Great conversation....

So today, I had this great conversation with a fellow public relations specialist named Phillip Lanides. Lanides just recently launched his own public relations company called, Fight of Your Life Communications. He specializes in mixed martial arts promotions, public relations and management. I got a lot of great information from him regarding topics such as how to secure clients, networking, and meeting the needs of your market. Most of all, after hanging up with him, he inspired me to not be afraid in making the leap in starting your own business. The worst you can do is fail, and even that is beneficial in that you learn from experience.

http://fightofyourlife.com/

Former University of Florida wide reciever, Percy Harvin, has seen his draft status take a hit recently with reports of a surly attitude and positive drug test at the combine. Harvin prior to the combine was a consensus top 15 pick on most teams draft boards. However, the news of his drug use has seen his stock plummet to late first round to even the second round; a potential difference of millions.

How should Harvin's agent handle his free fall?


http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/12/report-harvins-stock-dropping/

A Crossroad for Craigslist?

"BOSTON: A medical student has appeared in court to fight charges that he is the "Craigslist killer" who sought out female victims on the popular website.

Police said Philip Markoff - a handsome, clean-cut, 23-year-old who was planning a lavish beachfront wedding - is a suspected serial criminal who targeted women offering erotic services through Craigslist."

By now, most of us have heard about this news story. Markoff, a Boston University medical student, was apparently targeting women victims via Craigslist, the online classified ad giant.

This is not the first time a murder was facilitated indirectly with the help of Craigslist. In October 2007, a then 19-year old Michael John Anderson, was charged with second-degree murder of a woman who had responded to an online request for a babysitter posted by Anderson.

It seems as though Craigslist is being used as a vessel for predators to set traps for unsuspecting patrons. Facing growing criticism, Craigslist CEO, Jim Buckmaster has been appearing on numerous television shows sending condolences to the victim's families, as well deflecting any blame being placed on his company.

How should Craigslist handle the criticism? Is placing blame partly on Craigslist akin to saying a newspaper is responsible for a serial murderer using the classified ads to target potential victims? Should Craiglist acquiesce to mounting public pressure to modify its policies?