Socially Adept

Rubel Picks Up on 38Pitches

Steve Rubel posted about Curt Schilling's 38Pitches blog today on Micropersuasion as a result of the recent controversy around his Barry Bonds statements.  I posted on Schilling's blog back in March (read it here) and have been following the local media frenzy ever since.  Boston Radio Station, WEEI and the cast of characters over there (Note: I love WEEI - Completely Addicted) mention 38Pitches at least once a day.

Rubel's post comes at a time when Schilling publicly apologized for his comments about Barry Bonds "potential" steroid use and infidelity.  Schill took some heat about his comments (which were in fact incorrect as Bonds has never admitted to anything as Schilling stated) but it was overblown.  I appreciate Schillings candor and those type of comments are what I hope for and expect.  I enjoy knowing where he stand on matters crucial to the future of baseball.

Some of the WEEI guys trashed Schilling this morning for apologizing for his comments.  They felt that he was entitled to his opinion and should share his views with the 38 pitches audience (All agree that an apology was necessary for the incorrect statements).  With Terry Francona's (Red Sox Manager) reaction telling Schilling to "Shut Up" and "Zip it a bit," I wonder how many C-Level executives are willing to hear that type of feedback from the board or CEO. 

I am sure Steve knows how Schilling feels.

New Media vs. Traditional Sports Media

Based on a recent article by Boston Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy, it appears that some members of the traditional media are starting to let their envy of blogs and new media slip out from under the old guard façade. Boston Red Sox pitcher, Curt Schilling, recently launched his own blog, 38 Pitches, to which Shaughnessy recently felt the need to satire in the Globe here.

As you can imagine, Red Sox fans are not pleased with the representation Shaughnessy portrays. However, he clearly insults the blogosphere as well by implying that Schilling’s audience is still living in their parent’s basements and avid “Trekkies.”

Having read Schilling’s blog, Shaughnessy should apologize for his blatant disrespect of the community. Not because he insulted Red Sox Nation or Bloggers, but because Schilling is also using his blog to generate awareness around ALS. I applaud anyone who uses their celebrity to make a difference and Schilling adopted Social Media to aid in his quest for a cure.

For anyone who is looking to boycott Dan Shaughnessy, feel free to visit this site which “reads him so you don’t have to.” Maybe Dan should start blogging… that’s where the readers are.

Cross posted at http://www.digtrends.com/

(Update: I sent an email to Shaughnessy... as I am sure many others did, but no response as of yet.)

(Update 2: I received a response from Shaughnessy... "Thanks for the email <eom>") - Hey... it's better than just ignoring me, but I responded to him anyway in hopes that he will continue the discussion.)

Do you have a bloggers personality?

Well, things have started to settle down on the new business front so I can return some attention to my little blog here.  I've also been traveling a bit more than usual so that supports my excuses a bit further.  Anyway, the purpose of this post is to mention a key factor to consider when starting a blog.

Yesterday, I stumbled across Curt Shilling's (Boston Red Sox Pitcher for those of you not sports minded) blog, 38pitches.  First off, I congratulate Curt for taking on such an initiative and not editing the comments readers are posting.  Yesterday's entry garnered 75 responses and some of them were quite negative.  The only requirement Curt gives is that children will read this blog so it is important for commenter's to remember that.  In a sports market like Boston, this is quite the undertaking by Schilling, but I applaud his willingness to share his POV with the Sox fans and provide an opportunity for them to speak directly with him.

This got me thinking... Company's looking to blog, need to consider the personality of the Blogger.  Schilling has always been known for his willingness to speak his mind and take a stance.  He is not afraid to be controversial and forthcoming with his opinions.  As a popular athlete, these comments have occasionally caused him some grief and considering his standing in MLB, being opinionated is quite the risk as fans can be fickle.  Businesses need to take a similar approach.

Sometimes, the CEO is not the best person to blog about your company.  Although this tactic has worked well for Sun Microsystems' Jonathan Schwartz, it won't always work for everyone.  Having worked with several CEO's from small to global organizations, it has become apparent that the people who achieve the greatest success are the bloggers who are 1) open, 2) Opinionated, and 3) Have personality.

If you're an organization looking to start a blog about your company and have tapped the CEO as the author, consider whether or not he/she is willing to share their opinions and discuss topics that may not be relevant to your business.  People will keep reading your blog because it entertains them AND provides them with information and content that interests them.  If your blog only talks about your product, service or company, don't have false expectations that your blog will achieve "Long Tail" status.

It will be interesting to see how Curt Schilling manages his blog during the season, but if he is able to blog twice a week and respond to a few comments here and there, CEO's, CMO's and the rest of upper management should consider whether using their "busy schedule" as an excuse not to blog is legitimate.  If Curt can blog frequently during a 162 game season and his meticulous attention to capturing data on competing teams, you too, should be able to find a moment here or there.