If you participate in social computing as an IBMer, we expect you to understand and follow our Social Computing Guidelines. These guidelines, written by your fellow employees, were designed to help you navigate the evolving landscape of social activities, tools and networks. These guidelines apply to every IBMer.
1. Know and follow IBM's Business Conduct Guidelines.
2. IBMers are personally responsible for the content they publish online, whether in a blog, social computing site or any other form of user-generated media. Be mindful that what you publish will be public for a long time—protect your privacy and take care to understand a site's terms of service.
3. Identify yourself—name and, when relevant, role at IBM—when you discuss IBM or IBM-related matters, such as IBM products or services. You must make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of IBM.
4. If you publish content online relevant to IBM in your personal capacity use a disclaimer such as this: "The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions."
5. Respect copyright, fair use and financial disclosure laws.
6. Don't provide IBM's or another's confidential or other proprietary information and never discuss IBM business performance or other sensitive matters publicly.
7. Don't cite or reference clients, partners or suppliers without their approval. When you do make a reference, link back to the source. Don't publish anything that might allow inferences to be drawn which could embarrass or damage a client.
8. Respect your audience. Don't use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable in IBM's workplace. You should also show proper consideration for others' privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory—such as politics and religion.
9. Be aware of your association with IBM in online social networks. If you identify yourself as an IBMer, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself with colleagues and clients.
10. Don't pick fights, be the first to correct your own mistakes.
11. Try to add value. Provide worthwhile information and perspective. IBM's brand is best represented by its people and what you publish may reflect on IBM's brand.
12. Don't use IBM logos or trademarks unless approved to do so.
Crafting a good blog post
Many people struggle with starting a blog because they aren't sure what to focus on. Here are some general principles to get you started:
Select a topic you are passionate about
Make sure you select a topic you enjoy and are passionate about. Start by making a list of your passions and expertise. What are the topics that excite you?
Create an intriguing title
The headline of your post makes an immediate impact and captures the curiosity of your audience. Keep the title brief. Include search terms in your blog title so when people search the web, they will find your post. Remember you are writing for both search engines and humans.
Link to external resources and tag your posts
If you are referencing an original source, link to the source so the reader can find more related content. Tagging your posts will help the reader filter and link to other content on the same theme.
Engage your audience in a discussion
Your reader wants to hear your voice. You're more likely to garner long-term readers if you reveal your personality. This is as simple as using personal anecdotes. Ask questions from your readers and get them involved. After all, they are reading your blog post to connect with you.
Proofread and format your copy
Before you publish your post, make sure to check grammar. Grammatical and spelling errors can undermine your credibility.
Structure information so that it is scanable. Break up blocks of content into small, digestible paragraphs to make the reading experience better for your readers.
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