Today, not more than a few hours after word of George Carlin’s death spread across the internet, this atrocity arrived in the Adrants inbox:
“Today, we learned of the passing of comedy great George Carlin, an unintentional champion of freedom of speech.
Over the years, the discussion of WHAT CAN BE SAID on TV has raised eyebrows, and court gavels. From “period” to “pregnant,” how are companies talking to their audiences these days and how has it changed since years before.
An editor at [redacted] is available for commentary on this new media culture, including:
– Talk Dirty: Have new forms of advertisement–in reality TV, blogs and beyond–helped increase sales and trust in the company’s products?
– Pop Culture: How is today’s media culture, with reality television and blogs, making the line between public and private erode?
– Method to Madness: What is the company’s reasoning for addressing its consumers in such an open manner as opposed to 20 years ago?
I look forward to your interest and will follow up soon. Alternatively, you can reach me at [redacted].
Best,
[Redacted]”If you’re press and have an interest in advertising, you know who this is from. If you aren’t, it really doesn’t matter because the people (and their representatives) who sent it will read this and get the message without having to endure a litany or rude commentary which would serve no one well. Let’s just call this a public service.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a company or media outlet latching on to a current news event or trend to either further discussion of the event or to self promote. But to attempt to tie the death of an iconic comic to some stupid social media trend is, well, stupid…and idiotic…and dumb….and insensitive…and unfeeling.
