The art of recovery is truly an art, and not to be taken lightly. Mistakes lead to opportunities...a chance to show how smart you are...or, sometimes how dumb. Starbucks recently fell victim to the mass production of an e-mail coupon intended as a benefit for their employees (and their families). Well, as you could of guessed (and they should have), the benefit quickly outgrew its intended audience. So, what did Starbucks do? They posted this sign in their stores...
As Seth points out, this is not the way to fix a problem you created...it sends the wrong message, and offends people, especially those loyal to you (like me).
It's just like this sign Holiday Inn posted in their rooms (previous post)...
Think before you leap.