1) “as YOUR blogger” — who are you talking about, exactly? the company, or the blog’s readers? because i’d think, if the company’s paying your tab to write (or advise them on writing), that means they’re the customer … and while it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re always right, i think it does mean that they deserve your respect for their concerns (concerns which are probably driving the pablum-style, low-risk content you disdain).

2) “But that’s not me. And, in my opinion, it (referring to ‘getting credit for blogging without taking risks’) doesn’t bring value to anyone or anything.” but when you’re a service provider, it’s not about you, and it shouldn’t be. it’s about the company, and what’s in the company’s best interests, as viewed by people both within and beyond the blogosphere. you seem quite certain that all conversations you’re seeking in the end are going to add value to the company’s brand, as though the act of conversing is enough and the content of the conversation matters not (or less, anyway). not sure i’m as certain…

3) “I’ll do it while being responsible and accountable for my words.” — which is great. every adult should take responsibility for everything s/he authors. but when you’re writing on behalf of a company, you realize that obviously you’re not in a position to do that, because the company can suffer grave losses based upon what you write. it could really only take one “sensational” comment to piss off an important customer, and away goes somebody’s livelihood and college educations for their kids. i think companies want to have real conversations, but not at any price.

4) couldn’t agree more on the need for corporations to define clearly their goals and expectations for their blogs — and for their bloggers, if they decide to outsource that function. some companies/executives just aren’t cut out for this (ref seth godin’s “meatball sundae” on this topic). some are, and i’m sure you’re doing a great job of serving those whose thoughts align with your own on this stuff. but for some of us in the middle, who don’t really want to challenge our customers/constituencies as much as we want to engage with them, perhaps there are other ways of going about this?

Tania: [walks...away....slowly....]

:)

This may seem like an over reaction but it felt really good to read something as smart and interesting and useful as this. REALLY good.

Keep up the good work.

~~ Jim
~~ @seo_web_design

oh…

wait…

Against all odds, once again Lisa Barone you have written a truly intelligent blog article that really delivers on your above stated “Blogger Code of Conduct”.

These kind of blogs are the most enjoyable to read, and as happens much of the time, actually learn from.

Have a nice day..^_^

-melanie
-Sell Anything Like Crazy

I sincerely hope people will not fall for this idea that we are all so lacking in discernment that they need to censor the Internet and only allow “trusted brands” to contribute content.

This smacks loudly of censorship and is quite possibly aimed at bloggers who can see the big picture and share OUR truth with our readers – not the Corporate-sponsored so-called truth.

I hope you seem some of those characteristics here in Outspoken. ;)

Absolutely. Recently discovered your blog and added it to my A-list in NetNewsWire immediately.