You’re clamped: a poor attempt to gag
My last post was an innocuous but heart warming story of a man that believed he had been wrongly clamped by NCP Services. The owner of the clamped vehicle sawed his car in two in protest.
Not much of a deal you might say until NCP Services director of communications got on the case.
I had quite an aggressive response to a four paragraph post that simply reported what the BBC had said.
Tim from NCP Services stated based on the factual inaccuracies that: “I would be happy to add you to the database of agencies we would never use.” You’re barred my son!
It was suggested that I take my “offending” post off, which I replied that because someone thinks it is offensive (could be disagree) is no reason to take something off, unless it is slanderous or grossly offensive or insensitive.
After my reply where I pointed out it was a blog, not a marketing website I got this: “I didn’t realise your site is just a blog. I thought it was a marketing website. Sorry to bother you.”
Well! You would never have thought communications was becoming more democratic and it was about negotiation and diplomacy and less about force. And anyone involved in PR, especially if they are senior, should recognise the power of blogs surely?
But you know Tim and NCP Services has a interesting perspective that might surprise.
When I pointed out the story of the bus that got a ticket in Manchester I got an interesting reply. The reason was that the bus driver had simply gone off to breakfast leaving the vehicle blocking later buses causing a real obstruction. That puts things into a bit of perspective.
Tim states NCP Services also have doubled the removal from our roads for untaxed, many in a dangerous state, vehicles. This is a positive messag that we do not tend to hear or take in.
Clamping and parking fines are a contentious issue. I know how most people feel and I generally feel the same. But NCP Services has a story to tell. Once you explain your position, if it has merit, you can possibly achieve some change in opinion.
Open dialogue has to be the best way for the majority of time.
I am very happy for Tim to supply copy for a post about the work they do and examples of they are trying to change viewpoints and work in an area that arouses strong emotions.
It’s preferable to use “jaw jaw and not war war” as one great man said.
Tags: clamping, Crisis PR, NCP Services
May 18th, 2008 at 11:43 am
It’s disappointing but not surprising that a Director of Communication shuold have such poor understanding of the digital medium. he had the opportunity to turn the story into something positive but has turned the story much more negative. Not very wise
May 19th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Ey up Artisan. Is this post a blatant pitch to get some work from NCP? I’m not sure that’s in the Spirit of Blog. Working for NCP I mean of course…..
May 20th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I looked at NCP Services web site. It looks to me as thought they don’t have a clue about social media and how it can help their case.
Certainly writing what sounds like a rather abrupt email is not going to help it at all. And yet having a director of communication seems to indicate that they do want people to understand them and to see the good they do.
Even then they don’t show any of the positive stories you quote on their web site. Talk about hiding your light under a bushel!
Jim
June 1st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
You begin to wonder, especially when you are so senior.
July 10th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I enjoyed your writing style and I’ve added you to my Reader. Keep these posts coming.