2300: Is Blogging Bad for You?

Social media is quickly becoming an essential part of public relations. On almost every website there is an icon on the page linking to Twitter, Facebook, and Blogger. These outlets connect millions of people and can be an effective PR tool. However, the other day I was on the internet and came across a blog on the Salt Lake Tribune’s website. It consisted mostly of accusations and trash talk about a company. This is not the first time I have encountered a blog like this. Is blogging always an effective PR tool? Are there some instances where a blog can be more detrimental than beneficial? I have seen multiple blogs comprised of people fighting with each other or complaining about a policy or company. Although this could be potentially helpful to the company to improve customer relations, what if the accusations are false? Is it worth having a blog if it is ruining the image of the company or product? Yes, people are hired to do online reputation management, and they could try to prevent things like this from happening. But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of letting everyone have a voice and opinion?

I think this concept is interesting. Social networking sites are so popular because people love to have their voices heard. It makes them feel empowered and important. However this can become dangerous in public relations when the average person has the ability to damage a company’s reputation and standing. I don’t know if every PR campaign or effort should include a blog. I am not sure that it always serves the purpose that was originally intended.