This post is in response to Tim Burke’s blog:
Tim gives a good analysis of what it takes to become a worldwide celebrity these days. He talks to the methods of Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, both of whom “have marketed themselves, maybe not in the most positive way, but have done so and now everybody knows about them and with that their music.” He goes on to conclude that ‘any publicity is good publicity’ in the sense that in order to become a “household name”, one must simply expose themselves the most people possible.
I agree with Tim’s opinions on exposure and marketing, however I do not believe that there is “no such thing as bad publicity”. Take, for example, Kanye West’s stunt at the 2009 MTV Awards. His actions were followed by a huge backlash from fans that forced Kanye into ‘hiding’ in Europe for close to two years in order for the damaging effects to cool off. One could argue however, that when West returned in 2011, he had gained a greater following.
Regardless, publicity can always take a negative form; just ask BP.