Mark Borkowski - Defending the public against the boogeyman...while being one himself?
Before I even begin this post, I have to shamefully admit I had never heard the name Mark Borkowski until every recently (am I the only one?) but his name often seems to come up in discussions of public relations. So, coming upon his blog and learning a bit more about him, I admit to a bit of skepticism. I like everything he has to say, I think he makes very valid points in his condemnation of spin, celebrity culture and the machinations of certain people within public relations. However, being in the industry himself (and quite successfully), he seems to me like someone who is very good at maintaining his own reputation by condeming others. Is he the savior of the industry? Or a boogeyman in disguise? Can someone within an industry, reform it? I'm not sure. But I suppose it could be a start. Someone within the industry willingly taking a probing look at what goes on in it is an important step to improving the view of public relations. The fact that it benefits not only the industry, but Mark Borkowski himself may just have to be part of the deal.

"Thank You for Smoking"
Has anybody seen this film? I watched it for the first time just a few weeks ago and Aaron Eckhart's character, Nick Naylor, has become my hero. His character may not have what most believe to be the best ethics or morals, but he is brilliant and his ability to argue his case is awe-inspiring. He is certainly the boogeyman that enters your home and leaves a pack of cigarettes on your nightstand but nonetheless you have to respect the man's intellect. The tobacco industry is a tough sell in the age of anti-smoking laws but Nick's twisted logic and ability to turn an argument around does give even the staunchest anti-smokers (like myself) pause. Perhaps part of what makes the public relations boogeyman so frightening is because he is so clever. That intrinsic (although some would argue learned) skill of being able to think on your feet and have an answer to everything makes the public relations boogeyman a wily foe. The only way to defeat him is to outsmart him...a difficult challenge indeed....