Letters to the Editor
2007-06-01
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NPIcenter Viewers
From: S.Pratt
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007
Subject: Attn: Editor?
Hi, I just want to know why you continue to forward negative media articles about supplements and our industry - especially in the first headline articles? Like today's McClatchy newspapers spreading fear and doubt about supplements.
The appropriate action for an industry media source to take is to:
a) SLAM the articles and their authors/publishers as irresponsible reporting
b) Do NOT forward links to them to all the people in the industry - this just boosts them up in the ratings on the Net!
b) Address any actual negative truth that might be there with industry facts that show quality control, reliability etc.
c) Issue a news release asking WHO is behind this latest attempt to discredit natural health products? And get a spotlight turned squarely on the perpetrators of the attack.
Because these ARE attacks - and forwarding their "bullets" far and wide is the WRONG action to take. Yes, we need to know that there has been an attack and we need to know the source, but we don't validate it by sending it out without a rebuttal.
I don't know who at NPI Center is the right person to address this, but I've seen it too many times to believe - it is what's called "Glutz" PR. (order and read the booklet Fundamentals of Public Relations to understand why this is not good).
http://www.volunteerministers.org/store/pubs/fundamentals-of-public-relations.html
from someone who cares about the survival and prosperity of
October 27, 2005
Dear Len,
I am writing to thank you for your article today on "A Little Bit of Ginseng..." Your clear and concise identification of the selective reporting and subsequent pillage of research for short term game is spot one. I just wish you had an amplified megaphone to blow this message out at 120 decibels (sp).
Leaving that aside, your consistent and compelling voice as an advocate of fundamental issues to the long term viability of this industry are not only warranted, but appreciated - at least by one company.
Thank you, Len.
Todd Norton
Sabinsa Corporation
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From: John Miller
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 3:35 PM
To: Editor
Subject: Editorial: Wither Goeth Innovation?
Hello Len I hope this finds you well.
Though your article on Innovation was presented some months back I have only recently had the opportunity to read it. I think you hit on one of the most important issues confronting our industry; Innovation and how to foster it.
In my opinion, innovation is a corporate mindset. It only happens when you plan for it to happen. I know that sounds a bit oxymoronic (planned innovation) but none the less that is what's needed. It is not that you can plan what will be innovated, but rather you need to plan to put yourself in the innovation game.
To be innovative you need to be where it takes place. Often what is presented at industry events such as those you mention in your article is not true innovation, but rather just a presentation, or re-presentation of that which is already known, already exists. Me-too-ism, if you will. Not that that's a bad thing, just not always innovative.
True innovation is a function of corporate culture, conduct and vision. You can not wait for innovation to come knocking on your door. You must make innovation a key element in your corporate strategy. You must fund and execute it as the vital part of your game plan.
The path to innovation is not straight or obvious. It is discovered in real time as a result of it's pursuit. It is a quest and like all quests it is the doing that provides the rewards, frequently as treasure you didn't even know you were looking for.
John Miller
VP Science & Technology
GNLD International
From: Robert Kelley
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 11:36 AM
To: Editor
Subject: Editorial: NEJM Examines Echinacea - Does It Mean Anything?
Mr. Len Monheit,
I just finished reading your article from the NPI Center and would like to thank you for, from a layman's point of view that has been reading health books since Dr. Carlton Frederick's original early '60's book, a true and balanced picture of echinacea.As a Canadian I also was pleased of the different view taken by Health Canada towards the industry. I also might point out I finished Marcia Angell's "The Truth About The Drug Companies", fired from being editor at NEJM, consequently having me look much closer at anything coming out of that publication.
To continue in the same vein, "Censored 2005" is another "eye opener"
Yours truly,
Robert Kelley
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