Here's why bloggers need proper PR Disclosures » YugaTech

Here’s why bloggers need proper PR Disclosures

Bryanboy throws in the towel on Globe Visibility. I’m a bit embarrassed, considering I was the one who hooked him up with the Globe guys. To be fair though, I also referred him to the people from PLDT WeRoam. In that same entry, the B alludes to the apparent silence of tech bloggers who are also Globe subscribers:

I also find it strange that some of the “top” tech bloggers in the land of the brown (who, I’m sure, are also Globe Visibility users) aren’t even mentioning this whole thing on their blogs and to think, they’re usually on top of everything “new” when it comes to tech whatever news. They know who they are. Maybe they sold their soul to the devil? Perhaps Globe Telecom sponsored them one way or another? You know, free phones, free internet access, free everything? You certainly don’t want to bite the hand that feeds you…

And though I am not a Globe Visibility subscriber (I use Smart 3G), I’d like to point out this statement begs the reason why bloggers need to state their PR disclosures properly. Otherwise, all bloggers who have PR relationships with companies trying to reach out to the blogosphere will be labeled as ‘shills’.

Whether you’ve been to one of the sponsored parties/events, been given gifts or prizes, sent out on trips, dined in a posh restaurant or handed out free stuff and services — you are automatically subject to questions of credibility. It may not happen now but it’s possible in the future. Reputation management need not be merely reactive. In fact, I think it should be pro-active (touch base with your target market now so that miscommunication and inconveniences could be minimized if not totally avoided in the future).

I will not go far and defend the other tech bloggers but it’s possible they didn’t experience the same problem as the rest OR (crackle! crackle!) Bryanboy’s accusation was plain and simply, the truth.

We may be just seeing the tip of the iceberg here. As more and more companies and PR agencies are trying to reach out to the blogosphere, the more bloggers are exposed to the same scrutiny. Marc’s witty title on “Have free food, will blog” shows how the power of blogosphere can be harnessed by corporate entities for offline marketing. In the recent weeks, I had to avoid several PR invitations because of this reason. However, total avoidance may not be the solution. I think transparency is the key. And that’s why proper blog disclosures are necessary.

Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

https://www.yugatech.com

16 Comments

mail says:

13 years ago

Why does everybody love this subject so much? Just kidding. I have a blog about it also.
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Miguel says:

17 years ago

I agree… I didn’t mind him before, but taking a low shot at the tech blogging community is unacceptable behavior.
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http://www.animomedia.com says:

17 years ago

My message to BrianBoy.. (Mind your own business)
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Anton says:

17 years ago

Shouldnt people be proud to show their colors or affiliations?

If someone comes to you and tells you that you can “try” out their service for free …. shouldnt you have the responsibility to tell them that something wrong with their product

Ive had my share of globe visibility nightmares.. ;)
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Melo Villareal says:

17 years ago

Since bloggers are now being considered as a Marketing Medium here in the land of the brown (may i borrow). I agree with Yuga, proper disclosure is nescessary… C’mon Bloggers are the new generation journalists and we should be independent… We should apreciate the FOOD… but lets forget the pinoy (utang na loob thing) If you need to shout… Go ahead! somebody will listen!
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SELaplana says:

17 years ago

mukhang matutuwa ngayon ang SMART dahil medu maganda pa ang kanilang service…. hmmmm lilipat ata sila sa kabila…..
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BrianB says:

17 years ago

About the accusation. I ignore everyone with that accent. :)
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BrianB says:

17 years ago

What some of these providers don’t get is that connectivity is more important than the rebates you’d be getting for the downtime. Congress has done a very poor job protecting consumers against these one-year contracts. I believe if there’s due cause, you can opt out of the contract. I actually threatened Globe (Innove) to file a formal complaint thru a lawyer to their offices, and they had technicians visit my place every day. This happened about two weeks ago.

It’s just our pot-holed roads, there’s just no comprehension how important ACCESS is. It’s important for politicians and business people to have access to our wallets but it’s not exactly a give-and-take, money-for-goods relationship. I’m telling you, these corporations and conglomerates still have haciendero brains running them.
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Jaypee says:

17 years ago

Does he have proof that these top tech bloggers are Glove Visibility subscribers or is he just assuming?

Anyways, back to the topic at hand. I agree that transparency and a PR disclosure is a must for any blogger especially for those who have certain connections or relationships with companies.

If Globe Visibility service is really bad, then Globe should do something about it and fix it.
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Miguel says:

17 years ago

I think Bryanboy is making a strange accusation.

He’s assuming that the majority of tech bloggers are Globe Visibility subscribers. Fact of the matter is, not many people actually need Globe Visibility (or PLDT WeRoam for that matter).
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jhay says:

17 years ago

Such a shame really, embarrassing at first, but really shameful.

Let’s just hope that the natural “self-regulating” mechanism of the blogosphere kicks in real fast.
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Jazzy says:

17 years ago

… and the fun of blogging just jump out the window.
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noemi says:

17 years ago

transparency is really important. It’s not being defensive. Also got an offer for free internet access but refused because I don’t want to be beholden when service gets interrupted.
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