10 cringe-worthy things #highered marketing professionals hear

One of my favorite PR news sites recently offered a list of 14 cringe-worthy things PR clients say. As a light-hearted first post for 2013 (following my extended maternity-leave blogging hiatus), I bring to you a version for those of us in higher ed marketing:

• "Can you make our logo, phone number and web address fit on this pen?"
• "I don't do social media. Can I have my student assistant run my Facebook page instead?"
• "I need a link on the home page."
• "This important official is visiting campus today at noon, and we need publicity. Just don't release his/her name for security reasons."
• "Only five people have RSVPed for tonight's event downtown. Can you help us get a crowd?"
• "I heard an ad for your college on the radio. Can we meet for 30 minutes to discuss how stadium bathroom stall advertising can help you reach your target market?"
• "Can we use these photos from my flip phone in the brochure?"
• "For some reason, that reporter at [national news outlet] seemed irritated when I called him the next day."
• "Your design is OK, but we're tired of the school colors so we had our research assistant design something new in Publisher."
• "Real writers use the serial comma."

Disclaimer: This blogger has worked in higher ed communications for more than 15 years and has heard many stories from many professional peers at many institutions. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), events, or locales is entirely coincidental.