In my early days as a journalist, I learned that editors are reluctant to print stories about folks who vow that they are going to file a lawsuit against some notable party.
Whether it's a taxing body, a prominent business owner or whomever else that is the anticipated object of someone's legal wrath, it ain't news just because someone performs a bit of jaw-jacking.
"If and when they file suit," my editor would tell me, "then we'll consider publishing a story."
In other words: talk is cheap--but action speaks volumes and warrants a story.
With that understandable media inclination toward "evidence" of action, I wasn't sure three months ago how much media-relations traction I would secure early on for Mickey Straub of Burr Ridge, Ill. I wrote about Mickey here on Examiner as he announced his intention to visit all 50 capitol buildings across the United States in a 50-day span.
It's a feat that, to my knowledge, had never before been attempted, let alone accomplished.
So it was gratifying to see some of the early coverage his bid received, including a column in the Daily Herald, Chicago's third-largest newspaper.
Now that Mickey has completed the journey--and in 44 days, to boot--it's not surprising to see the "action speaks volumes" principle resulting in continued, and even increasing, media interest.
In addition to another extensive, and well-done, piece by Burt Constable of the Daily Herald, another recent case in point came a few days ago. It was a full week after Mickey made Springfield, Ill. his 50th capitol when a story by Dawn Rhodes appeared in the Chicago Tribune.
Media interest is mounting, too, with at least two other outlets pursuing a story and time will tell how far this public-relations journey will go.
So if you're on the front end of a "seeing is believing" type of story that you're trying to convey to the media, don't grow weary if you're not getting much attention. Keep going and let your actions speak so loud that media outlets can't help but tune in and want to turn on their audiences to your story.
For more about Mickey Straub's remarkable mission, visit www.50capitols.com or www.facebook.com/50capitols.
Comments