No Free Lunch, But Lots of Free “Stuff” These Days

Have a need for a three-ring binder? Various shapes and sizes — unlimited opportunities!

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Arguably, one of the most misinterpreted concepts to surface over the past several decades is that one can get lunch — or perhaps another meal — without being required to provide compensation.  

For more insight into this phenomenon, which has its origin during the Depression and was known to be shared by saloon keepers, visit this Wikipedia report. 

Now, onto the focus of this post, which takes up the “free lunch” concept and brings it into the modern world. As noted by the images shared here, people — at least in our neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago — literally take to the streets, well actually, to the sidewalks and parkways — in order to rid themselves of a wide range of items they no longer want.

Over the past few years, I’ve encountered literally scores of boxes that contain a wide range of “stuff” that’s mine for the picking. The majority of items available include books, clothing, personal care products, and household goods. 

However I have encountered — and retrieved — unopened and still good boxes of beer! Once I found a 12-pack (with one absent) of Bud Light, and another time nine bottles of Founders Porter, brewed by a highly-regarded craft brewery from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Yes, this is not a joke: I found a supply of Founders beer. 

And, while en route to the Blue Line for my morning commute to work, I saw that someone down the block hung on a fence four Jos. A. Banks men’s business suits.  Not sure of the size, but I hoped the suits would be adopted by someone who would wear and benefit from this free grouping of good quality business attire. 

The questions that surface from this analysis: Why do people leave out for the taking some perfectly good stuff rather than donate or keep for another time? Why has this phenomenon surfaced relatively recently? Are people more “generous” these days? Where can I find more free beer?  

Okay, ignore the last question.

As previously noted in this space, The PRDude has addressed modern phenomenon.  Hey, I’m a newsman by trade who transitioned into public relations. I enjoy reporting on what I observe, on what’s taking place around me.  An example: Nearly a decade ago I published this post on a modern decision by men and women of all shapes and sizes that shows no sign of diminishing: The unflattering practice of donning a baseball cap on backwards.

Back to the proliferation of free stuff on the streets. I encounter these giveaways mostly at the end or beginning of the month, presumably when apartment renters are heading to new digs and want to rid themselves of items they can do without.

Have you thoughts on the basis for this seemingly modern urban practice? If so, please share.

In keeping with the focus of this post, here are two other “modern day” activities that have landed on my personal radar:

1) Dog walkers who wrap the leash around their bellies rather than hold it in their hands. (This is to, presumably, allow both hands to manage the handheld.)  

2) Men and women who don black rather than white socks while wearing athletic footwear.  (An educated guess: A fashion influencer proclaimed this fashion trend is cool.) 

The newsman in me wants to know more on why these two activities are taking place in society today.  Or, at least in my Chicago neighborhood.

Do you still have a VHS player? If so, this shop on Milwaukee Avenue may still have some tapes left.

Speakers! A hanging ceiling lamp! Something that came in an Amazon box! A virtual treasure trove on the 2900 block of Troy Avenue.

Yes, the shoes look a little “broken in.” But you can’t beat the price.

Really? The “PR Staff” Is A Culprit in the Northwestern University Football Scandal?

Image of former Northwestern University Coach Pat Fitzgerald. Courtesy of USATSI.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Well, it was not totally surprising to read another misrepresentation of public relations following an explosive news story.  This one was quite local from my perspective. 

According to a well-known and well-regarded sports columnist, professionals involved with internal and external communication strategies are somewhat part of the cabal responsible for the crisis initiated by the still-developing scandal involving now-fired Northwestern University Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald and others within the athletic department at the Big 10 school in Evanston.

Perhaps I’m being too reactionary to this denigration of the public relations profession, which so often gets woven into the very fabric of bad news — without any justification or proof — by some members of the media. But hey: I’m The PRDude and I feel responsible to address these all too-frequent challenges to the profession. 

Here’s the media report in question regarding the Northwestern University crisis, which surfaced when allegations of extreme hazing incidents within the football program lead to Fitzgerald’s demise, and as many conclude, lots of “bad PR.”

In a July 10 column, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Rick Telander maintains that the firing of Coach Fitzgerald — who late last week received a two-week suspension without pay after initial news of the hazing scandal was published — was the outcome from a triumvirate, as noted: “The deed was done by a president, athletic department and PR staff that might as well be from Gooberville, USA.”

What perhaps prompted Mr. Telander’s jaundiced and incorrect perception centers on the fact University President Michael Schill announced the suspension on Friday July 7, then made the decision to fire Fitzgerald Monday after The Daily Northwestern newspaper published a story with accounts from former Wildcat football players who claim the program engaged in serious hazing lead to a “culture of enabling racism.” 

Mr. Telander may be correct stating that Northwestern announced Fitzgerald’s suspension on a Friday, with the intention that the story would simmer over the weekend. What is not readily apparent is this: Perhaps the Northwestern communications staff advised President Schill and other University officials to hold off on making any formal announcement related to the breaking hazing news until more information was substantiated.  Perhaps the communicators recommended that a statement be prepared stating that Northwestern was aware of the hazing allegations and administrators were analyzing the situation.  Perhaps their guidance was not accepted, overruled by President Schill and others in the C Suite. 

The accepted initial strategic action in a potential crisis is to recognize that it’s happening, and then take prompt responsibility for responding when facts are reviewed and decisions made. 

Northwestern may have fumbled the beginning stages of this all very real crisis. We will learn more in the weeks and months ahead.  

Regardless, the public relations staff will face many immediate challenges, especially after the world learned yesterday that the University baseball program, led by Coach Jim Foster, also is under scrutiny; it’s my hope that members of the media will recognize the process of how news evolves during a true crisis, and keep a somewhat open mind.