Public relations obfuscation

In a sense all public relations is obfuscation, but certain practices are more about hiding facts from view completely than obscuring them with a preferred alternative. It can take the form of passive deception, by being negligent in revealing facts which are expected to be revealed, or active.

The coverup of information creates a double burden; not only is the truth obscured, but precious energy must be expended in no more than explaining the background of the situation. Eg, where the press IS informing the public of Blackwater's name changes, it has less space to devote to Academi Watch and its prior incarnations.

Xe, previously Blackwater, changed its name AGAIN to Academi (WP). Academi Watch has the same website and website name as they did at the beginning. The Wikipedia AfD for the Watch article contained its own obfuscation, intentional or not. It was contended that the only articles written about the group was its formation, when it was actually a name change, to keep up with Blackwater/Xe/Academi. Inasmuch as this rationale was true, it highlights a terrible flaw in the Notability system. Organizations using this brand of black public relations are hampering the ability of the press and public to be informed about them. Instead of the obfuscation being itself a notable topic, and the subject more worthy thereby of inclusion the black PR makes the press more likely to be kept further in the dark.