Yesterday, there was an article on MommyBlogger.me asking for bloggers who would like to be considered for the Purex Insider program. I know some women who are in this program and they have always had positive things to say about it. The problem was this little blurb at the bottom of her post, a disclaimer, if you will, that showed, yet again, the ignorance that went viral regarding the PR Blackout {The original text has been changed by the author since yesterday. This is how it reads today. Not much better.}:
So I responded with this comment, which, of course, was never published:
I know I am.
(Please don’t leave a comment if you have in the past, currently are, or plan to participate in a PR blackout. PR blackouts are not supported by our company, IS World Media, and we can’t nominate a blogger who is closed to PR opportunities. Thank you for understanding.)Oh, really now? So Purex is black balling bloggers who participated in, are thinking about doing, or otherwise have any knowledge of the PR Blackout, huh? Considering many of the Purex insiders are members of MomDot, wouldn't this be just about the dumbest PR move, ever? span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" >By the way, anyone who did participate in the PR Blackout in no way cut themselves off completely from PR nor does it make any of us PR unfriendly. We just needed a break to get our priorities straight and also to let certain PR firms who believe in using bloggers as completely free advertising, that we do not, in fact, work for free. Our time is valuable. We are worth more than $2 snack cakes, no matter how yummy they are.
So I responded with this comment, which, of course, was never published:
So are you saying that Purex and/or it's PR firm are black balling anyone associated with MomDot or the PR Blackout (which was completely misunderstood, by the way, and totally blown out of proportion)? Because I think that could hurt their sales quite a bit.And in response to my comment I got this email:
And considering half of MomDot are Purex insiders, then that would just make your disclaimer kind of stupid, don't you think?
Well, that's all well and good, Barbi, but since you are purporting to represent Purex, you are essentially speaking for them and their policies. And any company that aligns themselves with another that cannot even get their facts straight about why they are black balling a group of bloggers and Mothers, has lost my business. I would venture to say that many of the brilliant women involved with MomDot and the PR Blackout are angered over this article, possibly enough to stop purchasing any Purex products.Hi Shan. Thanks for your comment about Purex Insiders. It is our company (IS World Media) that does not support PR blackout activities, and in no way do we make any assertion about the Purex corporation’s stance on the matter or their PR firm’s position on the matter.
from Homemaker Barbi
to date subject
It is against our company policy to refer bloggers for PR opportunities who participate in PR blackout activities. The blogworld is varied and everyone has their own way of doing things, which we fully support. We have no problems with MomDot’s PR policy or any other blog’s internal policies. We choose to keep our recommendations to PR-friendly bloggers. Thanks for your understanding.
Thank you,
Customer Service Dept., IS World Media
I know I am.
Why I Will Never Buy Another Purex Product...
http://damnvoicesagain.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-i-will-never-buy-another-purex.html
