#WhyImThankful Jace Larson's 2013 edition

I’m one of the luckiest people and I always enjoy Thanksgiving because it gives us time to breathe and think about why we are grateful. Why am I thankful? In no particular rank:

1. 1.       Great family & friends.
2. 2.       My dog, Rocky, who really falls into category one but is special enough to get his own number.
3. 3.       The fact that I live in the United States. I have friends in other countries who would give up just about anything to have the opportunity Americans have.
4. 4.       Fun coworkers.
5. 5.       The other smart people in my life who constantly challenge me.

Another PR ‘what not to do’

I blog from time to time about my interactions with public relations and marketing people. Usually it’s “what not to do.” Hopefully my posts are helpful to my friends on the other side of the business.

I’m having an experience right now with a group who will likely appear in an upcoming story.

Weeks ago, I sent an email giving a short overview of my investigation. It asked to talk on the phone and I wrote that I would like to bounce some ideas around. My offer was a branch showing I am open to other ideas. I also noted that I was using a specific case in my news story.

Now I’ve received a statement that addresses the specific case, but not the broader issue in my story. No one from the organization has called to take me up on the offer to talk openly.

My advice: when a reporter is willing to be open on a story that may not be favorable to you, take him up on it. Some journalists really do want to be open, upfront and honest from the start. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth when people act scared or afraid of a simple conversation.

(Bad taste doesn't affect the story. It will be as fair as ever.)