I tried to introduce a ‘blog policy’ at the company that I was at two years ago. They wanted nothing to do with it – said anything done on the blog would be covered in their employee code of conduct.
As I think back on that, a thought that was prompted by this article from BizReport, I think they were right.
Most bloggers aren’t being fired for blogging. Bloggers are being fired for doing something stupid on their blogs that violates some policy of some description within their respective employers. I’m going to get called on the carpet for this, but employers do have a point. Send dirty emails, get reprimanded, make lots of personal calls, get fired. Blogs are just another way for employees to get themselves in hot water by not heeding corporate policy.
Memo to bloggers: Check your corporate ethics, conduct, and media relations policies and just ‘keep it between the lines.’
Anil Dash made that point a while ago that he doesn’t think anyone has been fired for blogging, just for being stupid.
Comment by Rick Bruner — March 8, 2005 @ 4:11 pm
Noted. I think it’s a point that needs to be driven home to dispell the fear that blogging will get you fired.
Comment by Dana VanDen Heuvel — March 9, 2005 @ 6:23 pm
The stupidity thing is right on point.
We just need to remember that everything we write will remain on some server somewhere long after we’ve forgotten about it.
People just need to be careful and use prudence when they write and post on blogs. To me it seems like common sense but I realize that’s a misnomer these days.
NEW IDEA – Shouldn’t people worry about how blogging can impact them getting hired?
I wonder if it is common practice for employers and recruiters to Google someone to get additional background information? What should an employer do if they discover that an applicant appears to be an idiot online?
Can that or should that legally impact a company’s hiring decision?
I’m sure no employer would tell a candidate that was their primary reason for not offering them the job.
What do you think Dana?
Comment by Brian Carroll — March 9, 2005 @ 7:55 pm