Craigslist Killer – PR in the news
Doc blogs about the unfairness of Craigslist becoming an adjective attached to “killer.” Yes, it’s unfair. It’s what the tabloid press does. And increasingly, that just means “the press.”
That’s the sort of catchy name that sells papers. But, as Craig points out in his blog, Craigslist does not promise anonymity. In fact, it promises that it will rat out rats. Wikipedia makes the same promise. Good. Of course, this assumes the police are not persecuting innocents as part of a totalitarian state, but I’m happy Craigslist helped the police arrest the sick fuck who otherwise probably wasn’t done murdering women allegedly.
The PR job doesn’t stop with the media, of course. Craigslist’s PR company fumbled the ball here in Boston. This Businessweek story is excellent, but the Boston Globe coverage has been miserable (here, here and here). The PR agency seems intent on keeping Craig from commenting, shunting inquiries to CEO Jim Buckmaster. Nothing against Jim, but Craig’s name is on the site. Craig has earned his reputation for honesty, bluntness, and service. Craig is known, respected, and even beloved. So, master the buck, Craig. It stops with you.
PS: The Globe ought to take a look at the “Erosphere” classified ad section of the Boston Phoenix before coming down on Craigslist.
Hi David – fyi, the link meant to be to Craig’s blog is a duplicate link to Doc.
Oy. Thanks, Brent. I’ve fixed it in the post.
[...] Dr. Weinberger covers this, and adjacent topics. [...]
The defensiveness with which internet triumphalists rise in ire over news coverage (some of it, admittedly, quite ignorant and/or biased) surely indicates something about how they think and what their agenda is.
For instance, I only read the fist Globe article linked, because I’m not particularly interested in serial killers in other regions, but it’s not miserable. It clearly includes the Craigslist point of view and credits it with cooperation. Meanwhile the AG of Mass. is criticizing and calling them an enabler. Is the Globe supposed to ignore the law enforcement analysis of the state’s chief law enforcement officer?
My point is not that Craigslist is bad or the press good, but that the press doesn’t treat Craigslist much differently than many topics (as you suggested, although with the “tabloid” snark) but to question why people feel so compelled to rise and defend their pet vision of netopia.
Not all net good. Not all press or society bad.
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They both have as much personality as dirt, but yes, Craig should be the one doing the heavy lifting. At least for the moment.
[...] smeared in masseuse murder case — The listings site’s PR company is struggling to control the damage as the “Craigslist killer” story makes the rounds. At the same time, founder Craig [...]
[...] smeared in masseuse murder case — The listings site’s PR company is struggling to control the damage as the “Craigslist killer” story makes the rounds. At the same time, founder Craig [...]
[...] smeared in masseuse murder case — The listings site’s PR company is struggling to control the damage as the “Craigslist killer” story makes the rounds. At the same time, founder Craig [...]
[...] smeared in masseuse murder case — The listings site’s PR company is struggling to control the damage as the “Craigslist killer” story makes the rounds. At the same time, founder Craig [...]
Your blog is very interresting for me, i will come back here..
Your purpose is instance you only read the fist Globe article linked because Iâm not particularly interested in serial killers in other regions but itâs not miserable.