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USWeekly Cover Story: JCPenney, Walgreens, McDonalds Begin to Respond to Complaints
USWeekly ^ | 09-08-2008 | Robert A Cook PE

Posted on 09/09/2008 11:26:59 AM PDT by Robert A Cook PE

The liberal media is trying to present a case that fewer than 1000 readers have actually canceled their USWeekly subscriptions - despite original stories that as many as 10,000 canceled.

USWeekly certainly has NOT responded in public, and NO MSM writer has done anything other repeat the original story as we received it on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after Sarah was nominated for VP.

Regardless of subscriptions, Walgreens, McDonald's, and JCPenney have been quick to respond to my emails complaining about the abhorrent, misleading and disgusting treatment USWeekly gave Sarah Palin as their cover story and inside copy last week. How many others have emailed the companies advertising in USWeekly, or how many turned over or hid copies at the checkstand behind other magazines?

We may never know.

The others? No reply yet.

JCPenney in particular claimed that USWeekly changed covers at the last minute (not surprisingly - given the Friday announcement date), and that they (JCPenney) did not know what was going to be used:

Their email: "Thank you for contacting us online.

JCPenney has very strict guidelines regarding advertising from running in any politically or religiously driven magazines or publications. At the time our ad was accepted and approved a different cover was approved for the magazine, however, with the political controversy US Weekly changed their cover and it was too late for us to withdraw.

We never want to cause our customer?s concern and apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciate your comments and feedback.

Thank you for your email.

Thank you for shopping with JCPenney.

JCPenney Internet Customer Service jcp.com"


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2008; advertisers; democrats; liberalmedia; liberals; list; mccainpalin; mediabias; msm; propagandawingofdnc; sarahpalin; usweakly; usweekly
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The Sept 4 Issue advertisers are listed on the USWeekly site listed above, with email and telephone numbers provided: Will more replies help?

Clinique, Estée Lauder, 646-602-7551 Garnier Fructis, L'Oreal USA, 212-984-4414

Deseo (J-Lo. perfume), Coty Inc., 212-389-7000

Sprint, Sprint Nextel Inc., 703-433-8677

Centrum, Wyeth Corp., 973-301-2193

Enfamil, Bristol Meyers Squibb, 212-546-4000

ABILIFY, Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals, 415-986-5300

BL Lime, Anheuser-Busch, 800-342-5283

JC Penney, JC Penney, 614-759-7357

Cover Girl, Olay, Crest; Procter & Gamble, 800-568-4035

Neutrogena, Johnson & Johnson, 800-582-4048

Coca Cola/Powerade, Coca Cola, 404-676-5009

Pepperidge Farm, Campbell's Soup Co., 800-257-8443

Lady Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker (Doug Smith), 212-720-3700

CW Network, CBS /Warner Bros, 212-975-4321

TRESemme, Alberto-Culver, 708-450-3000

M&Ms, Mars Corporation, 800-627-7852

ABC, Disney/ABC Corp., 818-560-1000

Jack in the Box, Jack in the Box, 858-571-2121

Glaxo Smith Kline, Glaxo Smith Kline, 888-825-5249

Food Network, E. W. Scripps Company, 865-560-3663

Target, Target, 800-440-0680

Wrigley's, Wrigley's, 800-WRIGLEY

Special K, Kellogg's, 800-962-1413

McDonalds, McDonalds Corp., 800-244-6227

NutriSystem, NutriSystem Public Relations, 800-585-5483

WalGreens, Walgreens, 800-925-4733

Walmart, Walmart Media Relations, 800-331-0085

Fiji Water, Fiji Water, 888-426-3454

SONY, Sony Corporation, 800-556-3411

Toyota, Toyota Corporation, 800-331-4331

State Farm, State Farm Corporate, 309-766-2311

LG, LG, 800-243-0000

Boost Mobile, Boost Worldwide, 949-748-3440

Rhapsody, Real Networks, 206-674-2700

Schick, Schick Consumer Affairs, 800-742-8377

Converse, Converse Inc., 800-431-8862

Well, I can't speak for Keith Olberman or Chris Matthews, but apparently the elite liberal press corpse is apparently made up of a bunch of capitalist money-grubbin' bottom-line feeders.

Just the rest of the world.

1 posted on 09/09/2008 11:26:59 AM PDT by Robert A Cook PE
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To: Robert A. Cook, PE

Take out the advertisers...


2 posted on 09/09/2008 11:29:20 AM PDT by xcamel (Conservatives start smart, and get rich, liberals start rich, and get stupid.)
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To: Robert A. Cook, PE

In light of the recent Dimocrats on Wal-Mart and anyone who shops at Wal-Mart, you’d think W-M would be especially sensitive to this issue.
(Zogby even asks if you shop at Wal-Mart!)


3 posted on 09/09/2008 11:31:03 AM PDT by Redbob (W.W.J.B.D. - "What Would Jack Bauer Do?")
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To: Robert A. Cook, PE

I’ve got to admit that these anti-Palin rags kept me busy at the local Walmart last night. LOL!!!! I didn’t turn them around, I just put a couple more America-friendly magazines in front of each one of them.


4 posted on 09/09/2008 11:31:44 AM PDT by FlingWingFlyer (McCain/Palin '08! Real change you won't have to "believe in." You'll be able to see it!!!)
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To: Robert A. Cook, PE

THANKS!!


5 posted on 09/09/2008 11:31:44 AM PDT by Ann Archy (Abortion.....The Human Sacrifice to the god of Convenience.)
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To: Robert A. Cook, PE

I don’t think it’s practical to try and take out all the advertisers. What would be effective is to take out ONE - do it quickly and efficiently...drive them under and the rest will get a hint. Just sayin’


6 posted on 09/09/2008 11:33:19 AM PDT by jsk10
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To: FlingWingFlyer

I turned some around and rplaced others in front of the rest. I think I almost got all of them. Sadly they were at almost every checkout at the grocery store!


7 posted on 09/09/2008 11:35:44 AM PDT by WestCoastGal (READ MY LIPSTICK!!!)
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To: Robert A. Cook, PE
Corporate replies - see how many are stock replies sent out en masse. JC Penney:
JCPenney has very strict guidelines regarding advertising from running in any politically or religiously driven magazines or publications. At the time our ad was accepted and approved a different cover was approved for the magazine, however, with the political controversy US Weekly changed their cover and it was too late for us to withdraw. We never want to cause our customer?s concern and apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciate your comments and feedback. Thank you for you email. JCPenney Corporate Customer Relations jcp.com Every Day Matters
Procter & Gamble:
Thanks for contacting P&G about our advertisements in US Magazine. The way we spend our advertising dollars is important to us. P&G does not endorse anyone for office and is not responsible for the content of the publication. I'm sharing your feedback with the appropriate people in our Company. Thanks again for writing. Nancy P&G Team
Glaxo SmithKline:
Thank you for contacting GlaxoSmithKline . The goal of advertising medicines and providing disease awareness messages is to get useful information to patients so that they are aware of the most current treatment options and so they can take greater responsibility for their own health. GlaxoSmithKline has made great strides in this area over the last several years, and we think that our efforts have improved patient care. Our advertising policies are continually under review, as are all our business practices, to ensure they are filling a patient or business need and to ensure their propriety. We value hearing from individuals like yourself, and your views will be taken into consideration as we plan future advertising placements. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you. If you have further questions concerning GlaxoSmithKline or our products, please contact our GSK Response Center at 1-888-825-5249 during our normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. (Eastern Time). Sincerely, Cynthia GSK Response Representative GSK Response Center
State Farm
Thank you very much for your email expressing your opinion about US Weekly magazine. State Farm does not advertise in support of either the Democratic or Republican parties, nor do we condone content that can be considered one-sided. We have strict requirements as to where we place our advertising and closely monitor all of our media placements for any content issues. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will look into the situation with US Weekly and determine the appropriate next steps. We value your thoughts on this issue and hope that you will continue your association with State Farm. Best regards, Jeanette Stewart Advertising Manager
Johnson & Johnson
Thank you for contacting Johnson & Johnson. It is always important to hear from our customers and we appreciate the time you have taken to contact us. We appreciate that you took the time to contact us, and I will pass your concerns on to the appropriate parties within our organization. I'm sure they will appreciate your feedback as well. Again, thank you for your interest in Johnson & Johnson.
McDonald's
Thank you for contacting McDonald's. I'm sorry you're disappointed with our advertising in US Weekly. We would never purposely offend any of our customers, and we certainly appreciate being made aware of your concern. I hope the explanation below helps you understand how our advertising is developed. McDonald's has 21 regional offices throughout the U.S. who work together with local advertising agencies to produce hundreds of advertisements to reach the diverse range of customers we serve. Most of our advertisements are targeted to the public at large. However, sometimes advertisements target specific groups (young children, teenagers, various ethnic groups, etc.). This decision is made locally and the ad itself is developed locally to reach a particular audience in a certain market. Customer feedback is very important and helps us to improve our business. Please know that your comments have been shared with the McDonald's regional office responsible for airing the commercial you heard. appropriate people at McDonald's. Once again, thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel. We hope to have the opportunity of serving you again in the future. We hope you will be more satisfied with future local McDonald's advertisements. Jessica McDonald's Customer Response Center
The longer the reply, the more they seem like they are dodging!
8 posted on 09/09/2008 11:37:35 AM PDT by xDGx
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To: xDGx
I like State Farm's response the best. And it would be to their benefit to remain political-neutral.
9 posted on 09/09/2008 11:41:47 AM PDT by CatOwner
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To: FlingWingFlyer

When I got to my local Kroger (Morton, IL - a village of 15,000 where we cling to our guns and religion) first thing this past Saturday morning, every checkout stand had other magazines covering the offensive Palin cover.

I was so pleased!! They took care of it for me.

Although, I have taken to covering any Barry memoir with a copy of Tony Dungy’s book, which is really good by the way.


10 posted on 09/09/2008 11:42:41 AM PDT by ushr435
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To: xDGx

You can surely forget making any impact on McDonald’s with e-mails. They are huge supporters of the radical homo-agenda, and have been so in-your-face about it that AFA has called for a boycott. (Now I can’t satisfy my semi-annual craving for a Quarter Pounder.)

I still believe that shareholders have cause to sue public corporations who risk alienation of a large percentage of their customer base, in order to promote political positions that have utterly nothing to do with their business. McDonald’s should make hamburgers, not public policy. Ford should make cars, not public policy. And shareholders should sue to demand it.

There is absolutely no way McDonald’s, for example, can make any case whatsoever that it’s fiscally prudent to offend 50% of the country in order to appease a 1% splinter group. The numbers flat don’t work, no matter how you massage them. Does this not smack of a breach of fiduciary responsibility to maximize shareholder value?

MM


11 posted on 09/09/2008 11:44:56 AM PDT by MississippiMan
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To: CatOwner

yes, I thought the State Farm one was sincere. McDonalds was the worst, assuring me they would take to the regional office that aired the commercial I heard. WTH? It was a Magazine fer cryin out loud! Didn’t even read the letter I sent.


12 posted on 09/09/2008 11:46:53 AM PDT by xDGx
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To: Redbob

I received a polite email from Walmart, but they didn’t really address my concerns.


13 posted on 09/09/2008 11:48:38 AM PDT by paudio (Nobody cried 'racism' when Swann, Blackwell, and Steele lost to white guys in 2006)
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To: WestCoastGal

Did the same thing.....noiced the magazines weren’t selling, they were all filled up.


14 posted on 09/09/2008 11:48:45 AM PDT by geege
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To: xDGx

COCA-COLA

Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company.

As a Company that conducts business in over 200 countries, we are a nonpartisan business organization and it is not our place to take positions on political matters unrelated to the beverage industry.

Though our role as a business is inherently limited in taking a political position, throughout the world we strive to do all we can to set an example and uphold the highest standards of diversity. We believe in an inclusive and diverse workplace environment. We are focused on strategic workplace programs that help assure the success of our commitment to embracing the similarities and differences of people, cultures and ideas.

If you have any other questions in the future, please feel free to contact us again.

Chicquilla
Industry and Consumer Affairs
The Coca-Cola Company

CAMPBELL SOUP

we received your message and appreciate your taking the time to contact Campbell Soup Company.
Thank you for bringing your comments or concerns to our attention. Please be assured that your comments or concerns will be forwarded to the appropriate department.

Thank you for visiting the Campbell Soup website.

Campbell Soup Web Team TLA


15 posted on 09/09/2008 11:48:48 AM PDT by Iron Munro (The Alaskan landscape is littered with the bodies of those who have crossed Sarah Palin)
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To: FlingWingFlyer

Good for you! I do the same. Originally I was covering the anti Palin mags with kinder ones, but then someone here gave me the idea to cover them with something ultra dull like “Physics Monthly” so they don’t get touched at all. I’m in more stores and doing less shopping. Naughty but for a good cause.


16 posted on 09/09/2008 11:50:35 AM PDT by timsbella (Mark Steyn for Prime Minister of Canada! (Steve's won my vote in the meantime))
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To: FlingWingFlyer
I’ve got to admit that these anti-Palin rags kept me busy at the local Walmart last night. LOL!!!! I didn’t turn them around, I just put a couple more America-friendly magazines in front of each one of them.

This post isn't directed at you in particular, but instead to everyone who says they are covering up this rag. I think you are taking the wrong approach. I think you should be putting them out front and center so everyone can see it. If a moonbat sees it, its not going to change their opinion. If a moderate woman sees it, it might just piss her off enough to not vote dem.

17 posted on 09/09/2008 11:52:18 AM PDT by jdub
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To: timsbella

It’s just a little tactic I picked up from the moonbats. Although they came up with it, it’s very effective. LOL!!!!


18 posted on 09/09/2008 11:52:38 AM PDT by FlingWingFlyer (McCain/Palin '08! Real change you won't have to "believe in." You'll be able to see it!!!)
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To: Robert A. Cook, PE

Magazines and all print journals compile advertising rates and data (it outlines paid circulation among other things). When the new data comes out, it will be interesting to see the actual drop from previous months. Can’t imagine any magazine thinking this would be a profitable strategy. Fools. All.

Of course, I can’t imagine many conservatives read that stuff to begin with, but everyone revels in a bit of brain candy I suppose.


19 posted on 09/09/2008 11:57:26 AM PDT by timsbella (Mark Steyn for Prime Minister of Canada! (Steve's won my vote in the meantime))
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To: Iron Munro
We know the “standard” replies ... My reply from McDonalds was identical.

Do they “count” complaints at any real level that matters?

The USWeekly Magazine editors themselves are (by now) doing their “thing” based on a religious belief in the “righteousness” of their anti-god/anti-conservative/anti-capitlaist/all-Gaia “faith” in the environment.

If dragged into the marketplace (kicking and complaining about conservative pressure) to an apology or second story about Sarah) will they present a new image despite their still-brimming hatred?

20 posted on 09/09/2008 11:57:43 AM PDT by Robert A Cook PE (I can only donate monthly, but Hillary's ABBCNNBCBS continue to lie every day!)
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