When PR Spin Replaces Problem Solving: A Lesson from Apple’s “I’m a Mac” Ads
Mirroring the misguided priorities famously lampooned in Apple’s “I’m a Mac” advertising campaign, the 175 E Delaware Place HOA board has chosen to spend owner funds on PR consultants to counter negative publicity rather than address the documented governance issues that generated the criticism in the first place.
Brought to you by Drew McManus, your neighbor in 7908.
Remember Apple’s iconic “I’m a Mac” commercials? In one particularly telling 2007 ad, the “PC” character proudly announces his budget allocation: nearly everything goes to advertising to counter Windows Vista’s negative press, leaving virtually nothing for actual improvements. When “Mac” suggests fixing the underlying problems instead, PC dismisses the idea, doubling down on PR spending.
Fast forward to 2025, and the 175 E Delaware board seems to be following PC’s playbook.
Rather than addressing the substantial governance issues highlighted on 175delaware.com and picked up by local media outlets, board president Scott Timmerman announced during the January 2025 board meeting that he has authorized hiring a PR consultant, using owners’ funds, to counter the attention these revelations have generated.
This approach raises a crucial question: Shouldn’t our resources be directed toward solving problems rather than spinning them?
Here are just some of the issues the board could spend time and treasure addressing instead of spending those resources on PR spin:
- Significant election process irregularities that undermine democratic governance
- Absence of effective owner-board communication channels
- Inadequate owner feedback sessions through unofficial channels
- Multiple lawsuits stemming from questionable house rules decisions
- Missing ethics policy framework Lack of transparency in house rules modifications
- Unilateral board authority to modify fines without owner notification
Just as no amount of marketing can fix fundamental product flaws, our building’s governance challenges won’t disappear through a PR consultancy.
What You Can Do To Help
If you believe our association’s funds should be invested in addressing these fundamental issues rather than PR spin, make your voice heard. Use our owner feedback form to tell the entire board or use the following form to contact board President Scott Timmerman and say:
- Don’t spend our money on PR consultants
- Start addressing the documented governance issues
Remember: Good governance doesn’t need spin, it speaks for itself through actions and results.
Be respectful, concise, and clear in articulating the negative impact it has had on you and your fellow homeowners. You are welcome to use the example language as-is, but feel free to personalize the example message before you send.