I am guessing they'd deny the incident. So for their benefit, I had my geeky IT guy do a little checking. Here is a list of Edelman servers that have visited my parlor in the last 24 hours: host9.chi.edelman.com; host9.nyc.edelman.com; host2.lax.edelman.com; host194.aus.edelman.com; host82.lon2.edelman.com; host194.ffx.edelman.com; host2.wdc.edelman.com; host130.atl.edelman.com; host130.par.edelman.com; and host2.por.edelman.com. Just their Chicago office has hit the Strumpette 4810 times as of this writing.

Now just so you know, being in the pleasure business we thoroughly enjoy our visitors. But as you can see in the various comments, the Edelman boys got a little randy (figuratively speaking). I wouldn't call it a gangbang but, I've had a few three ways in my life and this wasn't that. This was rough stuff and most unpleasant. Frankly, I know it comes with the job. That's why some girls hire pimps.

Okay, Amanda... that's the "who." Let's get to the "what" and "why"?

"What" is pretty basic. They're a little testy with the Ruble poke and want to see me piss off. What makes that interesting is their methods. I would think they are the same as they advise clients, the "cobblers shoes," so to speak. I mean, keep in mind, they've elevated blogging to a "specialty." Without that, seriously, what does Rubel even do for a living? (For Christ's sake sans the bogus pretense, even some of the prideful "powerwomen," Kami, B.L., Andrea, Susan, et al. would have to go back to waitressing. I digress.)

Well, the strategy Edelman employed was/is pretty basic. It's replete in the natural world. The snake will spit, strike, rollover and play dead. PR agencies... they're no different. What Edelman did is right out of Sir Arthur Bales' Wildlife Adventures. It's a 5 step process.

STEP ONE: Try to call the person out and befriend the potential threat. Rubel's first comment was to ask for a date, of all things. Later his boss Rick Murray did the same. In an email to me he said, "Hey, Love your design. This is totally unrelated, sort of... I am looking for someone who has a real knack for stirring it up in Chicago. Let me know if you're interested in grabbing a coffee to chat some time. RWM." Sure mister, I'll get in your car. Better yet, I hear the warning of Ray Liotta in Goodfellas, 'Your murderers come with smiles, they come as your friends.'"

STEP TWO: Try to discount the message. That was Rick's job. As the original article said, he's the big dog. He's the real pro. Certainly, dad can straighten this all out. And that he tried. Rick ultimately wagered that Rubel would be around. But then for credibility he had to qualify that. "If we need to shake up the Edelman team or approach, we'll do it," he said. Well, a waffle is inherently weak, on to step three.

STEP THREE: Try to take the high road. Ruble's first post in response was a reference to Dale Carnegie. "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People. In the book, Carnegie outlines a timeless approach to building people skills. It's a throwback to an era when civility ruled." To bad he didn't reach for the "Vera Goodman Charm and Finishing School" reference. That surely would have put this all to bed.

So, his follow up today was, "Mark Cuban's Lessons for Revolutionaries." Apparently, Steve thinks himself a "Revolutionary." As a revolutionary, Steve's take from the Strumpette episode is, "I listen, do my thing and continue to be part of the revolution. After all, that's what I was hired to do. If I veer from that then I will let everyone down - me, my employer and perhaps even you." Now if that doesn't induce the "gag" response, do I have a career for you. Yiish.

STEP FOUR: Send over the gang to rough the girl up. They're still doing it. Just look at the comments. Those that are negative are by and large Edelman or anonymous Edelman. (Thank you for your addition this morning a.k.a Kate.)

And STEP FIVE: Discount the messenger. From a ruse as to my true identity, to incessant personal jabs regarding character, try try try to refocus away from the issue(s) and onto the person speaking.

Hello! I am a character. I am Strumpette!!

Well, is what it is. No harm no foul. But the whole ordeal certainly hasn't elevated my opinion of Edelman. I think it's been pretty smarmy and junior on their part actually. If I were a potential client, this would certainly sway me.