Proof that protest letters & email works

[BlueScreen]

Hi Gang.

A few weeks ago someone here posted a list of all the companies who have purchased advertising time on Rush Limbaugh's EIB Network. I chose one from the list and composed a short email stating my disappointment with their decision. I also informed them that neither I nor my family would be using their services while they continued to support so divisive a figure as Limbaugh.

Below is a copy of their response to me, which I received last night. A minor victory, I know, but I found it encouraging, nonetheless. Little people can still be a catalyst for change when enough of us act together!

Cheers,
Sagar




Begin forwarded message:

From: <[e-mail]>
Date: July 21, 2004 1:47:19 PM PDT
To: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Red Lobster Case ID:217383


July 21, 2004


Dear Mr. Jethani,

Thank you for contacting Red Lobster. Comments from our guests are taken very seriously, and your feedback will be used to help us improve.

Please be advised Red Lobster no longer advertises on any Rush Limbaugh program. We try to make sure that our commercials are not aired during any programs that might be offensive. I will let our Advertising Department know about your comments.

We certainly value your patronage, and look forward to serving you in the future.

Sincerely,


Arlene
Manager

[toddzilla]

1. did they send you any of those cheese biscuits?

mmmmm!!!

[wryter2000]

2. Great!

Good on you! :yourock:

[Worst Username Ever]

3. Rush is offensive, they got that right.

Nice work!

[drdigi420]

4. good job

if their food wasnt so horrible i would go eat there to show my support, but damn man, that stuff just isnt edible.

[NJCher]

5. used to work in their marketing department

I know the PR people (who are probably still there). I've never been able to understand why they would let an ad of theirs be on Limbaugh.

I'm sure your email brought this faux pas to their attention. Good for you and yes, little things like this do count.


Cher

[Robbien]

6. Funny, I chose the same one from that list

Because we go to Red Lobster here. I called the local one and said we wouldn't be going there any more since they advertise on Limbaugh and we didn't want our dollars supporting that awful show. The manager called me back and said he would make sure headquarters would hear of my complaint.

[havocmom]

7. Thank you for posting this. BlueScreen. We need reminders that it matters

to make the efforts to let our views be known. The right is very active and that makes it seem there are more of them than there really are.

We need to make noise too. We need to let businesses know we will vote with our feet and wallets. People in business figure for every letter/call/email they get, there are X-number of people who feel the same but don't bother to make their feeling known. If the only communications businesses get are from the right wingers, that is all they consider when trying to appeal to a client base.
It is VERY important to let them know we are out there too.

Your post is more that the announcement of a small victory. it is affirmation that action is worthwhile. Thank you very much.

I would like to add that good mail works too. When a company does something you appreciate, let them know you will use and recommend them because of it. If we take the time to criticize, we should also take the time to hand out some 'at-a-boys' when we can. Positive feedback is very good.

[Kanary]

8. Now's the time to send the positive letter

It's important to let them know that they change of mind is appreciated, and will result in more business.

In my experience, positives get even more response than the negatives.

Heh.....maybe treating some fencesitters to a showing of F911, then a dinner at Red Lobster to discuss.... :)

Kanary

[BlueScreen]

9. You're right! Positive letter has just been sent

Thank you for reminding me about that. I just sent them a nice follow-up thanking them for their decision. I also told them that my family and I would once again enjoy dining at their restaurants.

Thanks for all the lovely comments from everyone here, by the way.

Cheers,
Sagar

[Kanary]

12. Thanks for doing that.....

Also, remembering our manners (and our "bread and butter notes", as granny used to call 'em) goes a long way towards demonstrating that Dem sare the kind of people you *want* on your side. :)

That honey/vinegar thing...

Thanks for posting about this..... I don't have $$ to eat out, but I'll be mentioning this to people.

Kanary
edited to say...... you can be sure they'll get LOTS of negative (and probably hate) mail from repukes, angry at them dropping their ads from Lush........ the more we counteract that, the better for us.........

[BlueScreen]

10. Here is their feedback form if anyone wants it

http://www.redlobster.com/contactus.asp

Scroll down a little and you will see the form. Feel free to send them some positive feedback applauding their decision to pull advertising from Limbaugh's EIB radio network.

Cheers,
Sagar

[Th1onein]

11. Ha! I wrote Red Lobster too!

Drip, drip, drip....