Threat, Opportunity or Both?

With reference to my original post, and having recently comprehensively researched the role that new media plays in a crisis, I have identified the following threats and opportunities it presents.

I’d be fascinated to know if you have encountered any more through first or second-hand experience:

Threats

* The Internet provides instant communication, and as such damaging incidents and comment spread immediately to the media, industry and customers
* During a crisis the web allows for bloggers and website authors to criticise an organisation, which journalists will often stumble across
* The Internet has made a lasting record of all media since the mid-90s, and the blogosphere now makes a permanent and highly searchable vehicle for all commentary since approx 2003

Opportunities

* ‘Dark’ websites and a company blog can counter speculation and provide the latest corporate information
* Press releases, statements etc can be placed online with immediate effect
* The Internet will act as a key source of information for the organisation and crisis team during an incident
* Photoblogs and podcasts can complement the activities of the company spokesperson and enhance an organisation’s openness
* New media allows the user to specifically target external individuals and organisations in order to establish a level of relationship building