Holtz Communications + Technology

Dell Inc. embraced social media in a big way with the launch of Direct2Dell, its customer focused blog. Greeted originally with catcalls by many observers, the blog—under the guidance of Lionel Menchaca and other members of Dell’s communications and customer service team—has been a cornerstone in the computer maker’s reputational turnaround success story. Direct2Dell was followed by the Dell Idea Storm, introducing elements…

In July 2006, computer systems company Dell launched Direct2Dell (initially called ‘one2one’), its first public blog designed to be an extension of Dell’s direct business model where the company “learns and improves by listening to customers.”

During the 18 months since its launch, Direct2Dell has helped Dell credibly engage with customers, fans and critics around the globe.

Now, Dell is turning its attention to the role a blog can play…

A couple days ago, as I was checking out the latest view-count for the Dove “Onslaught” video on You Tube, I stumbled upon a video that took the “Self-Esteem” campaign to task. The video—which included bits and pieces from “Onslaught”—called out Unilever for its alleged hypocricy: The same company that owns Dove and its “Campaign for Real Beauty,” which decries the expectations the beauty and advertising industry force on…

Steve Lubetkin has taken issue with my view that GM did the right thing in keeping its UAW negotiations behind closed doors, but acknowledging such in its blog.

A few quick responses to Steve’s thoughtful post:

Steve writes:

...for all its novelty, the GM blog pretty much slapped down any visitors who wanted to talk about real issues like GM’s massive financial losses over the past…

Yesterday, 73,000 United Auto Workers at 82 plants walked off their General Motors jobs and launched the first strike against GM in many years. The action came as a surprise to many workers, according to a USA Today report, which noted some workers were “unnerved and are welling to make some concessions to help GM cut costs.”

Given that GM has two…

I have never been a fan of the business practice of blocking employee access to online content (as you know if you read this blog). I believe the practice kills trust and prevents employee engagement. Prospective employees see it as a big sign that says, “Don’t work here.” The issues that lead companies to block access are better addressed by strong supervision and…