When stunts go bad

Back in the olden days, when PR was more a matter of creating a splash than informing the public, stunts ruled. They're still a mainstay in the movie and music biz, but in this recessionary economy, the tremendous cost and risk of a PR stunt mostly prohibit their use. Tell that to Carnival, the cruise line that hoped the giant steel-reinforced pinata holding 8,000 pounds of candy would break a Guiness Book record when smashed by a wrecking ball. The large crowd of onlookers worried Philadelphia police, who halted the event. It probably achieved something of the result desired, but it just shows you that when doing a stunt, you have a have a plan B...and permits...and a big security detail....and insurance. Is it worth it? Only if you have deep pockets. Check out the video from Ad Age here.