I read a couple of articles yesterday (one and two) stating that Facebook had hired a PR firm to create a campaign that would portray Google in a negative light. The ultimate and alleged intent was to go after Google Social Circles (sneak peek here).

This is one of those cases where I have to believe half what I see and none of what I hear.

First of all, anytime a business has the potential of stellar competition building on the same block, there’s going to be curiosity – there’s going to be fact finding – there’s going to be a desire to downplay the competition while developing improvements to keep your business on top.

That’s expected!

My first thought was did Facebook REALLY hire the PR firm or did Google hire the PR firm?

When you think about it, either company could have dreamt up this campaign. Think about it!

Secondly, who really cares? Consumers and web surfers know the Google and Facebook and no amount of smear is going to change that. Obviously all the viruses that have and continue to make their way around Facebook haven’t sent people fleeing from the site – it’s simply changed the landscape a bit and altered member behavior to keep them a little safer while mingling with their friends.

As for the PR firm – I’ve seen Burson-Marsteller being crucified in both news and social media, but what firm and what person would turn down Facebook OR Google if they came knocking on your door? Especially in today’s economy?

In the end, I think Google should focus on what they do best , Facebook should stick with what they do best, and Burson-Marsteller should be proud they were considered by either company for any project, even if it did seem a little on the slimy side.

Enough said.

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My Comment Commitment: If you leave an approved comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit.

While making my usual morning Twitter rounds over a cup of coffee – I read a tweet by @Crissy. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then begin to think “did I read that right?” so I went back, read it again.

This is one of those “ah-ha” moments for me.

A similar incident I can compare this to happened a couple of years ago. My husband pointed out house roofs while we were out driving around. He pointed out how light roofs show nasty streaks from rain and age, while darker roofs do not.

I had NEVER noticed that before, but now, NOW – every time we are out on a drive, I see icky streaks on roofs. Seriously, Every. Single. Time.

Not the pretty landscaping the owner may have invested money and time in, but roofs that look like they need a good old power washing.

There, I’ve ruined it for you too! You’ll see what I’m talking about the next time you take a drive.

Now, back to comments… This whole comment signature topic is exactly the same.

There have been times when I find a new blog or writer I enjoy enough to subscribe to simply by reading the comments left on the blogs of others- never paying much attention to signatures really. Now, however, I will notice the way the comment is fashioned. If the writer uses the name/URL section fine. If the writer tries to double-dip and over solicit their name (or keyword) and link, I’ll recognize it as blatant abuse of privilege and  move on.

Blog commenting is one of the most popular spam tactics of schemers, scammers and slobs. At the same time, it’s a powerful networking tool for those looking to contribute value to a topic, help build a brand and community and to expand an online existence.

Don’t abuse that privilege. Be grateful for the right to contribute, contribute value – be knowledgeable and helpful. You’ll gain more attention with good manners then with in-your-face marketing tactics.

Do you agree? What are your thoughts on blog comments? Do you participate? What are some of your habits when it comes to commenting?

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My Comment Commitment: If you leave an approved comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit.

I wanted to point out that I have made this blog a very loving “dofollow” blog. I have installed CommentLuv

In a nutshell, I want to reward like minded bloggers for leaving *meaningful* comments on this blog by giving them a little thing called “link love.”

So please, everybody, comment away!

Additionally, something I started on my weekly blog posts on FreelanceWritingGigs is a rewarding comment policy. Through the blogs I own or write for, I am committed to all my readers. If you leave a comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog. I will also do my best to “share it” in some way on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook IF I can find a nice fit – naturally there will be some topics I can’t comment on simply because I know absolutely nothing about it – but I will do my very best! This is my way of saying thank you!

Of course the same thing applies if you do not have a blog – I would love to have your comments!

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My Comment Commitment: If you leave an approved comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit.