Blogging provokes the brand terrorist in all of us. It’s all about bringing power to the people and that’s why PR companies are starting to take serious notice of Blogs.
Niall Cook (Netcoms Director, at Hill & Knowlton (H&K)), spends his time wisely: understanding how this disruptive technology impacts the way in which Brands need to communicate. Most PR companies panic when forced into a stand-off with a brand-bashing-blogger mostly because they don’t understand it. Another interesting read is Steve Rubel
Personal Web Publishing makes our soapboxes so more effective and visible that our new maxim becomes “it’s easier to beg for forgiveness than permission!”
Niall reminds us of the seemingly obvious- but take heed – think carefully before you hit that publish key – your friends, colleagues, clients and competitors are probably reading your journals!
H&K understand the impact that blogging has on brand-terrorism. They take it so seriously that they have (justifiably) released guidelines on the use of personal weblogs. The most important message – keep your employment contract fresh in your mind – Weblogs don’t neutralise your responsibilities and obligations under the various IP and confidentiality clauses in your contracts.
Oh, and one last thing…. Blogs don’t change the rules of defamation and libel- so please be careful- it might be too late to beg for forgiveness!
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