Web Credibility: Speak for Yourself BEFORE the Media Speaks for You
Unlike some Internet professionals in my local, I think this is the way to go. The “About us…” and news pages are very important. I always look for a physical address when looking at a new company. I want to know where they are. It might not be much, but I just like to know.
Here’s one interesting way the Internet has altered my perception of legitimacy: As far as I’m concerned, credible, serious organizations have Web sites that explain who they are and offer all of their current information and news, and that provide a means of direct contact. I expect any organization which is serious about communicating on any issue to IMMEDIATELY publish a Web site in order to communicate directly with the public – before they start calling reporters.
If a group doesn’t publish a Web site right from day one, if they attempt to speak solely through the media or other intermediaries even for a day, my radar goes up. Something clearly seems amiss. I automatically become more wary and skeptical.
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