SIR,--Although such a lot of what Mr. Cyril Ray says
of pUblic relations is true, I am very perturbed at the continuing abuse of PROs by Mr. Ray. The newly formed Society for the Discouragement of Public Relations, presumably, will carry the cam- paign further. There are good and bad Negroes, Jews, men, women, typewriters, boats, pencils-- good and bad anything and everything, and the game applies to PROs.
There are many good ones who are worth their salt to the press, their clients and themselves (note the order!) and are struggling to do a first-class job for everybody.
As an old reporter, 1 know that good news is bad news; bad PROs are good news; but surely there must be a writer somewhere willing to say something about the good ones.
Many people in my job (I won't call it a profession yet) are as much disturbed by the bad PROs as are the journalists who receive their handouts.
Does Mr. Ray not make use of any PRO at any time? I am sure he must!
have always respected and admired Mr. Ray's writings and judgment and still do. except in the case of public relations. He would make his anti- PR case much stronger if he would praise us occa- sionally—when we deserve that praise!—Yours faithfully,
[Cyril Ray writes: 'Mr. Stone should refer to my Postscript of November 4 last, with its praise for two "helpful, courteous and well-informed men from public relations firms," and to my appeal, in Postscript of December 16, for official recognition for the public relations work of Mr. Richard Stubbs.' -- Editor, Spectator.]
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