Rhonda Sanderson on Handling Negative Blog Postings
4 Comments Published by Sean January 31st, 2007 in Advertising: Internet, Franchise Publicity, Legal Issues, Off-The-MarkAfter criticism of Cuppy’s Coffee & More levelled by irate, blog-wielding Java Jo’z licensees (who claimed the new corporation and name was a ploy to escape prior obligations) blew up into a PR nightmare, the Cuppy’s folks called in Rhonda Sanderson and Sanderson & Associates. Tacked on to the first Sanderson release were some good tips on how to keep such a mess from occuring in the first place:
FIVE WAYS TO AVOID THIS SITUATION!
- When such a transaction takes place, produce via a professional source a very thorough and concise press release explaining the deal.
- If facts and/or dates are confusing, put together a precise timeline of events with bullets representing each step.
- Make sure your facts are consistent and delivered by a spokesperson who is preferably an officer of the company.
- Do not “dodge” questions. Answer them in a very clear and concise manner. If there are matters you choose not to discuss, have an answer ready such as “we are not prepared to discuss that matter at this time”. Then offer to get back to the reporter eventually with a proper answer.
- Once negative items are revealed in the press, or accusations made by others, answer these with ONE clear statement stating your position and the facts.
- Do NOT get into a “match” with the accusers, constantly going back and forth making claims and denials. One dignified statement should suffice. After that if it truly becomes an issue of libel or slander, it is time to speak with your legal counsel.
4 Responses to “Rhonda Sanderson on Handling Negative Blog Postings”
- 1 Pingback on Feb 2nd, 2007 at 10:08 am
Is it just me or the whole argument about Cuppy’s is over???
It would be great if it were over. However, that remains to be seen. We get many comments from those seeking their initial deposits back, but have yet to have one return to say they have been successful.
This one makes sense “One’s first step in wisdom is to Question everything – and one’s last is to come to terms with everything.”