Fast Company Now liked my comments about PR invitations setting expectations that are inconsistent with the actual content of their subject events. I think we have all been disappointed when the "movie" didn't live up to the cool factor of the "trailer."

We see this in so many areas of life everyday. My favorite example are restaurant menus. Forget the food picture/food reality disconnect for a minute. I am more disturbed by a menu design or lack of design that is inconsistent with the tone or ambiance of the restaurant. There are too many really fine upscale restaurants that insist on using clear plastic menu holders for their menus. Nothing screams Diner loader than plastic menu holders. Even without greasy fingerprints these things are associated with one particular dining experience and when I'm not having that one I don't want to be reminded of it.

Just as people cry out for Truth in Advertising, how about Truth in Experience.

Examine your product, service or experience. Is it completely consistent throughout? Is the "trailer" promoting a better experience then the "film"? Is the party as good as the invitation and vice versa? Nobody likes the old bait and switch.