November 3, 2008

YOUR top questions on leader blogs: Answered!

Do you have questions or concerns about leaders and blogging? We compiled answers to the top nine questions we're asked about internal web logs for this special interactive issue of Smart Tips. And if you don't see your question here? Post it for us in the comments section below and we'll respond by Monday, November 10.

1. What is a blog?
   A blog is a web site with regular entries of text commentary or description, graphics or video. Entries are displayed in reverse-chronological order, and readers can post comments. The term "blog" is a contraction of "web log."
2. Why blog?
   A blog is an opportunity for an electronic conversation. Internally, leaders use blogs to let employees know who they are and what they're thinking—and to collect employees' feedback.
3. Who should have a blog? The CEO?
   Any leader or influencer who is a natural communicator, and who has a message to share and a story to tell, would be a good candidate for blogging.
4. Should I be worried about employees posting inflammatory comments on a blog?
   No, we're not aware of any issues among our blogging colleagues. As a precaution, most companies require employees to enter their e-mail address to post a comment; some companies review all comments before they are posted.
5. Is it a blog if employees can't comment?
   No. If employees can't comment, it's just another article posted on the intranet.
6. Does a blogger have to respond to all comments?
   No, but it's a good practice to respond—either as a commenter or in the next blog entry.
7. What is the role of corporate communications in internal blogging?
   When starting a blog, help the leader define the content, target audience, length, timing and frequency. Support your leader by discussing topics in advance, gathering research and editing content.
8. Can you ghostwrite a blog for a leader?
   This isn't the best idea, but you can do it if you have the leader's involvement (of course) and you're sure no one will know. It's not ideal, but a ghostwritten blog is better than no blog at all.
9. What are some best practices for blogging?
   Effective blogs are short, honest, clear and timely. They're also authentic, sharing personal stories and insights and responding to comments as you would in a conversation. When done in this way, blogs make a leader accessible, and employees react in a positive way.

Do you have another question about leader blogging? Post it in the comments section below and we'll respond by Monday, November 10. (To see our reply, you'll need to subscribe to the blog via RSS or revisit this page.)