Thanks for the correction on your name and the add0ed background on the genesis of the pitch. I agree that the query was authentic, conversational and well-intentioned. This is why it was effective. If only other PR pros would pay heed.

Maybe a little "Made to Stick" is in order? (http://www.madetostick.com/)
Peter Himler | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 9:58 pm | #

Hi Peter,

First of all, it's Kamin, not Kamen.

Second, notice that the pitch -- although in honor of the anniversary of the Bloomin' Onion -- was actually for an Outback Steakhouse gift card. If you take a look at the contest I ran you'll see that many of the entrants commented on how bad the Bloomin' Onion is for you. But that didn't stop 335 people from entering to win the gift card, anyway.

The key here is that Charlie didn't pander to me, and I didn't pander to my readers. It's free stuff, period. It's PR. It's not "let me stuff propaganda down your throat," it's "here's something free, and by the way, it's from these people." It works a lot better than the alternatives.
Mir | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 4:11 pm | #

Hey, the pitch was good, for all the reasons stated. Everyone can make up their own mind about the product.
Susan Getgood | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 2:25 pm | #