I contributed an article to Business Insider this week based on my frustration with all the brands, businesses and startups out there who are letting their social media communities control their behavior. Social media is great for getting feedback but to what extent do we as an agency recommend knee jerk reactions every time there’s a social media uprising?
I’m all for the brands, social media community managers and agencies that get out there and give social media a go in the first place, but I have a problem with the spineless execs, corporate lawyers and ad sponsors who retreat into a sea of apologies or turn tail and run as soon as the easily-offended and special interest groups on Twitter and Facebook get their collective panties in a bunch and try to start a social revolt against them.
I also think the easily-offended wield way too much power in the social media world.
Social media is a great place to air grievances and everyone has a right to speak their mind and organize, but the knee jerk reactions by brands, businesses and startups have to stop, because they’re hindering progress in the social media space, and the marketing industry as a whole.
Plenty of brands had their time in the negative spotlight last year, including Home Depot, Kenneth Cole, and Spaghettios.
