It never ceases to amaze me how bad some companies are at public relations (PR).  They send out press releases, maybe give an interview once in a while, but are otherwise clueless as to how to deal with people of the press.  I see this constantly, so it’s not just the odd crappy showing.

Today, I received an email response from a query I sent yesterday regarding a company’s report.  I clearly stated that not only am I a member of the press, but which outfit (a large one) and what I was after.  I had two specific questions and did not once ask them for a copy of their forecast report (which sells for $3,700).

Their answer to my query?  “Yes, our report can answer your questions.  It sells for $3,700.  You can purchase a copy at this link.”   That’s it.

I thanked them for their time, told them that I doubted my publisher would pay that kind of money for just one story about a forecast report that had little use for the newspaper otherwise, and said I’d let them know if a story published.

No response from them.  So I guess no story gets published to tell people about their overpriced report.

That’s just one time.  I can’t count the number of times I’ve sent queries to companies, often after having to hunt for hours through their websites just to find their press contact information, only to never get a response.  I usually follow up after two or three business days to see if maybe it was lost.  Usually… crickets.

I know I’ve whined about this before, but it’s a real pain in the ass.  It’s such a problem that I’ve considered starting a website on the subject.  Encouraging journalists and writers to post their own bitches about crappy press agents and PR losers.  Maybe these companies will get the idea after seeing some bad press about their bad handling of the press.

Maybe that’s what I should call it.  “Bad Press about Bad PR”

What do you think?  Good idea?

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