Some companies are blocking employee access to social media sites like YouTube and Facebook, fearful that staff will waste time or speak out inappropriately.
But on his Web Ink blog, consultant David Meerman Scott decries "corporate nannies" who want to make certain their "naive charges don't get into trouble in the big, scary world of information."
Instead, he says the focus should be on setting reasonable standards for behaviour, like IBM's social computing guidelines, which include: 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.
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.
Harvey Schachter