Blog

Join us in conversation on the topics we believe matter...to our industry, our city and our society.

Does Beginner's Luck Exist in Public Relations?

By Ann Smith | May 8, 2014

I came across an article about beginner’s luck, and whether or not it exists in public relations. I think many businesses have had a streak of beginner’s luck with favorable results – but while results may be high right out of the gate, it may actually work against you too. Here is a prime example […]

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The NFL Draft: A Powerful Marketing Machine

By Ann Smith | May 8, 2014

Lessons in PR and marketing from the NFL draft We can all learn something about PR and marketing from the NFL draft. Johnny Manziel’s team includes a PR firm, and as Rick Burton, a professor of sport management at Syracuse University, told the Dallas Morning News, “He’s built a brand for himself as Johnny Football. He […]

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A note to POM

By Ann Smith | May 8, 2014

To the PR team at POM, Your letter is absolute perfection.  I bow down to you. Bravo, Ann  

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First Impressions

By Kris Travis | May 1, 2014

Look into creative business card designs What does your business card look like? Is it memorable? Interactive? I’m sad to say that even as a designer, my business card is pretty boring compared to these creative examples. DeMilked pulled together “30 of the Most Creative Business Card Designs” (full post here) and they’re a mix of […]

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Twitter says World Cup 2014 Logo Looks Like a ‘Facepalm’

By Mary Gorretta | Apr 30, 2014

Like many around the world, I am looking forward to the World Cup, which is set to take place throughout Brazil in less than two months. However, there have been rumors that Brazil will not be ready in time for such a big event including reports that the stadium in San Paolo, which is slated […]

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Inc. magazine recognizes Voodoo Doughnut as one of "Most Audacious Companies"

By Ann Smith | Apr 28, 2014

Great piece in Inc. on Voodoo Doughnut about how the company has earned its spot in history through outrageous doughnuts, word-of-mouth marketing, quirky weddings, and a record label. Love to see Portland businesses making national news!

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AP is at it Again! Time to Spell Out State Names

By Ann Smith | Apr 26, 2014

For the second time in a month’s span, AP has changed the rules in writing. Effective May 1, the AP will spell out state names in the body of stories. Currently, most state names are abbreviated in stories. The change is being made to be consistent in style for domestic and international stories, as international stories traditionally […]

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Extreme crowdsourcing: These parents let the internet name their daughter

By Kelda Rericha | Apr 23, 2014

In the same spirit of Lay’s Do Us A Flavor contest in which consumers submit and vote for the newest potato chip flavor — Did you know four million people cared enough to submit chip flavors last year?! — expectant dad Stephen McLaughlin created the website NameMyDaughter.com and asked strangers over the internet to name […]

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Commemorating a Genocide via Facebook

By Ann Smith | Apr 21, 2014

A project kicking off this week aims to use social media to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The 100 Years, 100 Facts Project will publish facts about Armenians twice a week, beginning April 24, 2014 and finishing April 24, 2015 – 100 years after the Ottoman empire began a massacre and forced deportation […]

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Rabbit Pelt Ad Draws Controversy, Pizzeria Tries to Save Skin

By Mary Gorretta | Apr 18, 2014

  Just in time for Easter, the New Zealand pizza chain Hell Pizza created a controversial billboard advertising its newest pizza topping, smoked rabbit, by covering the billboard with real rabbit pelts and the tagline: “Rabbit Pizza. Made from real rabbit. Like this billboard.” As you can imagine, it received quite a bit of criticism […]

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