I quite liked the organizers of the Wellington Region Bludgers’ Awards, I mean, Gold Awards, that I had blogged earlier. I was asked whether I had any press clippings so they could submit a file to the sponsors and the like. This got my goat, because I learned that an article written about me in Wellington Today was included amongst them.
   I don't agree that that article had anything to do with the Gold Awards—they weren't even mentioned—and if you examine our history, my companies and I get anywhere from 10 to 38 items of news coverage monthly and have done for years. I got the piece based on my merit and on the reputation of Lucire (and I have written to the journalist, now in London, to confirm the fact*).
   I had two choices: tell the enquirer of my displeasure, or be gentlemanly and figure there was enough coverage to go around.
   I took the latter course and merely pointed her to Jack Yan & Associates’ press coverage page, but now I’m regretting leaving it at that.
   If I disapproved of the awards as much as I told readers of this blog, I should have not permitted any endorsement, even if it were implied. Now I know how Richard Nixon felt in 1960: could have gone for a recount, but decided not to be an ass (he left that till later).
   But it’s like those “moment has now passed” situations now: the milk has been spilled, and it’s darn well flowing everywhere.
   The lesson: if I believe in transparency, I may as well show it. Otherwise, why co-write this book and why blog?

* Monday update: fact confirmed; Gold Awards’ organizer contacted and has made good on this issue. Which tells me I am right for liking them. posted by Jack Yan, 1:32 PM  permalink