Social Computing Guidelines

Online collaboration platforms have fundamentally changed the way we work and engage with each other, clients and partners. It is empowering to be aware of and participate in this sphere of information, interaction and idea exchange. But there has to be guidelines yes? "Rules" that protect both employees. 

Our two cents: If you have any confusion about whether you ought to publish something online it is best to refrain and seek the advice of management.

Guidelines:

Be who you are. Some bloggers work anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. If you are blogging about your work for xx company/law firm, use your real name and identify that you work for the Firm.

Use a disclaimer. Whether you publish to a blog or some other form of social media, make it clear that what you say there is representative of your views and opinions and not necessarily the views and opinions of the Firm.

Protecting confidential and proprietary information. Social computing blurs many of the traditional boundaries between internal and external communications. You must make sure you do not disclose confidential or proprietary information or that of any other person. For example, ask permission before posting someone's picture in a social network or publishing in a blog a conversation that was meant to be private.

Protect clients, business partners and suppliers. Clients, partners or suppliers should not be cited or obviously referenced without their approval. Externally, never identify a client, partner or supplier by name without permission and never discuss confidential details of a client engagement. 

Don't pick fights. When you see misrepresentations made about the Firm by media, analysts or by other bloggers, do not counter with another negative post. 

Don't forget your day job. You should make sure that your online activities do not interfere with your job or commitments to customers.

The Internet is not anonymous, nor does it forget.

Be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy. What you publish will be around for a long time, so consider the content carefully and also be judicious in disclosing personal details. Never write anything you wouldn't say out loud to all parties involved.

Do not offer or appear to offer legal advice. Individuals with the firm should not give legal advice or otherwise form attorney-client relationships in using social media. Formation of these relationships must be done only through the firm's regular procedures to avoid conflicts and other ethical problems.