Choosing a Blogger Readers Can Trust

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On April 21, the LA Times suspended a Pulitzer Prize Winner’s blog because Michael Hiltzik, the blogger, was caught writing disparaging remarks in the comments sections of the blogs of his competitors. It’s to be noted that

• he was not immediately fired.
• an LA Times policy calls for all reporters and editors to identify themselves when dealing with the public.
• he had no comment on his actions.

I find Mr Hiltzik’s behavior a problem.

Wheren Lies the Problem?

One aspect of blogging that sets it apart is the ability of the blogger and readers to establish a valid and ongoing relationship as people. Relationship are built on transparency, authenticity, and trust. Mr. Hiltzik blew all three with his childish need to strike against those who didn’t agree with his point of view. He often called his competitors names, such as “idiots” from his own podium. He must have been looking for additional voices to echo his feelings.

Jeff Jarvis of Buzz Machine, a blog that keeps track of mainstream media interactions, responded to this situation with a clear definition of the problem that seems to be more usual a part of the media now that ever before,

The bottom line: Journalists who are afraid to speak as themselves in public. They thus separate themselves from the public they serve: scared of us or feeling superior to us, but not among us in any case. That is a mistake and an insult. . . .

But, still, here’s Hiltzik choosing to enter into a conversation with the public — the act of blogging is precisely that — but then pulling back to refuse to interact with honestly, at eye level. It’s an act of lying and of cowardice.

Obviously, one key would be not choose a liar and a coward. But lets look deeper.

There’s an inherent self-centeredness and immaturity about his actions as well.

What Lesson Is Here for Corporate Blogging?

The ideal corporate blogger would be passionate about the company and delighted to be blogging, curious about readers and happy to learn from them. This mature soul would not mind people with differing opinions. In fact, he or she would see that as the start of a great, moderated discussion. Any issues that could not be resolved would brought back to the office. All answers — positive and negative — would be reported back to readers.

Gee, it sounds very much like the same qualities and responsibilities an enterprise would look for in a team leader. Doesn’t it?

Maybe that’s because the goal is to get readers on the same team.

Liz Strauss

 

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