Renown Microsoft blogger Robert Scoble tonight posted a PR FAQ in which he basically says he can no longer grant any media interviews without prior vetting by Waggner Edstrom, the company's longtime PR firm. I can't underscore enough how significant an event this is. Scoble is a leader; a veteran of corporate blogging. As Scoble goes, so goes the blogosphere.
Through all of my various interactions with Robert over the past few months, I can assure you that he is among the nicest, most accessible people I have ever met. I feel incredibly blessed to now call him a friend. But it's this very generosity that makes this move so surprising.
I'm not sure if someone at Microsoft "got to Scoble" or if this is merely a result of his growing fame and what I am sure is a big need to properly manage priorities. Still, it's very significant that the leading corporate blogger is now directing the press to contact the company's PR handlers. If others follow suit it may change the love/hate symbiotic relationship that to date has united bloggers and press.
Here's the Q's from Scoble's FAQ...
Q: How do I get an interview with you?
Q: Why aren't you talking to the press?
Q: But you talk to bloggers all the time, aren't they also press?
Q: So, why can you write a blog, but you can't grant interviews?
Q: So, what if I ask you a question on my blog, will you answer it?
Q: So, isn't that the same as an interview?
Q: Can I quote your blog in my news article?
Q: If I send you email and ask for an interview, will you answer it?
Q: But what if I need your response faster than that?
Q: What if I meet you at a conference or a weblog dinner?
Q: When you write on your blog, is this an official Microsoft position?
