And you thought your job stunk…
Posted on September 10th, 2008 – 2:28 PMBy Thomas Lee
As a reporter, I get a lot of pitches from public relations folks. I mostly ignore them, especially the ones that have nothing to with Minnesota. But this e-mail was just too good to pass up. I can only imagine what this poor woman must be thinking when her boss assigned her to pitch this product to the media. I especially enjoyed her offer to send a free sample “for review.” Enjoy…
Hi Thomas,
Nobody really wants to talk about passing gas, but on average most people have flatulence about 14 times per day. For people that are dealing with Gastric Bypass Surgery, IBS, Lactose Intolerance or other gastrointestinal issues - the occurrence is even higher! I thought your readers might be interested in hearing about an innovative solution to put an end to this embarrassing problem.
Flatulence DeodorizerTM Pads were created to stop the embarrassment caused by passing gas. By placing an activated charcoal cloth pad inside your undergarments the gaseous odor is absorbed discreetly. Flat-D is an effective way to disguise gas on airplanes, in the office and any other tight environment.
The pads are an effective solution for those suffering with Gastric Bypass Surgery, which can cause patients to have malabsorptive syndrome. One of the by-products of this syndrome is excessive flatulence. Flat-D is proven to be effective even for those with Celiac, Crohn’s, Diabetes, and other stomach issues.
I know it’s a tough topic that no one wants to talk about, but I’d love to send you a sample for review.
For more information, please contact Terri McCoy, Publicist, Orca Communications
9 Responses to "And you thought your job stunk…"
Talk about an understatement. As a former PR professional, I once had to pitch a medical device that helped alleviate fecal incontinence. Yes, people who could not control when they defecated. And pet pharmaceuticals and cereal and little porecelain villages…and yes, I belived in them all (okay, not so much the villages). These products do help people and I DO believe that PR has a role in our world. I’m actually a bit sad to hear you say that you ignore most pitches because mine always had a consumer interest angle. And who doesn’t like the gory details? Admit it, Matt Lauer pressed a father about why he didn’t hold on to the swimsuit of his autistic son while drifting off to sea today. Reporters are much more influenced by saucy stories then they care to admit. I learn more about the world around me by reading the Sun Current.
Awesome:-).
There might actually be some local medical device companies that would consider adding this to their product line. Though I’d hate to be the copy editor writing pamphlets for it.
I don’t know if “saucy” is the best way to describe a pitch about flatulence deodorizers.
You’re right. It’s probably a canned pitch going out nationally. If it’s a serious pitch, they should find you a local doctor, expert, or other research to make it a medical story beyond just a product announcement.
Without that background work, it’s kind of a joke and they get the kind of attention you gave them — negative. On the other hand, think of the fun you could have writing a story — the euphemisms and wordplays. It’d be perfect for The Onion.
Loved the choice of words for Flat D - But ‘tight spaces’ was a little over the top. Hey, it you don’t take that sample, my next door neighbor could sure use it!
Whatever will they think of next? I wonder if it smells like roses…..
Could I get a free sample? I would love to pass it on to my ex…
Send me one(or more)please!! It will save our marriage! My Flatulance POOPs, make Oil refinery smells seem like Lilacs!! My wife swears and cusses a blue streak when ever I “fire one off”
“Peewww” is an understatement.
Cheers, TMW.
Where can i get a sample? I will pass it to my boss.
