You'd Better Have a Hose If You Want to Put Out the Fire: The Complete Guide to Crisis and Risk Communications

Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource
Review: I found this to be one of the best books out there on risk and crisis communication. The author succinctly presents a wealth of practical information and tips. This book is as useful for newcomers to the field, as well as those who have weathered many a crisis. In addition, its universal advice applies to all organizations--whether you are in industry, government, education, sports, or non-profit. I've bought copies for all my staff!

Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource
Review: I found this to be one of the best books out there on risk and crisis communication. The author succinctly presents a wealth of practical information and tips. This book is as useful for newcomers to the field, as well as those who have weathered many a crisis. In addition, its universal advice applies to all organizations--whether you are in industry, government, education, sports, or non-profit. I've bought copies for all my staff!

Rating:
Summary: This book is simplistic
Review: The author provides case study after case study with practically no analysis himself. He spends an entire chapter promoting himself and lambasting a client who didn't heed his advice.

Is this a good book for newcomers? Possibly. If you're a student and don't know much about public relations this book will probably interest you. If you're a practioner and this book is anything other than remidal reading, it may be time to consider finding a new career.

To his credit, the author does present case studies that run the gamut from non-profits, to disasters, to educational instituions, to criminal clients. He does provide a wide array of different situations.

I have no doubt that the author is an excellent practioner of the art of public relations. As a journalist and an instructor, the book leaves something to be desired.

Rating:
Summary: This book is simplistic
Review: The author provides case study after case study with practically no analysis himself. He spends an entire chapter promoting himself and lambasting a client who didn't heed his advice.

Is this a good book for newcomers? Possibly. If you're a student and don't know much about public relations this book will probably interest you. If you're a practioner and this book is anything other than remidal reading, it may be time to consider finding a new career.

To his credit, the author does present case studies that run the gamut from non-profits, to disasters, to educational instituions, to criminal clients. He does provide a wide array of different situations.

I have no doubt that the author is an excellent practioner of the art of public relations. As a journalist and an instructor, the book leaves something to be desired.