The Truth About SPIN

"We didn't actually overspend our budget. The allocation simply fell short of the expenditure."

Anonymous

As the elephant appears different to blind men, each touching a different part, so too are there many ways to view the circumstances we find ourselves in.

Or is there only one way, only one truth?

Public Relations: To What End?

"Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory."

Arthur Ashe

"In designated cleanup areas of certain offices, the company has changed the type of wipe-up towels it buys. In a memo to employees, a staffer explained this will lower GM's "cost per wipe."

Wall Street Journal, November 24, 2008
Article discussing the cost saving measures being employed by GM (Click here for article)

Arthur's quote suggests the importance of appearing as though you are winning even when you're not. Is that "spin" and if it is, is that a bad thing? And if you read the WSJ article I think you'll agree they've "spun" the efforts of GM to control costs (you decide whether they did so positively or negatively.)

What is the role of PR? To get the facts out or is it to create the facts? Is there a difference?