One of the most interesting side effects of my job is that my child-like wonder with the world around me is rapidly diminishing. I am skeptical of pretty much everything.
For example, the entire time I was pregnant I REFUSED to get the H1N1 vaccine - because really, all the news stories covering the vaccine and the flu just seemed, hmmm, poorly orchestrated. They sounded like spin. They sounded like company message. And as a proud author of company message, I was bothered by the way they rolled out their 'life saving' campaign.
I have had countless conversations with my husband (who cannot even feign interest) in why some commercial or social media campaign is stupid - why they did it wrong, why it bugs me, how I would have done things differently. He nods along and as quickly as he can fast forwards through the commercials so as not to have to listen to me drone on about how asinine it is that the beginning of that anti-aging commercial says, "We didn't see this coming, but women picked us as the number one anti-aging skin product." You were shocked, you say? Why? Because you honestly kind of thought your product was crap?
Anyway, my last safe haven was the Food Network. I don't really watch much TV, but I can always have food television on as my white noise - I mean, I prefer the ACTUAL cooking shows more than the filler shows, and don't get me started on Food Network Challenge, I really can't handle that - but for the most part, everything on good ole' channel 32 makes me happy. But yesterday, I was watching this show called, "Kid in a Candy Store" which is supposed to be this random host roaming America finding unique desserts and candies. They highlighted pretzel M&Ms. I could see in my head the initial pitch the minute the segment started. I could visualize the PR team sitting around talking about how to better publicize the new flavors they were introducing. I could hear the little AAE saying, "Food Network has a call out for interesting desserts - I bet if we let them film the inside of the factory, we could be part of this show." And how unique are chocolate covered pretzels? UGH. Totally ruined.
Let me just say I can sympathize with reporters who want to speak directly with the source and have little use for me. I know I am a good guy, but I can see how they have been jaded. It has happened to me too.
