Me and the Media - Page 4

GWRedDragon · October 30th, 2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdC

"If the family members had died in a fire on the second floor of their home, and his company was selling fire escape ladders instead of shotgun racks, would his press release still be considered in poor taste?"

Absolutely yes, it would be considered bad taste, and probably would've drawn a lot of the same criticism, without the "gun nut" prejudice, of course, and probably not so disproportionate and personal.

+1

cphilip · October 30th, 2008, 08:05 PM

Who was it that said "Any Press is good Press!"

It just could attract some the right attention in purchases. You never know...

The Arverni · October 30th, 2008, 08:05 PM

So ironic and sad, as if the media outlets that maligned you don't make money off the misfortunes of others.

bandit383 · October 30th, 2008, 08:30 PM

There are ambulances chasers all the time advertising...very little difference. I believe the gun population needs to get thicker skin...

Rick

ImChad · October 30th, 2008, 09:09 PM

This isn't an issue of gun grabber vs gun holder. This is an ethics issue. If I'd not read this post from top to bottom, I would have went with my original thought of how sleezy a comment like that is. I understand the purpose, but I'm sure their family didn't. While they're mourning the loss of family, you're peddling something you're selling.

It would be like you dying of aids and me trying to sell super rubbers using you as an example within a couple of hours. Could a super rubber have protected you from getting the aids? Sure, it could have. Do I think your family would want to hear that? Probably not.

Even your page still has a "sell me something" feel to it even still. No offense, because you do seem like a good guy but I think you should make an appology that isn't confrontational on your website addressing this and soon. To me, the fact that you own a website yet you come here and other places to explain seems as though you're trying to drive new sales. The press release was kinda funny in a sad way.

the highlight....

Quote:

Chicago, IL (MMD Newswire) October 28, 2008 -- Tragedy strikes in a Chicago home leaving 3 people dead and an Oscar winner forced to identify the bodies of her family.

Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were gunned down in their home Friday. Could an invaluable device have saved their lives? It's called The BackUp and it is a bedside shotgun rack.

and then you went to the carnie type sales deal. Like a late night infomertial...

Quote:

But now there is a solution.

Like Billy Mays trying to sell off an orange peeler.

I would suggest revising your website, appologizing and laying low for a few days.

Lastly, your own website says "This product is not intended for use in homes with children." and you're suggesting this could have saved three people... in a home with children.

I'm sorry, but this seems like a huge sales pitch in really poor taste and timing. Now that I think about it, it would be like you dying of cancer and me trying to sell you super rubbers. Thats just my opinion though.

SelfDefense · October 30th, 2008, 09:37 PM

I think I heard a radio advertisement for this product on the radio today.

There were no untoward references in the spot (30 seconds, I think) but I wasn't paying much attention. The beginning of the ad was very similar to a local guns shop's ad and was surprised that it wasn't.

Good luck with your business. (Just don't make over $250K/year)

tns0038 · October 31st, 2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip

Who was it that said "Any Press is good Press!"

It just could attract some the right attention in purchases. You never know...

+1

I agree and that’s the way I would take it, because I really don’t care what our main stream national media thinks.

But, it did bring attention to your product

gddyup · October 31st, 2008, 11:54 AM

Was using the issue in good taste or bad? I guess it all comes down to how you feel about it.

My question is this - Will the same people in these blogs and such rise up in admonishment when this same case is brought up to push legislation for gun control?? Doubt it. The next question I think should be asked is if this case can be used to push legislation for gun control that is *suppose* to keep these things from happening again and keep everyone safe at home from these *crazy people with guns* than WHY can it not be used to promote a product that essentially has the same impact??

ajphusker1 · October 31st, 2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SelfDefense

I think I heard a radio advertisement for this product on the radio today.

There were no untoward references in the spot (30 seconds, I think) but I wasn't paying much attention. The beginning of the ad was very similar to a local guns shop's ad and was surprised that it wasn't.

Good luck with your business. (Just don't make over $250K/year)

We do not do radio advertising. Have only sold a few wholesale. If I make over $250k a year I will gladly/reluctantly pay the taxes.

ajphusker1 · October 31st, 2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImChad

This isn't an issue of gun grabber vs gun holder. This is an ethics issue. If I'd not read this post from top to bottom, I would have went with my original thought of how sleezy a comment like that is. I understand the purpose, but I'm sure their family didn't. While they're mourning the loss of family, you're peddling something you're selling.

It would be like you dying of aids and me trying to sell super rubbers using you as an example within a couple of hours. Could a super rubber have protected you from getting the aids? Sure, it could have. Do I think your family would want to hear that? Probably not.

Even your page still has a "sell me something" feel to it even still. No offense, because you do seem like a good guy but I think you should make an appology that isn't confrontational on your website addressing this and soon. To me, the fact that you own a website yet you come here and other places to explain seems as though you're trying to drive new sales. The press release was kinda funny in a sad way.

the highlight....

and then you went to the carnie type sales deal. Like a late night infomertial...

Like Billy Mays trying to sell off an orange peeler.

I would suggest revising your website, appologizing and laying low for a few days.

Lastly, your own website says "This product is not intended for use in homes with children." and you're suggesting this could have saved three people... in a home with children.

I'm sorry, but this seems like a huge sales pitch in really poor taste and timing. Now that I think about it, it would be like you dying of cancer and me trying to sell you super rubbers. Thats just my opinion though.

On the same page that admonished us for the release there was a link to crime seen photos.

Yes, I would like to sell some more units. I believe in our product and I think it would be an asset to people who use shotguns for home defense. So far it has dampened sales. Hits are up.

When the release was written and sent out, the child was not killed, only missing. This document was vetted by 3 Press Release distributors over a couple of days. Details were sketchy. I regret that we used a name and should have been more general.

If the issue of Home Defense is brought to the for because of our mistake, possibly this can be a positive.

I have always been a proponent of proper Home Safety using whatever means that you are comfortable with. I would like to add a safety lock to sell with our unit. I would like to add a remote switch that would light the area away from the bed so you are in the dark the the intruder in the light. There are other things I have talked about but not able to do yet.

I believe if you are good with a handgun, use it. Have proper lighting and locks around the house. I have 2 yip yip dogs and a larger dog in my house. I know if anyone is close.

By they way, thanks for letting me, vent, talk and get things off of my chest.

John

October 30th, 2008, 08:05 PM	#32
cphilip Distinguished Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,719	Who was it that said "Any Press is good Press!" It just could attract some the right attention in purchases. You never know... __________________ www.cphilip.com

October 30th, 2008, 08:05 PM	#33
The Arverni Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NC Posts: 131	So ironic and sad, as if the media outlets that maligned you don't make money off the misfortunes of others. __________________ Yes, the world has gotten smaller, but it will always be too big to be ruled by unelected bureaucrats.

October 31st, 2008, 11:54 AM	#38
gddyup Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Derry, NH Posts: 918	Was using the issue in good taste or bad? I guess it all comes down to how you feel about it. My question is this - Will the same people in these blogs and such rise up in admonishment when this same case is brought up to push legislation for gun control?? Doubt it. The next question I think should be asked is if this case can be used to push legislation for gun control that is suppose to keep these things from happening again and keep everyone safe at home from these crazy people with guns than WHY can it not be used to promote a product that essentially has the same impact?? __________________ Firefighter/EMT "For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know" - T.R.

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October 30th, 2008, 08:30 PM	#34
bandit383 Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,681	There are ambulances chasers all the time advertising...very little difference. I believe the gun population needs to get thicker skin... Rick

October 30th, 2008, 09:37 PM	#36
SelfDefense Restricted Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson Posts: 2,737	I think I heard a radio advertisement for this product on the radio today. There were no untoward references in the spot (30 seconds, I think) but I wasn't paying much attention. The beginning of the ad was very similar to a local guns shop's ad and was surprised that it wasn't. Good luck with your business. (Just don't make over $250K/year)