IBM Social Computing Guidelines Released: It is all about common sense; which is really not so common to the web enabled social network newbies.

The bottom line is is that more and more companies and their employees are engaging on social networks like facebook, LinkedIn, twitter, etc. Business employees are also blogging more frequently (both on company and personal blogs). The rule sets laid out below are by no means totally inclusive but they are a great starting point for organizations to start from when considering their social media engagement strategy.

I found these IBM social guidelines on IBM employee Luis Suarez blog. Which as an interesting side note, I initially connected with him via twitter. It just goes to show yet again how social networks can spread discussions and dissemination of information in many ways that are still considered non traditional.

These “non-traditional” ways of communication via social networks are a trend that is here to stay. These “non traditional” social ways of communication are becoming more and more traditional. I hope all brand managers are paying very close attention here.

IBM Social Computing Guidelines: Executive Summary

1. Know and follow IBM’s Business Conduct Guidelines.
2. IBMers are personally responsible for the content they publish on blogs, wikis or any other form of user-generated media. Be mindful that what you publish will be public for a long time — protect your privacy.
3. Identify yourself — name and, when relevant, role at IBM — when you discuss IBM or IBM-related matters. And write in the first person. You must make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of IBM.
4. If you publish content to any website outside of IBM and it has something to do with work you do or subjects associated with IBM, use a disclaimer such as this: “The postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent IBM’s positions, strategies or opinions.”
5. Respect copyright, fair use and financial disclosure laws.
6. Don’t provide IBM’s or another’s confidential or other proprietary information. Ask permission to publish or report on conversations that are meant to be private or internal to IBM.
7. Don’t cite or reference clients, partners or suppliers without their approval. When you do make a reference, where possible link back to the source.
8. Respect your audience. Don’t use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable in IBM’s workplace. You should also show proper consideration for others’ privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory — such as politics and religion.
9. Find out who else is blogging or publishing on the topic, and cite them.
10. Be aware of your association with IBM in online social networks. If you identify yourself as an IBMer, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself with colleagues and clients.
11. Don’t pick fights, be the first to correct your own mistakes, and don’t alter previous posts without indicating that you have done so.
12. Try to add value. Provide worthwhile information and perspective. IBM’s brand is best represented by its people and what you publish may reflect on IBM’s brand.”

You can also see what Sun is doing in the area of public discourse guidelines.

Technorati Tags: social engagement, social guidelines, social computing guidelines, ibm, sun

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