Crisis Communications Blogs - Use Them Cautiously

Blogs have a role to play in crisis communications. In some ways those communication features we need in a crisis are inherent in blogs. But I think we should be careful and not hope too much from blogs as crisis communication tools - they don't beat TV to show emotions and are probably best for audiences you have relations to already. In theory crisis communications is quite easy. Know who's doing what, be accessible to media, don't forget employees, show empathy and be open about the facts as soon as you get them. Don't get involved in speculations. The quick updates are one of those features that points out - even if I don't agree to all his five steps - you should also listen to blogs regardless of how much or little you write yourself: "Figure out which bloggers have the greatest potential to become your vigilantes and group them into hubs. Analyze their tendencies and those of their readers." Fredrik Wacka is the author and founder of the popular CorporateBlogging.Info