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Originally Posted by WesternAlumn
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Okay...
Right first point I should make is that the LFP is always looking for negative articles about the debauchery of the UWO students... and Fraternities make even better targets than the nameless student. They've done exposes of Saugeen, they were the ones that printed numerous articles slamming any parties by the students (except for homecoming because of the $$$ that rolls into London), and of course the articles that constantly attacked The Ridout... until it was shut down.
As for how to combat the bad press... basically ignore it publically - so no angry letters to the editor, and no outbursts by members to the media looking for follow-up. Privately look to the issues that the article brought up; if they are even remotely valid then take measures to eliminate or mitigate them.
As for getting out good press - have a member or members draft "press-releases" to be sent out for philanthropy events, or community relations events (clean-ups, charities, and such), or even homecoming stories from alumni polishing the "townies" egos.
Finally don't get discouraged - after all I understand the frustration of dealing with the overwhelming negative stereotype that first comes to the minds of the Canadian press (and well Canadians in general)...... for our US readers: most in Canada don't really know that Fraternities exist in Canada, so getting the word out that they do exist is the first hurdle... and once that's done then next combatting the negative stereotypes out there - it's another step that can get very taxing at times.