Comments on: Are You Transparent or Translucent?

By: More on the transparency of pay… « The Market Pricing Manifesto

More on the transparency of pay… « The Market Pricing Manifesto — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:10:44 +0000

[...] other topic was the debate about being transparent vs. being translucent. In Bill Shoor’s blog, he gives a great example of when being completely transparent isn’t such a great idea. For [...]

By: Joanna Young

Joanna Young — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:47:19 +0000

Andrew, thanks for your comment, and no need to apologise for any delay! I know you're a regular commenter here and thought this was one you'd be interested in. 'Materiality' (if there's such a word) seems like a useful test to apply. Thanks. Joanna Youngs last blog post..Update on Adverts and Affiliate Links

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:17:34 +0000

Andrew, Thank you for sharing your perspective. Your comment brings out how important it is for companies to invest in communication coaching for employees, especially ones who are blogging. Having done some consulting in that area, I've learned that people have lots of questions about confidentiality, disclosure, etc. Brad Shorrs last blog post..Serious Blog Design Flaws

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:56:45 +0000

A very interesting discussion, Joanna, I am pleased to hear that you value my opinion on this matter, and I apologize for the delay in responding. I concur with both Joanna and Karen about how we need not divulge information that is not relevant to the needs of the recipients of our communication. I also agree with comments above about the need for authenticity in communication. Broadly speaking, I agree with Joanna's approach. Generally speaking, I think it is necessary to inform key customers, suppliers or business partners of any material facts which may affect their decisions. This does not mean that you can't put a positive 'spin' on your communication, but it does mean that you must not withhold key information without good cause. Naturally, there are exceptions, for example where disclosure of certain information resulted in a breach of confidentiality, or where the information concerned is very highly sensitive in nature. Cheers Andrew Andrews last blog post..Interview with Social Bridges about Corporate Social Responsibility

By: Hump Day Reading for the Restless Soul — Write From Home

Hump Day Reading for the Restless Soul — Write From Home — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:01:09 +0000

[...] Are You Transparent or Translucent? at Words Sell [...]

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:29:36 +0000

Cath, It is a matter of degree, isn't it? Despite our passion for authenticity or transparency or sincerity, or whatever we chose to call it, there's also a place for tact. In your example, sincerity is not only impolite, it's suicidal! Brad Shorrs last blog post..What I Learned from My Friends about Advertising

By: Cath Lawson

Cath Lawson — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:31:14 +0000

Hi Brad – It’s a difficult question to answer. And I guess there’s a fine line between sincerity and stupidity in business. Whilst it’s best to be as honest with customers as possible, if we were totally sincere, we’d wind up saying things like, “You’re a complete tosser, we’re only nice to you because you spend £50k a year with us.”

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:22:46 +0000

Barbara, Your story is a good illustration of the fact you can’t stop conversation. That being the case, you might as well have the conversations on your blog so you can respond and discuss. Serph is interesting – thanks for the tip. How Sociable is another one I’ve been playing with – http://www.howsociable.com/

Brad Shorrs last blog post..Are You Transparent or Translucent?

By: Barbara Rozgonyi

Barbara Rozgonyi — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:15:48 +0000

As long as we’re talking keywords, I’ll pick up on “allow.”

In searching for a restaurant to go to over the weekend, I typed in the name of a famous restaurant we like. The first result? The restaurant’s name, address, etc. – and a negative comment about the food that seemed to be somehow tied into Google maps.

“Worst meal I have ever had for the money. Prime rib was fatty and tasteless.”

The great majority of the reviews were positive. How did this one wind up on top? Although this restaurant had nothing to do with allowing this comment [and yes, I am straying from your question], I think you have to expect negative comments online.

I do think that negative comments helps businesses in the long run – as long as the business is responsive both to the comments and the way they deliver service. For example, the restaurant could quote their supplier or their chef on the quality of their steaks or they could add a tagline that tells the steak story.

We tell our clients to leave comments open on their blogs, knowing that they can edit or delete them if they like. But, responding to criticism shows you are listening and that you care. Have you tried http://www.serph.com to see where your name is showing up?

Barbara Rozgonyis last blog post..wiredprworks: @AnitaBruzzese – happy monday! here’s to clear vision

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:50:13 +0000

Barbara, I hear "authenticity" quite a bit, come to think of it. Not sure exactly how people differentiate that concept from transparency. What you're saying about two-way conversation and comments is HUGE. Do you find that when companies allow negative comments to appear on blogs or other online forums it helps them in the long run? There still seems to be a lot of reluctance among organizations to publish critical comments on a blog. Brad Shorrs last blog post..Are You Transparent or Translucent?