It all started when a lady began researching her ancestors. Here’s what she learned about one of them:

‘Remus Reid, horse  thief, sent to   Montana Territorial Prison 1885,  escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six  times.  Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in   1889.’

Since Remus Reid is also related to a well-known Congressman, the lady wrote to the congressman to see if she could get any further information. Here’s what she got back:

‘Remus Reid was a  famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire  grew to include  acquisition of valuable equestrian  assets and intimate dealings with the   Montana  railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his  life to government service, finally taking leave to resume  his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a  key player in a vital  investigation run by the  renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his  honor when the platform upon which he was standing  collapsed.’

Now I wouldn’t advocate lying in your marketing, or in your letters to a friend for that matter. But this sure is a good example of how to put a positive light on a negative story!