Responsible Blogging

Earlier this year, a small North Carolina eco-conscious clothing company was contacted to participate in a documentary on eco-fashion being made by a media company out of Florida. The NC-based company took interest, but as the negotiations continued, they became more and more skeptical of a possible scam. The CEO of the clothing company voiced her concerns on her blog, and people took note. Shortly after, the media company out of Florida filed a lawsuit claiming her blog had cost them over $5 million in business.

This brings up a very sensitive, and relatively new subject for many business owners. Anything posted on a CEO’s blog - including reader’s comments - can be construed as carrying the weight of a company’s endorsement. Blogging is an easy way to talk to interested people, but be very careful. There is a very fine line, as an advocate of your business, between what is considered legal and what is not. Authenticity and selflessness are important to maintain as a blogger and as a CEO. Your words will be seen and read by a wider audience than you may realize. You not only owe it to yourself, but also to your employees and stakeholders, to act responsibly in your blogging.

As for the lawsuit, the clothing and media companies are close to settling out of court and the blog post will be coming down very soon. Is your business writing authentic and responsible blogs? Is your online marketing “White Hat”? Internet is such a wide net of communications, that it is easier than you might admit to being caught in a lawsuit such as discussed here. Volacci conducts ethical and moral marketing practices that increases your conversion rate and profit margins, while staying out of trouble. You should give us a call, or request a proposal, so you can avoid any possible mis-steps in the future. We are here to help you, because your profit is our passion.