Crenshaw Communications

branding, Crenshaw Communications • May 29, 2009

Does Bing Hit The Mark?

Yesterday at the D: All Things Digital Conference, Microsoft announced that it will launch Bing, a rebuilt search engine that it hopes will help consumers make better decisions, redefine the category, and maybe even give Google a run for its money. Bing is really a rebranding of Microsoft Live Search, with some nifty new features thrown in. It’s gotten some […]

blogging, Crenshaw Communications, public relations, reputation, social media • May 27, 2009

Citizen Advertising? The Future Of Sponsored Conversations

Note: No cash or gifts were received for the writing of this post. I’m being facetious, but, if this were a “sponsored” post, would you feel skeptical about the opinions expressed here? Or, would you applaud my “transparency?” That’s one of the issues at the heart of the debate around sponsored blog posts […]

Crenshaw Communications, public relations, social media • May 25, 2009

Tweeting To Remember

I was surprised and proud when my five-year-old announced that she knew why she had a holiday from school today. While she needed a hint to recall the day’s name, she eagerly told me that it was to remember people who fought in wars, “like Grandpa.” We talked a little bit about World War II, […]

communications, Crenshaw Communications, leadership, public relations • May 22, 2009

Partnership Unlimited

Spending time at the international meeting of our sister consultancies (www.proi.org) has given me the chance to catch up with colleagues, commiserate about the economy, and share insights about trends affecting our business. The caliber of the firms in our global partnership is extraordinarily high, and the discussions have been both passionate and eye-opening. It also […]

celebrity, Crenshaw Communications • May 20, 2009

Why American Idol Matters

Okay, it doesn’t. Not really. But, every year as I get suckered into Idol madness just after the group dwindles to eight or less, I look for reasons that justify watching. This year, it’s easier, since it’s become a Tuesday night treat that my daughter and I enjoy together, like a mother-daughter date night. We tune […]

branding, Crenshaw Communications, leadership • May 18, 2009

Can’t Beat ‘Em? Rebrand ‘Em!

Words are important. That’s why it’s not just the swine flu virus that’s gotten a nifty new government-issue name. Washington is in a frenzy of rebranding. The Obama administration has rejected the Bush-era “global war on terror” in favor of the more oblique “overseas contingency operation.” In a particularly awkward phrasing, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano calls acts […]

Crenshaw Communications, public relations, social media • May 14, 2009

Dell Gets Cute, With Backlash

Times are tough for makers of technology products. So tough, in fact, that Dell took a leap with the launch of “Della,” its new shopping site created especially for women. A leap backward, that is. The site, which was unveiled a few days ago to market its line of netbooks to female customers, created an instant […]

Crenshaw Communications, crisis management • May 12, 2009

Facebook And Holocaust Deniers: Reaching A Boil

Over the past several days the blogosphere’s been on fire with news of Facebook’s refusal to take down pages by groups who deny that the Holocaust occurred. In defending its policy, Facebook spokesperson Barry Schnitt said, “We want (the site) to be a place where people can discuss all kinds of ideas, including controversial ones.” To those pressing Facebook to […]

Crenshaw Communications, technology • May 11, 2009

Are Newspapers Necessary?

In the movie State of Play, the lead character, portrayed nicely by Russell Crowe despite some cliched lines and really bad hair, is meant to represent old-world media …he’s a rumpled, shaggy, veteran newspaper reporter whose high ideals shine through his gruff exterior as he strives to expose an international conspiracy. As if the ink-smudged […]