PRSA members ask, What is a Flog? And how do I know if we have one?
April 19, 2009 | by ShelliR |Just what is a flog?
A flog is a “fake blog,” where an organization or its representative creates an online forum that appears to be from a private citizen expressing personal opinion or experiences, when, in fact, it is being maintained for hire with an undisclosed agenda and cloaked identities.
One notorious example of identity cloaking, resulting in a fake blog, was exposed when an international public relations firm created a fake blog in 2006 called Walmarting Across America. It was purportedly written by two Wal-Mart “enthusiasts” who decided to journey across the United States in an RV, blogging about the experience as they visited Wal-Marts along the way. While two people actually did travel across the United States in an RV, the publicity stunt was revealed to be paid for by Wal-Mart, a client of the PR firm.
This type of deceptive online practice is against the PRSA Code of Ethics.
Want to learn more about deceptive online practices? Check out No Flogs Allowed Here
One Response to “PRSA members ask, What is a Flog? And how do I know if we have one?”
By Amy Brooks on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Never heard the term “flog” before. Thanks for the heads up.