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.