(Michael Bolton, bad at mundane details)

We love blogging about refined topics like setting up RSS feeds. But, have you ever been in a bad situation like Michael Bolton in the movie Office Space because of some "mundane detail"? In case you forget, Bolton's computer virus code mishandled a decimal point and nearly sent him to Federal "pound me in the a&% prison".

It happens all the time in PR. Contracts are signed, strategy created, messages developed, then no one bothers to check to see if the client's name is spelled correctly in the PowerPoint, or a release gets uploaded with errors.

If it's your ass on the line, PRNewser suggests this simple step-by-step method for checking facts:

1) Print out your document (you can do it on screen the next time)

2) Highlight every proper noun (names, places, things)

3) Run each one through Google, find a reliable site to confirm your fact

4) Correct accordingly

This is common sense, we know. Common sense in PR sometimes isn't all that common.

Ready for more advanced writing and editing education? Check out mediabistro's classes and online resources.

(Brando using The Method in Streetcar, via NYTimes.com)

Having long since received encouragement from Boss Lady Laurel Touby to write more opinionated pieces about public relations, today seems like as good a day a any to post one.

Recently the head of the interactive agency I freelance for described me to the client as "embedded" in the campaign. Despite the use of the Department of Defense PR's terminology, I couldn't agree more. Whether internal comm, or agency rep, you have to really dig in and understand the product, people, or service of whatever you're pitching and believe in its value.

Synch up knowledge, passion for the topic, great storytelling, and good media research before you pitch and you'll be channeling Method Actor Marlon Brando with your own brand of Method PR.

It's really tough in some of the dryer sectors, no question. Is it beyond dry or does the work even turn your stomach? You might want to heed Ken Sunshine's advice: "don't be so corporate." That's a tall order but no one wants to be a spreadsheet jockey, right?

Method PR differs from faking it. Perhaps I'm creating a misnomer here with the analogy to acting--so be it, it's Friday. Cultivating your own interest in a given subject and mashing it up to what you're pitching is a powerful tool.

Do you practice Method PR? Do you unfortunately pitch something that makes you sick? Drop us a note. Confidentiality guaranteed.