Me and the Media

ajphusker1 · October 30th, 2008, 04:52 PM

Hi,I am A John Peters from Home BackUp Protection, makers of The-BackUp shotgun rack. We sent out a press release a few days ago about the recent home invasions. Since then I have been skewered by the press and have been getting a lot of hate mail.

The point we were trying to make was that people need adequate home protection. I have been personally attacked as:
a gun nut
a self serving grease ball trying to make a quick buck
a militant radical
a (edited out) crazy American
and more.

One newspaper said the A in my name stood for (edited out by QKShooter)
I do not feel we sensationalized the recent sad killing any more than TV and radio including MSNBC, CNN the Chicago Tribune and LA Times. What if "the Joe the Plumber" type of person was killed in a home invasion? Would there be lines of newscasters around his house?

The point we were trying to make, and may have failed, was that it is important to protect yourself and have some form of home protection. I feel the media is personally attacking me and avoiding discussing our 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms. By attacking me, they do not have to discuss the real issues.

Thanks for letting get this off of my chest.

John

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As a family-friendly forum, we ask that you keep your language clean, exactly as we hope you would when addressing respected elders. Creative workarounds (the use of special characters to replace some letters) on language are not allowed. Violators of this rule will be warned once; those repeatedly breaking this rule will have their accounts permanently revoked. NOTE: Links to off site material will be held to our family-friendly standard, as well.

havegunjoe · October 30th, 2008, 04:57 PM

If a newspaper actually said that about your name I think you may have a lawsuit against them, or was this just comments made in their "Opinion" section by citizens?

broknindarkagain · October 30th, 2008, 05:07 PM

Ah the wonderful media. They will say anything and twist anything around to boost their ratings.

pete156 · October 30th, 2008, 05:27 PM

Just for reference, here is what got the company all the bad press:

Quote:

Text of press release: Could a bedside shotgun rack have saved jennifer hudson's family from tragic death?

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.

Everyday, there are over 8,000 home invasions in America, many resulting in assault, rape, and murder. That's according to a report by the US Department of Justice.

Whether it is someone known or a stranger entering the home, too many people in this country are paying with their lives during these home invasions. The Hudson family is just one of far too many Americans gunned down in their own home.

What can be done? Law enforcement and the government aren't solving the problem. So law-abiding citizens are now forced to take their safety, security, and life into their own hands.

Shotguns are often weapons of choice at home because of their deterrent effect on assailants, their close-range stopping power, their affordability and their reduced risk of injury to innocent others from stray shot. But the problem is storing them in a place where you don't have to turn your back on your assailant. Propped in the corner or under the bed takes valuable time to get to, and could cost you your life.

But now there is a solution. The BackUp makes them easily accessible during a time of need. Racked between the mattresses, The BackUp offers immediate access to the homeowner's shotgun: in the hands, cocked and ready to defend in 2 seconds.

Home Security Expert Howard Pitts says, "A shotgun provides the most effective protection against home invasion. And The BackUp is a much safer and secure solution than having a shotgun in the corner or under the bed."

The BackUp is made in America and the adjustable 2-foot by 2-foot rack assembles in minutes.

I will (reluctantly) have to agree with the press on this one. That was a baaaaaaad and insensitive move to use the story in a promotional press release. I see that you probably didn't mean anything by it, but it was just not the smartest thing. Did your PR department really approve or come up with that?

wizardofgore · October 30th, 2008, 05:28 PM

I like it, if I had a bed that it would work with I would get one, but I got a water bed and it would not mount right.

ralphb72 · October 30th, 2008, 05:33 PM

I have a shotgun and a pistol next to me at night, well two pistols really but one of them is the wife's. I guess I am a paranoid gun nut a** crazy american too.

Welcome to the forum, and what does the A in your name really stand for? (just kidding)

ajphusker1 · October 30th, 2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by havegunjoe

If a newspaper actually said that about your name I think you may have a lawsuit against them, or was this just comments made in their "Opinion" section by citizens?

I do not know if they had it in their hard copy. It is on their blogs.

See
Jennifer Hudson: Sensitive Company Exploits Jennifer Hudson's Tragedy in 24 Hours Flat

also see how my critics "are so sensitive"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,2178927.story

Why the BackUp Shotgun Rack Company Deserve All the Bad PR They Can Get Press Release PR

Gun Toting D-Bag Exploits Hudson Murders for $ - TMZ.com

I cannot find the Tribune quote nominating me for the worst person of the week.

ajphusker1 · October 30th, 2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphb72

I have a shotgun and a pistol next to me at night, well two pistols really but one of them is the wife's. I guess I am a paranoid gun nut a** crazy american too.

Welcome to the forum, and what does the A in your name really stand for? (just kidding)

Think of a chipmunk

pete156 · October 30th, 2008, 05:41 PM

I just read ajphusker1's previous posts and I'm not seeing a very honest person/company.

He posted that "okay, I bought one" and had just "received it". If you are connected to the company, maybe owner/president, then those posts were crap and you were making it sound like you were just another average joe reviewing the product.

I know that other companies pay people to write online reviews and such, but this is disappointing and dishonest. Unless, by some unbelievable remote chance, he bought into the company after his posts, which I doubt.

sniper58 · October 30th, 2008, 05:51 PM

The response from the media is typical. Don't address the message - discredit and attack the messenger. As for the OP's authenticity or credentials, that's not my place to judge. He appears to be another new member and, as such, should be welcomed. If he violates any of the Forum's rules, then he faces the consequences, just like the rest of us.

Welcome AJP from Colorado!

ajphusker1 · October 30th, 2008, 05:52 PM

One of the original articles

JENNIFER HUDSON CASE: Family slayings used to tout gun-rack product -- chicagotribune.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete156

I just read ajphusker1's previous posts and I'm not seeing a very honest person/company.

He posted that "okay, I bought one" and had just "received it". If you are connected to the company, maybe owner/president, then those posts were crap and you were making it sound like you were just another average joe reviewing the product.

I know that other companies pay people to write online reviews and such, but this is disappointing and dishonest. Unless, by some unbelievable remote chance, he bought into the company after his posts, which I doubt.

Yes I bought one, and I bought the comapny, with some help with some friends.

pete156 · October 30th, 2008, 06:02 PM

Did you own the company when you posted the "review"?

EdC · October 30th, 2008, 06:03 PM

Mr. Peters,

First of all, you shouldn't been called those names.

Second, filtering out all of the vitriole and personal attacks from those articles about you, it's my humble opinion that (regardless of what your intentions were) the result is that your ad or press release or whatever it was exploited a tragedy and was "cheesy" (that's the best word I can come up with to describe it, at the time).

So continue to make and market your product (sounds like a good item and I might just check it out myself), but I can't say that you didn't deserve a little verbal slapping around by the press. (I wouldn't be surprised if you wound up on Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in World.") Press on, Mr. Peters and it will pass.

old grunt · October 30th, 2008, 06:05 PM

Hang in there John!! The ONLY [Edited] in this equation are the "drive-by" media types. Liberals react with rage when they can't win an argument on merit!!!

ajphusker1 · October 30th, 2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete156

Did you own the company when you posted the "review"?

No, but I was thinking of it. So I am not completely blameless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdC

Mr. Peters,

First of all, you shouldn't been called those names.

Second, filtering out all of the vitriole and personal attacks from those articles about you, it's my humble opinion that (regardless of what your intentions were) the result is that your ad or press release or whatever it was exploited a tragedy and was "cheesy" (that's the best word I can come up with to describe it, at the time).

So continue to make and market your product (sounds like a good item and I might just check it out myself), but I can't say that you didn't deserve a little verbal slapping around by the press. (I wouldn't be surprised if you wound up on Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in World.") Press on, Mr. Peters and it will pass.

While the original may have been a tactical mistake, we feel the back lash it created is totally out of proportion. I have been receiving personal attacks in email, newsprint and Internet blogs. We do not believe that we did any more than the news media. Would the reaction to our release had been the same if we were not proposing people arming and protecting themselves. I would like to get the word out that trained arm preparation and protection is a good thing. If you can suggest any way to get our story

Following is our current modified press release.
THE BACKUP BEDSIDE GUN RACK RESPONDS TO WORLD-WIDE MEDIA INQURIES

October 30, 2008 - For Immediate Release

Home BackUp Protection has the deepest sympathy for all families affected by the tragedy of fatal home invasions. It is with these people in mind, and the future victims sure to come, that the bedside shotgun rack was created. It is our intent, desire and hope to save as many lives as possible.

Although America is the greatest country in the world, the frightening reality is that Americans are not safe in their own homes. The BackUp provides protection within reach for anyone who chooses the shotgun as a form of home protection. We know that tens of millions of people own a shotgun with the intent of providing themselves home protection. The only way that shotgun can be a viable form of home protection is if it is accessible when needed.

Sadly, there will be more home invasions and more victims. There will be Americans defenseless in their homes against a known or unknown assailant. The BackUp could save lives. We stand by the fact that this device is a commentary on our safety and life in America and we believe The BackUp to be a deterrent to intruders and a device that does put protection within reach for shotgun owners.

We look forward to a day when home invasions are not happening millions of times a year. We look forward to the time when our society becomes so outraged at the high volume of crime across every street in this nation that we will not let the issue rest until true change, resolve and protection are created. Until that time, we hope all Americans remain safe and secure. And for those millions of Americans who have shotguns in their corners or under their beds, we have made a way for you to have protection within reach in times of need.

This product is not intended for use in homes with children.
Took out website URL so I wouldn't break any more rules.

John

archer51 · October 30th, 2008, 06:23 PM

While I don't personally agree with the timing of the ad, in my mind it does exploit what happened, I don't see where the press is coming from. It's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. After all, THEY have been exploiting it to sale newspapers and magazines since the moment it happened.

pete156 · October 30th, 2008, 06:25 PM

Ok, I just swear that I read that John Peters was the inventor of said product. At least that's what Fox News said when you appeared in an interview with E.D. Hill.

Roadrunner · October 30th, 2008, 06:27 PM

The ad was in poor taste. I see your point but the timing was very bad. I've made similar mistakes, it's just part of life. It looks as if the backlash is disproportionate but that's not a huge surprise. Issuing an apology was a smart move. Just give it some time to blow over and press on.

ajphusker1 · October 30th, 2008, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete156

Ok, I just swear that I read that John Peters was the inventor of said product. At least that's what Fox News said when you appeared in an interview with E.D. Hill.

I wish. I corrected her on the program and said we bought the patient.

Bumper · October 30th, 2008, 06:31 PM

I don't think John is the first person, by any means that has been impressed with a product and purchased the distribution rights, or the company. While it may be a risky thing to use current events as advertising opportunity, this, too, is done all the time. These responses don't surprise me because it has afforded them the opportunity to slap someone that has a gun-related business. It does, however, disturb me that people here are taking the opportunity. We're all in this together if you haven't noticed....

October 30th, 2008, 04:52 PM	#1
ajphusker1 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 30	Me and the Media Hi,I am A John Peters from Home BackUp Protection, makers of The-BackUp shotgun rack. We sent out a press release a few days ago about the recent home invasions. Since then I have been skewered by the press and have been getting a lot of hate mail. The point we were trying to make was that people need adequate home protection. I have been personally attacked as: a gun nut a self serving grease ball trying to make a quick buck a militant radical a (edited out) crazy American and more. One newspaper said the A in my name stood for (edited out by QKShooter) I do not feel we sensationalized the recent sad killing any more than TV and radio including MSNBC, CNN the Chicago Tribune and LA Times. What if "the Joe the Plumber" type of person was killed in a home invasion? Would there be lines of newscasters around his house? The point we were trying to make, and may have failed, was that it is important to protect yourself and have some form of home protection. I feel the media is personally attacking me and avoiding discussing our 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms. By attacking me, they do not have to discuss the real issues. Thanks for letting get this off of my chest. John ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forum Rule #4. As a family-friendly forum, we ask that you keep your language clean, exactly as we hope you would when addressing respected elders. Creative workarounds (the use of special characters to replace some letters) on language are not allowed. Violators of this rule will be warned once; those repeatedly breaking this rule will have their accounts permanently revoked. NOTE: Links to off site material will be held to our family-friendly standard, as well.

October 30th, 2008, 04:57 PM	#2
havegunjoe VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,058	If a newspaper actually said that about your name I think you may have a lawsuit against them, or was this just comments made in their "Opinion" section by citizens? __________________ DEMOCRACY IS TWO WOLVES AND A LAMB VOTING ON WHAT TO HAVE FOR LUNCH. LIBERTY IS A WELL ARMED LAMB CONTESTING THE VOTE. Certified Instructor for Minnesota Carry Permit NRA Pistol and Personal Protection Insrtuctor Utah Permit Certified Instructor

October 30th, 2008, 05:07 PM	#3
broknindarkagain Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Area, Georgia Posts: 416	Ah the wonderful media. They will say anything and twist anything around to boost their ratings. __________________ "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Taurus PT111 Pro 9mm

October 30th, 2008, 05:51 PM	#10
sniper58 Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,342	The response from the media is typical. Don't address the message - discredit and attack the messenger. As for the OP's authenticity or credentials, that's not my place to judge. He appears to be another new member and, as such, should be welcomed. If he violates any of the Forum's rules, then he faces the consequences, just like the rest of us. Welcome AJP from Colorado! __________________ Tim BE PREPARED - Noah didn't build the Ark when it was raining! Si vis pacem, para bellum ________ NRA Life Member

October 30th, 2008, 06:05 PM	#14
old grunt Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 666	Hang in there John!! The ONLY [Edited] in this equation are the "drive-by" media types. Liberals react with rage when they can't win an argument on merit!!! __________________ "We deal in lead friend">Steve McQueen The Magnificent Seven 82d Abn(1983-86)OIF 2007-08 Glock 19&26/ Colt Gov't & OM Retired NYS LEO / NRA Life Member Palin 2012......GO SARAH !! "no kidding,gun slinging,spurs hitting the floor" Last edited by Captain Crunch; October 31st, 2008 at 01:56 AM.. Reason: Deleted a language workaround.

October 30th, 2008, 05:28 PM	#5
wizardofgore Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Posts: 142	I like it, if I had a bed that it would work with I would get one, but I got a water bed and it would not mount right.

October 30th, 2008, 05:33 PM	#6
ralphb72 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 55	I have a shotgun and a pistol next to me at night, well two pistols really but one of them is the wife's. I guess I am a paranoid gun nut a** crazy american too. Welcome to the forum, and what does the A in your name really stand for? (just kidding)

October 30th, 2008, 05:41 PM	#9
pete156 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 108	I just read ajphusker1's previous posts and I'm not seeing a very honest person/company. He posted that "okay, I bought one" and had just "received it". If you are connected to the company, maybe owner/president, then those posts were crap and you were making it sound like you were just another average joe reviewing the product. I know that other companies pay people to write online reviews and such, but this is disappointing and dishonest. Unless, by some unbelievable remote chance, he bought into the company after his posts, which I doubt.

October 30th, 2008, 06:02 PM	#12
pete156 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 108	Did you own the company when you posted the "review"?

October 30th, 2008, 06:03 PM	#13
EdC Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 150	Mr. Peters, First of all, you shouldn't been called those names. Second, filtering out all of the vitriole and personal attacks from those articles about you, it's my humble opinion that (regardless of what your intentions were) the result is that your ad or press release or whatever it was exploited a tragedy and was "cheesy" (that's the best word I can come up with to describe it, at the time). So continue to make and market your product (sounds like a good item and I might just check it out myself), but I can't say that you didn't deserve a little verbal slapping around by the press. (I wouldn't be surprised if you wound up on Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in World.") Press on, Mr. Peters and it will pass.

October 30th, 2008, 06:23 PM	#16
archer51 VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: VA Posts: 6,914	While I don't personally agree with the timing of the ad, in my mind it does exploit what happened, I don't see where the press is coming from. It's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. After all, THEY have been exploiting it to sale newspapers and magazines since the moment it happened. __________________ USAF Retired NRA Life Member

October 30th, 2008, 06:25 PM	#17
pete156 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 108	Ok, I just swear that I read that John Peters was the inventor of said product. At least that's what Fox News said when you appeared in an interview with E.D. Hill.

October 30th, 2008, 06:27 PM	#18
Roadrunner Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NW PA Posts: 737	The ad was in poor taste. I see your point but the timing was very bad. I've made similar mistakes, it's just part of life. It looks as if the backlash is disproportionate but that's not a huge surprise. Issuing an apology was a smart move. Just give it some time to blow over and press on. __________________ - Kurt “Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.” ~Pericles of Athens Primary Carry - Colt Commander .45 in a Brommeland Max-Con V

October 30th, 2008, 06:31 PM	#20
Bumper Administrator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 17,897	I don't think John is the first person, by any means that has been impressed with a product and purchased the distribution rights, or the company. While it may be a risky thing to use current events as advertising opportunity, this, too, is done all the time. These responses don't surprise me because it has afforded them the opportunity to slap someone that has a gun-related business. It does, however, disturb me that people here are taking the opportunity. We're all in this together if you haven't noticed.... __________________ Bumper Administrator DefensiveCarry.com Forum Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde; Beware the anger of a patient man.

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