I think so. As long as you don't ask too often. Here's why: many folks are shy about leaving a Comment, particularly if they're not familiar with blogging etiquette. If they see other Comments, it can make it easier to jump in.
So here's my request: head on over to GlaxoSmithKline's official corporate blog for alli, the first FDA approved, OTC (over the counter) weight loss product. Take a peek and, if you're inspired, leave a Comment.
Doesn't matter whether you're overweight or not, or whether you're considering taking alli yourself. You may have seen the TV ads. GSK has launched a massive educational marketing campaign to support the product launch.
Traffic to the blog is steadily growing but readers seem a bit skittish about leaving Comments. Maybe you can help jumpstart the two-way conversation.
Full disclosure: I'm working with GSK on the blog. And this was my idea to ask for Comments.
Previous Comments
David Binkowski said on July 11, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Hi Debbie,
Kudos on getting GSK into blogging, especially about a drug (OTC is different than prescriptin, but nonetheless)—a pharma company is blogging (two if you count J&J). I have a few guesses as to why people may not be commenting. My disclaimer is that since I’m not on the inside of GSK and didn’t research whether this would be feasible or not, I can only speculate based on my consulting, pharmaceutical and health care knowledge:
1. People aren’t interested in talking about alli, or at least their experience with the drug publicly. Sure, it might be ok for bloggers and the media to comment on the fact that a pharma is blogging, but there some issues, like anal leakage, that people just don’t want to discuss publicly or let people know they’re dealing with.
2. The comments coming in aren’t in line with the commenting policy.
3. Most of the traffic to the blog is industry people telling each other about GSK’s leap into blogging.
4. Post topics aren’t on point with what users would comment on.
5. It’s also possible that the drug hasn’t been on the market long enough (Feb ‘07?) and the blog’s awareness and the target haven’t connected yet.
Just my 2 cents.
Dave
Kevin Dugan said on July 12, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Debbie - Saw the USA Today story and it looks like Alli is getting a lot of attention.
Regarding the kerfuffle with the emails you sent. I do not take issue with the concept.
“If you’re inspired or provoked, leave a comment on any entry. No need
to say that you know me, of course.”
It’s that second sentence that makes me wonder about the rest of the note.
FWIW
Debbie Weil said on July 12, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Yup, it was an offhand remark and would have been better omitted. Read my follow-up to this post here: http://www.blogwriteforceos.com/blogwrite/2007/07/using-the-backc.html
Simon Wakeman said on July 13, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Is asking for blog comments unethical?
Blogging consultant Debbie Weil has taken some flak for emailing contacts encouraging them to comment on a clients blog.
...
——-
Subscribe via RSS
Subscribe via Email
Social Media Blogs