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Myths of PR: All Publicity is Good Publicity and Other Popular Misconceptions
Myths of PR: All Publicity is Good Publicity and Other Popular Misconceptions
uses popular myths about the theory and practice of public relations as a vehicle for helping startup owners, brand marketers, communications practitioners and students to distinguish between fads and tried-and-tested PR practice. Its purpose is to shatter widespread misconceptions about PR, and grant readers insights into why these myths have endured in spite of clearly demonstrable evidence to the contrary.
By exploring topics that readers will relate to (though many might frequently misunderstand), Myths of PR will shed new light on essential PR methodology. From the assumption that PR is a never-ending party, propagated by the way the industry is shown in the media and entertainment, to more potentially damaging misconceptions such as the often-repeated 'all publicity is good publicity', it is an engaging, anecdotal read that offers authentic insights into the reality of PR practice from one of the brightest and most exciting young communication experts in the UK.
By exploring topics that readers will relate to (though many might frequently misunderstand), Myths of PR will shed new light on essential PR methodology. From the assumption that PR is a never-ending party, propagated by the way the industry is shown in the media and entertainment, to more potentially damaging misconceptions such as the often-repeated 'all publicity is good publicity', it is an engaging, anecdotal read that offers authentic insights into the reality of PR practice from one of the brightest and most exciting young communication experts in the UK.
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2017
6 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 13, 2017
What a book! A great, interesting look at some of the myths, misconceptions and plain BS madness that has surrounded the field of public relations (PR), whilst acting as a good primer to the subject at the same time. Mythbusters takes on PR you could say!
It is an interesting mix of light-hearted humour and deadly serious, focussed text, written in an accessible way and you won’t want to put it down. Prepare for a long reading session.
Both PR provider and customer alike can benefit from a read at this book. The PR provider should, of course, already know the realities of life, but it doesn’t hurt to see how their trade is perceived and why. The PR customer may be better-informed and more likely to be better-focussed on their PR needs going forward too. For those who ‘do PR’ it may subtly (or not so…) help modify behaviours that may justify a bit of modification – it can be a secret between you and your bookseller.
Who wouldn’t benefit from reading this book could be the better question, and at its low price-point there is really no excuse for not considering it. All in all, 18 key myths get put under the author’s microscope and are given a bit of a bashing. Prepare for information overload!
It is an interesting mix of light-hearted humour and deadly serious, focussed text, written in an accessible way and you won’t want to put it down. Prepare for a long reading session.
Both PR provider and customer alike can benefit from a read at this book. The PR provider should, of course, already know the realities of life, but it doesn’t hurt to see how their trade is perceived and why. The PR customer may be better-informed and more likely to be better-focussed on their PR needs going forward too. For those who ‘do PR’ it may subtly (or not so…) help modify behaviours that may justify a bit of modification – it can be a secret between you and your bookseller.
Who wouldn’t benefit from reading this book could be the better question, and at its low price-point there is really no excuse for not considering it. All in all, 18 key myths get put under the author’s microscope and are given a bit of a bashing. Prepare for information overload!
July 27, 2024
Безтолкова і застаріла книга.
Щоб ви зрозуміли її неактуальність: в одному з міфів автор навчає роботі із соцмережами, даючи одну з рекомендацій «проводьте розіграші». Мені здається, цим все сказано.
Та додам, що окрім застарілості викладеної інформації, в ній бракує фундаментального про піар. Тут немає нічого, що насправді може хоч якось допомогти в реальній роботі.
Щоб ви зрозуміли її неактуальність: в одному з міфів автор навчає роботі із соцмережами, даючи одну з рекомендацій «проводьте розіграші». Мені здається, цим все сказано.
Та додам, що окрім застарілості викладеної інформації, в ній бракує фундаментального про піар. Тут немає нічого, що насправді може хоч якось допомогти в реальній роботі.
April 21, 2022
It is PR
May 11, 2025
Книжка неймовірно застаріла
February 19, 2017
In my 10 years+ of PR experiences and experiments, I encountered so many misconceptions and erroneous assumptions about this domain of activity, very often perpetrated by representatives of the profession, more or less willingly. Written by a professional with a considerable experience, this book will help the public and the professionals as well to see the things in the correct light. Through personal examples and case studies shared, many of the myths regarding this professions will be offered the realistic approach. In addition, any PR professional will learn more about how to connect with the media and what expectations to have. I was not very happy with the chapter treating the press release. I can happily read without a press release, but when it happens to receive it in my mailbox, and I am curious enough to open it - which is just a matter of random decision - I would love to read some great writing.
Overall, it is a very useful book that even the journalists can use as a reference for their often contacts with PR representatives. And the PR people should read it too, to gain more self respect and understanding of their own profession.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Overall, it is a very useful book that even the journalists can use as a reference for their often contacts with PR representatives. And the PR people should read it too, to gain more self respect and understanding of their own profession.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 10, 2017
Reading the Myths of PR by Rich Leigh took my back to the first semester of my public relations degree. My initial lecturers were former News Ltd journalists turned jaded PR pros. They taught me how my years in marketing was wasted now I was in public relations. And they taught me how journalists and PR pros are such opposites and could never work together. There’s even a chapter in the Myths of PR on the relationship between public relations and news media.
What’s the Myths of PR is about?
Its purpose is to shatter widespread misconceptions about PR, and grant readers insights into why these myths have endured in spite of clearly demonstrable evidence to the contrary.
I suppose the book meets the promise. Rich covers spin, all publicity is good, the perceived glamor of public relations. Really all the standard complaints about PR. None of the allegations were new to me. But I struggle with his answers. While being technically correct and supported by case studies and personal anecdotes, they read like a weary justification of life choices. Thus why I was reminded of my early PR lecturers. To be fair, Rich is in the UK. I studied PR and started my career in Australia before moving to the US. Things may be different for Rich.
Who Should Read the Myths of PR?
I wrote this before re-reading the book’s synopsis again which states the book is designed “as a vehicle for helping startup owners, brand marketers, communications practitioners, and students”. I wrote that I suspected Rich intended this book to be for PR students and the general public interested in PR. I wasn’t far off. However, the Myths of PR assumes a little too much public relations knowledge. This may confuse some. The defensive attitude is also a turn-off. Who wants a career where you’re constantly having to justify your industry choice?
So if you’re feeling done in by your public relations career choice, this book will provide you with confirmation bias. If you’re looking to be reminded how public relations has changed the world, I recommend reading the results of the Ice Bucket Challenge and Dumb Ways to Die.
Originally published at: https://tapdancingspiders.com/book-re...
What’s the Myths of PR is about?
Its purpose is to shatter widespread misconceptions about PR, and grant readers insights into why these myths have endured in spite of clearly demonstrable evidence to the contrary.
I suppose the book meets the promise. Rich covers spin, all publicity is good, the perceived glamor of public relations. Really all the standard complaints about PR. None of the allegations were new to me. But I struggle with his answers. While being technically correct and supported by case studies and personal anecdotes, they read like a weary justification of life choices. Thus why I was reminded of my early PR lecturers. To be fair, Rich is in the UK. I studied PR and started my career in Australia before moving to the US. Things may be different for Rich.
Who Should Read the Myths of PR?
I wrote this before re-reading the book’s synopsis again which states the book is designed “as a vehicle for helping startup owners, brand marketers, communications practitioners, and students”. I wrote that I suspected Rich intended this book to be for PR students and the general public interested in PR. I wasn’t far off. However, the Myths of PR assumes a little too much public relations knowledge. This may confuse some. The defensive attitude is also a turn-off. Who wants a career where you’re constantly having to justify your industry choice?
So if you’re feeling done in by your public relations career choice, this book will provide you with confirmation bias. If you’re looking to be reminded how public relations has changed the world, I recommend reading the results of the Ice Bucket Challenge and Dumb Ways to Die.
Originally published at: https://tapdancingspiders.com/book-re...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews