stedavies.com - communications consultant

Back in 2007 the CIPR released its social media guidelines to its members and the wider PR community following a consultation request in late 2006. As some of us know, the rate of change in the online world is rapid and we’re still in the midst of defining ‘best practice’ with a lot of online tools, tactics and communication methods. What was deemed appropriate in early 2007 may not be now. With this in mind, it’s important that regulatory bodies like the CIPR continually update their documents of guidance.

From the CIPR consultation page: “Social media is an evolving – and frequently contentious – area of PR practice, the profile of which continues to grow. The CIPR issued guidance to our Members and the wider PR community on how social media should be handled in February 2007.

“A paper reviewing the CIPR social media guidelines was issued for comment to members of the Professional Practices Committee in September. The Professional Practices Committee has agreed that the following paper should now go out to Members and the wider PR community, inviting views. It looks at social media tools such as blogs, wikis and podcasts, and changes in legislation that affect social media”

The consultation asks two questions:

Do you believe this document covers the issues highlighted in sufficient depth?
Do you believe there are other important issues which should be addressed (and if so, what are they)?

But states:

“Equally, general views would be welcome.”

The deadline for the responses is November 1st so in around one month’s time. The new guidelines will be issued later this year. I’m submitting my thoughts, let me know if you are too.