Transparency & Openness

“There is no harm in leaving an anonymous comment on a blog on behalf of a client.”

An overwhelming majority of both PR professionals and bloggers disagreed with the statement above. Transparency is paramount. These groups insist on transparency in all communication and outreach.

Statement of Principles

The CPRF developed a Statement of Principles in 2005 that focused on issues of transparency and disclosure.

One of the principles states: “We believe that our clients and the public are best served when third-party relationships with spokespeople, partners and allies are open and transparent.”

This includes bloggers.

“Our bias in counseling clients is toward disclosure, which we believe is appropriate as a principle and effective as a communications tool. Third-party spokespersons, such as scientists; economists; scholars; celebrities; online media “influencers,” such as bloggers, or other third-party content experts who are involved in word-of mouth communications, enrich the public discourse. Third-party organizations, such as alliances or coalitions, may be created to promote our clients’ interests. When a spokesperson, expert or organization is paid for participation, we will be transparent.”