Comments on: Is There a Place For Rants on a Professional Blog?

By: Seth

Seth — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:36:47 +0000

One of the more popular reasons to blog these days is for “professional enrichment” a.k.a. producing content that confirms authority in an area of special expertise.

As such, I’d say there are many “professional” blogs that neither represent a corporation nor make significant direct income. Those bloggers tread a line between personal and professional that may/may not be crossed when it comes to rants.

Isn’t it possible to share what one dislikes about a kitchen without taking a crowbar to the counter top? I’d think so. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.

Thanks for taking the time to swing by and throw a few thoughts my way, Matt. I’m sorry I’m not more of a WDW fan! =)

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:41:57 +0000

If bloggers continue to make solid strides away from digital cow tipping and toward constructive commentary, I think we'll continue to see more businesses respond in positive ways.

Glad things worked out between you and Comcast!

By: edwardboches

edwardboches — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:04:05 +0000

Seth:
Agree with last three points for sure. It's too easy to be critical without being constructive. Yet it's being constructive that proves your criticism is valid and worthwhile. It also sets an example and gives your followers and readers a reason to read you. Finally, I've found that rather than piss someone off, if you simply manage to get their attention, make a valid point and, as you suggest, leave them an out, they might be far more likely to respond, rectify the situation and subsequently provide better service. Recently had this happen in my own case with Comcast.

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:21:12 +0000

haha! I hear you on the Twitter rants. Offer a suggestion for improvement at the end and you're golden in my book. Lots of people rant in order to get a company's attention but when the company shows up there's nothing constructive to chew on. I think it's possible to let of steam AND make a few things better along the way.

Hopefully.

Thanks David!

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:16:35 +0000

Dysfunctional families–>capitalism–>peace=lies–>protect businesses–>honest behavior–>pity PR teams–>Jeff Jarvis

Your comment reflects responses to 3-4 of my most recent posts. I'm glad I wrote the posts or I'd have missed the references! =)

I don't have a problem with rants. However, I think there's a line between professionalism and sensationalism that some bloggers cross (perhaps) unintentionally. Say whatever you like about a product, just follow it up with suggestions for improvement and I think you've landed upon something constructive.

Thanks D!

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:06:37 +0000

Rant away…I can't remember what those fish are called. Lady that the pet store I went to as a kid always called them “cleaner fish.” =)

By: Birddoggy

Birddoggy — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:59:11 +0000

Not quite the same, as this is about an open forum not a blog, but interesting nonetheless… http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-new...

By: David

David — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:03:47 +0000

On my work blog? No

On my own blog? Yes of course!

Actually that's one reason why I started another blog just for me - I was feeling there were things I wanted to write but were not appropriate for the company blog.

There are not really any big rants so far anyway - my post on over hyping of social media is probably the closest. If I wanted to really rant, I'm more likely to do it on Twitter. While I think of it, yesterday at the bloody supermarket !@#$%^&!!!

By: darrelldk

darrelldk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:53:16 +0000

It is my opinion that fear of rejection can be so strong in some dysfunctional families that members learn to bottle-up their frustrations rather than risk causing someone pain and upsetting the calm - no matter what the cost.

In the competitive business community in the land of the free, there exists even less family love. That is why it’s risky to float a “Why can’t we all just get along” attitude into our marketplace. I have come across far too many instances where those who offer peace are planning manipulation, inviting manipulation or hiding something they ethically should reveal to their customers.

Seth, I think my opinion on your latest thought-provoking topic is more parallel with NatMich’s than yours. Aggressive actors are already everywhere and it will only get worse for soft, vulnerable peace-makers. We can no longer allow our businesses to become easy targets for ranting hotheads.
As businesspeople, we must simply accept transparency and prepare for troublemakers in the only practical way we can. We must do the right thing even when nobody is watching.

Troublemakers can no longer be ignored so one must be prepared to accept accountability for the product one sells. I feel sorry for public relations teams who work for bosses with unethical business practices.

I think Jeff Jarvis had the right idea when he held Dell Computer accountable for lousy customer service using "Dell Hell." Jarvis caused Dell to improve their product. So would Dell Hell be called a rant?

D. Kellus Pruitt

By: NatMich

NatMich — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:54:09 +0000

Personally, I love READING rants on blogs (a rant here defined as an impassioned, opinionated and more personal piece) but don't think it would be particularly appropriate for a business that was composed of a team to pull off something like that- since in such a case they would be representing more than just the views of the individual. Though perhaps you are speaking mainly to the professional blogs of consultants, professional bloggers, etc who are representing only themselves…? Haha, though I’d still be interested to see what a McDonald blog rant looked like…