Using web Blogs as marketing vehicles?

[J_Paul]

What do you all think about letting employees use blogs for "free" marketing? I read an article this morning that had some very interesting view points of using Blogs.

"Employee blogging, when done right, can be a wonderful tool for the employer's business," said Catherine Reuben, an employment law specialist and partner in the Boston law firm of Robinson & Cole. Workers who broadcast enthusiasm for their company's products are an obvious boon to the business. Bloggers also provide information and support to customers, at little or no cost to the company.

Taken from "Bloggers risk jobs discussing work online" http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Jan/01122...ess/128240.asp

[matauri]

Interesting article JP. When I first started to notice the blogging trend I wondered about things like that too.

I'm not sure about other countries, but here in Oz it is virtually impossible to get fired these days, employees are over protected by unfair dismissal laws. My sister & myself have both at times been sued for unfair dismissal, and both our employees were fired for a lot more grievous offences than an 'overly informative' blog.

Though, depending on country specific employment laws, a blogger really does have to use common sense with their blogs. Obviously the boss is going to be pleased if you are boosting their product exposure, or by saying how good they are to work for. Just as obvious is it that they would be peeved at any disclosural imfractions or negative recourse. When people post to the internet they often forget they got more chance of a secret being kept with a public announcement at the super bowl, than they have of it not being found on the Internet.

Are blogs are good enough reason to be fired? Not in itself, but, it sure is enough reason to get the boss peeved & shine unfavourably for any future employment prospects should they check.


Cindy