public relations

1. Is this PR quiz real?
What we should say: Yes, we received it from an old defunct e-mail address last week.
What we’d like to say: Can a PR quiz ever be considered real?

2. Are you still the North Bay features reporter?
What we should say: No.
What we’d like to say: The North Bay section disappeared over more than 15 months ago.

3. What types of stories, pitches and angles do you want to hear about?
What we should say: Any kinds, all kinds.
What we’d like to say: Please stop sending us information about events taking place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

4. What kind of relationship do you have with PR people?
What we should say: Reasonable.
What we’d like to say: Grrrrrrrrrr.

5. What ways do the best PR people help you? What should PR people understand when pitching to you?
What we should say: By determining the correct e-mail address to contact and sending one concise e-mail to it: www.sfgate.com/feedback/eguide.html.
What we’d like to say: By not asking the same question twice.

6. What’s your biggest complaint when working with PR people?
What we should say: No complaints. Everything’s fine.
What we’d like to say: That we sometimes have to work with them.

7. What’s your number one tip for a PR person who wants to establish a relationship with you?
What we should say: Politeness.
What we’d like to say: Intelligence.

8. What are the best sources for your stories?
What we should say: Secret confidential ones.
What we’d like to say: Any source (other than a PR person).

9. What type of resources do you like to receive from PR people?
What we should say: High-quality jpgs or photos.
What we’d like to say: Quirky things and chocolate.

10. What are you looking for in a press release?
What we should say: Details and specifics.
What we’d like to say: An excuse to throw it away.

11. How do you prefer to be contacted?
What we should say: Via e-mail.
What we’d like to say: Never.