Radical Transparency is one of the truly fascinating ideologies coming about as a result of the open information sharing that blogs encourage. I briefly discuss the idea in my book, but I recommend familiarizing yourself with this concept. Whether it is the right move for you or not, the information is still vital to consider when managing a company blog. Below is the excerpt from Blog 101 about Radical Transperancy with links and resources for more on this topic.
“Radical Transparency
Social media sites are pushing the envelope and redefining what we consider taboo or confidential information. In a world where company secrets are posted on the blogs of disgruntled employees and dissatisfied customers are telling all, businesses are being forced to take a different approach to dealing with negative publicity. One emerging idea is “Transparency” where the strategy is in revealing all - almost. Many CEO’s are beginning to embrace “Radical Transparency,” the notion that exposing one’s weakness, strategies, internal memos, and other laundry can have surprisingly positive results with customers.
Clive Thompson wrote The See-Through CEO, for Wired Magazine in March 2007 and interviewed Glenn Kelman, CEO of Online Real Estate brokerage, Redfin for the article. The article addresses many of the issues that come with opening your doors to the public. Common questions deal with how much you reveal, how you deal with the not so favorable news or comments from your customers.
Redfin was struggling with a fierce real estate industry. His company was suffering as a result of nasty attacks by agents. He chose to publicize their ordeal on the company blog. “Instead of discouraging customers, being open about our problems radicalized them,” Kelman says. “They rallied and started pulling for us.”
For more on the subject “The Naked Corporation” by Don Tapscott and David Ticoll thoroughly examine the benefits and risks involved with transparency. ”
What is a Blog?
The term blog is derived from a combination of the words ‘Web’ and ‘Log’. A Blog is a website that contains entries in dated order, similar to a personal diary. The entries are then stored in archives for future use. Blogs are easy to update and can support text, video, audio, and flash content. Some blogs have multiple contributors writing for the blog and others accept content submitted by readers of the site.
The definition of a blog as defined in Wikipedia:
“Blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs.”
Examples of blogs:
· Food – Chocolate and Zucchini
· Fashion – Fashion Inc.
· News/Politics – The Huffington Post
· Entertainment – Pop Sugar
· Music – Rockinsider
· Small Business Advice – Duct Tape Marketing
The blog has been around for over ten years. Although there is some question as to who actually launched the original blog, there is no doubt that Robot Wisdom and Scripting News are two of the longest running blogs on the Internet.
Back in 1997, when most of us were just discovering the joy of message boards and chat rooms, web logs were used as a platform for the site’s author to record day-to-day happenings and links of interest. Ten years later, blogs have evolved into trusted resources for information that are starting to rival traditional journalism outlets like newspapers and television. In fact, in January of 2007, members of the Media Bloggers Association were among the first bloggers to receive press credentials from a federal court.
Blogs will inevitably have a significant impact on the way we get our news in the future. As more and more bloggers who are not tied to major media outlets are given press credentials, we are likely to have access to more accurate news, faster and less slanted to support corporate or government agendas.
News Blogs:
Hello! Welcome to Blog 101.
This blog has been established to support the ebook “blog 101: Why you Need a Blog and How to Make it Successful” The book is not yet complete, but I will be posting chapters and other insights into blogging regularly. Once the book is finished I will be selling it through this site and Amazon.com. I will also be making a podcast and print on demand copies available for sale.
The intention of this site is to share information about the basics of blogs and blogging and to be a resource that supplements the book. Please feel free to leave any tips, advice or recommendations for other readers. I believe that blogs are an integral part of the growing global community where everyone can and should have a voice. Any comments or feedback that supports that idea is welcome. Critiques and criticisms are also accepted but cruel or vulgar remarks will not be posted.
