I never expected it to happen so quickly. Almost every day I am deep in the trenches of public opinion, helping a wide variety of clients navigate the perilous waters of brand reputation management, crisis communications and message development designed to garner strong public support. But last night it got a bit personal, and I tried … Continue reading Too big to fail?
AT&T: Dirty deeds, done dirt cheap
My nightmare started less than 24 hours ago. Spend just a few moments on the blogosphere and you will find a lot of stories just like mine. On Google, Facebook and Twitter, these dark tales of woe, deceit and theft abound. But my story is a tad different. And this, my friends, is the first warning shot across the … Continue reading AT&T: Dirty deeds, done dirt cheap
40 Acres and a Mule
I am a racist. Part of me is tempted to let that statement flutter alone in the social media stratosphere without context. I am curious about the the reaction, but I am not anxious to begin looking for a new job, new clients, new friends and a new wife. Of course, I'm talking here about degrees of … Continue reading 40 Acres and a Mule
Automatic for the People
Note: Please see edits below. Maine Democrats are celebrating tonight, but I think they have a serious problem. Let me back up. Politics is fascinating. Don't puke just yet, at least not until you consider that observing politics offers the best of everything: intense drama, fierce competition and hilarious moments of human folly, all wrapped in a … Continue reading Automatic for the People
It’s hip to be square
Seriously, could Biddeford become too hip? Don't laugh. It's now a question being asked in Somerville, Mass., another city that struggled to overcome negative stereotypes, according to a story from the Boston Globe. After almost three decades working the counter at Capone Foods in Somerville’s Union Square, Albert Capone has become a stranger in his own … Continue reading It’s hip to be square
Same as the old boss
Joanne Twomey: A "real" Democrat? Some things never change. Once again, we are on the verge of another election cycle in the fair city of Biddeford, where local political maneuvering is a blood sport. According to the City Clerk's office, some very familiar faces have taken out nomination papers for a variety of elected positions. But … Continue reading Same as the old boss
Straight, No Chaser
Yesterday was amazing. I'm not a social media expert, and I am wary of such titles. But I am fascinated by the new communications tools at our disposal. Within the last 48 hours, I published two new items on this blog, one about tension in Biddeford created by a push to enhance the city's "creative economy," … Continue reading Straight, No Chaser
Mr. Holland’s Opus
Which Hollywood film better describes the city of Biddeford's ongoing struggle with issues such as "the creative economy," "cultural diversity" and elitism: Mr. Holland's Opus or Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome? In Thunderdome, a community barely surviving in a post-apocalyptic world is wary of strangers and outsiders. To avoid another global war, all disputes are settled by … Continue reading Mr. Holland’s Opus
When you’re a stranger
Here's a picture now. Take a good look. Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant and I are standing in line outside the Biddeford Ice Area on a Saturday night. Considering the hundreds of other people waiting in line with us, we both feel very out of place. We didn't know what to expect. We had front-row, ringside … Continue reading When you’re a stranger
Fool for the city
It's easy to forget the lessons of history. It's even easier to label others, take sides and compartmentalize ourselves within groups that match our own ideals, values or culture. This trend happens frequently in my hometown of Biddeford, one of Maine's most frequently maligned communities. In this town, there is a lot of talk about … Continue reading Fool for the city
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 