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IJ Reilly

macrumors P6
Jul 16, 2002
17,909
1,496
Palookaville
I'm not certain Apple's techniques are unique though. Attentive and borderline manipulative, sure. But not unique.

Ferrari for example. Any press event where their cars are being driven by journalists requires a Ferrari engineer onsite to "calibrate" and monitor the operation of the vehicle before journalists drive it. That's manipulation in favor of a desired PR outcome.

I don't know that a case was necessarily being made for uniqueness, but it is certainly true that Apple is what it is today on account of one highly controlling individual. I am still trying to figure out why some feel that this description of how Apple PR does business is somehow surprising or out of character.
 

Keirasplace

macrumors 601
Aug 6, 2014
4,059
1,278
Montreal
During the "Antennagate" scandal, it occurred to me how the sudden attack, the prepared charges, the attempted definition of a non-problem into a problem, had all the hallmarks of the kind of PR operation that is business as usual in many industries-- and in our politics. Whatever you think about Bergdahl, you should know that it exploded within hours after the release because it was a prepared PR strategy by the former aide to John Bolton.

And no, PR is not news. It's pretty lying. Attempted manipulation of opinion. Within bounds, it's cool. That "Here's to the Crazy Ones" is pretty effective, isn't it? If there was a company, what would you want it to be?

At least the tip to the tech reporter was just, "Hey, look at this." If it happened, print it if you want to.

PR has existed before it was called PR. Feeding info to the vine is a well worn path throughout history. Before the modern medias, you actually used trusted people to do so in person! Still a useful way to reach people these days; though rarely done in person.

Its influence these days is much bigger than it ever has been, because most news organisation have cut their staff, especially experienced editorial staff, to the bone.

Knowledgeable editorial staff in the fields they are reporting on and the standards they uphold is what makes the New York Times different from the quasi blog some former news organisations publish these days.

In smaller organisation, barely massaged PR released are often republished. If you can get AP, Reuters to distribute your PR release (even in massaged form), you are golden. Technology and science info on the wires often are very often PR releases. Those releases then get almost to local newscasts local as interesting fillers.
 

Tsuchiya

macrumors 68020
Jun 7, 2008
2,310
372
Well, that was certainly an interesting read while I had my breakfast this morning :p

Nothing in there really surprises me, though it is a bit disquieting having it confirmed that Apple likes to discredit those who won't toe the line.

I wonder what caused 9to5 to publish? Or what the retribution would be? :eek::eek::eek:
 

blacksurfer

macrumors 6502
Mar 15, 2011
289
103
Let's talk about product placements. Apple has done a great job placing macs and iPhones in popular shows such as True Blood and movies "into the Storm" and others.
 

fr33 loader

macrumors regular
Jul 25, 2007
207
0
Image

If it wasn't clear i thought that was very petty - Apple PR suggesting "news" articles that diss the competitor. The pressure must be immense for them to pull this level on unclassy.

So where are the people bashing Samsung for their mud slinging tactics on their ads. Everybody does it. Apple keeps their hands clean using fanboy "news writers/bloggers" to keep their image clean is of no surprise to me. Difference is, Apple shills are paid with early hands-on of new Apple products as well as possible tidbits of leaks from corporate Apple while Samsung shills are paid with HotPockets. Hypocrites has taken a vacation on this thread.
 

SurfaceAndIPad

macrumors newbie
Aug 29, 2014
11
0
So where are the people bashing Samsung for their mud slinging tactics on their ads. Everybody does it. Apple keeps their hands clean using fanboy "news writers/bloggers" to keep their image clean is of no surprise to me. Difference is, Apple shills are paid with early hands-on of new Apple products as well as possible tidbits of leaks from corporate Apple while Samsung shills are paid with HotPockets. Hypocrites has taken a vacation on this thread.

Samsung ads are one thing because you know it's a Samsung ad... I would place Apple's tactic of shutting out anybody other than a pro-apple outlets from the first run of product reviews as far less "kosher" as far as marketing practices go. Remember, these outlets do not often proclaim to be "fanboys", and someone that happens across their review assumes that they are unbiased. More or less propaganda in my book.

I mean, think of Samsung and Apple as political candidates - which tactic is more underhanded? Attack ads or outright propaganda?
 

parapup

macrumors 65816
Oct 31, 2006
1,291
49
Attack ads *are* outright propaganda :)

Nope. People are starkly aware it's an ad and they even list the sponsors. Reviewers getting preferential treatment don't disclose it and most public assumes they are unbiased/ free of influence. Big difference.
 
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