Social Networks: Plenty of Companies Just Don't Like Em

Employers maybe placing their fingers in the Internet dike. Google’s new Gphone will make all media more ubiquitous, and that will really open the floodgates. The NewsVisual article on Google’s Open Handset Alliance http://www.newsvisual.com/newsvisual/2007/11/google-and-moto.html implies that it’s really personal connections among business leaders that determine future success in the competitive marketplace. But consumers can also benefit from the new products those alliances spawn.

Hi Heather, interesting stat (going in the wrong direction IMHO) and I put up a link to it on Twitter.

Thanks for your work.

BAD BAD BAD!!!! companies should NOT restrict the internet access of their employees! People should be able to do whatever the hell they want on the internet. Just leave 'em alone!!!

I'm all for blocking it. People should be working at work, not searching through people's photos on MySpace. It's a waste of resources, not to mention advertisers and people can put whatever virus laden code they want, in their adverts and profiles. Companies should be able to block whatever they want on THEIR networks. A wide open internet connection isn't a right, it's a privelage.

"BAD BAD BAD!!!! companies should NOT restrict the internet access of their employees! People should be able to do whatever the hell they want on the internet. Just leave 'em alone!!!"

Tell that to the schools, too. Ridiculous amounts of blocking here... I'm lucky they don't even block news. In fact, they even BLOCKED THEIR OWN SITE once...

I think a business/company has all rights to restrict internet usage seeing as the employee is on the COMPANY'S time!

It's interesting to see how companies like Intel use social networking and social media in ways that blur the lines between intranet and extranet. I would be interested in learning how global companies use social networks to bridge the gap of physical distance that exists between co-workers. What about companies that use social media to bridge the gap with the consumer? Instead of fighting social media, industries should look to find ways in which the technologies can be embraced to enhance their businesses.

I also think that a company has the right to block whatever sites they want. People should not get mad if the Boss blocks myspace or facebook because a boss does not pay you to surf the web for fun and check out your friend's profiles. I agree with you Chris that businesses should find ways to utilize the technologies at hand in order to help create a more substantial relationship with both consumers and perhaps international colleagues.