Earlier this week we wondered why PR writing is so horrible. Well, sometimes the pitch can be even worse. Thanks to our friends at the Bad Pitch blog for bringing yet another embarrassing press release to light.
Here it is in all its glory:
Subject line: Mailing Services are a hot trend for printers
Body: Hello! Could you run this in your publication.
Thank,
Celeste
Bad Pitch reports that Celeste CC’d about 90 media outlets. And to make matters worse, she didn’t blind copy them so everyone could see who was on the pitch e-mail. I don't think this pitch will land above the fold of tomorrow's New York Times but still, definitely a big no-no in the PR world.
Celeste, thanks for this gem of a pitch. Or should I say 'thank?'
The full text of the release:
Mailing Services are a hot trend for printers
LOCATION - DATE – CLIENT, known for traditional offset printing continues to grow their business through diversification strategies. Today the company announced the opening of their new mailing and fulfillment division. The new division is fully staffed and operating with state of the art equipment in a dedicated 12,000 sq. ft area.
The complexity of the continually changing U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regulations can make any printer think twice about getting involved in offering mailing services. However, adding mailing services is a hot trend for printers right now as a value-add for customers.
“In the past, providing a one stop resource for our clients was a goal. Today it’s an achievement” says NAME, president of CLIENT. The company is now able to deliver every aspect of projects, saving their clients the hassle of coordinating multiple vendors while improving quality, turnaround times and reducing costly delays.
CLIENT is a privately owned and operated full-service FSC Certified print communications company located in CITY STATE. The companies comprehensive communication services include offset, digital and variable data printing, Personalized web sites (pURL’s), prepress, finishing, inventory, fulfillment programs and mailing services. CLIENT prides itself with a reputation of continually providing their clients with creative solutions, cutting-edge technology and a committed support staff.
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Comments (5)
The grammar... The GRAMMAR!!!
"The companies comprehensive communication services include offset, digital and variable data printing..."
That should be POSSESSIVE! Oh, fer cryin' out loud! I weep for the future.
Oh... and for the record... Having a printer add mailing services is ~nothing~ new! “In the past, providing a one stop resource for our clients was a goal. Today it’s an achievement” LOL! That's like saying, "Look! I can tie my shoe!"
I worked in Direct Mail for years... Hmmm... maybe you should send me the name of this printer. Looks like they could really use my help!
Posted by Lolagrrl | June 12, 2008 9:35 AM
Posted on June 12, 2008 09:35
PR flaks should be required to blog for 10 hours straight for at least two years before they're allowed to write press release copy. Only then will they have figured out what will capture an audience's hotly contested, multimedia-tuned attention span nowadays. (Note how I do not use the word "reader." Considering anyone merely a "reader" in an online environment is akin to thinking John McCain is a soaring orator.
Posted by SpaceyG | June 5, 2008 12:17 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 12:17
Probably an intern.
Posted by nick | June 5, 2008 10:38 AM
Posted on June 5, 2008 10:38
I received a press release yesterday introduced like this:
Subject: press release attached
Body: [empty]
Attachment: [indecipherablefilename.pdf]
And the sender expected coverage? Get a clue!
Posted by Larry Edwards | June 5, 2008 10:25 AM
Posted on June 5, 2008 10:25
UGH!--Always blind copy the reporters. Celeste is responsible for that error. She may not be responsible for the content. Many organizations think anyone can write a release. They also fail to listen to PR people. I have often wondered why companies hire a PR person but do not listen to them.
Since I do know Celeste's background or how much she wrote but the content is pretty bad too.
Posted by Joe Luchok | June 5, 2008 9:32 AM
Posted on June 5, 2008 09:32