Talespin: Public Relations Disasters -- the Inside Stories & the Lessons Learned [Hardcover]

Gerry McCusker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2004

* An eye-opening compendium of real-life PR disasters from around the world

Editorial Reviews

Review

"While the book provides commentary on some truly awful PR blunders, its message is one of hope for the field..."-O'Dwyer's PR Services Report

About the Author

Gerry McCusker has 20 years' experience as a PR consultant and educator. He is a regular contributor to lifestyle and marketing publications.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Kogan Page Business Books (October 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074944259X
• ISBN-13: 978-0749442590
• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 6.2 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,360,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read !, March 14, 2005

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Talespin: Public Relations Disasters -- the Inside Stories & the Lessons Learned (Hardcover)

Author Gerry McCusker recites a litany of public relations mistakes made by major corporations worldwide. Each mistake is encapsulated in a short chapter, only two to four pages, followed by a "Lessons Learnt" summary that serves as practical advice to PR people. Unfortunately, this choppy format makes the book read more like an encyclopedia or a depository of yarns from years of index cards rather than a cohesive work. It is organized only by an arbitrary alphabetical listing, and the jargon used ("journo," "bods," "squillions") may not translate well with U.S. audiences. However, the book has two big redeeming factors. First, it provides a global view of how major PR firms, such as Burson-Marsteller and Hill & Knowlton, and other corporations operate outside the U.S., often apparently at much lower standards than they use domestically. Secondly, the PR mistakes in this litany drive home the importance of basic common sense. They show how individuals can foster or destroy corporate good will. We can imagine PR professionals flipping through these war stories for entertainment and for warnings about disasters to avoid.

5.0 out of 5 stars Some really good case studies, March 29, 2006

By 

Bill Divel "Bill" (Pittsburgh, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talespin: Public Relations Disasters -- the Inside Stories & the Lessons Learned (Hardcover)

This book includes many case studies of public relations problems. It includes the story of how Proctor & Gamble discovered that one of its competitors was spreading rumors about P&G being in league with Satan, because of its man in the moon logo. How bizarre is that! I guess the guys at Amway never heard of the "Thou shalt not bear false witness" thing.

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with tips, tricks, and techniques on what to do or not do, July 3, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talespin: Public Relations Disasters -- the Inside Stories & the Lessons Learned (Hardcover)

Talespin: Public Relations Disasters - Inside Stories & Lessons Learned is an anthology of true public relations gaffes - from the brouhaha that ensues when two sports mascots get into an all-to-real physical altercation on the field, to the infamous Ford vehicle/Firestone tire defects considered responsible for the loss of dozens of lives. Each incident is retraced, analyzed carefully in plain terms, with a summary of lessons learned about how to deal with public relations crises, keep a positive image, avoid slander and libel, and respond appropriately when bad things happen. An absolute "must-read" for any PR professional, packed with tips, tricks, and techniques on what to do or not do. Learning from one's mistakes is important, but it is far less costly to learn from other people's mistakes - Talespin allows the business owner or PR professional to do exactly that!