Should we stop discussing these PR topics?

I’ve grown weary of the profession’s preoccupation with its “reputation.” Face it, there are unethical jackasses in every realm, and perhaps it’s time to focus our energy on other issues.

The column in question got me thinking about when valid preoccupations/debates become counterproductive. Don’t get me wrong; internal dialogue is essential for all professions, but there comes a point when an issue has been dithered over so much that it becomes a collective neurosis.

Here are a few other never-ending topics in PR that might have passed their freshness dates in terms of value and productivity.

The value of “Add Value Equivalency (AVE).” PR professionals aren’t admen. The way people react to an ad versus an editorial piece differs. This should be enough to kill AVEs. If members of the C-suite ask about AVEs, educate them.