Citizen Brand

Correction on Page 2

I don't think this is what Mark Warner had in mind when he sat down for an interview with the New York Times Magazine.

Mark Warner is a former Governor of Virginia and is likely going to run for President.  This photo graced the cover of the Times Magazine and frankly scared some people.  The Times ran a correction today saying there were some problems with the film and its processing that made Warner's jacket appear orange, among other things.  His jacket wasn't orange.  But the teeth are apparently his.  I don't think this "correction" will change anything.  Other takes on this political and photographic debacle can be found at CJR.

The unfortunate thing from Warner's perspective is that his photo has probably overshadowed the article in a publication that still carries a bit of weight.  From a political perspective, this is the kind of article you are looking for in these early stages to begin to help define you to a public who doesn't know you.  It's the kind of piece that you want to send out copies to loyal supporters and potential backers to demonstrate that you are building a national following.

My guess is the article reprints will have a different cover photo.

Blogging Papers

I admit it.  I'm a guy who truly enjoys writing this blog but I am also a guy who still likes to read his morning newspaper(s).  The real papers.  The ones with ink.  Oh I read others online as well.  I still like radio and some aspects of television as well.

My point is this.  There are many places to find information today and I'm of the opinion that when new avenues come along, it doesn't mean we have to instantly throw out the old.  So I was very glad to have Jay Rosen conduct this survey with some of his students and demonstrate how the old media (newspapers) are working to figure out how to work in the new media (blogs).

Those of us in the public relations profession are right in the sweet spot of figuring out this convergence of media forms.  We have two of our folks at the New Communications Forum in Palo Alto this week.  Jeff Risley and Andy Woolard will be keeping us posted via their blogs about the Forum and their takes on what is being said there.  I will add my own two cents to what they say from here right after I finish reading my horoscope in the newspaper.

Give a kid a chance

Two good points are made in this post from Peter Himler.  The passion of the president at Amherst College to bring big change to his campus is noteworthy and it might be premature to turn the last spade of dirt over on the mainstream media just yet.