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I'm from Memphis and I used to work at FedEx. I'm really proud right now of the way that FedEx handled it. People need to realize that you can't know a city un

I'm from Memphis and I used to work at FedEx. I'm really proud right now of the way that FedEx handled it. People need to realize that you can't know a city unless you live there for a long time. There are bad things about it, but there are some really great things about it too.

jhancock 18y ago
I'm sure many visitors to Memphis have not been happy to be there. There is no reason to expect everyone to like your city. Imagine how many people (now including me) have spent time investigating the simple fact that one person landed in Memphis and wasn't impressed. Who cares!!! Its not a PR problem. Its just one guy from Atlanta saying what he really thinks. Or is FedEx sending the message that they don't want to hear what people really think? Look at this part: "FedEx Corporation pays Ketchum annually for the valuable and important work your company does for us around the globe. We are confident however, it is enough to expect a greater level of respect and awareness from someone in your position as a vice president at a major global player in your industry". In other words, a PR firm is only supposed to spread sunshine, and money equals respect. FedEx needs to wake up to the realities of the Internet. Instead of punishing people that are not impressed with your home town, try to fix the real problem.
- tedshroyer 18y ago
  PR firms are supposed to spread sunshine. That's the market they're working to make money in. I think FedEx's message was don't hurt our image when you work for us. You should know that when you are the vice president of a PR company. A corporations base of operations is an important part of it's image and an important aspect for hiring and retaining employees, which is probably a big problem for them since they cut everyone's pay there within the last month.
  - jhancock 18y ago
    I have no ill will toward FedEx or Memphis. You are correct, but only to a point. If it wasn't this guy in his position that said what he said, it could have easily been someone else. The best solution is to fix the root problem. If people get this feeling from landing in Memphis airport, thats the key problem to be addressed.
    - tedshroyer 18y ago
      The Memphis airport, like many airports, is constantly under construction. Construction projects take years. For an airport that is cargo first, passengers second, they've done a good job of squeezing in passenger facing improvements. Baggage claim being the one thing that definitely needs to be addressed. It seems to be the same as it was when the airport was first constructed.
- tedshroyer 18y ago
  Also, FedEx didn't publicly call the guy out or try to punish him. An employee sent him an email and cc'd their director. The employee's email got leaked out somehow later. http://blogs.zdnet.com/collaboration/?p=189 http://blogs.zdnet.com/collaboration/?p=189 http://shankman.com/be-careful-what-you-post/ http://shankman.com/be-careful-what-you-post/

jhancock 18y ago

I'm sure many visitors to Memphis have not been happy to be there. There is no reason to expect everyone to like your city. Imagine how many people (now including me) have spent time investigating the simple fact that one person landed in Memphis and wasn't impressed. Who cares!!! Its not a PR problem. Its just one guy from Atlanta saying what he really thinks. Or is FedEx sending the message that they don't want to hear what people really think? Look at this part: "FedEx Corporation pays Ketchum annually for the valuable and important work your company does for us around the globe. We are confident however, it is enough to expect a greater level of respect and awareness from someone in your position as a vice president at a major global player in your industry". In other words, a PR firm is only supposed to spread sunshine, and money equals respect. FedEx needs to wake up to the realities of the Internet. Instead of punishing people that are not impressed with your home town, try to fix the real problem.

tedshroyer 18y ago
PR firms are supposed to spread sunshine. That's the market they're working to make money in. I think FedEx's message was don't hurt our image when you work for us. You should know that when you are the vice president of a PR company. A corporations base of operations is an important part of it's image and an important aspect for hiring and retaining employees, which is probably a big problem for them since they cut everyone's pay there within the last month.
- jhancock 18y ago
  I have no ill will toward FedEx or Memphis. You are correct, but only to a point. If it wasn't this guy in his position that said what he said, it could have easily been someone else. The best solution is to fix the root problem. If people get this feeling from landing in Memphis airport, thats the key problem to be addressed.
  - tedshroyer 18y ago
    The Memphis airport, like many airports, is constantly under construction. Construction projects take years. For an airport that is cargo first, passengers second, they've done a good job of squeezing in passenger facing improvements. Baggage claim being the one thing that definitely needs to be addressed. It seems to be the same as it was when the airport was first constructed.
tedshroyer 18y ago
Also, FedEx didn't publicly call the guy out or try to punish him. An employee sent him an email and cc'd their director. The employee's email got leaked out somehow later. http://blogs.zdnet.com/collaboration/?p=189 http://blogs.zdnet.com/collaboration/?p=189 http://shankman.com/be-careful-what-you-post/ http://shankman.com/be-careful-what-you-post/