Online Public Relations Thoughts

My friend, Peter Shinbach, brought this to my attention a couple of days ago -- the need for bloggers to check before publishing rumors. Well, of course. But, the important point that wasn't discussed is that less-than-ethical bloggers have and will turn inaccuracy to advantage. Pump or short stock. Start rumors. Make money. That has been the case on stock bulletin boards for at least a decade. Don't expect anything different in blogging.

A blogger builds personal credibility in how he or she reports over time and entries. A blogger loses credibility when sloppiness impugns credibility. I believe we call that PR 101.