CIPR publishes social media guidelines

The internet is fast-moving and unregulated - and that is surely the way it should remain.

However, that does not mean that PR professionals should not apply the same standard to the new media as they do when using more traditional forms of communication. The same standards of honesty and transparency need to apply, and that is why we are publishing our social media guidelines.

So blog away like billy-o, and work those wikis. But keep it real, and keep it honest!

Comments

[Simon]

Hi Lionel

I agree that a) the internet should remain unregulated - but that's a whole different issue! and b) that same standard applied to 'old' media should be applied to the 'new' - so why then do we have a separate code of conduct for social media and not, say, media relations? Doesn't the CIPR's CoC apply to PR activity across the board?

[Francis Ingham, CIPR]

Simon,

Yes absolutely – our Professional Practice Code applies to PR activity in all its forms. That's why it wasn't necessary to produce an amendment to the Code. And this guidance is clearly stated NOT to be a separate Code - it's an advisory note which seeks to explain and demystify social media, not least to the majority of PR professionals who are not experts in its usage. However if a professional practice complaint arises and it is relevant to do so a member may be asked why they did not abide by the Guidelines. I hope this is helpful.

[Simon Collister]

That helps clear it up a bit, Francis. Thanks. However, your last line "abide by the guidelines" - do you mean the Code or advisory note?? I think Code... See how confusing it can be!!