Even if Rush Limbaugh's personal brand survives the uproar over his sexist remarks — which is looking perilous as even Republicans back away from him — advertisers are continuing to pull out and boycott his radio show, with AOL becoming the ninth sponsor to withdraw its advertising today.

For those just catching up, the polarizing conservative pundit's attack last week on a law student named Sandra Fluke over the red-hot contraception issue has caused a political, consumer and advertising firestorm, even after Limbaugh issued a formal apology to his listeners and advertisers.

Commenting today that his apology was "sincere," Limbaugh also said on-air today that the advertisers who dropped out made a "business decision" and will be replaced, so his listeners shouldn't "worry."

"They decided they don't want you or your business," Limbaugh stated about the advertiser protests. "This show is about you, not advertisers."Continue reading...

What do Gibson Guitar, United Airlines, DHL, Hertz, and AutoZone have in common?

They are in the top ten of the 25 lowest-rated companies according to a survey of employees conducted by Glassdoor, an organization focused on transparency in the workplace.

The survey targeted eight key workplace factors: Senior Leadership, Communication, Employee Morale, Career Opportunities, Work/Life Balance, Compensation and Benefits, Recognition and Feedback, and Fairness and Respect. The results also address CEO approval ratings. Take this comment, for example:

“Good people overall…[but] An absolutely bizarre culture that top-to-bottom seems to revolve solely around trying not to upset the CEO.” – Anonymous Gibson EmployeeContinue reading...

There is no doubt that these are difficult times for many brands, especially luxury brands. Yet for every hulking, ominous, soul-crushing grey economic cloud there is a silver lining. In the current financial storm, that silver lining is being nailed down, sanded, and painted by do-it-yourself (DIY) brands. Not only are DIY brands standing strong in this turbulent economy, but they are growing.

Take AutoZone, for instance. It just posted a year-over-year fiscal quarter sales increase of 7.5 percent. Continue reading...