Tuesday 3 March 2009

Ideas on the web can spread...like wildfire!


With the recent and massive use of the web and social media, it is now possible for anyone to spread and publish their ideas to a global audience in a heartbeat. In some cases, the spread of such thoughts are benign. However, in other cases, the malicious use of the web can be severely detrimental to an individual or a company’s reputation.

Because ideas that are surfaced on the web are so rampant and come from so many varying sources, the reputation of a company or individual can be either decimated or nourished in only the click of a mouse, and they can spread like wildfire. This use of technology and the social web can easily work in favor or against a company or individual, and its consequences/rewards can be extreme. And in most cases, it is extremely hard to reverse any damage that is perceived.

Let’s take a look, for example, at the Christian Bale case:
Christian Bale Rant Video
*He was audio-taped and video-taped on set of the movie batman ‘flipping out’ at a crew member who accidentally walked on air while he was filming. After I heard the video, my perspective of this actor changed dramatically, in a negative way. His reputation was quickly destroyed, and it will take a lot of explaining on his part to attempt to rectify this situation. I don’t expect that he got away with this type of behavior without any consequences. But, again, this illustrates how the widespread use of the web can easily and quickly change the image of an individual or a company.

Another similar case was that of Michael Phelps, the U.S. Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist.
One picture changed his life:
Michael Phelps' marijuana use puts focus on debate over the drug
The picture (and news of his marijuana use) was so widely and quickly publicized on the internet that it inevitably changed his reputation (and image) permanently.
The use of such technology can work to advocate or decimate the image, brand, and reputation of individuals and companies throughout the world.

5 comments:

  1. Rowan- http://prsketchings.prblogs.org

    Hi Vanessa,

    I heard the Christian Bale rant as well and my estimation of him went down as well. Its good that people can be showed up like that if they are actually 'arse holes'. Maybe he lol think twice before he does something like that again. Probably not though considering he beat up his mum and sister and sister and didnt seem to bothered about that (i might be wrong on that fact but im sure i heard something like that?)
    The Micheal Phelps thing cracks me up though. Smoking a bong isnt exactly going to make him swim faster i dont know why they banned him.(again, did they ban him, thought i heard something like that?)Next time i leave a comment im going make sure ive got my facts straight!

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  2. I agree with Rowan.

    It's a good thing that people can be so easily exposed if they've acted like a fool. I'm sure directors will think twice before considering him for a role now.

    I'm sure I'd feel different if it was me though. I'd like to think I'd never act like Bale but you know, maybe it was taken out of context.

    Phelpsy...well he should know better. While I'm not opposed to him smoking a bong, he should do it in private. Your an athelete and a role model, wise up!

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  3. Both Bale and Phelps are public figures, and everything they do, especially negative things, will be highly valued by the media.

    However, at the end of the day, they are just ordinary people like you and me, and people do mistakes, there are a lot of factors that can play a part in a person’s daily life, maybe Bale had a very bad day, and sadly someone got his reaction on tape, who knows.

    But when it comes to Phelps, I agree with Tom, wise up!

    -Kine
    http://kinehvindendahl.prblogs.org/

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  4. I saw some actors kind of defending Bale, saying the guy did that twice - no excuses!
    Sad to hear about Phelps, smoking cannabis wouldn't have helped him to win, nonetheless as a role model he has to be disciplined for the sake of hundred of other looking up to be like him. All this have been exposed and spread like fire thanks to the internet, well said. Things people say on the internet can haunt you for years...

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  5. The Christian Bale rant was taken really far. Apart from being buzzed about in the media it was remixed into a dance song- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTihsJQHt48


    People in the public eye should be aware that every little thing they do is being observed. Albeit the paparazzi have crossed the line, but they are only feeding the celeb crazed mob. The internet has driven this unhealthy obsession into overdrive with 24/7 access and commentary.

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