The Internet is neither negative nor positive. It is simply a tool. It and the related technologies offer an abundant of opportunities.
A few weeks ago, I read the story about a national sting that netted 125 perverts in a child-porn case.
It seems like we are often hearing or reading about sexual predators, child porn and other sick society stuff. Was this “stuff” still as prevalent 10, 20 or 50 years ago? If alive 75 years ago, would these people still be participating and/or watching these sick activities?
Or, is the opportunity to view this perversion on the Internet bringing it out from the evil bowels of their souls?
Okay, let’s move on to something not nearly as important, like public relations and social media. Blogs, boards and other online social media have opened up a lot of opportunity for companies, associations and individuals to reach out to customers, prospects and others of like-mind.
As PR and communications professionals, we have a lot of opportunity to serve our clients/employers. But, as with the degenerates above, we have a judgment to make. Decide what is right and what is wrong.
We can take the opportunity to set up a fake blog, leave positive client comments posing as an everyday Joe or Jane, we can start slanted threads on discussion boards.
Or, we can be transparent, upfront, honest and ethical, and not become swayed by wanting to please clients/our employer and make money.
I’m not in anyway connecting or insinuating the sick perversion in the first example with what I see as unethical — or at least dishonest — PR pros in the second. It’s just a thought spurred by the porn case that I’m brining into my world of PR.
Just because the opportunity is there — and knocking on your door — you don’t have to answer it.
– Mike
Technorati tags: PR, public+relations, social media, opportunity
