I got a press release today from a PR firm promoting its client's plans to raise $1,000 for Thanksgiving meals and $5,000 for families in need at Christmas. 

While these are certainly laudable goals, I had a strong negative reaction. First, the message is spam.  I have no connection to, and have never heard of, the charity or its PR firm.  Second, is this news?  What's special about a charity raising money for families in need at the holidays?  Why would any media outlet pick this up?  Finally, the goals seem pathetically low. 

I hope the PR firm is doing this pro bono -- otherwise, all the donations could wind up paying them.  Then again, if my reaction is typical, this campaign could wind up costing them.

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