The Facebook Status Update that cost him $20,000

[PeaceNikki]

http://www.soulpancake.com/post/1019/the-facebook-status-update-that-cost-me-20000.html

At around 3 p.m. last Thursday (yes, in the year 2010), I got a text from the head of PR for the major hotel chain that was going to be the sponsor.

The text said:
“Jake, sorry to be bearer of bad news, but has to pass. Happy to brief you why if there’s an interest and it’s helpful…. wanted to ensure you had the news. Best of luck.”

(It should be noted that I am quite fond of this PR exec, who works for many brands and is very good at what he does.)

I immediately called him and was shocked to learn that my deal—which was about to be signed off on by the chief marketing officer—was revoked because of my Facebook status update a day earlier.

After seeing yet another story about the Islamic Center near Ground Zero on The Today Show, I had posted:

More at link

[wtmusic]

1. I want to know the name of the hotel chain so I can avoid them

since they've also made their position clear.

[PeaceNikki]

3. Me, too.

He said "the world's biggest hotel chain". Best Western boasts this.

[Alameda]

10. Me too!

[OnlinePoker]

2. In the link, he says he wasn't taking sides.

But his update obviously indicates he is. He is against the tea baggers at ground zero. Unfortunately, businesses, especially one in a tourist/hospitality area, can't piss off 100 million potential clients. Any action that shows favoritism, even if the cause is just, could mean the difference between profit and loss. There are a lot of empty hotel rooms right now and they can't afford to lose any business.

[PeaceNikki]

4. Being disgusted at prejudice shouldn't be controversial.

[digitaln3rd]

7. It's a controversial subject..

And he took a side. It's his own fault.

[FormerDittoHead]

5. He may very well have suffered the same fate had he posted a similar post but anti-mosque.

Corporations can't stand the slightest amount of controversy.

[PeaceNikki]

6. Perhaps.

[Cleanelec]

8. They were going to give him free hotel rooms in exchange for...

for him saying, "Hotel X is a nice place to stay", on his talk show.

They don't want controversy. They want both sides to stay at Hotel X.

Completely a business decision, and a smart one.

[PeaceNikki]

9. I agree with what he said here:

"In reality, I could care less about the $20,000 that this Facebook post would end up costing my company. But members of humanity, if we allow associations between religion and terrorism to be part of the same conversation, as if it is “normal” and “safe,” then it will lead to the demise of humanity."

Your concern is noted.

[Initech]

11. Fux Noise propaganda strikes again.

:argh:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

12. Did you expect this thread to be such a strong flypaper?