Lowe's -- Pulling TV Ads to Silence the Critics

If you haven't seen the following article  on Lowe's decision to pull advertising from TLC networks show "All-American Muslim" after pressure from the Christian group Florida Family Association you should take a look.  I know this group very well, after receiving literally thousands of emails from their followers expressing dis-pleasure at advertising we had bought while I was at HP.  It was a "form email" but certainly pissed off our IT department.

Any TV show that they consider to be remotely an issue by their defined terms they deluge advertisers demanding they remove the advertising or they will be forced to let others know.  Who the others are I never figured that out.

From the Business Perspective:
I can honestly say, I never pulled any advertising UNLESS it actually violated the company policies when the spot ran "run of network" or via "remnant inventory"... for instance sexual content, etc.

Many concerns rushed through my mind, just as they did, when I received the deluge of emails.

• Does this group have a point I should consider?
• Is the program against the company policies?
• What is the risk to the brand?
• Do the views of one group out weigh the views of another group?
• Just because they have a view on sexuality, content, religion and races that I didn't nor did the company agree with, should I change?

The answer for me was simple -- the show's content didn't break the rules/policies of the company.  

From the personal side:

But this whole issue brings up another question... is this group any different the religious fanatics in KS who protest funerals?  Think about it... these folks are telling companies what's appropriate and what's not -- are they impeading on freedom of speech. Hell if I know. 

Personally, I think the group is a bunch of folks who want to tell me how to think, who I should interact with and what I should watch on TV.  I think that's s a bunch of crap!

• If I don't want to watch it -- I turn the channel
• If I don't want my kids to watch it... I program the TV or monitor their watching habits

Finally, I have many friends from all races, religions and beliefs.  I spend time with my Muslim friends and consider them to be an extension of my own family.  I would trust them with my most precious gift... my children.  Coming from the mid west I was always taught to judge folks by the love in their heart and the character of their soul.  

Scott

Politically Correct

My kids told me today that the term "Computer Nerd" was no longer politically correct... the new term is "Numb Butt"...so guess whose getting called Numb Butt at our house?

Scott

I read this article on iMedia this weekend on privacy.  Yes it's a big topic and some marketers and businesses don't want to talk about it.  They keep thinking "net neutrality" or some form of it should rule.  Let me give you an example of a real live example where I see issues with social and privacy.

Ok, you've got a Facebook account with 500 friends.  You happen to work for Hyatt Hotels -- a great brand.  But you're looking for a vacation and happen to land on a travel site that has an awesome vacation package to Europe and you click the "facebook like" button.  No harm, no foul -- right?  Well don't be so sure.  Let's say that facebook like posted a like for your main competition -- lets say Hilton Hotels.  And when you click it, it posts on your wall that you "like Hilton Hotels" and that populates to your 500 friends... and guess what your boss happens to be a Facebook friend.

Your boss and company get pissed and fire you because you've disgraced the brand.  Who are gonna file a lawsuit against?  Your former employer, Hilton Hotels, or Facebook?

Because when you clicked the like button you had no idea it would post to your wall.  There wasn't a warning or a small privacy statement telling you about what you're getting ready to do.

You see my point?  Yes, you might be a total ignorant web weenie... but remember the gal who sued McDonalds because she spilled hot coffee in her lap and said the cup didn't have a warning.

I've yet to hear about such a lawsuit, but I bet ones' coming.

Scott

You Found Me...

For those who hadn't heard... I left HP at the end of November.  A fantastic 15 year run at the largest technology company of the planet.  While there I was fortunate to work with some incredibly intelligent folks.  So given my departure I couldn't "take my HP blog with me"... so I've started up a new one.

Feel free to post comments, ask questions and pass on the blog location to others.

Scott