What's the difference between publicity stunts and PR? One is focussed on looks and cosmetics, the other is focussed on substance and reputation, I argue in this post.
Did the Jakarta Post malign the PR profession?
Mining for trouble
This is a post I wrote for our company's blog Those who have an interest in media handling skills would find this interview — between the BBC’s Rebecca Henschke and Terry Filbert, the CEO of Baru Gold Corp that runs Tambang Mas Sangihe — a masterclass on what and how not to say things. The... Continue Reading →
Clubhouse is all the rage – and the likely site of the next business crisis
Don’t get me wrong. I think Clubhouse, the audio chat app that is taking the world and Indonesia by storm is fantastic. Here you have an app that makes interaction easy among people with same interests. And because its audio only it also creates a feeling of intimacy and ability to network during sessions. Another... Continue Reading →
Eiger IV: Wow, what a turnaround – in a good way
CEOs are like the rest of us. They make mistakes. But because of their elevated position and their egos many times its easier for them to bluster and get defensive over these mistakes. And it takes a really big man to admit theirs and ask for an apology. After the Eiger letter berating Youtubers reviewing... Continue Reading →
First Media: Snark can’t buy them love
First Media’s blundering tweet last night is a lesson why corporations and brands should be concerned about their social capital. At about 10pm First Media social media admin thought they’d be clever and ride on the Eiger letter fiasco that earned the ire of Indonesian netizens. Through its twitter account @FirstMediaCares they posted a letter... Continue Reading →
Eiger III: the Legal Eagle’s wings are clipped, but has the root cause been addressed?
Note: I got the information about the sacking from an online news portal in Indonesia. Have been told that the twitter account of Hendra Lim is actually a fake. So apologies all. Disregard this post but rather than me deleting it I think it best to clarify it here and leave the rest as is... Continue Reading →
Eiger II: A lame apology and more trouble coming
Latest update on Eiger saga here Yesterday the outdoor adventure gear brand Eiger got into a hot mess when its Leagal Eagle went a step too far and dissed off YouTubers reviewing their products. (See post here) By late afternoon the Eiger CEO Ronny Lukito had had enough and decided to take matters into his... Continue Reading →
Plumbing the depths with Eiger
I love the Eiger outdoor brand. Their products are affordable and often of good quality. A sandal I bought has lasted me years and looks like it will continue for at least another year or two. Damn comfortable too. But good as they are in making outdoor gear they apparently suck at customer relations. Here’s... Continue Reading →
Mr President: Apart from professional help, you need honest feedback
Even the usually mild-mannered Endy Bayuni was forced earlier this week to rant against the President and his team’s egregious handling of the Coronavirus outbreak in the usually tepid The Jakarta Post. He counseled seeking professional help instead of relying on amateurs for something as serious and critical as the matter staring us in the... Continue Reading →
Will The Indonesian Government end up like the one in Hong Kong – reviled, untrusted and ineffectual?
Communications, or lack of, is digging the government into a bigger hole than it is in because of issues surrounding the amends to the KPK and criminal Code laws, Papua, forest fires and the president’s family. With public sentiment at best skeptical at worst critical of the government, communications can make the difference between people’s... Continue Reading →
KPAI isn’t all wrong about PB Djarum
Something important is lost in the rancour against KPAI (The Commission for the Protection of Children) for calling out PB Djarum's (Djarum Badminton Association) badminton auditions. KPAI, as we know has accused the cigarette maker Djarum of using its foundation, PB Djarum (Djarum Badminton Association) to exploit children. To be sure, KPAI has chosen its... Continue Reading →
Maverick’s views on the Garuda fiasco
This is what I co-wrote with my colleague Marsha Imaniara on the fiasco surrounding Garuda after it issued a circular banning passengers from taking photos and video clips on board its airplanes. https://m.kumparan.com/marsha-imaniara-1563432131140003103/alasan-garuda-indonesia-terjepit-akibat-menu-tulis-tangan-1rUXfXMLbKX?utm_source=Mobilesite&utm_medium=copy-to-clipboard&utm_campaign=Share And this is the English version in the Maverick blog https://maverick.co.id/the-reason-why-garudas-in-a-tight-spot-over-hand-written-menu/
Unspun 