Robert French has posted a series of questions about transparency in PR/blogging, specifically directed at Steve Rubel. Robert brings up some interesting points, which I assume Steve will respond to.
Back in April, I talked about 'claims of transparency' related to some of the public records laws we have in Florida. My original post stirred some interest from Neville Hobson, who I mentioned. I told Neville that I wasn't calling him out; I just knew that he often talked about the perceived transparency of other blogs.
Here are a few quotes from that post:
when a blogger or company say they are being transparent are they really? Let's take a look at your e-mail? phone logs? how about your financial transactions?
...For now I will take any claim of 'transparency' with a grain of salt. Sort of a "look over here!" distraction. Making a big deal out of the fact that you are "transparent" only makes me suspicious that you are hiding something.
It's sort of like when somebody says, 'Trust me.' So you're saying you weren't telling me the truth before?
Visitor Comments
Thanks, Josh. We'll see if the discussion gets picked up by other PR bloggers.
I will be interesting to see the thoughts from a wide variety of people.
All the best.
Posted by: Robert French | July 7, 2005 2:53 PM
There's an old joke that trust me translates into ... well, you can guess what it translates into.
Yes, I harp about transparency, and try to be on my blog. But, I don't mention that I'm being transparent because it's like blogging that I'm wearing pants (well, even if I'm not).
If it's an obvious thing, I'll call people out, though, on being upfront with the public.
Posted by: Jeremy Pepper | July 7, 2005 3:43 PM