Also, Kelsey mentioned employees venting about work via social media. Everyone needs to realize that a public place like Facebook isn’t the right outlet for frustration, especially with the chances so high that it could come back to the person being complained about.

Have you guys had issues with that sort of thing going on? I know a lot of my staffers update openly about work, and occasionally it will border on inappropriate. I have to remind them that sources may be checking them out too.

I think facebook/social media is too valuable a resource to eliminate entirely, but if they are scanning their news feed, they aren’t out getting the story. News doesn’t happen IN the newsroom, it’s just about everywhere else.

One thing I’ve noticed, if an individual goes a few days, (3 or 4) without checking facebook, they suddenly become less addicted to it. Just have the break the habit of “need to check” facebook and work to institute a “could check for more information” attitude.

Also, this was story about monitoring company social media stuff.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100802/BIZ04/8020357/Firms-crack-down-on-staffers–Facebook–Twitter–YouTube-posts

Another concern you may have is what your staffers are saying about other staffers via the web. Angry tweets like, “This reporter doesn’t know how to use a semi-colon properly. What an idiot!” won’t help morale or credibility with readers.

…maybe just avoid semi-colons.

Instead of blocking it since it is a vital resource these days. Monitor usage instead. I am sure you can monitor each user/staffer. You don’t have to be super diligent about it. Random spot checking works, and when you find excessive and non-legitament usage take disciplinary action at that time. All out blockage won’t do the trick anyway because if they really want to get on it they will find a way: beat the block, use their own laptop, cell phone, etc. Also, every so often make an example of someone for it– not every time someone is caught but once in a while to send a message that says you are watching and you want them to do their job. You have to get a little creative with managing staff on this one. Perhaps even talk to some supervisors/department heads at your university to see what they do about the problem.

http://delicious.com/prTini/SMPolicies

http://www.pr-squared.com/index.php/2010/06/if-you-only-do-two-things-in-social-media

“@TauhidChappell certainly a concern, but a lot of news comes from FB pages these days. i think more harm would be done by blocking. #wjchat“
via @chadwickgraham

There’s certainly a reason to be concerned when you see people surfing facebook and not concentrating on their work. It shows a lack of focus and or apathy to do their job.

Does everyone in your organization use FB/Twitter as a means to distribute content? Or do you have a select few who’s responsibility is community engagement and social interaction?