IBM publishes blogging guidelines

by Volker Weber

IBM encourages employees to start blogging and publishes a set of guidelines. I encourage everybody to read them carefully. They don't only apply to IBM bloggers but they can be useful for almost anybody who publihes on the internet, be it as a blogger or as a comment writer. What I find most important is this guideline:

Be who you are. Some bloggers work anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. IBM discourages that in blogs, wikis or other forms of online participation that relate to IBM, our business or issues with which the company is engaged. We believe in transparency and honesty. If you are blogging about your work for IBM, we encourage you to use your real name, be clear who you are, and identify that you work for IBM. Nothing gains you notice in the “blogosphere” more than honesty – or dishonesty. If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, be the first to point it out. But also be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy. What you publish will be around for a long time, so consider the content carefully and also be judicious in disclosing personal details.

Summary: If you can't stand behind your own words why should I listen to you? More at Bob Sutor, Ed Brill, James Snell, Koranteng Ofosu-Amaah, Sam Ruby and Microsoft's Robert Scoble.

Let's not forget that Ray Ozzie published guidelines almost three years ago and that both Microsoft and Sun encourage employee's blogs as well.

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