Blog Tip - Know What You're Doing First

Update 10/19/05: Toby was one of two bloggers given an interview by Ed Garsten, Editorial Director of Chrysler Group Media Blog - TheFirehouse.biz. Make sure to read the post about her interview, it certainly clears up why Chrysler did what it did and shows they did know what they were doing.

My blogging mentor, Toby Bloomberg taught me a little something this afternoon. She was telling me about her Chrysler's Firehouse Blog IS For Media Only post and how much buzz it has generated.

Apparently, Chrysler has created a password protected blog for verified media only. If you read comments on the post in her blog as well as on the Business Blogging site, you learn quickly that in the blogging world, this is a big no-no. Not to mention the conspiracy theorists really start coming out of the woodwork.

This to me was contrary to what I was taught... Blog applications are extensive and sometimes companies use password protected blogs to gather input from customers or share information with a very targeted group of people. Well, goes to show I don't know everything about blogs (yet) and neither does Chrysler. According to Toby, the problem with Chrysler's Firehouse Blog is they password protected a public site - something everyone can see. They should have created an access only blog.

The moral of this story? Don't enter the blogosphere lightly - blogs are supposed to enhance your brand, not tarnish it. Speak with a blog consultant first - someone like Toby.

Comments

[Toby]

Teresa - thanks for your kind words.

I agree with you, I don't have a problem with a blog limited to a specific audience. How about a customer only blog? My concern was as you so eloquently said, that the page was public with no disclaimer and and I completed their application form in good faith.

A "source" at Chrysler told me that Chrysler assumed that name "Chrysler Group Media Blog" would alert people to the fact that it was for media only.

My thoughts are that the page doesn't tell me that it's only for the media ... could be the authors are from the media group and thus the name of the blog is the "Chrysler Group Media Blog." There are many blogs that are written by multiple authors. "The source" said he would take that one up the food chain.

If they use my idea do you think I'll get a discount off a Mercedes-Benz or perhaps a PT Cruiser?