Eric, I wondered if anyone would read the separated posts carefully enough to decide there was an apparent inconsistency.

But I think a balance is workable.

You work for the company or client, and they get your first loyalty. But one of the best ways to support them is to recognize that, when dealing with others — particularly the media — it is about the information recipient or consumer, and about relationships (the R in MR).

Supporting the media — by being available and trying to get answers to their questions and helping them arrange interviews and gather other information — in no way conflicts with my advice that the practitioner is allowed to advance his own agenda.

Declining to answer a loaded question in the way the reporter would “prefer” doesn’t interfere with your willingness to support and assist and be available for him.

Any self-respecting reporter will 1) appreciate obvious cooperation, availability, and assistance, and 2) understand that you also have a job to do and an organization or client or position to represent.

The trick is to do both with skill.

ummm … I don’t mean to upset you (especially since we have recently coerced you into joining IABC’s international accreditation council and we’ll be working together for the next few years), but doesn’t much of what you say here contradict the concept of staying on message, rather than answering someone’s questions in clear, concise terms?

Just a thought.