Posts Tagged ‘elections’

2008 Primaries, wispundits • April 1st, 2008

How to avoid online hucksters

by Chris Lato

The Harvard Business School has some thoughts on how to avoid being taken to the cleaners by unscrupulous internet advertising types.

Stories like this confirm my worst fears about how the internet is still in many ways like the Wild West. There are plenty of ways to get ripped off. Online advertising is remarkably similar to most aspects of a political or public affairs campaign, in which candidates take a leap of faith – trusting a host of outside vendors to do very important campaign work perfectly.

And these things cut both ways – countless campaigns sign contracts agreeing to pay vendors, then – lo and behold – the payment either shows up very late, or not at all.

There are ways for candidates and campaigns to avoid problems with online advertisers, multiple vendors, and the resulting confusion and headaches – find a reputable agency skilled in handling all aspects of marketing communications (such as this one). Then the game can focus on strategy instead of worrying about the leap of faith. There is a lot to be said for an agency that not only knows political/public affairs campaigns, but also has a strong handle on branding products, services and, yes, candidates and issues.

OK, my pitch is over. Just one more thing, and no April Foolin’. Today is Election Day, so don’t forget to vote. If nothing else, it will mean an end to the Gableman-Butler Supreme Court airwave war.

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Views on News • February 19th, 2008

Wow

by Chris Lato

Oh my. I will say this: members of Congress really ought to know better.

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