Stupid PR Watch: ‘While We’re on the Subject…’

In an unusual move, Ford Motor Company last week put out a statement debunking a spam e-mail that has apparently been making the rounds claiming the car company is selling 500 2010 Ford Fusions for $15,500 each, and then took the opportunity to do a little branding.

“Unfortunately, the offer is not legitimate and the email is a hoax,” the statement said. “Also, the sales manager listed in the e-mail is not a company employee.”

Ford then began selling the Fusion.

“But as long as we’re talking about the Ford Fusion Hybrid, we’ll take this opportunity to pass along some things that are true,” said the statement.

The release touted the Fusion’s fuel efficiency and actual selling price of $27,270.

What a neat idea! There must be other organizations that could use debunking spam as an opportunity to brand themselves.

Wait a minute! Here’s one: Authorities in the Netherlands could debunk the spam claiming recipients have won the Dutch lottery.

“Unfortunately, the lottery notice is not legitimate, but as long as we’re talking about Holland, we’ll take this opportunity to pass along some things that are true.

“Did you know you can get hashish and pot in coffee shops all over the place here? Granted, we did ban magic mushrooms last year—damned tourists kept O.D.-ing—but you can still come to the Netherlands and as get stoned as a Rastafarian at a religious retreat!

“Be careful, though. Our black Afghani hash has been known to liquify some tourists’ brains.

“Oh, and don’t forget prostitution. It’s legal here, too! Guys, leave the wives and girlfriends at home. Bringing them would be kind of like bringing sand to the beach, if you know what we mean.

“What? What was that? We also have Van Gogh, Rembrandt and tulips? Yeah, yeah. OK. Whatever. Them too. Now pass the bong.”