Calfornia-based NextG Networks put up the tower telling the family that it was an extra light that the town required. Brookhaven Superintendent of Highways, John Rouse, is accusing the company of putting up the tower without permits. According to NextG, the FCC granted them the right to put the tower up – but on someone’s property?

Retailers buying back gadgets – Several major retailers are starting to buy back products from their customers, offering them money off a future gadget. Gazelle founder Israel Ganot said it’s very similar to when consumers go to buy a new car – you trade in your older model. To me, this sounds like a smart move for retailers – this will generate foot traffic and will offer them a cheaper alternative to buying a new phone.

Free in-flight Facebook – Seven major airlines are offering free in-flight Facebook for the month to promote their in-flight WiFi services. If flyers want to go to additional sites, a fee of $4.95 for short flights or $12.95 for long flights will apply. The in-flight WiFi has been available for years, but has not been heavily promoted. Do you think this will help get the word out and have people more apt to buy the in-flight WiFi in the future?

Flickr makes 4,000 photos vanish – Flickr user, Mirco Wilhelm, reported another Flickr user of having “stolen material” on an account to the company. However, when the staff member went to delete the account, Mirco’s account, not the culprit’s account was deleted – deleting about 4,000 photos and they are unable to get them back. Flickr apologized by offering four free years to compensate. Understandable, Mirco didn’t think that was a good compensation. Firstly, how does Flickr not have the ability to just turn off an account rather than just delete the entire account from their database? And, secondly, what is a good PR move for Flickr?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week, retailers choosing to buy back products and gadgets win the PR Power Ranking. Not only is it good for the retailers themselves – by increasing traffic to the stores and offering store credit – it’s also good for customers and is environmentally friendly! No longer do customers have to pay outrageous prices for new phones and they don’t have to figure out ways to recycle their old ones.

Who do you think should have won?

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Technorati Tags: Facebook, Flickr, NextG Networks, Tech Buy Backs

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Why it’s important to be relevant – Over the years, relevancy has been brought up as a best practice over all industries. It is also key to the success of any PR strategy and planning. To stay relevant, any good PR pro should know that they must stay on top of industry issues, know their clients differentiators and counsel their clients to talk about hot items that show their expertise. What do you think makes relevancy so important?

Forecast: social media in 2011 – It’s no shock that there are more and more companies and brands participating in the various social media channels. The Fresh Networks published a post that talked about what changes we should see in the discussion and implementation of social media in 2011. No longer should companies focus on what can be measured, they should be focusing on what SHOULD be measured. And this means focusing on the value that social media is providing to the actual business and brand itself

Comeback Brands to Watch in 2011 – A recent article found on msnbc discussed how 2010 was full of old brands making comebacks. It will be interesting to see how these brands evolve in 2011 – which ones will stick around for the long haul and which ones will disappear as quickly as they came.

Will e-books kill print? – According to USA TODAY’S Best Selling Book list, e-versions of their top 6 books outsold print versions. Over the holidays, between 3 million to 5 million e-readers were activated. What does this mean to print?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week’s winner(s) are Comeback Brands! These old brands are dusting off their shoulders and putting good efforts in both PR and marketing-wise to redevelop themselves into current times. While, I’m sure not all these efforts will be 100% successful, we wish them good luck!

Who do you think should have won this week?

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Technorati Tags: Being Relevant, Comeback Brands, e-Books, e-Readers, print

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