Comments on: Social Media Guidelines

By: Anna Barcelos

Anna Barcelos — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:09:34 +0000

Hi Kyle:
I like the way you keep it simple with policy guidelines. Sometimes companies’ social media policies can get so technical it leaves those wanting to engage confused as to whether they should or not. Here are a couple cool links regarding SM policies I’ve often referred to that may also help you and your readers.

http://econsultancy.com/blog/5049-16-social-media-guidelines-used-by-real-companies

http://socialmediagovernance.com/policies.php

By: Jeff Green

Jeff Green — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:30:28 +0000

Great, Kyle. Very timely for what I’m looking for. I particularly like the following:

“…should include as much of what people SHOULD be talking about as what they SHOULD NOT be talking about.”

I’d much rather encourage employees to engage than scare them from interacting as reps of the company or in a sense as subject matter experts and brand evangelists.

Thanks for the advice (and to Mike P and Jim S as well).

By: Kyle Flaherty

Kyle Flaherty — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:21:35 +0000

Excellent idea Mike, thanks!

By: Mike P

Mike P — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:17:26 +0000

As I recommend when I talk to Community Managers (for external communities) that are asking the same question, develop 2 policies. 1 is the more legal speak as to what can not and should not be done. The other is more of a “How you should” guide to interactions and participation online. We have found that separating the 2 out decreases the confusion. A more proactive and positive approach to “how you should” be doing things seems to work out.

Mike P

By: Kyle Flaherty

Kyle Flaherty — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:12:30 +0000

Good point Jim, although I would warn people to make sure they don’t wait too long. For example I was speaking at a Military show a few weeks ago and the head of social for the Department of Defense was there and mentioned they had been working on their guidelines for 18 months…wow.

By: Jim Storer

Jim Storer — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:01:38 +0000

I love being able to just come up with the ideas and not write them. Yeah… I’m the Idea Guy!

Nice job on the topic. The “easily readable” part is really important. If your eyes glaze over reading it, then it needs to be re-written.

One comment on social media policies in general. I like it when policies suggest that it’s ok to listen for a while before jumping in and participating. I’ve seen people jump in too soon, before they understood the cadence and culture of a certain community. “You only make a first impression once” applies online too, and it’s ok to take your time before choosing to take that step.