Andrea Weckerle

I don’t have anything new to add to the already extensive and excellent discussions about the PayPerPost and the Edelman/Wal-Mart RV blog issues, so I won’t talk about them, or at least not directly. But I do want to comment briefly about disclosure, transparency and alliances.

For most people there’s little question that employment, or financial or other specific incentives, should be disclosed, because these can and often do have a bearing on someone’s objectivity. Or certainly motivation. But it’s the other things, the interpersonal and sometimes more powerful ones, that also carry weight.   

While the PR and communications world is vast, anyone who spends time there knows how incredibly small it is at the same time. And who is friends with whom, who has forged alliances, who has some sort of connection… whatever.

I, for one, will always take a stand, whether publicly and online or, when more appropriate, in private, on issue that are important. Because at the end of the day it’s my reputation. But there are also people, and they know who they are, who I will always give the benefit of the doubt to. Why?

• Because they have proven themselves reliable in the past.
• Because I trust them.
• Because I have a history with them.

As Eric Rice stated, "blood and kinship can be tighter than any sum."

And when they make mistakes, as they’re bound to from time to time, as we all do, I will probably discuss this, but in a respectful, constructive and non-punitive way.

Enough said.

(Picture from ajusticenetwork)