A marketing and public relations professional working for New York real estate firm Dwelling Quest was fired, according to her, for speaking ill of her firm on her blog. She also claims the company has filed a lawsuit against her.
The New York Post reported on the story this morning and it’s been floating around the blogosphere. Many are commenting on the apparent trend of employers to fire employees based on their comments in their online journal.
The woman, Kelly Kreth, said her comments mentioned neither the company nor any individuals by name, but she was fired anyway. Kreth claims it was office politics because her assistant had hoped to move into her position when Kreth considered signing with another company.
The CEO of Dwelling Quest, Daren Hornig claimed there were death threats involved and that it was much more complicated. According to the Post, he wouldn’t say much because of a police investigation.
Recent studies show most people on the blogosphere treat the blogs as online journals or diaries. Traditionally, diaries were kept in a notebook and kept in a drawer or on a shelf. With online journals and blogs, millions can read these comments, including people one might not intend to see them.
This is another example of the problem with this type of communication. If others see your blogs, you must figure an employer or significant other may eventually look at them and might not like what you say. It could cost you your job or perhaps your marriage. Be careful what you say.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
