As 20,000 thousand foreign journalists descend on Bejing for the 2010 Olympics, China's officials have announced that they will not be given full access to the internet during their stay.
The BBC reports that journalists will be subjected to China's usual practice of censoring web access. The sites currently in the spotlight include those about spiritual movement, Falun Gong, those relating to human rights issues and other unspecified sites.
The decision to award China these games has already caused much controversy, highlighted by recent protests surrounding the Olympic torch.
The move has been met with disappointment because China's bid for the games stated that journalists would be free to report. A spokesman for the Olympic organising committee is quoted on the BBC News website as saying: "During the Olympic Games we will provide reporters with sufficient and convenient internet access so the Olympic Games will not be affected." I suspect the journalists are more concerned about their reporting being affected, rather than the actual games.
But is it China's right to block sites which give the country a negative image while it hosts thousand of international visitors, or should they be given free and uncensored access to the web? Maybe it's all in vain anyway, all it takes is a phone call to the office back in the UK and a quick Google search to still find what they need.
However it does beg the question, what did we do before the internet was invented??
Helen
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Monday, 28 July 2008
Fame Formula
According to Yahoo news, a (I hate this term) PR guru, Mark Borkowski has been looking at a study of a of celebrities and has worked out a formula for working out their eventual decline from the limelight which, for most Big Brother contestants is 15 months.
Apparently it is: F(T)=B+P (1/10T+1/2T squared)
(F is level of fame, T is time measure in 3-monthly intervals. T=1 is after three months, T=2 is after six months and B is the base level of fame identified and quantified by analysing the level of fame in the year before peak)
Hmmm, not the same method of evaluation that we use here at Gemini PR for our clients but I’ll be intrigued enough to have a flick through his book!
Ruth
Apparently it is: F(T)=B+P (1/10T+1/2T squared)
(F is level of fame, T is time measure in 3-monthly intervals. T=1 is after three months, T=2 is after six months and B is the base level of fame identified and quantified by analysing the level of fame in the year before peak)
Hmmm, not the same method of evaluation that we use here at Gemini PR for our clients but I’ll be intrigued enough to have a flick through his book!
Ruth
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Pop PR in the Den
Well the Dragons are back in the den for another series of shouting at disillusioned inventors.
In the first episode of Dragon's Den this week we saw an interesting 'product' being pitched. Indie band, Hamfatter, put themselves forward for investment and had three dragons practically throwing money at them (unlike the poor couple who pitched the totally pointless lay line sheet, what is that for??). In the end, giant Dragon Peter Jackson won.
But would it have really mattered which Dragon, if any of them, invested? It was money can't buy publicity for the band. They've been all over the news since their high profile busking session on the BBC 2 show, which earned them £75,000 for their next two albums.
The genius PR move has led to them becoming an almost overnight success. Entertainment retailer, Play.com, said that the band's single 'The Girl I Love' was downloaded 755 times between 10pm and midnight, directly after the show, using its MP3 download service.
It seems a lot of bands are turning away from big record companies to promote their albums, The Mail on Sunday's circulation rose by 300,000 this weekend with a free giveaway of McFly's new album and last year Radiohead offered their album for download at whatever price people wanted to pay.
What creative PR tactics will we see next?
Helen
In the first episode of Dragon's Den this week we saw an interesting 'product' being pitched. Indie band, Hamfatter, put themselves forward for investment and had three dragons practically throwing money at them (unlike the poor couple who pitched the totally pointless lay line sheet, what is that for??). In the end, giant Dragon Peter Jackson won.
But would it have really mattered which Dragon, if any of them, invested? It was money can't buy publicity for the band. They've been all over the news since their high profile busking session on the BBC 2 show, which earned them £75,000 for their next two albums.
The genius PR move has led to them becoming an almost overnight success. Entertainment retailer, Play.com, said that the band's single 'The Girl I Love' was downloaded 755 times between 10pm and midnight, directly after the show, using its MP3 download service.
It seems a lot of bands are turning away from big record companies to promote their albums, The Mail on Sunday's circulation rose by 300,000 this weekend with a free giveaway of McFly's new album and last year Radiohead offered their album for download at whatever price people wanted to pay.
What creative PR tactics will we see next?
Helen
Monday, 21 July 2008
Faux pas or fair play?
According to the Daily Mail she once remarked that a good suit goes on forever, and she’s right. Princess Anne is on the front of many of today’s daily papers for wearing an outfit she bought 27 years ago for the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Good for her I say, especially in the current economic climate. Rather than splashing out on new outfits she has re-worn an old fave. I just can’t believe that people have remembered – I would’ve thought that nearly 30 years would be long enough for people to forget it. That said the original wedding wasn’t exactly a small, private affair!
Next time the royals get a public bashing for costing too much public money – we should remember this!
Ruth
Good for her I say, especially in the current economic climate. Rather than splashing out on new outfits she has re-worn an old fave. I just can’t believe that people have remembered – I would’ve thought that nearly 30 years would be long enough for people to forget it. That said the original wedding wasn’t exactly a small, private affair!
Next time the royals get a public bashing for costing too much public money – we should remember this!
Ruth
Friday, 18 July 2008
Chav off!
It’s official -the word ‘chav’ is now politically incorrect because it is deeply offensive, patronising and reveals a level of class hatred!
Whilst I disagree with the idea that the term is offensive and consider it a bit extreme to declare it politically incorrect, when I look at a teenager clad in gold earrings and chains, with tracksuit bottoms tucked into socks I must admit that I think; ‘they look stupid!’ This I suppose is a bit of a contradiction, but a view that I’m sure many people share.
Sub groups have always existed in all areas society, from mods and rockers to punks and all, at their time, have received stick from the status quote, quite often perceived to represent the worst thing ever.
The difference today is that the whole idea of political correctness has gone mad, with many people terrified of saying the wrong thing and offending others. Quite frankly if chav is the worst thing they have said to them I don’t think they will have done bad!
What’s funny is that most members of these groups can quite often feel a sense of pride and belonging – a positive thing. I would love to know who actually decided this was necessary - my guess is some old fuddy duddy who is completely detatched from the real world1
I just wonder what will come next!
Emma
Whilst I disagree with the idea that the term is offensive and consider it a bit extreme to declare it politically incorrect, when I look at a teenager clad in gold earrings and chains, with tracksuit bottoms tucked into socks I must admit that I think; ‘they look stupid!’ This I suppose is a bit of a contradiction, but a view that I’m sure many people share.
Sub groups have always existed in all areas society, from mods and rockers to punks and all, at their time, have received stick from the status quote, quite often perceived to represent the worst thing ever.
The difference today is that the whole idea of political correctness has gone mad, with many people terrified of saying the wrong thing and offending others. Quite frankly if chav is the worst thing they have said to them I don’t think they will have done bad!
What’s funny is that most members of these groups can quite often feel a sense of pride and belonging – a positive thing. I would love to know who actually decided this was necessary - my guess is some old fuddy duddy who is completely detatched from the real world1
I just wonder what will come next!
Emma
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
A blogging tribute
Today's blog is a tribute to Olive Riley, the world's oldest blogger who died this week at the age of 108.
Australian Olive starting blogging last year at age 107, given that my Mum finds it difficult to send a text message, this is an achievement in itself.
She posted 70 blogs detailing her life through two world wars and a depression before she passed away in a nursing home.
We do love a good blog here at Gemini PR and I've got to say that Olive's is one of the most interesting I've ever read. It just goes to show that it's never too late to learn a new skill!
Check it out at http://www.allaboutolive.com.au/
Helen
Australian Olive starting blogging last year at age 107, given that my Mum finds it difficult to send a text message, this is an achievement in itself.
She posted 70 blogs detailing her life through two world wars and a depression before she passed away in a nursing home.
We do love a good blog here at Gemini PR and I've got to say that Olive's is one of the most interesting I've ever read. It just goes to show that it's never too late to learn a new skill!
Check it out at http://www.allaboutolive.com.au/
Helen
Monday, 14 July 2008
Modern Slavery According to Ronaldo
Regular readers will know that I’m not really a huge football fan, in fact I am the complete opposite and will take any opportunity to criticise the so called beautiful game. However, this time I have been given the opportunity on a platter!
Sepp Blatter referring to Ronaldo’s Manchester United contract as ‘modern slavery’ no less!
What...? Have I missed something here?? According to the Oxford dictionary slavery is defined as “a helpless victim of some dominating influence”, not “overpaid pretty boy has tantrum after changing his mind so soon after signing a contract by his own choice...”
I’ve heard Alex Ferguson being called a slave driver in the past, but this is ridiculous. Slavery was cruel, hard and often involved working to the death – I hardly think being paid £120,000 per week to kick a ball around constitutes this.
When will these ball-kicking plonkers think before they speak!
Ruth
Sepp Blatter referring to Ronaldo’s Manchester United contract as ‘modern slavery’ no less!
What...? Have I missed something here?? According to the Oxford dictionary slavery is defined as “a helpless victim of some dominating influence”, not “overpaid pretty boy has tantrum after changing his mind so soon after signing a contract by his own choice...”
I’ve heard Alex Ferguson being called a slave driver in the past, but this is ridiculous. Slavery was cruel, hard and often involved working to the death – I hardly think being paid £120,000 per week to kick a ball around constitutes this.
When will these ball-kicking plonkers think before they speak!
Ruth
Friday, 11 July 2008
CRB check for school run mum!
I read a particularly ridiculous story on the BBC news website today about a mother who has been told that she cannot travel to school with her severely epileptic son because she has not been police checked.
Jayne Jones, of Aberfan near Merthyr Tydfil, used to travel with her son Alex, 14, in the council-provided taxi when she was worried he may have a fit.
Apparently the council, in order to cover themselves, carry out CRB checks on any adult escorting children as a standard procedure. Of course this is necessary in many situations but I think in this case it is a bit extreme and not to mention time wasting! She’s his mother and looks after him for the other 99% of the time so I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.
There is no room for common sense in these so called standard procedures and this story perfectly illustrates the silly length of red tape that we have to work through today.
Emma
Jayne Jones, of Aberfan near Merthyr Tydfil, used to travel with her son Alex, 14, in the council-provided taxi when she was worried he may have a fit.
Apparently the council, in order to cover themselves, carry out CRB checks on any adult escorting children as a standard procedure. Of course this is necessary in many situations but I think in this case it is a bit extreme and not to mention time wasting! She’s his mother and looks after him for the other 99% of the time so I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.
There is no room for common sense in these so called standard procedures and this story perfectly illustrates the silly length of red tape that we have to work through today.
Emma
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Ad madness
I read a story on the Media Guardian website today about a National Lottery advert which has been scrapped by the Advertising Standards Agency.
The ad apparently features an elderly woman going past a bingo hall which is shut, then cuts to the same old lady on holiday after winning on a National Lottery scratchcard instead. The Bingo Association has complained about the ad, saying that it "implied that bingo clubs were closed and that the industry was dying"
Camelot's response? As stated in the Guardian 'the ad was set early in the morning and most bingo clubs were not open 24 hours a day, so it was possible that the woman had purchased a scratchcard when her club was closed.'
Should companies really have to defend themselves like this? I would never have seen the advert and connected it to the thought that the bingo industry is dying out, not until the association highlighted it anyway!
This begs the question, if this has been banned, what's next for adverts?? You can't have a dishwasher advert incase washing up liquid firms get upset? No car adverts because it makes it seem like you have to drive everywhere? It just seems ridiculous to me.
Helen
The ad apparently features an elderly woman going past a bingo hall which is shut, then cuts to the same old lady on holiday after winning on a National Lottery scratchcard instead. The Bingo Association has complained about the ad, saying that it "implied that bingo clubs were closed and that the industry was dying"
Camelot's response? As stated in the Guardian 'the ad was set early in the morning and most bingo clubs were not open 24 hours a day, so it was possible that the woman had purchased a scratchcard when her club was closed.'
Should companies really have to defend themselves like this? I would never have seen the advert and connected it to the thought that the bingo industry is dying out, not until the association highlighted it anyway!
This begs the question, if this has been banned, what's next for adverts?? You can't have a dishwasher advert incase washing up liquid firms get upset? No car adverts because it makes it seem like you have to drive everywhere? It just seems ridiculous to me.
Helen
Monday, 7 July 2008
Game of Champions
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who managed to catch the Wimbledon men’s final yesterday – it was on for nearly five hours after all. What a game!
It was one of the best sporting competitions I have ever seen and what a display from two incredible athletes Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
I’ve got to say, I was rooting for Federer and after the first two sets I was willing him get back into the game although I didn’t feel that Nadal deserved to lose either. Both players are real gents, and very modest considering they are by far and away the best in the world at what they do – maybe some sport stars should take note?? As everyone knows Nadal took the trophy home with him after an epic battle.
It was a great spectacle and I can’t wait to see Federer come back next year and regain his crown!!
Ruth
It was one of the best sporting competitions I have ever seen and what a display from two incredible athletes Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
I’ve got to say, I was rooting for Federer and after the first two sets I was willing him get back into the game although I didn’t feel that Nadal deserved to lose either. Both players are real gents, and very modest considering they are by far and away the best in the world at what they do – maybe some sport stars should take note?? As everyone knows Nadal took the trophy home with him after an epic battle.
It was a great spectacle and I can’t wait to see Federer come back next year and regain his crown!!
Ruth
Friday, 4 July 2008
The weather
I really wish the weather would sort itself out! You just never know what it’s going to do so you can’t plan anything, particularly any outside activities, and you just never know quite what to wear! Here we are, into July, and the sun can be shining one minute, then it can be throwing it down with rain the next.
Take this event that I am planning at the moment. I’m chairman of a local swimming club – Nottingham Northern Swimming Club – and we are supposed to be holding a family barbeque and fun day this Sunday to celebrate the club’s centenary. As I write this the weather is great – the sun is out and its quite warm but the forecast for the weekend is heavy showers. Do we cancel or do we go ahead? It’s a major dilemma but we’ll have to make a decision tonight before I go out and buy all those burgers and sausages! Bring on that sunshine!
Dianne
Take this event that I am planning at the moment. I’m chairman of a local swimming club – Nottingham Northern Swimming Club – and we are supposed to be holding a family barbeque and fun day this Sunday to celebrate the club’s centenary. As I write this the weather is great – the sun is out and its quite warm but the forecast for the weekend is heavy showers. Do we cancel or do we go ahead? It’s a major dilemma but we’ll have to make a decision tonight before I go out and buy all those burgers and sausages! Bring on that sunshine!
Dianne
Hitting the headlines
It gives you a real boost when the fruits of all your hard work pay off and that’s just what’s happened this week. When our copy of the Nottingham Evening Post arrived today, we scoured the pages, as we always do, to see if any of our stories had made it into print and you can imagine our delight when we saw that the two main pieces on the business pages were down to us.
The Hiltons buyout made the lead story and the Towergate acquisition was the only other story with a photo. Coupled with this, one of our other clients, Pub People, featuring heavily in the series that the Post has been running this week about the state of the pub industry.
I know that our clients will be really pleased but it’s also a great feeling for us too. Even though I’ve run a PR agency for 18 years and have been in the PR industry for longer than that (not saying quite how long!), I still get a real buzz from seeing our stories getting some great coverage. Keep ‘em coming!
Dianne
The Hiltons buyout made the lead story and the Towergate acquisition was the only other story with a photo. Coupled with this, one of our other clients, Pub People, featuring heavily in the series that the Post has been running this week about the state of the pub industry.
I know that our clients will be really pleased but it’s also a great feeling for us too. Even though I’ve run a PR agency for 18 years and have been in the PR industry for longer than that (not saying quite how long!), I still get a real buzz from seeing our stories getting some great coverage. Keep ‘em coming!
Dianne
Thursday, 3 July 2008
First day faux pas
The vast majority of us know the rules for starting a new job; don't be late, dress smart, look enthusiastic... oh, and turn up.
Apprentice winner Lee McQueen has been in the firing line (geddit?) this week for calling in sick on the first day of his new job. Nightmare.
It can be bad enough making that call to the boss when you're not coming in, but when your boss is Sir Alan Sugar and you beat 20,000 applicants to the job, it's not going to go down well.
It's not great PR for Sir Alan either, after apprentice Michelle Dewbury went awol a couple of years ago and his choice to hire Lee, who lied on his CV, was criticised. He could've done with a better start.
I do feel sorry for Lee though, I can't imagine he'd have won many friends in his new work place if he'd gone in and infected the rest of the staff with his virus. But he'd better make a good impression when he does start!
Helen
Apprentice winner Lee McQueen has been in the firing line (geddit?) this week for calling in sick on the first day of his new job. Nightmare.
It can be bad enough making that call to the boss when you're not coming in, but when your boss is Sir Alan Sugar and you beat 20,000 applicants to the job, it's not going to go down well.
It's not great PR for Sir Alan either, after apprentice Michelle Dewbury went awol a couple of years ago and his choice to hire Lee, who lied on his CV, was criticised. He could've done with a better start.
I do feel sorry for Lee though, I can't imagine he'd have won many friends in his new work place if he'd gone in and infected the rest of the staff with his virus. But he'd better make a good impression when he does start!
Helen
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