That snapping sound you heard late this morning came from the direction of the TechCrunch blog, the flagship of Michael Arrington's media empire and platform for his pontifications. It was a loud, sharp crack and I recognized it instantly. Nothing quite sounds like the splintering of plastic veneer as the ego beneath it inflates beyond bounds.
Missed it? Here it is.
Or you can let me summarize it for you: Michael Arrington is tired, durn tired of being pushed around by public relations people. This isn't the first time he's fired off a screed in the direction of the practioners in my profession but it is the first time I've taken the time to note it here. I'm doing so because I think other might benefit from the lesson.
It can't come as a surprise to anyone that the rise of "citizen journalism" has endgendered a new generation of para-professionals new to the rules of engagement, such as they are, that exist between journalist and publicist. So, dear reader, if you want to practice journalism and come across a public relations person, be forewarned and please note the following:
- Publicists work for those who are paying them.
- Trust is earned, or not.
- You are but one element in a much bigger picture.
And if one of my colleagues, out of desperation or sheer stupidity, decides to double-cross you on an embargo or an exclusive or, heaven forfend, warps facts to make a case, I offer you my apologies in advance. And while I have you on the line, `may I offer you some advice? If you're out for dinner with someone you're trying to impress and you drip a little consommé onto your lap, and your jacket will cover the spot, do not, under any circumstances, stand up and announce in a loud voice -- that everyone can hear -- that you have a stain on the front of your pants. Okay?
