Why so complicated?

In my latest Auros blog post, I ask why there are so many complicated guidelines designed to avoid social media meltdown within organisations, and whether this process could easily be significantly simplified. Social media, of course engenders excitement and trepidation in equal measure, i.e. it’s instant, permanent and could go viral.

The inspiration for my post came from the BBC’s set of social media guidelines for its employees, and specifically, an edict in the opening lines saying, “don’t do anything stupid”. This is a refreshingly simple piece of advice regarding corporate social media guidelines. The truth is, all that is required in order for an organisation to avoid social media meltdown, is common sense. That is not to assume however, that this precious trait is particularly prevalent throughout industry, with new social media disasters appearing on our newsfeeds on a daily basis. Most recently ASUS, the Swedish government, and Starbucks have joined the party.