The Flack highlights changes and trends in the news, examples of communications practices, and content we at BYRNE PR thought you might find useful.
We hope you enjoy, and we always welcome your feedback.
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What is Bluesky, And Why is Everyone on Twitter Talking About It? – In 2019, Jack Dorsey, then CEO of Twitter, announced his plan to “develop an open and decentralized standard for social media.” Now known as Bluesky, the platform allows users (rather than the company) to regulate the content. Just a few months in, Bluesky is an invite-only platform, but more politicians, journalists and other influencers are joining every day. And while Dorsey’s vision has yet to be realized, Bluesky has the potential to change how we use social media. Vox explains.
Why the New CEO is Essential to Twitter’s Future – Elon Musk has chosen Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter. Time takes a look at Yaccarino (AKA “the Velvet Hammer”), what Musk has tasked her to do and the likelihood of her success. No pressure, Linda, but there is a lot riding on this.
Workers Now Spend Two Full Days a Week on Email and in Meetings – At the end of a workday, do you ever feel like all you do is attend meetings and reply to emails? Well, you’re not alone, and you’re likely not crazy. A recent survey by Microsoft showed, on average, workers log 8.5 hours per week writing and responding to emails and 7.5 hours per week attending meetings. That’s two full days…every week. The Wall Street Journal looks at the disturbing results and potential ramifications.
‘Like, Literally, Dude’ Review: Learning to Chill – Language is always evolving, whether we like it or not. Words or phrases that seemed like abominations a few years ago are now so commonly used you hardly notice them. But Valeria Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno, would like everyone to chill. In her new book, ‘Like, Literally, Dude – Arguing for the Good in Bad English,’ Fridland explains how and why language changes and argues there is essentially no “right way” to speak. The Wall Street Journal talks to the author about her new book.
Inside Rupert Murdoch’s Succession Drama – Some days it seems all anyone is talking about is “Succession,” the hit HBO comedy-drama based on billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation and FOX Corporation empire. And while “Succession” is an excellent and addictive show, it’s not nearly as interesting as the real thing. Vanity Fair takes a deep look at the man and family who inspired the show.
The Era of the ‘Branded Apology’ is Here. Are we Ready to Accept it? – It seems a week can’t go by without breaking news of a celebrity, executive or athlete misbehaving. And you can hardly get your arms around what happened before the branded, sometimes seemingly self-serving, apology comes. Fast Company takes a look at how apologies have morphed into “branded apologies” and looks at some of the most egregious examples. You may want to shower after reading.
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We Recommend:
Blackberry (film)
Feed Your Head:
Kia’s Logo Redesign was a Total Flop. The Company Did What No Brand Should Ever Do.
There’s a “Volume War” Happening in Music (2-minute listen from NPR)
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flack
: one who provides publicity
flack
: to act as a press agent or promoter for something
The word flack was first used as a noun meaning “publicity agent” during the late 1930s. According to one rumor, the word was coined in tribute to a well-known movie publicist of the time, Gene Flack.