Karyn Romeis has a great post detailing a scenario where you push a subject on your blog that you know represents an alternative view to that of a client (or for that matter someone else in your organization). The post and its comments are picked up by your detractor and if that person happens to enjoy a more elevated position within the organization, you could find yourself out on the street.

To what extent should you be held accountable for your blog and the comments it attracts?

I’d suggest there is a degree of fear mongering here, unless you happen to be in an industry that is ripe with contention and wide open for backstabbing. Although from experience what could be worth noting is that if, as a corporate blogger, you use your blog as a mouthpiece to push through your own position (when you know this is contentious) and try and force the hand of your colleagues or clients, be prepared for repercussions. In this instance, your blog may not be the best avenue to attempt to win hearts and minds.

Karen does also make the valid point that many corporate blogging guidelines will be at best vague on this thorny issue. In particular, this can be a problem when the blog may not be the official one of the company but rather your own professional blog.

I’d suggest that many of these issues arise when you post in red-blooded angst. As Google’s formidable blogger Matt Cutts has suggested, drafting a post you think may be inflammatory and sleeping on it can often be the best course. Give it a day and you may pull back from making a post that brings you unwanted grief.