Comments on: Transparent or Irresponsible?

By: JustinSMV

JustinSMV — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 03:29:41 +0000

I have high respect for anyone or any corporation that practices transparency. It shows trust and provides the freedom of making an executive and wise decision. As far as the irresponsibility action, being transparent just shows a persons true thoughts and character and many bloggers out there will voice their opinions whether being censored or not. Thats what makes most successful Radio, PR and bloggers out there now. If everyone was scared about what they will say then your right its like we are being controlled and nobody likes that.

By: Jared O'Toole

Jared O'Toole — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:39:28 +0000

Everything is becoming transparent. The ones who are withholding info are looked down upon. Let everyone know whats going on. In the end being transparent builds trust and if things go bad you might just find some support if you just tell everyone.

By: Mike Pascucci

Mike Pascucci — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:39:22 +0000

Interesting comments. I was employed at Mzinga at the time, was affected by the layoff, and have also discussed this with Jeremiah.

His "assumptions" and "reliable information" were eventually validated – yes. At the same time, the situation should have been handled differently. He should have contacted Mzinga directly and kept it under wraps, until Mzinga was able to make the information public. Until that happened, Jeremiah had no right in disclosing any information based on his "4-5 twitter DM's". All here-say at the time, and he should have known better, being a Forrester analyst.

Also, the fact of the matter is that Mzinga laid off people to cut costs and gain control of their business. Many companies are doing that at the moment. This may not directly affect current or future clients, and calling a standstill to any business uncalled for and an arrogant thought, IMO. HE had no information of who was being let go, and what changes were happening.

I respect Jeremiah and what he does for Social Media, and know that he is a very talented and smart individual, but in this case, it should have been handled differently.

By: Danny Brown

Danny Brown — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:22:20 +0000

PS – He did do an excellent job of apologizing afterward and admitting to his (lack of) judgment call and, I would have thought, restored anyone's respect for him had it suffered a little.

By: Danny Brown

Danny Brown — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:38:09 +0000

I think the main point with the original post by Jeremiah was the fact that for someone so senior who a lot of people listen to and act on, it was from a lack of information (at the time). Jeremiah admitted as such – it's like the reporter scooping a story without getting the facts. It's sensationalistic and (possibly) lazy journalism.

As Forrester's COO himself says, "Owyang erred by speculating and not applying the same standards of quality as would be required in a Forrester research report."

From a business point of view, speculating on such important information is dangerous, even if it later did turn out to be true.

By: Jeremiah Owyang

Jeremiah Owyang — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:14:05 +0000

Lisa

Despite that I have a career blog, which is my personal thoughts, I've set the expectations that I use it in my day role –and it's important that I stay consistent.

Next time, even if I have information that hasn't been published yet (no matter how reliable my sources) I'm not going to publish it. The community doesn't expect that from me, they want me to analyze and say what it means –not break news. I'll let someone else handle that.

Eric, Thanks, I just finished a panel at web 20, we talked about failures in social media. Of course, I briefly mentioned that I screwed up, and now am learning for it, and that's what matters.

By: Lisa Hoffmann

Lisa Hoffmann — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:33:55 +0000

I am driven to look beyond the obvious and consider people's intentions because it helps me understand the big picture. I'd love to know the impetus of your decision to "not repeat this." Is it because you think you exercised poor judgment and posted the information prematurely, or is it simply because you've come under fire?

By the way, I think you've handled the entire situation with class and professionalism. Bravo.

By: Lisa Hoffmann

Lisa Hoffmann — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:31:20 +0000

This is an interesting angle, Mack, and not one I saw coming. I suppose some could argue that I am doing the same thing – trying to draw attention to myself by building conversation here about a popular controversy. That's not the case, but it may draw suspicion.

I hope that I've built a reputation among my readers that says otherwise, just as Jeremiah's reputation colored my reaction to his initial Mzinga post.

By: Lisa Hoffmann

Lisa Hoffmann — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:27:12 +0000

I think we agree that Jeremiah is not a "crazy blogger," and I love your point about us policing the space. It's true – those of us watching as these dramas unfold are the same people who will influence how bloggers think and present themselves.

By: Lisa Hoffmann

Lisa Hoffmann — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:24:52 +0000

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sonny. It will be interesting to watch how the online community shapes the way we censor ourselves.