Lyft's First TV Commercial
With a bit of assonance and a lot of humor, Lyft creates its first television ad. The tagline is, "Riding is the new driving," and it shows all the discomforts and inconveniences of driving: traffic, accidents, and getting a ticket.
Lyft's creative director, Jesse McMillin told AdWeek,
"Obviously as we grow and continue to evolve as a brand, we want to make sure we're constantly pushing ourselves to have a vibe and aesthetic that feels professional and cool. But in doing that, we also want to make sure we stay true to the roots of the company. That's really what informs us more than what any of our competitors are doing."
In a second video, Lyft's executives describe the approach of the ad to convey the main point: ride-sharing is the better choice.
Lyft has had fun with other YouTube videos. Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice picks up a few people and chats them up, but he says, "I'm not really into sports." Before he reveals his true identity, he stops the car to stretch, take a nap, and dance with a few people. Racecar driver Danica Patrick also makes an appearance as a Lyft driver-a fast one.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your view of the commercial? Do you find it as entertaining as the Lyft executives intended?
- What makes the commercial memorable?
Personality and Grammar
A PLOS One study tells us that people who are less agreeable, according to a Big Five Personality assessment, judge paragraphs with typos and grammatical errors more harshly. Researchers at The University of Michigan asked 80 participants to take the personality test and then respond to a paragraph that had two typos and two grammatical errors.
According to the authors,
"Summarizing the results, three out of the Big Five personality traits interacted with only one type of error, either grammos (agreeability) or typos (openness, conscientiousness). One trait (extraversion) interacted with both types of errors, and one trait (neuroticism) interacted with neither. This pattern is consistent with our speculation that typos and grammos carry different evaluative weight and potentially different social meanings."
The results aren't as interesting to me as how the study is getting spun. The article is appropriately titled: "If You're House Is Still Available, Send Me an Email: Personality Influences Reactions to Written Errors in Email Messages." However, a Mashable article reads, "People obsessed with grammar aren't as nice as everybody else, study suggests."
This seems to be a bold conclusion: is identifying four mistakes in a short paragraph considered an obsession? In answering the questions about the writer, shown here, I'm not sure how the respondents could be called obsessive.
Discussion Starters:
- Do I sound defensive? I am, but do I have a point?
- Do the study results surprise you? Read more detail about the influence of the five personality types in the PLOS One article.
Did Airbnb Depress Hotel Rates?
For the first time, I've seen a claim that Airbnb has affected hotel rates in New York City. A New York Post article, "Airbnb's cheap rates hurt Big Apple hotels big time," says that it's 1.7% less expensive to stay in a hotel in NYC this year than it was last year. Hotel stake owner Richard Born says, "If Airbnb were to go away, room rates would go up by 15 percent."
Students may see this as a single-cause fallacy, and they may be right: new hotel development added 30,000 rooms to the city this year. But Mark VanStekelenburg, managing director of CBRE Hotels, points to Airbnb's $80-per-room average rate and says that Airbnb rooms "account for" between 12 and 20% of all hotel rooms.
Born also says, "Anyone who says Airbnb is not affecting NYC hotels is an idiot or hired by Airbnb to say that."
Discussion Starters:
- Do you believe that Airbnb is to blame for declining NYC hotel rates? Why or why not?
- What are the implications either way? How, if at all, should Airbnb respond to these accusations?
Layoffs at Intel
'Tis the week of layoffs. Intel is cutting 12,000 jobs, and Nordstrom is cutting about 400. In a press release, Intel explained the rationale:
Intel Announces Restructuring Initiative to Accelerate Transformation
SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 19, 2016 - Intel Corporation today announced a restructuring initiative to accelerate its evolution from a PC company to one that powers the cloud and billions of smart, connected computing devices. Intel will intensify its focus in high-growth areas where it is positioned for long-term leadership, customer value and growth, while making the company more efficient and profitable.
The data center and Internet of Things (IoT) businesses are Intel's primary growth engines, with memory and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) accelerating these opportunities - fueling a virtuous cycle of growth for the company. These growth businesses delivered $2.2 billion in revenue growth last year, and made up 40 percent of revenue and the majority of operating profit, which largely offset the decline in the PC market segment.
The restructuring initiative was outlined in an e-mail from Intel CEO Brian Krzanich to Intel employees.
"Our results over the last year demonstrate a strategy that is working and a solid foundation for growth," said Krzanich. "The opportunity now is to accelerate this momentum and build on our strengths.
"These actions drive long-term change to further establish Intel as the leader for the smart, connected world," he added. "I am confident that we'll emerge as a more productive company with broader reach and sharper execution."
While making the company more efficient, Intel plans to increase investments in the products and technologies that that will fuel revenue growth, and drive more profitable mobile and PC businesses. Through this comprehensive initiative, the company plans to increase investments in its data center, IoT, memory and connectivity businesses, as well as growing client segments such as 2-in-1s, gaming and home gateways.
These changes will result in the reduction of up to 12,000 positions globally -- approximately 11 percent of employees -- by mid-2017 through site consolidations worldwide, a combination of voluntary and involuntary departures, and a re-evaluation of programs. The majority of these actions will be communicated to affected employees over the next 60 days with some actions spanning in to 2017.
Intel expects the program to deliver $750 million in savings this year and annual run rate savings of $1.4 billion by mid-2017. The company will record a one-time charge of approximately $1.2 billion in the second quarter.
Webcast Intel also announced first-quarter 2016 earnings today. The company will discuss the restructuring initiative during the earnings webcast scheduled today at 2:00 pm PDT on its Investor Relations website at www.intc.com. A webcast replay and audio download will also be available on the site.
According to Krzanich, the layoffs will result in "the highest revenue per employee in Intel's history."
For a while in class, I used former Intel CEO Paul Otellini's email announcing layoffs of about 1,000 managers. That seems like child's play now.
Discussion Starters:
- How would you summarize Krzanich's rationale for the layoffs?
- 12,000 is a big number. How well does Krzanich justify the decision? What should be done internally?
Nordstrom: Latest Company Laying Off Employees
Although Nordstrom has been a "Wall Street darling," as a Seattle Times article says, the company has announced layoffs of up to 400 employees. Sales for Nordstrom and discount store Nordstrom Rack are falling. The news comes after 120 technology positions and 14 manager positions were cut earlier this year.
In a press release, the company emphasized keeping up with changing market demand.
A Business Insider article explains the conundrum between facing an American consumer who doesn't want to pay full price and the company's desire to maintain its identify as a high-end retailer. According to one writer, heavy discounting "will ultimately drag everything down with it, including brand image, potentially quality and essentially the value of all things."
Discussion Starters:
- How should Nordstrom deliver the news internally?
- Write an email that the company could send to its employees announcing the decision. Try to adapt the press release to an internal audience.
Verizon CEO Responds to Criticism
A Verizon strike has put the CEO under pressure to explain worker pay and taxes. Employees in two unions have walked out after failed contract negotiations.
In a press release, union leaders from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) explained the reason for the strike, including this quotation from the president:
"No one wants to go on strike, but Verizon-this immensely profitable company-is putting the squeeze on hard-working men and women who just want to come to work, do their jobs and be treated fairly."
Verizon's press release blames the unions for ending negotiations and refusing mediation. The company calls out union leaders for "ignoring today's digital realities" and focuses on the impact of the strike on customers:
"Millions of Americans rely on Verizon for the ability to communicate, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We remain fully prepared to handle any work stoppage so that our products and services will be available where and when our customers need them."
Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has gotten into the fight:
Although CEO Lowell McAdam didn't address his own pay, he did respond to Bernie Sanders in a LinkedIn post. He focused on Verizon's contribution of taxes and employment. Like the press release, McAdam emphasized changing technologies and the need to keep pace.
Discussion Starters:
- Read arguments on both sides. Which are the strongest and weakest? With which do you most agree?
- Assess McAdam's LinkedIn post. How well does he address Sanders' criticism?
Suing Glassdoor for Bad Reviews
In addition to poor customer reviews online, companies are feeling the pinch of negative employee comments, and they're taking action. Glassdoor has been targeted as the largest site for employee reviews about company management, interview processes, benefits, and pay. The site has been issued subpoenas for the names of people who posted views thought to be anonymous.
A lawyer arguing the case against Glassdoor claims, "The right to anonymous speech also extends to the Internet and those constitutional principles [of free speech], but at the same time the Constitution does not protect defamation. It does not protect statements that are false or could give rise to other claims, for example, false light or tortious interference."
At issue is whether comments are true or "maliciously false." If true, comments may be protected, but if they are false, the author may not be protected. The National Labor Relations Board (NLBR) has a role, as I've written about before on BizComintheNews. An attorney James R. Redeker, at Duane Morris explains:
"If an employer tried to take action against an employee who it found published something in either social or public media anonymously-and/or published something that was false and misleading-the NLRB [National Labor Relations Board] general counsel and the board take the position that an employee is entitled to and protected in making statements with regard to the working conditions of their employer."
Glassdoor has refused hundreds of employers' requests for content to be removed and for identities to be revealed. The company argues, "Glassdoor is an anonymous community and we will vigorously fight on behalf of our users to protect their identities and right to free speech, provided they adhere to our community guidelines and terms of service."
Discussion Starters:
- What is an employee's responsibility when posting to sites such as Glassdoor?
- Do you agree with Glassdoor's resistance to reveal identities and remove posts? Why or why not?
- The attorney quoted in one of the articles said that companies can respond to comments online, but "...that's very unsatisfying. And sometimes it exacerbates the problem." What's your view? That's certainly how companies manage customer comments. How might this differ?
Illinois College Bans Yik Yak
Illinois College President Barbara Farley made the tough call to block students from using the app Yik Yak. Posts are anonymous and can be seen by location. The app is notorious for attracting mean and sometimes racist comments, which has caused complaints by students and faculty. At Illinois College, the Student Senate, Black Student Union, and faculty members have been particularly vocal about Yik Yak problems.
Students joke that the ban isn't really a ban at all because they can continue to access the app through their data plans. Although a handful of universities have banned the app, others refuse, partly for this reason. According to the vice president for student affairs at Duke University, "Since it can always be accessed via cell signal, no institution could truly eliminate it from their campus. For any institution to seek to silence it plays right into [Yik Yak's] hands...since what they seek is notoriety."
Several feminist and civil rights groups have urged the Department of Education to take action against Yik Yak. However, a Slate writer also argues that Yik Yak is helpful to students adjusting to college and struggling with mental illness. She says a university ban hurts some of the students they are trying to protect.
Discussion Starters:
- What's your opinion of Yik Yak: is it more helpful to students or harmful?
- How do you use the app?
- Should universities ban the app? What are the considerations and possible consequences?
Is Amy Schumer "Plus-Size"?
Comedian Amy Schumer isn't happy about being featured on Glamour magazine's plus-size issue. Schumer was listed on the cover, without her permission or knowledge, along with Melissa McCarthy, Adele, and Ashley Graham. One concern is whether women Schumer's size are considered plus-size: does this give young girls a misperception about their own bodies?
Glamour's editor-in-chief Cindi Leive appeared on Nightline and responded to the criticism:
"I'm certainly sorry that she didn't like being named on the cover, and I'm sorry that she wishes her piece hadn't been included," she said, "but I'm confident that the message of the issue, which is there are great clothes out there for all of us, is one that will resonate with our readers."
"I don't believe that Amy Schumer is plus-size. That's not a term that I love but it's very clear that she's not what people mean when they say plus-size. But that wasn't the intent at all. The cover line says "Women Who Inspire Us," and we felt the audience for this special edition would be inspired by her completely hilarious and constant, consistent message of body positivity."
Asked about the Twitter war with Schumer, Leive said, "No one can out tweet Amy."
Discussion Starters:
- What's your reaction to Schumer's perspective?
- Should Glamour have done anything differently in putting together this magazine issue?
- How well did Leive handle the situation?
Marriott + Starwood Announcements
After some flirting with Anbang Insurance, Starwood has accepted Marriott's revised acquisition bid. Several major communications were published this week:
- Press release to announce the merger
- Shareholder update on a new Starwood landing page
- "4 Things to Know" article by Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson
- Email to Starwood associates from Arne Sorenson (shown here)
- Email to Starwood associates from Starwood CEO Tom Mangas
- Email to Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members
- Email to Marriott Rewards members
The internal messages link to additional content: a video message on the Starwood intranet and a poll for employees to name the new, combined program for discounted hotel rates. For Starwood associates, "HOT Rates" current offers good deals on stays around the world; employees may be excited about more possibilities, yet worried that the benefit won't be as generous.
Bill Marriott hasn't updated his blog as of this writing. I'm sure it's coming soon.
Discussion Starters:
- Identify the primary and secondary audiences for each communication. Next, analyze the primary audience using principles from Chapter 4 in the book.
- Assess all of the communications here. What's written, and what's left unsaid?
- What are the key messages you take from these communications?
Brief Conversations Change Opinions
A retracted study is getting new life. Researcher Michael J. LaCour had published a widely cited political science study in Science, claiming that short conversations changed people's minds about gay marriage. However, two scientists, wanting to replicate his work, found problems and published in a paper, "Irregularities in LaCour."
Although the issues stand, those who fought to get the study retracted have since been able to replicate some important findings, after all. The new study focuses on attitudes about transgender people:
...well-trained canvassers walked around Miami neighborhoods, knocking on doors and having 10-minute conversations with voters about legal discrimination against transgender people. The activists showed the residents a brief video describing both sides of the debate, encouraged them to talk about their personal experiences of prejudice, and asked where they stood on the issue. The researchers surveyed the same residents three days later, three weeks later, six weeks later, and three months later to see how their convictions had changed.
About 10 percent of respondents expressed more-positive feelings toward transgender people after talking to canvassers. Those changes in attitude were substantial, and they held up through the follow-up surveys. Both transgender and nontransgender canvassers were able to change minds - a difference from Mr. LaCour and Mr. Green's retracted study, which claimed that voters had found gay canvassers more persuasive on gay rights.
Discussion Starters:
- What does the situation tell us about research and publications?
- What are the implications of this study for other political issues and persuasive arguments?
- These conversations included a 55-second video. To what extent do you think this video affected attitudes?
WhatsApp Announces End-to-End Encryption
Facebook-owned WhatsApp has announced end-to-end encryption, promising users more privacy. The news follows the recent debate between Apple and the FBI, which wanted to access iPhones of those involved in the San Bernardino terrorist shooting.
In a blog post, WhatsApp co-founders describe the new technology. The post continues after the excerpt here: "The idea is simple: when you send a message, the only person who can read it is the person or group chat that you send that message to. No one can see inside that message. Not cybercriminals. Not hackers. Not oppressive regimes. Not even us. End-to-end encryption helps make communication via WhatsApp private – sort of like a face-to-face conversation." The notice links to a description of the security features.
PR Daily comments on the political implications of the technology and announcement:
As you can imagine, this will do nothing to foster good will in the already tenuous relationship between the United States government, which would seemingly prefer to be able to see everyone's data all the time, and tech companies in Silicon Valley, which are receiving increasing user demands for more privacy and security.
Discussion Starters:
- Assess the founders' blog post: the organization, word choice, and so on. What makes this a persuasive message? Where does it fall short?
- Although the company ensures security, the system isn't foolproof. What are some ways that people other than the recipients might see a message?
Students Remember More with Handwritten Notes
A Wall Street Journal report discusses several studies that encourage handwritten instead of typed notes. In one study, students watched a PowerPoint presentation and took notes one of the two ways. After the lecture, students who had taken notes on their laptop had done slightly better in "recalling facts"; however, longer term, after the opportunity to review their notes, students who had handwritten their notes performed better. This group's notes were longer and included images, which could have contributed to their more robust responses. According to one researcher, the hand writers have an advantage to "grasp ideas" and "hold onto new concepts."
The actual writing process doesn't seem to be at play; instead, it's about the "focused attention that handwriting requires." Also, handwriting is slower, which makes the note-taking process more intentional.
Other research supports laptop bans in classrooms. One study found that "students with open laptops remembered less lecture content than those with closed laptops." Several faculty have made the decision for this reason and because of other distractions. An assistant professor at Columbia University cited more reasons in a Washington Post op-ed about his decision to ban laptops:
- Since most students can type very quickly, laptops encourage them to copy down nearly everything said in the classroom. But when students stare at the screen of their laptops, something is lost. The students shift from being intellectuals, listening to one another, to being customer-service representatives, taking down orders. Class is supposed to be a conversation, not an exercise in dictation.
- Clay Shirky, a professor at New York Univeristy, recently asked his students to stop using laptops in class. Another recent study convinced him to do so. The title: "Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users and nearby peers." A research team in Canada found that laptops in the classroom distracted not only the students who used them, but also students who sat nearby. Meaning, not only do the laptop-using students end up staring at Facebook, but the students behind them do, as well.
Discussion Starters:
- How do you prefer to take notes? Does this research influence your process?
- What about this research rings true for you, and what aspects do you question?
Emory Chalk Writing About Trump: Free Speech or Intimidation?
Emory students and administrators are debating whether chalkings on campus about Donald Trump are appropriate. In a letter to the school community, President James Wagner discussed both sides of the argument:
Dear Emory Community,
Yesterday I received a visit from 40 to 50 student protesters upset by the unexpected chalkings on campus sidewalks and some buildings yesterday morning, in this case referencing Donald Trump. The students shared with me their concern that these messages were meant to intimidate rather than merely to advocate for a particular candidate, having appeared outside of the context of a Georgia election or campus campaign activity. During our conversation, they voiced their genuine concern and pain in the face of this perceived intimidation.
After meeting with our students, I cannot dismiss their expression of feelings and concern as motivated only by political preference or over-sensitivity. Instead, the students with whom I spoke heard a message, not about political process or candidate choice, but instead about values regarding diversity and respect that clash with Emory's own.
As an academic community, we must value and encourage the expression of ideas, vigorous debate, speech, dissent, and protest. At the same time, our commitment to respect, civility, and inclusion calls us to provide a safe environment that inspires and supports courageous inquiry. It is important that we recognize, listen to, and honor the concerns of these students, as well as faculty and staff who may feel similarly. . . .
The letter goes on to identify actions the university will take, including clarifying policies and providing more opportunities for dialogue. The president also chalked a message of his own, shown here.
In related news, a Chronicle story reports the results of a Gallup survey about students' view of free speech on campus:
Nearly half of college students believe in curtailing the news media's access to campus events in certain scenarios, such as when protesters want to be left alone (48 percent), when they believe a reporter will be biased (49 percent), and when they want to tell the story themselves on social media (44 percent), a new Gallup survey has found.
At the same time,
While more than 75 percent of students believe colleges should expose students to all types of speech and viewpoints, a majority of students believe campus climates prevent people from saying what they believe out of fears of offending others.
Discussion Starters:
- Describe both sides of the issue in this situation. Image you're a student on either side of the argument: defend your position.
- How well did President Wagner's letter address the controversy?
Amtrak Response to Crash
Once again, a rail crash brings mostly service updates-no apologies on its website and in the press. An Amtrak train struck maintenance equipment in Chester, Philadelphia, killing two maintenance workers and injuring 34 passengers and an engineer. The derailment disabled the internal communication system, so passengers in some cars didn't receive information for a half-hour after the accident.
According to a Reuters report, Amtrak has little to say:
Amtrak spokesman Mike Tolbert said the railroad was operating its normal schedule of train service along the busy Northeast rail corridor on Monday. He referred all other questions to the NTSB, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
As usual, the railroad's website is focused on service updates with nothing in the way of an apology. The "News Release" page shows two posts, one announcing the service disruption and another announcing the restoration plan. This was also the case in a Metro-North derailment in 2013 that killed 4 people.
Likewise, the Amtrak Facebook page gives only service updates.
To find an apology, we need to go to back to a 2015 crash. At the time, Amtrak's Facebook page did express some sentiment, although it repeats in subsequent posts, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of life." The second post conveys the message well:
As always, our first concern is taking care of our customers and employees. We have established a Family Assistance Center in Philadelphia to work closely with the family of passengers and crew on the train. Family members are encouraged to call the Amtrak Incident Hotline (800-523-9101) with questions about individuals on the train. For our employees, the Amtrak Employee Assistance Program is staffed with trained counselors to support our employees and co-workers.
UPDATE: Finally, an apology on the Facebook page. Still nothing on the website.
Discussion Starters:
- What could explain the lack of apology? What, if anything, is different between this incident and 2015?
- How can Amtrak balance service updates and empathy? What should the organization post where?
"Brooklyn Bernie" Tweets
A New York Times article touts Bernie Sanders' Twitter approach, including a ghost tweeter. Twenty-seven-year-old Hector Sigala, Sander's digital media director, tweets anything potentially newsworthy as it happens.
If numbers matter, the article reports a comparison between the Democratic frontrunners:
Sanders has close to 2 million followers on his Twitter campaign account and has tweeted nearly 8,000 times. His opponent, Hillary Clinton, has tweeted less, 5,000 times, but she has nearly 6 million followers.
Sanders, however, has an edge because his tweets are much more personalized than Clinton's, say some social media strategy experts.
"He's been able to really resonate with (different groups) and connect with them on a level that many other candidates have not been able to do," said marketing consultant and social media strategy specialist Dr. Kay Green.
Although Sigala is proud of increasing Sanders' followers from 50,000 to almost 2 million, he is more focused on how tweets perform and has learned a few things:
"We have got to" do something will do significantly worse than a tweet reading "We gotta."
"That's because it sounds like Brooklyn Bernie," Sigala said with a laugh.
This one was retweeted 2.4 thousand times and liked 7.2 thousand times. Not too shabby.
Discussion Starters:
- What makes a good campaign tweet? What principles do we know about social media posts that will help your response?
- How do numbers of social media likes and followers measure outcomes, and how do they fall short? What are the best measures of social media posts?
Former Trump Communications Director Quits and Reveals Strategy
So much for loyalty. A communication director for Trump's Make America Great Again Super PAC has quit the campaign and written an open letter about her experience. Most significant, Stephanie Cegielski says that Trump wanted to hit double digits and perhaps hit second place, but he never wanted to nor expected to be in the lead.
In her letter, Cegielski wrote, "His candidacy was a protest candidacy," and she describes her history:
"Almost a year ago, recruited for my public relations and public policy expertise, I sat in Trump Tower being told that the goal was to get The Donald to poll in double digits and come in second in delegate count. That was it."
She describes her initial excitement representing an alternative candidate but writes, "It wasn't long before every day I awoke to a buzzing phone and a shaking head because Trump had said something politically incorrect the night before. I have been around politics long enough to know that the other side will pounce on any and every opportunity to smear a candidate."
Cegielski, like many, was surprised at his continuing success. She eventually got disillusioned and now fears a possible win:
"What was once Trump's desire to rank second place to send a message to America and to increase his power as a businessman has nightmarishly morphed into a charade that is poised to do irreparable damage to this country if we do not stop this campaign in its tracks.
"I'll say it again: Trump never intended to be the candidate. But his pride is too out of control to stop him now."
Cegielski's credibility is at stake. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal haven't taken up the story, and a Washington Post writer calls the article a successful "exercise in reputation management."
Discussion Starters:
- Read Cegielski's entire open letter. How do you assess her credibility? Consider The Washington Post perspective. Part of the writer's criticism is "She was literally the P.R. person for the Public Relations Society of America," and she "took a position teaching a class at New York University's School of Professional Studies" on Reputation Management.
- What, if any, loyalty does Cegielski have to Donald Trump and his campaign?
Soccer Salary Differential Charts
Five members of the U.S. Women's National Team filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) citing pay discrimination based on sex. Business Insider created a few simple bar charts to show striking comparisons.
This one, and the others, are clear and simple, highlighting that the women's complaint may be justified. In the article, Business Insider uses strong language to describe the differences:
- "...a closer look at the differences in pay between the men and women reveals a disparity that is jarring."
- "While it [per diem pay] is the smallest form of compensation, the difference between the men and women is arguably the most jaw-dropping."
In the four charts, consistency helps the viewer get the message quickly. All show men and then women on the x axis and use only two or three colors.
Discussion Starters:
- What principles of visual communication do these charts follow? How could they be improved?
- Read the women's complaint. From the data presented, what other charts could complement the message? Consider pie charts or more creative visuals such as infographics.
Harsh Rejection Letters
Business Insider has gathered a fun lot of rejection letters to people who went on to have successful careers. One, to Andy Warhol, appears in Chapter 8 of the text book; others are to Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowlings and movie director Tim Burton.
Many are harsh. Forget about a "buffer" and letting the receiver down gracefully. The one shown here, about fantasy writer Ursula Le Guin's novel, starts with a short compliment, and then doesn't mince words. A letter to Gertrude Stein mocks her book: "Hardly one copy would sell here. Hardly one. Hardly one."
Some, although tough, probably gave good advice. A letter to comic book artist Jim Lee told him, "Your work looks as if it were done by four different people," and explains which parts were best and what he should work on: "Resubmit when your work is consistent and when you learn to draw hands." The artist agreed with the rejection.
Specific feedback is best, but it doesn't have to cut to the bone.
Discussion Starters:
- How do these examples differ from business rejections today? Why do think there is a difference? Consider the era and industry.
- What is the harshest rejection you have received? How did you react, and what did you learn from it?
Bad Data Almost Makes a Documentary
A study had found a link between autism and the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, but the article, published in 1998 in the British medical journal The Lancet, was retracted in 2010. The article caused parents not to vaccinate their children and, as a result, a rise in measles in Britain and the United States. This situation was used as an example of bad data in Chapter 9 of the text book.
Although the study author, Andrew Wakefield, has had his medical license revoked because of financial and ethical violations, he recently directed and wrote a documentary, "Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe," which was to play at the Tribeca Film Festival.
In a New York Times article, a doctor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine discredited Wakefield's work as a documentary film:
"It gave these fraudulent ideas a face and a position and an energy that many of us thought they didn't deserve. We're all for ongoing reasonable debate and discussion, but these are ideas that have been proven to be incorrect many, many, many times over the past 15 years."
The film has been pulled, with festival founder Robert De Niro explaining, "My intent in screening this film was to provide an opportunity for conversation around an issue that is deeply personal to me and my family. But after reviewing it over the past few days with the Tribeca Film Festival team and others from the scientific community, we do not believe it contributes to or furthers the discussion I had hoped for."
Discussion Starters:
- Did the film festival make the right decision? What are the consequences?
- What are the implications of this situation for business communicators researching and writing reports?