tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post1885309460907046511..comments2023-11-29T16:57:15.811-08:00Comments on PSYOP Regimental Blog: PSYOP and PT BarnumLawrence Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048092221343162724noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post-73365450186244942942009-06-11T21:03:11.116-07:002009-06-11T21:03:11.116-07:00Obviously the Iraqis know this is a US paper, so w...Obviously the Iraqis know this is a US paper, so why not use that angle? Have reporters do articles about what the American soldiers are doing, maybe do interviews with soldiers about their experiences in Iraq, that sort of thing. If you're going to go with feel-good propaganda, at least be up front about it.<br /><br />Your assessment of small local newspapers was spot-on, by the way. Our ad revenue, circulation, and website hits have all gone up during a time when large newspapers are tanking.Susannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post-60291956943930484142009-06-11T19:29:13.631-07:002009-06-11T19:29:13.631-07:00Good points Lawence. This reminds me of a workshop...Good points Lawence. This reminds me of a workshop I took learning a program for actor centered modeling theory. One of the teachers was an anthropologist that worked for decades in the gov't anti-drug media campaign. He said that the data showed that drug use going up or down was based largely on the stories and narratives that drug takers tell and spread through their networks. <br />To be credible any anti-drug information campaign would have to follow this natural pattern and include the same themes of real world drug narratives. The official gov't position, however, is that nothing positive could ever be said about any drug, which was simply not credible to anyone; after all, people don't take drugs for no reason. <br />So they were stuck with politically implemented campaigns that did nothing but waist tax payer dollars. The instructor said we eventually quit in disgust. <br /><br />In psyop we call this "psyop by good idea," rather than by real world information, which is what you are talking about. To be credible we have to admit that the U.S. has made many mistakes and continues to make mistakes, but that we are learning from those mistakes and need the collaboration of Iraqis to move forward. Otherwise, we will have psyop that is just as pointless and stupid as the "Just Say No" campaign. <br /><br />RickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post-81731202548469787942009-06-09T15:29:20.481-07:002009-06-09T15:29:20.481-07:00Some great comments Tom, thanks. I especially like...Some great comments Tom, thanks. I especially like the idea of free advertising - promoting the entrepreneurs of Iraq makes a great deal of sense.Lawrence Dietzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04048092221343162724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post-121213344397673082009-06-09T15:23:21.386-07:002009-06-09T15:23:21.386-07:00Me thinks someone should start putting an Iraqi fa...Me thinks someone should start putting an Iraqi face to an Iraqi paper. Especially since we are supposed to be "pulling out of Iraq" soon (or so the new admin keeps stating). How tough would it be to find an editor? Maybe one of the Iraqi journalists that have been with the paper for awhile would be willing. They could also offer free advertising for a limited time. If some companies make a bit extra through that, they may be more willing to pay for the advertising (which is how papers make money) later on. <br /><br />Just a couple thoughts.<br /><br />TomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com