Alaska Blogger Backlash

Blogging is by no means a new thing these days, nor is it really all that novel. The topic of backlash from bloggers has also been talked about for at least four years now. So why an article on “blogger backlash”? I’d like to share my own experiences about how blogging can have local implications and express my views about the backlash I’ve received as a result of this website.

You said something we don’t like 

Earlier this week, I was summarily ostracized by the current chairman of a local club when he informed me he would be actively barring me from volunteering my time to promote their club and the upcoming events. I had offered and already started giving my time, expertise and resources to build them a new website, produce a series of video podcasts, shoot video of the events and create a social media buzz to drive attendance. There was just one issue…the big event was sponsored by a couple of prominent Alaska companies.

Here’s what I received in reply to my offer to help promote the event, he wrote:

“I can not give you permission to shoot video of the participants, the events, place cameras or any other such thing when it come to the sponsored event.. as you can see by the name of the event I do not represent any of the title entities. Your history with both sponsors and your outspoken detractions of sponsor name in particular, make things difficult for me. I can not and will not jeopardize the relationship between sponsor 1, sponsor 2 and sponsor 3 let alone my club.”

Man, all I wanted to do is help! Obviously, I was both angry and disappointed by this reply. In the end, my response was a very cordial and simple reply.

“Too bad, I would have enjoyed helping out. Good luck in the future.”

Is there a moral to the story?

As a result of this exchange, I did some soul searching, reviewed what I’ve written or said about certain Alaska companies and other entities in the past to see if I had somehow “crossed the line”. What I concluded is that some people just aren’t ready for transparency, open dialogue and public discussion about the good, the bad or the ugly.

Whether or not I was right or wrong is really not the issue here. Companies, organizations and individuals are already talking behind your back, spreading both truth and lies. Should I be shunned for simply starting the conversation about local company business practices or the critical opinions I might have about any product, service or customer experience?

In short, the lesson to be learned is that speaking out about established networks of friends, businesses, politicians or individuals can have negative implications for the author.

Separation of personal and professional

One thing that seems obvious is that our personal and professional lives are separate, but connected when convenient to further some sort of agenda. I could just as easily point that statement right back in my own face, and I do. That said, there is an ongoing and ugly trend to actively silence naysayers or those who would call a turd a turd. Sorry folks, but if it stinks, I’m not about to call it a rose.

My personal feelings toward anyone may be negative, neutral or positive, but it does not restrict my interest in doing business with them. Additionally, if the entity or person I have negative opinions toward were to come forward and engage in a discussion – I’m even more likely to adjust my opinion once there’s been an effort to reach some level of understanding!

It’s all about relationships. If you receive criticism or negative feedback, consider it an invitation to share your side of the story. Adversity only strengthens you! (well, it does me anyway)

Moving on

I strive to never to lash out or criticize indiscriminately. The opinions, stories and information I share here are based on my experiences which do not necessarily reflect or represent the “final word”. That is the very reason for a blog – to initiate dialogue, to open a forum for EVERYONE to share in the conversation. We, the viewing, consuming and sharing public now control the conversation – it’s up to the businesses, organizations and committee members to get involved in this public discussion.

Will this sort of blackballing or shunning cause me to change my opinions, reduce or filter my comments or discourage my interest in sharing my point of view? Absolutely not. In fact, it’s exactly this sort of nonsense that strengthens my resolve and encourages me to keep doing what I’m doing.

Excuse me as I step down from my pedestal.