Scott Adams, through Dilbert, has a knack for getting to the ugly truth behind the corporate curtain. His success is in pointing out the hilarious reality behind the individuals who make decisions inside the corporate vacuum.
Unfortunately, the transparent nature of blogging does not seem to matter much to some companies when individuals simply jump on the bandwagon without taking careful consideration to investigate the nature of the beast, or the spirit and commitment the medium requires.
I don't believe in "ghost blogging" because it is not authentic. However, it all depends on the situation and, there are always exceptions to the rule. However, many CEOs and corporate marketing folks create blogs on the framework that this comic strip makes fun of and that is all wrong.
Check out The Dilbert Blog.
Hat tip to Neville Hobson for spotting this one.
Technorati Tags: Dilbert Blogging
Hi Michael,
Quick question about the definition of a 'Ghost Blogger'. If a CEO doesn't directly post his or her blog entries and emails them to a PA to do the work, is that OK or is it still ghost blogging?
If they don't actively manage it themselves, and all the comments etc, are they really taking part in the conversation? Or is it just important that the blogger gets his message out ?
Really enjoying the Podcasts...keep it up.
Steve,
First, thanks for the comments about the podcast, I really appreciate knowing that people are listening and enjoying – especially from overseas. Call in with a comment anytime or record an mp3 and send it in, I'd love to hear from you. Help me get some international voices on the show : )
Now as for the definition of Ghost Blogging, if someone is writing on behalf of a CEO pretending to him or her, that is bad – not acceptable.
However, if a CEO is simply having someone do the logistics in terms of posting what they themselves have written - i.e. formatting links, tags and posting on the blog to help a CEO (I’d even say minor editing duties are ok as well), I personally would have no issue with that. Not sure everyone would agree but that is my opinion – the writing is the real work and voice of the individual. The technical details of posting can be passed onto someone who is less busy than the CEO. Although to truly be called a blogger, they should know how to do it for themselves in a pinch!
As far as comments go, I would say the author needs to reply it is called for. And, they could also seek some help from others in the company (another exec) when appropriate as long as whomever else replies fully identifies themselves/who they are and there is total transparencey. Again, that is my opinion.
So, I think as long as it is their authenitc vocie and they are getting their own message out, the rest are minor detials that can be overlooked.Hope that makes my POV a bit clearer. Would love to hear from others if they beg to differ.
Cheers