AND THE FLOGGING WILL CONTINUE…
I’m almost starting to feel badly for Wal Mart and Edelman the way people are piling on the Wal-Marting Across America debacle. (Just kidding.) This morning the New York Post runs the headline: Wal-Mart’s Smarking Over Blog Flogging.
The Wal-Marting Across America blog, which chronicles a cross-country RV trip by a couple stopping at Wal-Marts to interview upbeat employees and customers, first drew barbs for its cheery, uncritical tone.
Then it was attacked on the ethical front after it was disclosed the two bloggers driving across the country were Washington Post photographer James Thresher and galpal Laura St. Claire.
Thresher violated the newspaper’s freelance policies in accepting money from Wal-Mart, and the uber-retailer is on the receiving end of charges that it went too far to change public opinion.
Paul Levinson, chairman of the media and communications department at Fordham University, said the company’s tactics reflect a lack of Web savvy. “Wal-Mart can be so clumsy,” Levinson said. “They recognize the benefits but don’t understand what it takes to do it effectively.”
But, gee, wasn’t that why it hired Edelman?
Paul Levinson, chairman of the media and communications department at Fordham University, said the company’s tactics reflect a lack of Web savvy. “Wal-Mart can be so clumsy,” Levinson said. “They recognize the benefits but don’t understand what it takes to do it effectively.”
One thing Edelman PR does recognize is the power of the internet. It is funny that they are so bad at using the internet considering the experienced bloggers they have hired.
Shalom Peter,
Yes. That is precisely what has PR professionals like George and William shaking their heads.
B’shalom,
Jeff
[...] AND THE FLOGGING WILL CONTINUE… I’m almost starting to feel badly for Wal Mart and Edelman the way people are piling on the Wal-Marting Across America debacle. (Just kidding.) This morning the New York Post runs the headline: Wal-Mart’s Smarking Over Blog Flogging. Keep reading… [...]