What is the purpose of technology public relations? Surely to communicate a company's message to its customers, prospective customers, employees, suppliers, industry peers and the general public. That may seem obvious, but judging from the copy used in brochures, press releases, and PowerPoint presentations, too many forget to consider that when writing copy.

Why the passion for acronyms? When was the last time you sat through a PowerPoint presentation without seeing an acronym? When was the last time you sat through a PowerPoint presentation without seeing an acronym you had never seen before? Even if they are familiar terms, would it kill anyone to write out Return on Investment? Web Services? Customer Relationship Management (as opposed to Certified Records Manager)? If we could bring ourselves to spell words out our presentations, press releases, and marketing materials would be far clearer to our prospective customers. Wasn't that the point?
Alice Marshall
February 21, 2004