Let's be honest. PR has a bad reputation. If the industry is booming, why do people continue to perceive public relations specialists as a bunch of sleazy liars? Maybe this is why...

In the public eye, PR is considered manipulation, spinning of the truth, "organized lying", free advertising, a ploy, propaganda, and exaggeration. The intentions of PR seem to be preying on the innocent citizens of society to raise themselves up monetarily in the world.

Those distorted images are bred due to some poor decisions made by some foolish people that ruined the PR image. In reality however, PR people have a code of ethics as well. The PRSA's code of values contains these six principles of ethics for every specialist to follow.

Advocate: We serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent.

Honesty: We adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of those we represent and in communicating with the public.

Expertise: We build mutual understanding, credibility, and relationships among a wide array of institutions and audiences.

Independence: We are accountable for our actions and provide objective counsel to those we represent.

Loyalty: While loyally representing an organization, we continue to look for the best in public interest.

Fairness: We deal fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public.

One might not realize this, but a good portion of stories you read in the credible news come from press releases. Public relations specialists are NOT out to get the public. Their primary function in this world is to provide publicity, promotion, public awareness, and consulting to companies or organizations so that the public will be aware of them. If PR didn't exist, you probably would be wearing those Nike shoes/using that new touch cellphone/going to that box office hit because you just wouldn't be aware of it.