Obviously we weren't the only ones thinking the same thing, because shortly after we launched we learned that a few large companies south of the border had just joined together to create The Blog Council.  It's a forum for corporations engaged in social media to get together, share ideas and try to make it easier for other corporations to get involved.   They were a little suprised to hear from us, but we were welcomed aboard.  In the last 7 months we've worked together to discuss issues, share stories and learn from eachother. 

One of those issues is Disclosure.  Whether you are blogging for yourself or on behalf of a corporation, transparency is an absolute must.   So after months of work, the Blog Council released its first collective piece of work today.  The Disclosure Best Practices Toolkit is a worthwhile read for anyone who blogs, reads blogs or is thinking of getting involved in social media.   It's not a set of rules or commandments, just a good set of best practices developed by some of the biggest companies in North America that blog. 

Scenarios Addressed:

1. Disclosure of Identity
2. Personal/Unofficial Blogging and Outreach
3. Blogger Relations
4. Compensation and Incentives
5. Agency and Contractor Disclosure
6. Creative Flexibility

It's also a living document, so if you feel it could be improved, just send in your suggestions.  How's that for transparency?

So, if you are thinking of starting a corporate blog, you're not alone.   Even better, some of the heavy lifting has already been done for you.