Flogvertising: Edelman Gets A Kicking

The blogosphere has reacted angrily to a blog devised by self-proclaimed ‘influencers of influencers‘ Edelman, the PR agency. Edelman helped Walmart set up a blog called Wal-marting Across America that critics say misled the audience. The blog looks like it’s authored by a couple traveling across America in their RV and spending nights parked in WalMart parking lots - but it turns out that turned out to be a fake blog, written by writers employed by an Edelman off-shoot. Despite hiring blog-crusader Steve Rubel recently, the PR agency seems to think that it can still ‘invent the news’ in a time when consumers - and the media - demand transparency.

Critics views: Duncanriley.com, publishing 2.0, Shel Holtz, Paul Gillin, Business Week

Steve Rubel remains curiously quiet on the subject.