Secrets create Suspicion.

Recently at a Starbucks, a barista knocked a scalding coffee into a customer's lap (by accident of course). Instead of giving the man a cool towel for his burn or apologizing, the barista reached for a questionnaire and prepared to ask the man a few questions.

WHAT!? Seriously, who trained these people?

After $500 in medical bills, the man was granted a $50 gift certificate---to STARBUCKS. No, no, no....

The victim's son asked Starbucks what the emergency protocol was in case a customer was burned by the coffee, which I assume can happen quite often.

Apparently employees are trained to follow certain procedures, but when asked what these procedures were, the Starbucks representative stated that it was secret. They have what is called a "scalding incident program"...but the procedures are apart of an internal practice... which is why they can't go into details.

I can't believe this. Starbucks is a name known around the world. Their lack of concern for customers really makes me skeptic of their business practices. Not only should the man's medical bills been taken care of, but the immediate reaction of the employee should have been to grab a first-aid kit.

Does Starbucks have a first-aid readily available and equipped for burns? They should. And why is the "scalding incident program" so top secret? Secrets only create suspicion..

What's wrong with you Starbucks?

LTLYM

I am really excited about this new website I found. (I actually will give credit to a blogger at Hill & Knowlton)

This is a website that I hope will spark some creativity in my work. Whether it be writing, drawing, or anything else. There are about 60 or more assignments that you must complete. You can even send them in to the website, which makes you instantly qualified for grant money.

I'm not sure if I will complete every assignment, or turn them in for that matter. It just feels good doing something fun and creative. Project "60" is--write a press release about an everday event. Project "10" is--make a flyer of your day.

Maybe if I don't turn them into LTLYM, I will post them on here...only if relevant to PR though. I don't want to get to personal on this blog. Ha.

CONTENT IS KING....that's what the survey says anyway.

SMR--Social Media Release

Hmm..How interesting, Social Media killed the VNR Star.

More and more, as I read and "del.icio.us" new blogs, I can't help but notice the striving trend of Social Media! The first comment on SM that startled me was by Robert Scoble. If you read below, you'll note how ridiculous I thought it was that he had PR persons pitch him through his Facebook wall.

Ahhh. I understand that as a PR person, it is important to address journalists, etc. through the channels of communication that they prefer most. Scoble completely throws away the idea of emails PERIOD.

In my PR classes, teachers are telling us that email is the best way (pretty much) and most versatile form of contact. I'm glad I am getting the hang of blogging regularly so that I can keep up with all this "new" news.

When I get back in the Fall, I plan to spread Blogger like an infectious disease. They won't know what's hit them.

Goal for the Week:

Comment at least 5 new blogs a day and make some new and interesting friends!

BTW...I have seen soo so many blogs on the Facebook issue and pitching stories..crazy.