THREAD: A letter to the PR professionals out there:

Dear PR Professional,

Whether you are part of an agency representing a company or part of the corporate communications department of an organisation, I always find it a pleasure talking to you, provided I am not tied up.

This puzzles some people who often end up asking why I do not simply ask you to send me a briefing note via mail or text. Why do I always end up taking calls that sometimes last several minutes, even when there is very little chance of my using the information provided?

You see, I have been where you are.

I have taken briefs from clients who wanted nothing but front page coverage in every publication on earth (fortunately, websites were not that popular then).

I have gone to meetings carrying clippings of coverage of an event with happiness in my heart, only to be told about which publications and channels had not covered the event. I have been screamed at by managers, by clients, who seemed convinced I had not tried my best.

I have also had a number of interactions with mediapersons. Some were kind and understanding and heard me through. Some asked me to "dump the release, get out." But worst of all, most were indifferent, treating me as if I was a pesky mosquito who could not be got rid of.