I am relatively new to the whole blogosphere. I have a passion for technology and innovation - especially when it is all bundled up in the corporate world. This is why I have really enjoyed watching my favorites/blogs grow from one or two links to hundreds. I have them organized by sub-categories in order to keep them straight. Unfortunately, I work for one of those companies that does not support corporate blogging. Big brother must watch and approve my every move when it comes to communication with the public. I don't blame them nor am I upset by this. I hope that someday this attitude will change - personally, I think it is very short-sided. Until then, I will continue to read and soak up as much information as possible. Corporate blogging is a brilliant (and risky) way to put a product, concept or name into the hands and opinions of those that matter...the consumers. If I had my own business I would run a corporate blog. I would be sure to listen to my readers and try to better understand what their needs are. I would give them insight into the reason why we are designing our product and then based on their feedback, I would design it better and smarter. I am not sure I believe in true "naked" conversations only because you have to filter the crazies but I would also be honest and say this. It doesn't take a super whiz to realize you aren't cherry picking. I would also be careful what I say in my blog...
I say all of this because I, as a consumer, have followed Robert Scoble's blog for some time now. And yes, he says he does not get paid to blog about Microsoft, but please... He is Microsoft's most publicized blogger (other than Mini) and has been for some time. He should know by now that he is held to a higher standard, as should anyone who chooses to blog about their place of employment. I understand he is human but I just wish he would have taken the high road. His recent mistakes are mistakes and we all make them but that doesn't mean he should then encourage "letting the venom flow". I get the whole bad press is better than no press at all but I have a hard time believing his behavior was that well thought out. I have never felt compelled to comment and I usually don't. I like reading blogs but am not usually one for "participating" in them. I am constantly picking on Alex for not including comments but understand his reason for doing so. I decided to take the motherly approach...
RE: Letting the Venom Flow
You should be ashamed of yourself… This is more juvenile then my eight year old. I am a consumer. I read this blog to understand MSFT and how things work on the inside. This certainly leaves a less than mature impression of how MSFT’s public poster child, who represents one of the largest and greatest companies, behaves. Let’s focus please. Are you blogging in order to give insight into MSFT, innovation and technology or are you blogging to make yourself look foolish, childish & condescending (remember, you wrote a book about corporate blogging). People look to you as a leader and spokesperson… Instigating a post of this kind is the silliest thing you could have done. You should have moved on and ignored it. Take the freakin’ high road and get back to why you are here. Why do you blog? I certainly cannot believe it is to get the technical public riled up about YOU. How selfish…
