Advertising figures and publishers of industry journals have met to try to solve the issue of “vindictive and vile” online comments.
The summit, held behind closed doors to encourage open debate, was called by John “Steady” Steedman of WPP AUNZ to find a way to cut negative comments which may impact the mental health of those in the industry.
A block to an agreement on how to deal with commentary was a proposal to ban anonymous comments, described by Steedman as the “coward punches” of public debate.
“They’re cheap and nasty hits that cause great damage but add nothing of any value,” he said when seeking support last year to end anonymous comment.
At the industry meeting, some argued that the quality of the comments was the issue rather than whether these were made anonymously or not.
Many would be discouraged to make public comment on important issues for fear of reprisals from their workplace, an editor argued.
An industry representative said that employees could contact human resources officers if they had complaints.
The editor replied: “Never trust human resources.” These officers were obligated to look after the interests of the company which may not align with those of the employee.
The Chatham House Rule applied to the proceedings of the meeting, in that individuals cannot be quoted. However, general commentary can be reported.
Steedman, in an open letter to the industry last year, called for action to end this ugly side to online communications which can cause “real and lasting damage” to those on the receiving end.
He said: “These comments are the coward punches of public debate and the ability to comment anonymously simply acts as a shield for unacceptable behaviour. It simply has to stop.”
This week’s meeting agreed to consider draft guidelines for online comments, including that they be constructive, accurate, balanced, truthful and relevant.
Megan Brownlow, a former PwC partner and now independent consultant, who acted as facilitator at the meeting, agreed to circulate a draft set of guidelines for possible adoption by the industry.
A second industry summit is expected to be held.
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