Corporate Blogging Policies

A recent story about how Cisco has gotten in to hot water over a high profile blog maintained by one of its intellectual property advisors has prompted many companies to consider their policy in regard to corporate blogging. The blog, which is now somewhat locked-down, is called "Patent Toll Tracker," and was kept by Rick Frenkel to chronicle issues related to patent litigation. Apparently, several patent lawyers involved in a case against Cisco have filed a libel case against them after Frenkel revealed his identity and affiliation with the company.

Cisco has released a statement affirming that they will be retaining Frenkel though re-thinking their corporate policy. One particular quote has been making its way across the 'net already:

"If you comment on any aspect of the company's business or any policy issue the company is involved in where you have responsibility for Cisco's engagement, you must clearly identify yourself as a Cisco employee in your postings or blog site(s) and include a disclaimer that the views are your own and not those of Cisco."

Seems pretty common-sense to me... After all, it's just the right thing to do. I mentioned this idea toward the end of a previous post I wrote about using blogging to build your online reputation. Corporate blogging is an opportunity to connect with potential and existing customers in a positive way, even if to address negative feedback. It is not a good method to attack competition, react against upset customers, or act subversively. That's the thing about the internet- the truth will come out, and if you've got something to hide, it won't be pretty.

Update: 03/28/2008, Regarding the truth coming out on the 'net, and it not being pretty, check this out.