Originally posted by glanglois Someone here is missing the point; it might well be me.
I don't see how a CEO blog is a problem as long as it is done properly. In fact, it could well be considered a public relations outlet like the tweets that are written by the Famous Person's staff. The difference is that the CEO should understand what is appropriate to share on that blog. If he screws up, it would be similar to a CEO who screws up an interview or speech. S/he needs more staff help.
I've always considered Ned's blog to be a personal view that is informed by and (in theory) supports his executive function. Whether the attempt is well-received and successful is another discussion entirely. But the concept sounds perfectly reasonable to me and I hope he perfects this outlet.
Ah, but the tweets aren't made by the Famius Person - they are made by his specially-hired and trained staff!!
Once you become a CEO you give up some part of your "person" when addressing the public about your company or industry. There is a fuzzy line between a general. light and friendly blog about, say, photography and a more serious, particular and risky blog post about a competitor, customers or about actual company policy. My point right along has been that Ned's blogs about Leica, Adorama and "The List" are on the wrong side of the fuzzy line. They're ill-advised because they can do far more harm with one mistake than all the goodwill built up over years off blogging. That kind of public writing is best left to trained public information officers. Write a personal note to Adorama. Refrain from extolling the virtues of Leica even if you won one. Let your Press Releases and arranged interviews address business strategy changes - and have someone professional to arrange the interviews.
Many companies simply don't permit their executives to blog becasue the risk of an innocent error is just too great.
Pentax outsourced all their corporate services - now that they need someone to do public information management they only have a contractor.
We're seeing the risk side of my point right now.