Mark My Words Blog
Welcome to ‘Mark My Words,’ the digital sanctuary where insight meets intrigue, and commentary sparks contemplation.
Delve into the dynamic world of PR maverick Mark Borkowski as he unravels the threads of media, culture, and communication. Mark’s blog is a treasure trove of industry wisdom, offering a backstage pass to the inner workings of publicity and the ever-evolving landscape of modern media.
TEXT AN IMMIGRANT
The Borkowski poet in residence takes at look at headline-grabbing policymaking in light of John Reid’s plans to introduce a text messaging scheme for potential visa overstayers. Text an immigrant, hug a hoodie. Solve race relations; hang Jade Goody. Text an immigrant but don’t be petty – they can stay if they’re pretty like Shilpa Shetty. Text an immigrant on Richard and Judy. You Say We Pay to hug a hoodie. Text an immigrant, say the leaders with a careful eye on tabloid readers. Text an immigrant, get them on their bikes. If they’ve got no visa they can take…
THE VERY MODEL OF A MODERN COOL PRIME MINISTER
Tony Blair is still clearly considering his place in history. The Borkowski poet in residence wonders if he might not be better placed in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta… I am the very model of a modern cool Prime Minister. My intonation’s lively, not serious and sinister. I know the Queen of England and my purpose is historical – from learning to the NHS, not one thing’s metaphorical I’m very well acquainted, too, with issues of legality I understand a quandary in all matters of morality and though I understand a paper serves a very useful function, I wish the…
The passing of Ian Wooldridge
This morning’s Guardian obit of Ian “Woolers” Wooldridge is a work of art; penned by none other than the other sport writing legend Frank Keating. http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,,2027343,00.html. His first paragraph is enchanting, “Ian Wooldridge, who has died aged 75, was an undisputed heavyweight champion of British sports writing. For his readers, with his perception, passion and wit, he bridged the chasm between those who are fervently knowledgeable about sports and those who are decidedly not. By his peers over almost four decades, he was considered just about the transcendent British operator. His clubbable urbanity and generosity lent lustre to his peripatetic…
House wrap on YouTube
The house wrap for Lower Mill Estate has finally made its way onto Youtube. What a crazy day and perfect Valentine’s present. I think the Mail article sums it all up. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=435702&in_page_id=1770 It was the best fun I have had in an age, and it was joy to have a client that found a way to make this happen.
Just The Ticket
I love old publicity stunts that turn up each year. The first sighting in this creative, famous car ticket by a Meter Maid was 40 years ago in the 1960’s when aphorically the 007 Aston Martin DB6 was pulled over in the London. Ahem, I am not sure if this was the really the first, so I am looking for the original that set the PR precedent. There are three basic variants on this stunt I will award a bottle of Krug to the person that can prove superior knowledge of this feat of ingenuity
Mark talks about Charlotte Church pregnancy
Mark talks about the Charlotte Church pregnancy news on BBC Radio Wales 02 March 07
Movie Business Mayhem
What is often forgotten about the Hollywood movie business in its early days, is its absolute excess on every level. Cecil B De Mille was noted for his flagrant behaviour and he was best known for his biblical epics, such as King of Kings and The Ten Commandments. Because of the biblical subject matter, De Mille got away with murder. He filmed orgy scenes, nude women, women kissing women, and unspeakable violence. If a critic objected to one of his films, De mille would reply “if you condemn my Bible pictures, you condemn the Bible.” At that time, movie publicists…
John Stauber's view on public relations
John Stauber, is the founder of the Center for Media and Democracy, which sponsors PR Watch, he is one person I have huge amount of respect for. I have always taken note of his outpourings which are usually very insightful. Stauber has been around the block, since the 1960s. He has worked with public interest, consumer, family farm, environmental and community organizations at the local and national level in North America and has really made a difference I was so pleased to find this cool video on You Tube. The PR universe is thought of as cool place to explore;…
THE FAT OF THE LAND
Prince Charles was overheard on Tuesday suggesting that McDonalds should be banned. It later came out that his Duchy Original Cornish Pasties were fattier, saltier and generally less healthy than a Big Mac. The Borkowski poet in residence considers what Charles might be thinking. I don’t want blubbery subjects enslaved to some burger chain. It would put a terrible dampener on my eventual reign. I don’t want a nation of fatties, unable to sink to their knees, who can’t genuflect, bow or scrape because of oncoming heart disease. I want people to buy organic from my farms or possibly elsewhere…
The power behind the Freud
Just as a thousand liggers sharpened their patter to pass the clipboard test to slither into post Oscar parties, four days later in London I suspect the wannabes will try to assemble at Matthew Freud’s send off hurrah for his arch lieutenant, Kris Thykier.