For those keeping score on the whole Dell/Jeff Jarvis/GCI blogging escapade, I thought I would chime in on the brilliantly executed “Flea-Flicker” courtesy of notable Edelman PR strategists, Richard Edelman and Steve Rubel. (If you work in PR and don’t read their blogs, I strongly suggest you grab their feed.)

Both Richard and Steve commented yesterday on the situation regarding an inflammatory comment planted on Jarvis’ blog by someone at GCI (Dell’s PR firm).

A GCI “summer intern” attacked Jarvis as a result of the critical stance he has taken on Dell’s blogging and lack of customer service transparency. In typical Richard Edelman fashion (lobbed from the high ground), he outlined the ramifications of the situation, offering kudos to all the folks who deserved them along with a few wise words of caution. Vintage Edelman.

I then read Mr. Rubel’s take on the matter. Steve took a slightly different approach (although also perched on the high ground) and offered up some good strategies for how Dell might handle the matter. He even went the extra mile and offered some general blogging practices that I’m sure Edelman doles out to most of their clients regarding similar matters.

It wasn’t until I was reading the last paragraph that it hit me: what a brilliant sales move! If I were a betting man, I’d go long on the fact that Richard and Steve had a quick huddle on their responses (which were less than an hour apart) and then set wheels in motion.

The plan?

Throw a blanket (a pretty wet one I might add) on the social media strategy Dell is receiving from GCI, which currently appears to be anything but strategic.

Then, move in for the close to get Dell’s PR business.........well done, gentlemen!

Stay tuned........