In essence, Public Relations began as a simple concept. It was originally defined as 'good works well publicized.' You did a good job or provided a good service and your reputation grew. Competitive pressures helped to evolve the practice and profession of public relations as businesses sought to excel against their competitors. The key factor in successful public relations is truth. Lies in PR open the perpetrator to exposure when the truth comes out, as it always does in time.
Over the past twenty years the reputation of public relations itself has come under the spotlight as politicians used techniques associated with public relations to twist the truth and denigrate their opponents. The public became aware that there is a seamier side to PR. Black propaganda is a campaign to demolish a competitor or opponent rather than to enhance one’s own reputation. It is the coward’s way when the perpetrator despairs of producing something worthwhile the public will value sufficiently to vote for or buy.
Originally developed by intelligence services as an aspect of warfare, black propaganda aims to make the enemy government so unpopular with its citizens that the population in that country would rise up and overthrow them. In modern times, it is designed to destroy the reputation of perceived enemies by those who feel they cannot compete fairly and squarely with quality and industriousness. Black propagandists use well worn techniques and there are precise Public Relations techniques for overcoming them.
An even more sinister development, if such were possible, is the use of black propaganda techniques against a section of the people. This is the strategy of the totalitarian who uses the mechanisms of psychological warfare to cause the wider population to hate and fear a minority group within their society. By identifying, targeting, isolating and ostracizing particular sections of the population and inducing a state of paranoia in the public about them, the totalitarian gains control over the hearts and minds of the majority.
At SafePoint we recognize the necessity of dealing with negative perceptions created about our clients. We deal in truth and in overcoming any black propaganda that may be muddying your market or affecting your reputation and image.
What is a Safe Point? A Safe Point in PR terms is being able to produce, market and promote a worthwhile product or activity in relative comfort and safety, and this is what we help you to do.
We are very selective about the accounts we choose to work with and the amount of money we are offered has little to do with the accounts we undertake. Before we take you on we will need to know that you have a worthwhile service or product and that, by enhancing your reputation and promoting your product or service, society or mankind will benefit. Once we know we are happy with you, we use our very best efforts to publicise your excellent product or service.
If you would like to discuss this blog or require more information, give me a call on 01342 323049, or 01342 313836 or my mobile 07941 082694 and we can have a chat and discuss your needs. Alternatively, you can fill in the contact form on this website.
I hope to hear from you soon.
