I am a massive fan of communication -- as I'm a magazine editor that's hardly a surprise. However there are a few things that I feel the need to dwell on when that communication isn't flowing as freely as I think it should.
Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of pr officers, communications directors, public affairs consultants and the like taken on by the optical bodies. But I would argue that this has lead to less information flowing around the profession not more. More frustratingly it hasn't lead to more information flowing out of the profession either.
Being philosophical in nature I realise that it's my job to get information and not to be handed it on a plate so I realise there is a limit to the amount of moaning I am entitled to indulge myself in. Such rants are also unlikely to make me many friends among the massed ranks of optical PR.
A few things do get my goat though.
People sitting in closed rooms discussing your profession, your business and your future but not allowing you access to the fruits of that discussion is wrong. Especially when their salaries are paid by you or from a levy on your business. Elected officers constantly having to refer questions through press offices and being 'on message' at all times is also wrong.
A few things also surprise me. Like organisations that employ large numbers of press and PR people employing swanky London PR outfits to.....uhmm.......do their press and PR.