I'm calling it a day

I don't in any way think that Alan Jones comments on the death of Julia Gillard's (Australian PM for those who don't know) father. He has been made aware by the Australian public, the media and the social media enthusiasts that his comments were not acceptable. Slap over the wrist. Wake up call. You name it - he got it. But when does the punishment stop?

Then, when I thought I couldn't stomach another day of media both traditional and online slandering the poor old guy that has just got verbal diarrhea at times, it did get worse and this time it was personal.

Mercedes PR people got on the bandwagon. Not only did they profess to cancel their advertising because of the comments, but they also gained millions in publicity over "taking away the Mercedes that Alan Jones was given to drive".

And it was all lies. Some dumb PR person or manager who instigated the PR activity trying to leverage the Mercedes brand should be sacked. Not Alan Jones. He makes a living out of being controversial and saying stuff that either the general public really want to say but don't, or that is plain ridiculous and happens to be either his opinion or a cause of generating publicity for his show. David McCarthy from Mercedes is who I am talking about. Generating PR spin is one thing, but stay within your brand guidelines and brand values. Mercedes isn't a brand that is known for "trolling" or "gutter tactics".

I thought and bought a brand that was reputable. That stood above the rest. Was quality, stylish, reliable, decent and the brand that everyone wants to own, but not everyone can. I am not sure how lying to generate publicity as reported in the media in the past 24 hours is something that is in line with the Mercedes brand.

Here we have an example of a PR person generating publicity only to fall flat on their face and while they may have millions in mileage in terms of column centimeters, they are no doubt going to lose a lot more than that with loyal brand followers turning off their brand.

My next car may have cost Mercedes between $150 to $250k. I am sure I am not the only one that has now got a distaste for the Mercedes brand over one very fatal and very stupid PR stunt that has clearly backfired.