Should there be rules what anyone can write/post on any networking site? Should there be Social Computing guidelines? Well, we think there should be some restrictions when it comes to posting to any networking site. A single remark against anyone can lead to big consequences. We have seen how a single Tweet lead to resignation of a Minister and removal of Chairman of a famous league. Recently President Obama has been seen in cautioning people to think twice before posting to any networking site. Have a look at the Video:
Though many big IT companies encourage their employees to engage in Social Networking sites but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any policy or Guidelines for the same. If you are a company as big as IBM or Intel, any single update can lead to loss in Crores and can malign the image of the company.
Here are few guidelines which IBM and Intel want their employees to follow, complete guidelines can be seen from their respective sites here and here.
IBM Social Computing Guidelines: Executive Summary
- Know and follow IBM’s Business Conduct Guidelines.
- IBMers are personally responsible for the content they publish on blogs, wikis or any other form of user-generated media. Be mindful that what you publish will be public for a long time—protect your privacy.
- Identify yourself—name and, when relevant, role at IBM—when you discuss IBM or IBM-related matters. And write in the first person. You must make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of IBM.
- If you publish content to any website outside of IBM and it has something to do with work you do or subjects associated with IBM, use a disclaimer such as this: “The postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent IBM’s positions, strategies or opinions.”
- Respect copyright, fair use and financial disclosure laws.
- Don’t provide IBM’s or another’s confidential or other proprietary information. Ask permission to publish or report on conversations that are meant to be private or internal to IBM.
- Don’t cite or reference clients, partners or suppliers without their approval. When you do make a reference, where possible link back to the source.
- Respect your audience. Don’t use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable in IBM’s workplace. You should also show proper consideration for others’ privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory—such as politics and religion.
- Find out who else is blogging or publishing on the topic, and cite them.
- Be aware of your association with IBM in online social networks. If you identify yourself as an IBMer, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself with colleagues and clients.
- Don’t pick fights, be the first to correct your own mistakes, and don’t alter previous posts without indicating that you have done so.
- Try to add value. Provide worthwhile information and perspective. IBM’s brand is best represented by its people and what you publish may reflect on IBM’s brand.
Intel Social Media Guidelines
- Stick to your area of expertise and provide unique, individual perspectives on what’s going on at Intel and in the world.
- Post meaningful, respectful comments—in other words, no spam and no remarks that are off-topic or offensive.
- Always pause and think before posting. That said, reply to comments in a timely manner, when a response is appropriate.
- Respect proprietary information and content, and confidentiality.
- When disagreeing with others’ opinions, keep it appropriate and polite.
- Know and follow the Intel Code of Conduct and the Intel Privacy Policy.
We would like to know, what you think whether there should be any Social Computing Guidelines or not.
