After the many discussions this week around Facebook and with many external media references to my recent post on Corporates Blocking Facebook, it’s become quite clear that the major banks and other corporates in South Africa that are blocking Facebook because they think that it will stem the tide of social networking that is occurring over the web. Right – people are now going to stop sharing, chatting, communicating, etc – because Facebook is blocked… Wrong! They will just move elsewhere – but don’t worry – I have a solution!
I’ve decided that I’m going to help these corporates become more efficient at preventing staff from networking online by publishing a list of Social Networks to block.
I mean, why stop with Facebook, let’s just go and block every website that is a social network:
Facebook (duh!)
MySpace
Beebo
Hi5
LinkedIn
Moggl
Friendster
Orkut
MSN Spaces
Yahoo 360
Xing
If you haven’t figured out yet, most social networks such as Facebook can be accessed from pretty much any mobile phone with a browser on http://m.facebook.com – you’ll have to block that too – oh wait, sorry – you can’t as most people own their own phones! Oh well – you win some, you lose some!
In fact, why not just use this list over at Wikipedia to add to the internal corporate block list. Did you notice that LastFM was on the list – it’s Internet radio – but hey, why discriminate?! Let’s block them too! Oh, and by the time you finish with this list, just check in at TechCrunch daily for the latest networks that are springing up – just to make sure that one doesn’t slip by…
Actually, when you’re finished with that, why not block Yahoo, Google, MSN & News24 – that takes up a lot of South Africa’s time as well, based on the Alexa stats. Actually, I have a better idea – turn off Internet browsing – just allow email – it’s far more productive. Oh wait, you’re going to have to scan emails for embedded videos & other “non-work” clips, jokes, etc – and people can really sneaky about that!
The solution: Turn off the Internet – trade in the computers for Typewriters and Fax Machines (I’m happy to assist with this process on a 1 for 1 basis if anyone is keen)
Come on people!!!! Understand the medium – don’t just implement foolish, reactionary policies! The Internet is changing the way businesses operate both commercially and internally – it’s best to face the realities and be creative on how your company will adjust to this new medium.
So why are corporates blocking Facebook? It’s a distraction and results in lost productivity with certain individuals – that I will not deny! However, if work is not getting done, then reprimand individuals accordingly. If I was working in a corporate (and thank heavens that I don’t anymore), I would flip out if all of a sudden I couldn’t access Facebook, yet I dealt with every request given to me on the job. Figure out how to do proper performance management of your staff, and don’t punish the many for the indiscretions of the few!
Instead of instituting prohibition of social networks, rather focus on understanding what the web is about and ensuring that your staff understand what is expected of them – and manage appropriately.
Sigh – and now for a little bit of Facebook fun: