It goes without saying that Facebook probably regrets engaging Burson-Marsteller to conduct a whisper campaign against Google (especially Facebook's "adult supervisor" Sheryl Sandberg, yesterday's BusinessWeek cover story). And Burson probably regrets agreeing to do it. But what can agencies learn from this embarrassing episode? What impact will it have on the reputation of the PR industry? Tune in to hear a conversation between Sterling Communications VPs Jay Nichols and Kevin Pedraja.
As any skilled D.C. political operative knows, there are a thousand ways Facebook could have smeared Google without leaving fingerprints. There are PR firms that do little else than practice "the dark arts" using sock puppets or front groups.
Let's hope this offers more opportunities for the PR firms and communication specialists that work to help clients the right way.
Posted by: Kawika | May 13, 2011 at 06:54 PM
"Rick, I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!" Honestly, this reminds me of what's said about the Watergate break-in: a second-rate coverup of a third-rate burglary.
Posted by: Lisa Hawes | May 13, 2011 at 07:00 PM
For the record, the actual term used by the Nixon White House dirty tricksters for spreading disinformation was "ratfucking," as so memorably recorded in the book and film of "All the Presidents' Men."
Posted by: Lisa Hawes | May 13, 2011 at 07:06 PM