Backlash

Over the past three years, many individuals have used the blogging platform to hammer brands, to share points of view, or to promote an analytical methodology that is the cornerstone of their small business venture.

I've noticed that it is easy to build traffic and conversation when you hammer brands. It can be intoxicating. You take a few shots, you get people to leave comments, your traffic doubles, you feel like you're changing the world.

I've often wondered why brands don't use their platform and audience to fight back.

This might be an appropriate way for a brand to address the issue:

• Reputable PR blogger makes a comment on Twitter about a reputable brand.
• Reputable brand uses a PR blog to respond.
• Reputable PR blogger issues apology.