Why Didn't They Ask Me?

News v. Entertainment... A quick take on journalism and PR

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 16:19:00 +0000

Funny - two takes on the same "bit" of news.

One informational, one promotional. Both cover the new trend of NFTs.

One was explantory and educational, if you will...

One never mentioned the technical name of the tradable/investible digital art/clips/memes and, while fun, was more than likely placed by PR...

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/05/973929514/whats-a-non-fungible-token-why-some-collectors-are-spending-millions-them

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/millions-of-dollars-being-spent-on-virtual-nba-moments-possible-future-of-collectibles/

Both interesting, mind you.  But...

#WhenEntertainmentBlursNews  #NPRrocks  

Telling the truth = missed opportunity.

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 19:24:00 +0000

I know I dodged a bullet...

You know, as I watch national events unfold and see how elected officials are responding to it, I’ve been reflecting on an interview I had not so long ago. I was the “first runner up” so to speak. As is often the case, a candidate that didn’t require relo assistance was chosen. And, as is often the case, there’ve been a number of people in the position since. That alone leads me to believe I dodged a bullet.

But, as I pondered the process and tried to pinpoint missteps I may have made during it, I came up with two options. One was that one of the people with whom I did not have a particularly warm or engaging interaction was a key influencer and blackballed me.

The second possibility that I considered and think might have sunk my candidacy occurred over a dinner conversation. The company president asked me if there was anything I wouldn’t PR – so to speak. The leader told me that the agency wouldn’t represent tobacco companies and some other categories I forget, which I found admirable. I thought a moment and mentioned that I would likely not like to work with/for a specific local politician who, even back then, was noted for being particularly incompetent, divisive and, well, useless. I’m not even sure how or why I went down that road. But, I did. I could sense a shift and was told that perhaps that pol would feature an important local commodity board’s product at a campaign gathering and if we represented that commodity, we’d have to show up and PR, PR… That was the end of that part of the conversation and I think, really chilled the rest of the evening.

The next day, the conversations and interviews went swimmingly and I really liked the team and agency leadership – save for that aforementioned influential interviewer – and the space and was truly jazzed about the possibilities. But… well, you know the outcome.

As I reflect, now, I’m happy that I said what I did and I would say it again. I am, and will continue to be, true to myself and my beliefs, despite the potentially detrimental impact to my professional life. No job is worth it. You be you.

Triggers and Forgiveness...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:23:00 +0000

Until my resignation following my brother’s death, I lead North American consumer programs for one of Porter Novelli’s largest clients. This is the agency that brought me to California. This is the agency that allowed me to meet many wonderful colleagues. This is the agency that sharpened my team management and contract negotiation skills. This is the agency that had me on a fast and steep ascension plan. This is the agency that employed people who purposely or inadvertently orchestrated my diminished tenure. This is the agency that purposely orchestrated the diminished tenure of several talented colleagues. I left because I had to. I left because my path would’ve taken me further and further from my gifts and joy. I left because of several old-school, tactless leaders created a hostile work environment. This followed the difficult task of a job practicing public relations in an “integrated marketing” agency (yeah, right) in South Carolina.

Well. I’ve finally let go of the hurt and indignation – for myself and for my colleagues.

This is going to be long post for me. I now understand triggers.

An emotional trigger is an involuntary response to a person, situation, event, conversation, film or TV show, or other content that provokes a visceral emotional reaction. We’re not always aware that we’re being/have been triggered and therefore can react before sorting through our emotional response. Having struggled to find a professional home and having dealt with negative, unsupportive “leaders” more than once in my career, my self confidence was shaky at best. Presenting triggered memories of all the horrible conference calls, meetings {“You’re a Vice President. You figure it out!” during my third week in this important role} and presentations met with scowls, snark and doubt.

Then there were pulses…

Pulses, if you don’t know, are peas, lentils, and beans of all sorts. Having worked on one large commodity board client, getting this an interview for an opportunity for this group went pretty smoothly. So – I headed to Palouse country. An in-person interview brought me to rural northern Idaho.

I thought it went as well as it could have. I was really impressed with the way I presented. I know that sounds odd – because during my tenure at Porter - my immediate boss, his boss and our managing director were all terrible audience participants. Unsupportive, unpleasant and judgmental, they once even surprised the client with their tone and tenor. Presenting with or in front of them damaged my confidence and wrecked my presentation abilities. I don’t know if it’s because I really knew what I was talking about, the fact that I kind of thought “it is what it is,” the fact that theyweren’t involved (the PN folks), or some combo of it all tossed with a dressing of WTF vinaigrette - but I killed in this interview – a setting of farmers and commodity bureaucrats. I was poised, confident, none-too-verbose {a shock to even me!] and really funny. I had them. And - they loved the lentil brownies I baked and brought with me.

What made the difference?

It all stemmed from the demeanor and expression of the organization president and how he was responding to my presentation. At every turn a smile and a nod and a positive energy. What a world of difference that made. It really went along way toward allowing me to focus on questions and my presentation. It allowed me to be me and to deliver what I needed to without second guessing absolutely every syllable and utterance. What a difference it made. That one meeting has stuck with me. While I was not offered the position (I can explain offline some time), I had a great experience and am well prepared for future meetings, presentations and group discussions. I can release the sour previous events and move on.

# # #

Where've I been?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 16:38:00 +0000

You know... I've been Tweeting pretty regularly - but have diminished capacity to write longer form pieces for my blog.

I hope to reengage and start posting again.

Goodness knows there's plenty to talk about.

Stay tuned!

A little spicy safari - another Cheap Treat!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 17:01:00 +0000

As one Facebook friend put it, "my culinary safari..."

Here's a simple one:

got some reduced price smoked mozzarella at Murray's Cheese (@ Ralph's)

MMMM...

some green onion, chopped cherry tomatoes and spinach and I made some chipotle mayo with the adobo sauce from the canned chipotles (chopped them up and added them to the salad as you see above).

Made a smoked mozzarella pasta salad.

Yum.

Walk the walk? HA!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 00:56:00 +0000

Bitsy Bitterman here... Just reporting my utter exhaustion at clever companies posting cutesy things that completely belie their behavior. SO many communications firms

are SO bad at communicating. Damn.

Don't say it if you don't mean it. Answer your Email.

The [PR] Sky is Falling! The [PR] Sky is Falling!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 23:53:00 +0000

YAWN!

Another "traditional PR is dead" article.

More "disruption" and "digital" this and that when the firms are either "new offerings" from old-school (REALLY OLD SCHOOL - looking at you Edelman) agencies or big corporate holding companies.

Has the conversation changed? Are there new channels and means of engaging publics? Yes and yes. Has marketing and packaging blurred into communications (and should it)? Yes.

So... Keep looking forward. Keep innovating. Keep engaging.

KEEP STORYTELLING AND CARRY ON.

ADDENDUM - 08/18 - another new article just trumped that "Marketing is dead." So many disciplines. So dead. So hilarious. And so it goes...

Just a nibble...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 23:47:00 +0000

Need a little nibble for the afternoon.

Kroger has added outposts of New York's Murray's Cheese Shop to many of their stores. Not only do they have informed cheesemongers and conduct active sampling, they have little milk cratey

bins for bits of cheese that are less than $5.

This is a great way to try an unknown variety and a great way to have a snazzy snack. Today, for example, I grabbed a little roll (treated it like a mini baguette) for 50 cents and a wedge of a sassy goat

gouda and a small chunk of Jarlsberg.

All told, this delicious little cheap treat came in under $6.

An affordable way to start the day...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 18:28:00 +0000

I've decided that as I trudge through these challenging times I'll share some little tips or treats that lift my spirit without reaching too far into my pocket (though that could also lift my spirits - if you will).

Today's treat is a fun morning sip.

Iced Mocha. Big deal, right? Well - here's what I discovered. Steep 18 aseptic box of cold brew Arabica coffee for 99 cents (from the 99 Cent Plus store). Add a bit of milk of choice - mine is 2% from Aldi - and a squirt of Nesquik syrup - also from the 99 Cent Plus store - to a cocktail shaker. Shake it vigorously. Pour the nicely foamed chocolatey milk over the iced cold brew for a neat start to the morning. Cheers!

No - it's not Intelligentsia and Mast Brothers - but - it's tasty and starts the day off right.

Stay tuned for more spirit lifting and taste bud pleasing ideas to come…

I'm Back!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 20:21:00 +0000

Able to log in and ready to write again!
How exciting!

Stay tuned.

Cheers,

Michael

Service with a shrug© The tale of the cranky card shop curmudgeon

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sat, 02 May 2015 18:18:00 +0000

Well…

I didn't set out to snap at anyone. I popped into a local card emporium. Seeking a vintage PS post card for a friend. When I asked… well - that's when it all went to hell. "WE'RE NOT A SOUVENIR SHOP!" was the answer I got kind of barked at me.

I, regrettably, snapped back "I know you're not a souvenir shop. I just thought that you might have postcards since you carry so many greeting cards and stationery items." I was told, TOLD, to go across the street to a PS novelty shop for postcards, which I proceeded to do with haste.

Here's the problem… Your shop is named Greetings. It's a card shop. A greeting card shop. 1000s of fun and serious and inane and elegant cards and all kinds of (as Mom would say) shittery. Telling me that you get asked for postcards 100s of times each day does not excuse your snappy response and unpleasant expression.

A card shop that's asked 100s of times per day if they have postcards - may just want to add a few postcards to the collection of chandeliers, Big Penis books, fart-in-a-jar, menopause kits, clocks, CDs, mints, etc… OR - at least exhibit the polite tone and demeanor of a shop keep. Not someone exasperated and put upon by a simple question regardless of how many times you it has to be answered.

Most importantly. I am a local. I live here 12 months - not just season. Season is over. Think.

Or - I'll just remember to skip this shop and bring ALL my business to JustFabulous down the street - where the folks are always gracious and helpful. Service with a shrug© indeed!

POSTSCRIPT:

Don't make 'em like they used to...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 17:21:00 +0000

Oh my goodness…

How cool is this?

LOVE all the secret bars, desks and cubbies...

EVEN a picnic table [bar] with stools. The backseat even folds down for utility. Seriously. Posh - but obviously meant to be a workhorse.

FUN! Clever. The name is just so, so! The Countryman by Radford.

I mean?!?

now - that's a cupholder!

mobile office…

cocktails? charcuterie?

What I would've said...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 19:29:00 +0000

To the careless, rushing drivers too busy to stop for a moment to allow an old lady to cross a crazy 6-lane road today.

Especially to the one who almost rear-ended me and the jerk in the Volvo convertible who saw the old woman and what I was trying to do (let her safely cross the street) and just blew through - I would've said…

I hope that when you're moving slowing in your dotage and you're making your way to the clinic or pharmacy or grocery store or bridge club or Xbox match, that drivers are kinder and more considerate of you than you were of this woman today.

OH what a night… Great way to kick off Modernism courtesy of Traditional Home

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 19:33:00 +0000

Such a fun evening. Cool, breezy, stylish and easy.

A fine welcome home.

Nothing like an uplit palm!

I want to go to there. And dine there with neat designer Nancy Price.

Fixture detail

Serene master… and master patio

Swellegant soiree all around.
Check it out: http://www.thechristopherkennedycompound.com
and
http://www.traditionalhome.com

AND - on the same evening… another farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 17:19:00 +0000

I don't know how to explain how this made me feel. At once wistful and inspired. He's a cool character and this is just really, really neat. Somehow freeing.

http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_late_show/video/iOC5ZHQpmJjMmvesejSyF0wwKZLeExYX/the-late-late-show-12-19-2014/

- only have to watch through, ironically, 4 mins. 20 sec.

He also has a really cool voice.

End of an era… Sad to see this Christmas tradition go...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:52:00 +0000

Wonderful Christmas tradition… a behind the scenes look and a bit heartbreaking at the same time. http://www.cbsnews.com/…/darlene-loves-final-late-show-chr…/ Yep. Teared up for sure.

Sigh.

Cheers to Target… A few entertaining things that caught my eye.

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 17:10:00 +0000

Leave it to the red bullseye to quietly offer surprisingly stylish accessories for home entertaining…

There - on the back (usually clearance) end caps were several amazing finds. The bar cart was on the main aisle - but sort of plopped down with some nice looking mid-mod chairs. Not the compelling visual story they deserved - but - still caught my eye as I am certifiably mad for bar carts these days.

Copper. Trend. Sharp. Yes, thank you.

Take a look at these cool finds…

Gotta love a fun paper clip!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 15:52:00 +0000

FUN!

Keeping us jittery...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 15:48:00 +0000

Here’s a brief recap of today’s headlines or why I generally avoid broadcast news…

Panic, panic, panic, terror, cancer, cancer, fat, fat, left, right, blame, blame, extreme weather, extreme sports salaries, extreme sports crime, panic, panic, panic, financial doom, someone saves a _______ [insert puppy, deer, baby, hedgehog, bridge, park…].

Monty Burns has no friends… a lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 16:33:00 +0000

"Monty Burns has no friends."

Great life, retailing and PR lessons from a grocery debacle in New England

People first.

Profit second.

Always wins.

sometimes disappointing when you expect more from folks...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 21:23:00 +0000

Not that I still want to…

and - the process was schizo...

but - I am somehow irked that it's moving forward - with a VERY similar concept [and vaguely similar aesthetic] to foodshop - in the space they directed me to work with - however - they've now doubled the size, taking over an adjacent space that was originally unavailable.

from the Downtown Project update:
The Market
Location: 611 Fremont Street
Status: under construction
Projected Completion Date: August 2014Market offering prepared foods, wine, fresh produce, and a variety of grocery and sundry items at varying price points. The Market will also offer a hot bar, salad bar, prepackaged hot meals, a coffee bar, and beer growlers to go.

and

http://www.vegasinc.com/business/real-estate/2014/mar/04/joe-downtown-east-fremont-getting-its-grocery-stor/
I am disappointed in the way they operate...

Wonder if this concept would work in Palm Springs?!

my vision...

BAKO BITS – my intriguing day in Bakersfield

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:29:00 +0000

I have meant to post this tale of a day-trip adventure to the agricenter of our state when I lived in West Hollywood… It was a fun day.

As we headed up the 5 [why are all our highways “the” something. Is it because their lore and traffic is so legendary that it has to be THE 405 – not just 405? Anyway – another topic for another day] – my friend Kristen repeated the question – Bakersfield? Really? The little gems that we kept uncovering in this San Joaquin Valley metro of nearly 840,000 people were as fun as they were surprising. Here – for your enjoyment are the highlights…

See

-The Bakersfield Sign – An iconic arch that’s part of the city’s fabric

-Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace – Yep. His music hall and they serve Dwight Yoakam’s Baby Back Ribs. That's disturbing.

-Meadows Field – Those of you who know me – know that I’m obsessed with airports and how they’re part of a community and how they represent the community. I have to say Bakersfield’s Meadows Field is spiffy, has a great aeronautical art collection – and for a small metro between two large metros (SFO/LAX), has decent non-stop destinations.

-Bakersfield Museum of Art – Cool architecture, a serious collection and curated exhibits. My guess is that this is a hidden gem.

-Central Park at Mill Creek and the Walk – Part of the effort to revive downtown Bakersfield includes a pretty, pleasant 1.5 mile walking park along the city’s Mill Creek that culminates in Central Park – including a covered bridge, WiFi and a large collection of Kern River river boulders.

-Mid-Century – Apparently – there’s a neighborhood full of mid-century gems. I haven’t found it yet. Will check on my next visit!

Stay

-Hotel Padre – historic, stylish and probably the cornerstone of the downtown renaissance – this swanky boutique hotel has several food and cocktail options and pretty rooms. It’s a great home base if you’re making your day trip and overnighter to allow for cocktailing!

Sup

-Muertos – Popcorn Pork and margaritas – um – OK… Cool lofty space on Wall Street.

-Smith’s Bakery – Local favorite. Vintage. Yummy treats.

-Dagny’s Coffee Co. – local fave. Local java spot. Nice.

-Belvedere Room – really stylish dining room at the Padre. A great menu and lots of peacock velvet button-tufting to boot!

Shop

-19^th Street Antique Shops – a whole slew of shops between Eye Street and Mill Creek.

-Look for the Woolworth’s on 19^th Street and check it out – it’s an antique mall with an intact, operating LUNCHEONETTE! So neat and, well, tasty!

Sip

-The roof bar at the Hotel Padre [noted above] is a nifty, stylish spot for a sip and chat – Prairie Fire has cabanas and fire pits and is a comfy spot under the sun and stars.

-On historic Wall Street – a hidden alley full of surprises - is a superb art deco bar called Guthrie’s Alley Cat.

This hip, rough and tumble tavern is home to an amazing celebrity caricature mural created by the legendary Al Hirschfeld. Well-priced cocktails and a chill vibe make it a great spot to hang (and play pool).

-The Mint is one of Bakersfield’s true alternative spots – in the middle of the 19^th Street Antique shops. Cool bartenders, a patio and reasonable sips – make it a comfortable, welcoming spot.

It’s not Big Sur or Barcelona and a little more conservative than I’d like – but, at the end of the day, it was a surprise just how much there was to see and do. And – we didn’t even delve into the areas rich agricultural activity – with chances for both shopping and touring. The Bakersfield area is home to great natural beauty along the Kern River and abundant produce, including: grapes, citrus, almonds, carrots, alfalfa, cotton, and roses. Next time? A trip to Dewar’s Soda Fountain and Fine Candies and a meal at one of the city’s famous Basque restaurants…

So – while flying over or whizzing by on the freeway [on the way to/from New York, LA or SF] it’s good to remember that there are lively, intriguing little cities that very often fly way under the radar. Bakersfield is one of them.

Palm Springs ist immer voller Überraschungen...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 21:47:00 +0000

Yep. Our metro is an onion. I can't believe that there's always something fun to see when you peel back another layer.

So - walking to morning coffee yesterday and stumbled across Delicatesse. A Euro [officially central European] deli in La Plaza - an historic shopping area downtown.

A Benetton rainbow of partners brings us a neat little shop full of Germanic goodies. Teutonic treats? Yes - my Saturday mocha has been Irished up a little. So?

From uncommon packaged goods and a daily soup to sandwiches [I had pickle loaf and dilled Havarti on German rye with their homemade potato salad - yum!] and such, everything is handy.

Including...

A great cheese case and cooler and an impressive collection of sausages and wursts and slicing meats round out the food selection.

I am not a beer drinker - but there also looked to be some swell brews to try with your sausage, sauerkraut and mustard...

Delicatesse is just 5 days old and is located at

117 La Plaza between Palm and Indian Canyon Drives

in La Plaza in downtown Palm Springs.

'bout time...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 05:00:00 +0000

I'm back.

Happy New Year!

GET YOUR PS ON!

Poirot, Marple, Herald & Linden... a good read

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Duffield) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 16:27:00 +0000

Wow! Intriguing people... a lively setting and a story full of surprising twists and turns.

Reminiscent of my favorite Christie mysteries growing up.

Unexpected developments that all some how add up to an anxious glimpse at several intriguing parts of 1980's Los Angeles life, including peeling back the corner on an aloof, and oft-rumored underworld-ly Korean community.

Janis' wit and celebration of language makes it a smile-inducing read.

Reminds me of my favorite Agatha Christie novels of my youth but in a contemporary setting with people I might know and places I have been...

Compelling. Keeps you reading until the last sentence.

Check it out!