The Submarine: PR, Suits & Blogs

This blog post, "The Submarine," by Paul Graham, delves into the hidden world of public relations (PR) and its pervasive influence on traditional media. Graham, a prominent tech entrepreneur and essayist, uses the metaphor of a submarine to illustrate how PR firms operate beneath the surface of news, shaping narratives and manipulating public perception.

The PR Industry: A Quiet Submarine

Graham argues that the PR industry acts like a silent, powerful submarine, operating beneath the radar of most readers. He highlights the fact that many news stories, especially those not related to politics, crime, or disasters, are actually generated by PR firms. This is because reporters often rely on PR firms for easy access to information and stories, sometimes at the expense of independent journalism.

The "Suits are Back" Trend: A PR Masterpiece

To illustrate this point, Graham examines the recurring "suits are back" trend in media, He shows how this trend was consistently pushed by PR firms working for clothing companies like The Men's Wearhouse. By strategically planting stories in various publications, PR firms created the illusion of a genuine industry trend, leading readers to believe there was a widespread return to more formal attire in workplaces.

The Power of "Buzz" and Trend Stories

The PR industry leverages "buzz" to create a sense of urgency and importance around certain topics. This involves strategically feeding the same story to multiple publications, creating a perception of widespread interest and validation. The "suits are back" trend is a prime example of this tactic.

Blogs: A More Authentic Alternative

Graham argues that blogs provide a more authentic form of writing and information compared to traditional media, He explains that bloggers, unlike many print journalists, are motivated by genuine interest and a desire to share their thoughts and perspectives, rather than serving as mouthpieces for PR firms or advertising clients.

The Decline of Traditional Media

Graham believes that the decline of traditional media can be attributed, in part, to the increasing preference for more authentic and independent content found in blogs and online publications. He points to the increasingly artificial nature of many print media articles, which are often heavily influenced by PR firms.

The Future of PR in the Online World

Graham suggests that the PR industry will likely adapt and evolve to maintain its influence in the online world. He speculates that PR firms will increasingly focus on working with bloggers and online influencers, attempting to manipulate narratives and generate buzz in the digital sphere.

Key Takeaways

• The PR industry plays a significant role in shaping news narratives in traditional media.
• PR firms often manipulate reporters to generate "buzz" and promote certain agendas.
• Blogs offer a more authentic and independent form of writing compared to traditional media.
• The decline of traditional media is partly due to the increasing preference for more authentic online content.
• The PR industry will likely adapt and evolve to maintain its influence in the online world.

The Future of Writing and Media

Graham's blog post raises important questions about the future of writing and media. He suggests that the rise of blogs and online publications has created a more transparent and less manipulated media landscape. However, it remains to be seen how PR firms will adapt to this changing environment.