There is no doubt that blogging is becoming a major part of business and how business can help themselves grow.  Blogging is a great method to spread your message from a personal standpoint and allow your clients or the general public to learn a little more about you as the individual.  With that said, there are an ethics to blogging.  Recently The Wall Street Journal ran an article that discussed bloggers who were talking up a Spanish internet start-up called FON Technology SL.  They courted a wide range of respectable bloggers to talk-up their company in their respective fields, which has since sparked an ethical debate about the validity of one's blogging.

The issue at hand is why some of these "hired" bloggers disclosed they had a financial stake with the new company and others did not.   FON says that these bloggers might be compensated for their work in the future but aren't being paid at the time.  That leaves an ethical gray area for those involved.   Technically, they are talking up a good company they think might make an impact within its field.  However, if they are under the impression they might be paid for their internet work in the future, morally should they disclose that information?

Bob Steele, an ethics specialist with the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, FL says, "While many bloggers don't consider themselves journalists, anyone putting information into the public domain about people or companies has certain ethical responsibilities."

A few bloggers involved have taken different approaches.  One blogger posted in a previous blog his ties to the FON company but doesn't disclose it in every blog.  Others merely leave the detail out. 

The debate is really just getting started on the role of ethics in blogging.  Mr. Steele is correct, bloggers are not all journalists, therefore should they be held to the same ethical standards?  I tend to think so, especially when their intent is to sell a company these bloggers will benefit from in the future.  We'll continue to monitor the debate here at The Media Backpage.

Posted by Brett at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Richard Edelman, President of Edelman Public Relations recently wrote a very eloquent and spot on analysis of the implications of new communications tools for PR professionals.  His essay reminds me of a study that was done several years ago that pointed to internet audiences gravitating to user created content.  At the time they referenced tools such as e-mail and instant messaging.  Today, the tools have developed further and include rich media solutions such as audio and video podcasts, blogs, and RSS.  With these new techniques, the communications dialogue has evolved and grown from peer-to-peer sharing of personal content to a much broader and engaged space on virtually any topic that includes corporations, non-profits, stakeholders, and individuals. 

Clearly the rules of engagement for the communications community have been redefined.

Link:

Richard Edelman's Post on His Blog 6AM

Posted by Jason at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So I'm a bit skeptical on the issue because we've addressed it before on The Media Backpage.  The issue is how can the advertising community best utilize the latest craze of video iPods?  Advertisers are still navigating these unfamiliar waters with the further development of the video iPod and recently companies are trying to take their traditional 30-second spots for television and reformat them for your iPod.  This is the wrong approach.  Advertising executives need to think outside their traditional realm as video blogs and programs are their own medium and need to attract uniquely crafted messages.  The sooner companies learn how to capitalize on this new medium, the better chance they have of getting their product or service noticed by this ever-growing population. 

Keep monitoring the trend on The Media Backpage - we're all over this trend.

Posted by Brett at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Two weeks ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Yahoo, Microsoft, AOL and Google all showcased their new online video portals, which were set to debut later this year.  The idea was to challenge the stranglehold Apple already has on the market for both free videos, but more importantly those that content providers are charging for including television shows and movies.  Google has already cut a major deal with the NBA, for consumers to download games and highlights from around the league for their viewing pleasure.

As we have covered on The Media Backpage, major content providers like Walt Disney and CBS have already cut deals with Apple.  However, this week Google snuck one past everyone by launching it's service way ahead of schedule.  They have now officially launched their site, Google Video.

Everyone's excited to have options for online video, especially those with video iPods and similar players, with that said though some are not thrilled with Google's first offering, especially those at the New York Times ripped Google's beta version.  The service leaves a lot to be desired and isn't as comfortable as Apple's iTunes, but it is still certain to have a huge impact on the emerging video-download world.

Check it out and let us know what you think...

Posted by Brett at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Vlogging", or Video Web Logging is definitely a new term that is on the verge of sweeping the industry. It basically combines those with access to small production operations and an opinion to make a name for themself worldwide. The Wall Street Journal tackles the new movement and discusses the potential impact it can have on the web community. Vlogs are in the early stages of operation but with video iPods the most popular gadgets on the market, you can bet they are going to take off in a short period of time.

Posted by Brett at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to the Center for Media Research, podcasting downloaders will reach approximately 60 million by 2010, with the average user downloading 6 different podcasts a month. This prediction only documents what we already have learned: podcasting is part of the growing media landscape. It will become even more an integrated part of our lives. Radio Ink, also points out iTunes is the most popular portal for podcast downloads. Curious to see what the next year brings in the world of podcasting.

Posted by Brett at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

...that is the question. It seems whereever we turn these days there is a difference of opinion of who should blog, who shouldn't, and what belongs in a blog and when. The questions organizations have to ask themselves are many including what information is for public consumption and what is best kept internally. Now, a name many regard for its fine thought pieces Harvard Business School has added to the debate with an essay on their Working Knowledge site. What are your thoughts? We want to hear from you!

Posted by Brett at 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)