That really sucks. I can see worrying about what she is saying but if she is saying positive things then why should it matter? That really doesnt seem fair.

As legal departments in larger companies are exploring blogging you will see more of this. You hear about this in the news about everyday. While big compaines want employees to blog they what to tell the employee what they can and can not blog.

Great post

Could she not share he wealth of knowledge as a guest writer on your blog..

That is crazy!  Did they not get the point that blogging could potentially bring her business and in turn more money for Wachovia.  I read her blog so will drop her a note and hope that they don't decide now to cut off her email.

I can't believe Wachovia wouldn't want her to bring in business. As long as everything was professional, I would love to have a blogger on my staff. I'm finding more and more that the people that have been around for a long time do not understand the new ways of business.

Without going into much detail, when I worked in the corporate arena I worked very closely with the legal department. I am not surprised. It is od, I was just thinking of Naoma over the weekend.

Jackie - please continue to keep her in your thoughts.

Bob - is guess that's the way of the corporate world.

Cindy - thanks for dropping her a line.  I know she will appreciate it.

Eric - unfortunately, no.  She is no longer allowed to place herself online without Wachovia's written permission.

Tony - so sad, isn't it?

Shane - you're right...it's not fair.  Especially when she has worked so hard.....

Tina in Virginia

Sorry I never had the opportunity to read her blogs. Corporate Big Brother Strikes Again.

Sorry I never had the opportunity to read her blogs. Big Corporate Brother strikes again.

What a shame, although not surprising.  You just never know who is reading, and what their thoughts are.  I think it's going to get worse with more "big brothers" watching over bloggers.  I've heard of it happening with Realtors, but this is a first with a lender. 

That is very sad. No wonder Wachovia's stock is plummeting. Mess with a blogger and that's what happens.

Tina -  My company is licensed in Virginia. I would hire her just for the fact Wachovia is an unrealistic company. Makes me sick. Have her call me.  This is not a pitch but the proper thing to offer. I bet others will follow what I do and it should be encouraged. Why would she want to work for such a closed minded company? They are not long for the business anyway. IMO.....

Lewis Poretz

President

Open Mortgage

www.openmortgage.com

It is Wachovia's loss - they put Naoma in a tight spot but as Lewis above has pointed out, there are greener pastures that will welcome her talent for the power of the Internet. Only a matter of time, and I'm sure Naoma will be back with us!

I'm shocked. I never would have guessed any company would want to suppress clean, effective marketing strategies.  Very disturbing. But I suppose it makes sense to them.

Ouch, this is terrible, To lose a job or take everythhing down... I did not know corporations can be so heavy on tings like these.

What a bunch of crap you would think that a company like Wachovia would understand the importance of a "digital footprint"  Like Debbie said its Wachovia's lost.

I went through a similar experience wit my corporate job before coming to ActiveRain full time.  I was warned to remove all logos and company related posts or I'd hear from their attorney.  I was told this the day I was laid off after 22 combined years with the same title company. 

I know first hand what Naoma is going through. Give her some time, space, and support, she'll be back.  AR is a place you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.  :-)))

Thanks for sharing this story with us Tina, I hope to see her back soon...

That's too bad, it's unfortunate that she has to suffer because of a company's liability risk.  That's become the society we live in where good people are made to suffer at the hands of those out to get something for nothing.  I feel for her company to have to take those measures as well to limit their risk and lose a valuable asset.

Thank you for all that you do. Please pass on my e-mail. This is still America right?

So does this mean if you work for a corporation, you lose your freedom of speech?  That's a sad day in the USA....

Hello Tina,

It's unfortunate that some companies do not understand this technology and resort to taking this type of action.

Naoma, if your still out there...just change your name and contact info on the account and keep blogging!!! Maybe your next employer will appreciate what you are trying to do instead of penalize you for it.

-Keith

Seems like a violation of someone's right to free speech?  I think this is very short sightned of her company. 

That is awful - I suspect many companies are worried about liability, but they are not thinking it out correctly in my opinion!

That is CRAZY,the blog police?!

What about freedome of speech? I guess that doesn't apply to the workforce?

And companies wonder why people are not loyal like they use to be.  No that's not true.. They don't wonder, they just don't care.  If companies worked as hard keeping folks happy as they do making really stupid rules...  Here's to hoping that Naoma finds a kinder place to work.  My newest dirty word is "Wachovia".

not a good story. this is a good example of us blogging about real estate and us, and our companies only in general... w/out naming them. she can get rid of her current blog content, start another one in her name, and never mention wachovia.  if they terminate her then, well..., they've got a problem, huh?

Hi Tina,

Obviously, I don't have all the information here but I am going to venture a guess as to what got "W.'s" (Why add to their SEO? The big poo-poo heads...)  knickers in a knot.  Someone in the rarefied strata wherein "higher up's" dwell, did a search for "W." in Virginia, or just "W." period, and instead of being directed to the corporate sponsored, expensive to create and maintain website they got her and the manure hit the machete.

The digital footprint that is created by an active blog presence can and will quickly outdistance any traditional static website.  Of course, hidden within this cloud may indeed be a silver lining, yes they own the brand and logos but she still owns the words and those words have value.  I don't know if it would work, but she might want to try pitching the idea that she create and helm a blog for them and then maybe she could get paid by them to do what she had been doing directly or indirectly for them. 

If not then it sounds, from what I am reading, like there may be many more pastures far greener for her ahead.

Good luck to her and you.  Take care, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!

Tisza

This is really sad, but I recently got a comment on one of my blogs that warned me that I may be getting an email as well from my company.  We will see what happens, but until then, I will keep blogging, because all I am doing is passing along information that I find helpful to others.

amazing that a company would throw away free advertising - and that they would not allow a loan officer to create business that makes them money.... I feel for her... and am glad this is gaining her so much support.

So much for the "Land of the free and the Home of the brave" and don't even think about "thinking outside the box" either.

Hi Tina...Please keep us current on Naoma's prospects either blogging for her company or if she decides to change companies.

The tough thing is that they may have had some employees blogging very unfavorable things.  I've never seen anything like that but who knows.  They may have been burned and are afraid to risk it.

Hopefully she will be able to get this resolved one way or another and will be back providing us with beneficial information.

Kate

Hmmmmm! Maybe a competing loan officer in the company got jealous and complained about it? I know it sounds far fetched but you do have some cry babies that will put you up as having an unfair advantage because you decided to work harder doing something different. It is no doubt that her business was very good due to active rain.

That is a sad state of affairs and much too drastic. A smart company would allow publication after company approval. And I thought I was a dinosaur!

Tina, that is terrible, I can't understand why her employer would be opposed to positive publicity on the internet.

Tina, I am kind of "pig-headed" and stubborn, but I would likely tell them what they could do with their job:)  This is just such a bad precedent on so many levels.

This sad story reminds me of one of the reasons I'm self-employed.  I'm glad we know the name of that nasty company because we'll never want to use them!  I truly hope that Naoma will find a more deserving employer who will value her marketing savvy.  Let us know what happens.

I imagine they're concerned about some legal liability. Though I am uncertain how they could tell her she could not have personal blogs or website if I understand correctly that she had to remove even non business items.

Tina I am mad. Why in the world will Wachovia make Naoma take down all of her blogs? Naoma is a great blogger( Definitely one of my favorite Active Rain bloggers ) and contributors here on Active Rain. Don't Wachovia know that Naoma blogging is only going to help bring business to them? I don't know but I smell a rat in the Wachovia camp. This doesn't make any sense to me at all. I am definitely going to e-mail Naoma. Great post.

I was not aware of her. How stupid of Wachovia. 

I can't even imagine how hard it would be to wipe it all off the internet.    Naoma on Google

Hi Tina, I have never read any of Naoma's post but this is a good reminder of one of the many reasons why I do what I do.  Wishing her the best.

Wonder where it came from? How high up.

There are lots of Wachovia loan officer's blogs on ActiveRain still.  Is she being treated differently than others in the company?  Beause of?  Someone she works for?  Someone she works with?

Wachovia - ActiveRain members

Has jealousy raised its ugly head? There has to be a co-worker that is making trouble there!

Wachovia is a big company that has not gotten it's head in the 21st century!

Tina I noticed that I had moved up in the line and was wondering - how did that happen?  Geez, this is a surprise!  It has been my experience that Wachovia has not been the most consumer friendly.  Wonder if they are listening?

Tina the post above was mine. I forgot I was not logged in.  I said something about Wachovia not being consumer friendly and I want to make it clear I own that statement.

Wow...maybe it shouldn't have but that surprised me.. i know some people will use blogging inappropriately, but why throw the baby out with the water...or whatever that old phrase is.  It seems to be a bank would be all about networking and what a better place to network than on the internet...a sad tale of how the fear of lawsuits takes the pendalum so far in the other direction to cut off the good in order to protect from the bad.

There's certainly going to be a slow down in both incoming leads and market influence.  Poor woman!  Wonder if she'd consider switching companies or going out on her own (and taking her blogs with her!)

Tina, what a shame, I hope she backed up everything for the future. Gee,  I thought W went under. Best of luck to her, if and I say IF any company EVER told me to stop blogging I would be gone in a red hot minute.

Tina, this is a real travesty!  I've always enjoyed reading Naoma's blog since my early days on Active Rain and will certainly miss out now that she's no longer going to be actively involved here.

Just another way to smother the truth...anything to keep publicity at a low.

Seems pretty short-sighted to me.  I guess they object to her use of their trademark name?  How silly.

What a fantastic tribute!  Keep up the good work and make her proud.

Is this Wachovia?  Or a piece of Wachovia? http://twitter.com/Wachovia

They can Twitter but she can't blog?  

This is really incredible. She has been a great blogger here in Virginia and for Wachovia to tie her hands like this is unbelievable.

I had a recent experience with Wachovia that made me question them and this just adds to it...

Wow - THANK YOU for all of your support for Naoma!  To whomever flagged this post - thank you for the support for Naoma.  Unfortunately, Naoma is not in a position right now where she can just up and switch companies...as I said, she just had a beautiful baby boy a few weeks ago and she needs her health insurance.  Yes, there are still some Wachovia employees on Activerain; they have all been informed of the same and will be taking their blogs and profiles down.  So sad.

Tina in Virginia

That does stink - Maybe Naoma can create her own business going around to real estate offices to teach potential bloggers! 

I will say I too expect this will become more commonplace - Wearing my manager hat, I cringe sometimes when I see how some agents represent themselves online -  The potential for damage to a company is significant and there is no real way to control it.   Our organization is relatively small (less than 70) and only a subset - a very small subset - blog - So it's somewhat manageable - but on a larger scale - I understand the exposure -

Too bad though for Naoma - who clearly was a positive presence - who will be missed!

Tina,

When I first read your post...I thought to myself "This is exactly the reason that I could never work for "Corporate America" ever again! It's filled to the brim with wannabe's who will never achieve the kind of personal success that a more independent thinker...and worker...will. They often can't see the forest through the trees...and the bureaucracy and politics would simply drive me nuts! I did that for many years...and it's a huge relief to not have to play by anyone else's rules now.

BUT...(don't you hate that word???)

I've probably read 1,000 posts here on ActiveRain. Some are really terrific...and some are not. Here's an example: If I were the president of Cendant Corporation (C21, Coldwell Banker, ERA, etc.)....I'm not sure I'd be thrilled with every single agent's view on things. Agent's who mean well...but are espousing their thoughts and points of view on or about everything, from real estate...to politics, to God...etc.

Please everyone...don't attack this...but if an agent blogs about "What do my selers think? I work for free? I'm not abuot to give up my hard erned comision" (intentionally misspelled, by the way)...and goes on to rant about why he/she won't work for a penny less than 6%, I'd be VERRRRRRRRRRRY nervous that my company is going to wind up in court soon, possibly in a class-action suit for price-fixing. After all...they just had a Realtor who represents the company tout it all over the internet. And they have all the evidence they need to win.

It got me thinking.

There's no way to police this sort of thing. Too many agents....too little time. So, across the board, you create a rule that says..."No employee or representative of this firm shall disseminate ANY information in any way (online or in print) relating to real estate, religion, ethics, personal viewpoints (blah, blah) without the prior written consent of the company. Anyone caught violating this rule will be subject to immediate termination without recourse."

Companies spend absolute fortunes...and work for years....building their business and reputations. To dismantle that because one (or many) of your agents "price-fixes" (or whatever) is ludicrous. The bad press would cause a "run on the bank" just like we saw recently with IndyMac.

I can't help but believe that many agents, loan officers, title reps, etc....will soon be receiving the same edict from their companies. And after thinking about it for a bit...I totally understand and agree.

My two cents.

Dave

If Wachovia keeps it's head in the sand for a while longer maybe this internet thing will go away.

Tina - Unfortunately, this comes to no suprise to me.  I had a conversation of this nature with a gentlemen who worked for a large retail branch of a nationally recognized mortgage lender.  I made mention that this sort of thing could happen and sure enough, his profile here was deleted.

That written, David Daniels makes some relevant points in his comment above.  I have read Naoma and her contributions here will be missed.

I loved Naoma's writing!  I hope her company changes their mind or maybe she will :)

Hi Tina - Well talk about stupidity! I guess most of us know already how many banks are run by people who really shoudn't be running them. What a shame this is! I can see especially by reading Dave's comments there can be issues, however, what this boils down to is censorship.

I understand why a company would do this, because they can't police everything every employee might write about and what an employee writes could get the employer in hot water. But there has to be a better solution, since blogging is the best prospecting/advertising tool there is. If I was told by RE/MAX that I could no longer blog, I would be looking for a new place to hang my license, that much I know for sure.

Would you rather have employees blog about the brand, the area, and their lives giving the brand more depth ... or ... have customers blog who are dissatisfied with the brand and how they were treated?  Either way, the later will happen.  It's about balance.

Tisza Major-Posner and David Daniels made great points.

I too think this will be happening more and more.  It's all about the liability and covering your backside.  Bloggers beware what you put in print.

Tina - what a shame that the corporate office feels they need to step in. But this sort of thing happens all the time with companies who impose policies on their employees (having worked in corporate for many years I know) adn fea having to police what their employees are doing. It's difficult to understand especailly if someone is doing something in a professional manner that is bring the company business. Unfrotauntely it's the risk of those who might abuse the pracitce that the company is worried about. Unfair but the reality. I espect we will hear from Naoma again before too long.

Unfortunately I suspect we will see more of this from other companies, including the real estate brokerages.

Jeff

I logged out before leaving this comment -

A few months ago, I received a call from our home office; the president of the company was on the line. I was asked about Active Rain, why I am here and what it has to offer me. I was told this forum could not be monitored and could not be controlled, if you will, by our home office staff.

I was politely asked to tone down my participation here on the Rain.

Like Naoma, I am not in a position to leave. BUT, I do feel strongly that I present a positive light for the company I am associated with. I often times try to put a positive spin on otherwise negative posts/comments of my counter parts.

Perhaps corporate America should be more in tune to what we in the field think and need - then perhaps they wouldn't be so afraid as to what we post here on AR.

Ironic - clearly the Wachovia Mortgage master minds do not understand that Naoma's efforts were bringing business into their company which benefits their bottom line. No wonder the banks and mortgage companies are in trouble - their shoot their most valuable assets in the foot.

Yes, so many here have made valid points. None of that is as important as the fact that Naoma had friends here.  We're going to miss her terribly!

~Renae

What a crummy thing to happen to Naomi!  She's blogged in What's Hot In Virginia and I've read a few of her bits. 

I agree with David Daniels' comment, but probably even more with Richard Iarossi's!!!

This is a major reason why I left my last company....

And if it becomes a problem again? Then I will change companies again!!!

I am so glad you wrote about Naoma. I would have wondered why she left. I really enjoyed her posts as well. Please pass along to her we will miss her!

Corporate America at its finest.   That is why we are "independent contractors"  that is why NATIONS is an "independent company".    You don't always have the branding of the big guys but you have the freedom.

I do understand the liability for large companies.  I think maybe having "approved bloggers" might reduce that.  Have bloggers initially get their blogs approved and once you know you have a good responsible blogger on your hands let them go. 

No she is an employee so they can dictate a little bit more about her representation online.  If she wanted to have a WP blog and write nothing about her job that would be fine.  Agents are independent contractors for the most part and in order to maintain that status, companies cannot dictate how you do your work. 

This will be an issue for many companies once they figure out what a google alert is.

This is really unfortunate for Naoma. I am sure she misses blogging, and will be missed here on AR.

Tina,

This is insane.  Corporate world especially big corporations are afraid of liability and we lose our freedom of speech in the process.  They can tell you what to do and not to do.  That is the reason I left the corporate world and become self employed.  She can stay and bear it or go someplace else.  Naoma is better off someplace else where she can have internet presence and not worry about what the power that be looking over her shoulder and making her miserable.  It is not worth it. 

It is not just Wachovia.... all the "big guys" are cracking down on blogging.  One of the reasons I just left CW was that.... Our job as LO's is to make relationships and generate business for the company you work for. the big guys are so scared of what an employee may say that they would rather shut them off.... Big mistake as they will end up losing good people who realise there are many places that are much better to work for than the big guys.

It is not just Wachovia.... all the "big guys" are cracking down on blogging.  One of the reasons I just left CW was that.... Our job as LO's is to make relationships and generate business for the company you work for. the big guys are so scared of what an employee may say that they would rather shut them off.... Big mistake as they will end up losing good people who realise there are many places that are much better to work for than the big guys.

Unfortunately, this is the price we pay for blogging for a company. We work for them and they have the authority to tell us what we can and can not do. If we don't agree, we can stay or we can move on.

Tina,

I know we can all do our best to support her locally.  I personally have never met her, but would like to know where she can be reached, I have clients that can be sent her way!

Hi Tina,  Haven't read every reply to your post but was wondering if Wachovia had given any specifics in defense of their decision ?

You can always leave them and start you on deal

Tina,

My first thought is that perhaps Naoma has a personal email address that you can post up here instead of her corporate one.  If they are monitoring her AR usage than I'm sure they monitor email as well.  The last thing she needs is her inbox flooded with 100's of messages saying that Wachovia sucks.

Second, its no secret that Wachovia's mortgage business is in big trouble. They no longer offer loans thru brokers and they are cutting back 1000's of jobs . Perhaps they are looking for excuses to let folks go?

Third, I wrote a blog a few weeks ago about Wachovia and the stupid marketing letter I got from them and how they were cutting out all types of programs.  About an hour after it was posted I got a marketing email from them contradicting what I said.  I joked that they must have read my blog.  Now I'm wondering if I were right?

http://activerain.com/blogsview/626341/Is-the-Mortgage-Market

I wish Naoma the best.  I didn't know her but knew of her.

Michelle

I had the same thing happen to me.  Became #1 when someone else was forced to leave the dashboard.  Soon someone will pass me to the #1.  It would be sadder really if others couldn't get to the number 1 spot ever.  Just passing that along in the hope that it will make you feel less sad.

While David makes good and valid points, this is still a short-sighted policy.  MANY companies allow employees to blog.  Some even encourage it.  Instead of imposing a ban, Wachovia could have developed guidelines for work related blogs.  This would have allowed employees such as Naoma to continue to develop good-will without putting the company at risk.  It is almost (not quite, but almost) shocking to believe that anyone thinks a ban reduces risk of employees bad-mouthing or otherwise doing damage to a company. 

I think it is insane....I can understand the need to perhaps remove the name of the company she works for (although they are shooting themselves in the foot because of the loss of free advertising), but not for her to take down everything.  I feel like she should be able to blog freely without naming the company...thats totally unfair...

The negative press Wachovia is getting in this blog speaks volumes for their error in judgment.

Tina,

     I can't believe they would do something like that.  Did the company/corporation do ANY research into the business it was bringing her.  What was their reasoning?  That just sounds crazy.  I hope that they will see the error of their ways.  Thanks for posting!

I just changed companies.  I considered myself blessed at my last brokerage because they were supportive of my blogging.  When I spoke with the new brokerage about making the move one of the main issues (for me) was the blogging/online presence.  My new broker is also very supportive; sits on the technology committee of our local board, and was twice President of the Board.  As a result of his knowledge of and great attitude toward technology and the future direction of the industry involving both technology and the Internet, 2 of the 3 top placing local Realtors now hang their hats under his license. 

It is really quite simple.  If I were told to dismantle my on-line presence, I would leave.  Without an on-line presence, I am out of business. 

This is exactly the reason so many Realtor/bloggers are getting their Broker licenses. 

What I find most interesting about this whole broker forbidding blogging thing is a that before blogging we all had (many still have) websites.  Websites have to be built; custom pages are created and added.  The content on those custom pages is very similar to many blog posts.  Websites don't seem to be the threat that blogs have become, yet the same information can be pushed out on them and ranked in the engines.

The differences between websites and blogs are:

• the ability to comment on a blog and have a conversation with both the consumer and other Realtors
  
• blogs are text based therefore the engines like and place them better
• the Realtor is communicating directly with the consumer, rather than boilerplate website content

I understand the position of the larger companies who are doing this.  The liability is tremendous.  Outside of our industry many large companies are doing the same thing, some don't even want their own blog because the control over what information is disseminated is lost.  One of my past clients works for a large automotive company.  They neither have nor want a blog, tried it and had too many problems with consumers and many law suits as a result.  They issued an ban on blogging about the company and/or its products - company wide.

Companies spend large sums of money developing advertising and marketing campaigns often based around their brands.  One blogger placing high and/or saying the wrong thing in front of the general public, could undo millions of dollars invested and/or can cause a multitude of law suits. 

There are many bloggers who feel they have the right to talk about anything they want, at any time.  Many do not understand the repercussions of such actions.  Before we put information on-line we have to think about how that information is going to be received and question if we are doing harm anywhere, breaking ethics or causing liability.  Sometimes bloggers do that without even realizing it. 

Many bloggers do not have a great command of the English language.  When learning about contracts we were taught the difference in the small words can change the entire meaning of a paragraph.  Words, such as,

• and
• if
• or

used in the wrong context can irrevocably change the meaning of what a blogger is trying to communicate.  Heck lawyers make mistakes on contracts and lose cases over these kinds of errors.

There are so many blog posts I have wanted to write, but were never written, this is often the source of my writers block.  So many ideas floating around in my head, so many things the public SHOULD know, but, the price tag is just too high, the risks too great.

As others have observed many blog posts both here at AR and out in the blog-o-sphere probably never should have been published.  How is that controlled?  If a blogger doesn't have the sense not to write a post that shouldn't be written, there is no control.  There isn't anybody to stop them.  Once out there it is permanent. 

The best we can do is to blog responsibly, think about both the words we are using and their long term effect.

My condolences to Naoma.  My advice would be to put it all into draft mode until such time as you are able to move to a more flexible employer then take it back out and get on with your business. Best of luck to you and congratulations on your new born.

Yet another reason that confirms my decision to leave "Corporate America" - no regrets here for being in business for ourselves.

I guess banks will continue finding fresh spots on their feet to keep shooting at!  There aren't too many places left to shoot at without hitting scar tissue.

Besides, sounds like something the Commie's would do.

That is a sad and ridiculous!!  Naoma was doing great things for Wachovia... I knew of her from her reputation on AR and had already filed her in my list of LO to use just by her reputation on AR and her great Blogs.   Shame, shame, Wachovia.  I like what one commentor said, "maybe this internet thing will just go away" and then Wachovia would have made the right decision, or.....

NOT!!

Military Relocation Team

just another example of why we need to control our own...

I certainly have learned something new -- not something I like; but corporate reality.

Freedom of speech isn't always so free to execute, is it?

Corporate stinks... That's so sad.

Tina:

Thanks for your nice blog about friend and fellow blogger Naoma. Best wishes to her.

Harrison K. Long, Explore Group, Irvine, CA

I's called control issues. Corporate america at its finest. But you have to work and eat so you do as they say.

Oh, that is so sad.  Sometimes big companies just don't get it.  Watch, in two weeks they will want everyone blogging...Mandatory!

Thats really too bad.  They hold people back by not promoting and supporting change and forward moving technology

If they care so little about those who work tirelessly for them, it's hard to believe they care at all about their customers.  Can't believe she stayed and can only hope we won't give them our business if we have any other option.  What a loss for all of us who are connected to those we serve and those we hope to serve in the future.  Best of luck to Naoma . . . may you find your voice again in other forums.  Wachovia's short sightedness is our loss.

"Someone in the rarefied strata wherein "higher up's" dwell, did a search for "W." in Virginia, or just "W." period, and instead of being directed to the corporate sponsored, expensive to create and maintain website they got her and the manure hit the machete."

SPOT ON!

Thanks for the heads up about Wachovia. I certainly won't be recommending them to anyone. Nobody wants to get involved with a company that thinks like a dinosaur. This decision reflects a company with the outdated Victorian value system that children should only speak when spoken to.

Sorry for your troubles Naoma. I suggest you start to look for a new boss, and make sure you add your own name to the shortlist. And when you get one, please send me your contact details for referrals.

In the meantime, the power of AR can surely shine a big bright spotlight on this issue, so that something good can come of it, for you personally and for the greater good.

Tina,

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, and congratulations on your featured position.

I can't imagine what factored into Wachovia's decision, but on the surface it certainly doesn't seem prudent for them to create this type of negative publicity and to stifle a creative employee.

Steve

Great post...and you wonder why banks are going under...we wouldn't want the public to understand what was going on, we wouldn't want to reduce our cost of advertising, we wouldn't want to embrace new technology.  This is just a sad story.

Wow Tina so many responses and a Featured star to boot! I am glad you brought awareness for our friend Naoma.  I remember when she first broke the news to me and I couldn't believe it either, it sure is such a shame that Wachovia is actually hurting its image than safeguarding it, there are many other ways to prevent legal issues other than just shutting down your workforce in which my eyes is just plain laziness for Wachovia.  Great post!

It sounds like they (Wachovia) doesn't understand how that can hurt them instead of help them,

Two things...

She already has the digital footprint.  Even deleted, she is out there. 

I'd quit.  I bet we could find a mortgage company that would pick her up in a heartbeat.

Hi Tina

Thank you for the wonderfull story. I am sure it is not the end and she will start blogging again.

There must be  reason for Wachovia doing this.  Good luck to both of you.

Well, that explains why I'm now getting your post in my e-mail. What an unfair disappointment for us all. Tina, I sent you a congratulations card but now I will send an uplifting card to Naoma.

The management at Wack-overya aren't just short sighted, they're blind fools to bite the hand that feeds them.

The good news is that Naoma is a star and she'll bring her bright lite and talents to wherever she is because it's who she is.

Dan

Final-Analysis.com

Will other lenders follow suit?

A sad note to be sure...

I understand the difficulties of the insurance thing with a new baby, but a company with its head in the sand like that needs to be replaced when the timing is more reasonable.

"W" has hurt themselves with this and created a lot of ill will for the company with this non-sense.

I wish her well and a speedy opportunity to a new employer with good medical coverage!

-Bill

Tina,

That is rather puzzling that the bank would act in this way. Yes, there possibly are some legal issues involved but with the right setup things could be worked out.

I am absolutely sure that Naoma will find a job within our industry if she ever leaves those "corporate ill-advised bosses" Of course we wish all the best for her and maybe she will find a way to get her words out to all of us who had enjoyed so much her blogs.

Antonio & Alexia Cardena "The realtors In Motion" www.ListedbyAntonio.com

This is a ludicrous decision.  The bad PR from this will have long-standing repercussions for Wachovia. 

It was such a lovely gesture on your part to acknowledge Naoma and let us know about her. Sadly, I did not know Naoma and am the worse for not having been exposed to her writing. She must have been an awesome blogger. I hope she will find an outlet for all that she must be bursting to share.

Tina:  I really do not think that Naoma was the problem here.  I think that Wachovia was thinking that if they gave the ok to blog to Naoma... in view of the fact that she was a good blogger, and willing to remove all Wachovia logos and names from her posts... that then they would be required to allow anyone else to blog... even if they sucked at it.  And then... possibly have to deal with the lawsuits that might accrue from the less-than-professionals.

I also have a friend who works for State Farm.  I met with her and shared what a great idea Active Rain was, and how much her blogging could benefit her business.  She asked her owner/agent, and he said no.  Nicely and gently... but no.  State Farm would not open themselves up to possible litigation.

That is so sad and I am at a loss as to why a company would do such a thing when it is free publicity for them.  Wow when I think about what I would have to shut down and the friends I would lose if contact would be cut off.  It is an unbearable thought.  This was a very nice post honoring her.

That is outrageous & she should consult an attorney on this!  What is the difference if she advertises in newspapers as you say or on a blog as long as she is professional & PROMOTES Wachovia which she must simultaneously do.  There are alot of good and bad bloggers out there, if one of their loan officers said something discriminatory 'in person' that might get them sued, the same would be true in the blog world.  They can't stop someone from saying something stupid can they?  They shouldn't be able to stop someone from using her blog as a 'tool' to show her expertise and professionalism.  In fact she should probably be used as "an example" from Wachovia.

Jeff Belonger is a perfect example of an excellent blogger that is a loan officer who could probably give her some tips and advice here. 

This is just OUTRAGEOUS!  'Wacky' Wachovia is going to get some bad press on this.  I know that I am definately going to look at them with disdain in the future.  I am mad that you gave another example from MY insurance company State Farm.  Idiots.

Once again I find myself shaking my head at the ill advised stance taken by corporate america, stifling growth and thwarting progress.  I had the same feeling when my then company proudly announced they "opted out" of IDX when it finally and long overdue came to New York.  Same eyes out of butt vision.  My guess is that Naoma will find her way out of that stultifying environment.

My personal take -- I'd be hard pressed to do business with them.

Hi Tina, I am so very saddened by this.. I have been a business customer with Wachovia for a very long time... It does not give me a good feeling.. Unbelievable, like many here, I too am self employed but we still are affected by many corporate giants.. What a shame for Wachovia - they are the losers.. God bless,

Wow - talk about 1984 - sad and ridiculous is right.  Unfortunately right now she probably can't protest by leaving as jobs are scarce in the industry.

I really hate to hear this. All of the "politically correct" crap we see in the world has made everyone (and every company) so afraid of offending anyone that they believe silience is better than the risk. We need more positive people like Naoma, to help balance all of the negitive media out there. Wachovia should be ashamed.

This is truly sad.  I can see monitoring people's activities, but it is so unfortunate when it hits someone who had blogged with all their heart and in a way to help the real estate industry and their business.

I have a feeling that we'll see more if this from the larger companies.

Naoma actually introduced me to this forum, and I understand Bank of America has notified their people to remove their blogs

Keep your chin up Naoma.  I think it stinks too.  How could anyone/or company do that with the importance of technology for marketing yourself and your business?

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Tina:  I noticed something strange the other day when I saw her further down in the VA ranks.  Very short sited of Wachovia, but financial institutions often are.   We need look no further than what we are all dealing with everyday in the market to know that banks are known for bad decisions.  She'll be missed here on AR.

Not really sure what that would all be about.. Too bad about your friend. The internet and active rain are such great resources. 

I'll be your friend. 

maybe this internet thing will just go away

Moybe this internet thing will help stoopid lenders like Wachovia go away.

Aloha Tina,

Sad news indeed. Unfortunately, we live in a highly litigious society and corporate environments can be stifling to personal expression with-in and outside the work place. Wachovia isn't "out of the woods" yet in regards to the mortgage crisis and they are wise to reduce any potential liability.

Corporate America is geared towards pleasing it's stockholders it's not interested in the blogging machinations of it's employees mainly because they can't control what is stated. No one likes to be liable for something they have no control over. 

I prefer NOT to work in a corporate environment, for that and many other reasons. It's my choice. I hope Naoma realizes that the choice is hers too. Thanks, Tina for the blog.

Now this takes the cake. Wachovia is in the news for a failing  business. You would think that they would want positive things in the news.

Tina: I think this is SO WRONG. She has worked so hard on this and all ove a sudden... POOF... Gone.... The power of the employer.. there should be a law against this

Wow.  It reminds me of the last managing broker I had.  I asked him to link my website from my personal information on our company website and he said, "No.  I pay good money to have that site."

The funny thing was that my site had a much higher page rank and my site was coming up on page one for major search terms and generating good leads, whereas his site was buried around page 14.

Linking my site would have done him more good than it would do for me!

Some people big companies just don't get it.

Tina, I am shocked, is Wachovia's collective head in the sand? Naoma is one of my favorite Activerainers and she will certainly leave a huge hole.

So, did they give a reason why they didn't want her blogging?

Gabe - Yeah.  Something about a TPS Report.....

Corporations absolutely have the right to control their name and brand. They can control what employees do with it and decide if they can have a blog or not. They have legal exposure on what their employees write and the right to control it.

"Eventually this internet thing will just go away" - what a GREAT quote!

Naoma came to see me today and has been so touched by all of your emails and phone calls!  She had no idea how many people actually cards about her!  Thank you to everyone for supporting Naoma and reminding her that she is still part of the AR family.  She will be back - not sure how or when yet - but she will be back!

Tina in Virginia

Tina, I was so sorry to read about Naoma's sudden departure. I went to Charlie's blog and his posts are gone as well. What a sad day. Naoma promoted her business and was a great asset to Activerain. Please let her know we're thinking of her.

I found this post thru Justin's blog about disclaimers.  This is terrible that they are not letting her NETWORK and EARN A LIVING by ADVERTISING her services to THE WORLD.    What the heck is Wachovia thinking???  

I don't have time to read all of the comments, so this may be a repeat... 

This just shows how out of touch the people at the top are in corporate America.  They subscribe to the treat everyone the same, no one can make a good decision and employees can't be trusted position.  And then they wonder why they can't get and keep good people.  I hope she moves on to bigger and better and that her clients follow her.

Tina this is so unfortunate for her and very stupid on the part of Wachovia.  Naoma posted really great information and will be missed.

Big surprise.

Let's think hard people, why would a (big bank not to be mentioned) not want more mortgage related business through blogging..?.?.?.?

I'll give you the answer for a nickel

Oh man that really does suck.  I feel for Naoma and I am questioning keeping Wachovia as my bank knowing this is how they treat their employees.  When we get ready to start looking for a home here I will be sure to give her a call to try for the mortgage through her and if it goes through I will be sure to let Corporate know where I heard about her.

Thanks for letting everyone know about it Tina.

Tina, sad as Naoma's situation is, this idiocy has been around for a long time. Back in 2000, my employer, name withheld, told me to take down my mortgage education website or be fired. I removed their name, my name, went into WHOIS and changed the owner to my wife. I informed the company that my wife had formed a mortgage lead generation service that I had no ties to it at all. I got a phone call on a Friday evening from the president of the company that I was fired because I had refused to comply. If she needs her insurance, I understand but there are other lenders out there that offer insurance AND rational policies. I really am sorry for your friend.

Thank you all again for your wonderful comments and support for Naoma!  I saw her last week and she was just overwhelmed by the supportive phone calls and emails she has received.  Please keep it up and hopefully, I will have good news to deliver soon!

Tina in Virginia

Naoma update!!!!  Naoma attended a Tweetup in our area the other night and was amazed at the fellow Twitters who knew of her W saga.  They unselfishly shared thoughts and ideas for her to get back into blogging.  Also, due to the publicity of the issue, she has been contacted by a higher-up at the big W and they are looking into a way to resolve her situation.  Hooray for blogging!

Tina in Virginia

Pretty sad on Wachovia's part to take away such a great marketing tool.

When you own the company, you make the policy.  If I had a huge company that employed hundreds of people who depended on their paycheck and were banking on job security, I would have my eyeballs peeled on the blogs.  It's the liability as some other posters have said.  While Naoma may have been an absolute BEACON for Wachovia, not everyone may have the finesse and writing skills she has.  What if they leaked some kind of corporate policy or strategy inadvertantly, there are many things that could innocently or maybe not so innocently be written that could tank a company. 

*I just read the update - GREAT!  Hopefully they can work toward a mutually beneficial decision. But I still stand by what I wrote above. 

It's a sad story- but speaks highly of your character for singing her praises!

I hate to hear something like that but she was obviously good at what she did and I am sure she will make it in this business.

That is horrible and sad.  I read her blogs all of the time.  This is such a great marketing and networking tool.  Wachovia is making a mistake.

Update....W has not altered their blogging policy.  Naoma got a substantial amount of mortgage business through her blog and this has been very tough for her.  Fortunately, she is still active on Twitter (after business hours) and is being recognized for her social networking and blogging skills by being invited to give talks at various companies.  Naoma has a new site as well:  www.successwithtechnology.com! 

Tina in Virginia

Wow! Thanks Tina and Active Rain members for your support! I did finally leave "the big bank" so that I can continue where I left off.  I'm Back!!! The first thing I asked my new employer - "am I allowed to blog?" And here I am! Looking forward to networking and blogging again!

Big Brother is alive and well! Glad she left the big bank, that mentality was one of the main reasons they are no longer around!

Im glad that you made the change sometimes you have to stick to your guns.  Send me some business cards to the Wainwright Office and Ill be sure to refer some business your way.

Im glad that you made the change sometimes you have to stick to your guns.  Send me some business cards to the Wainwright Office and Ill be sure to refer some business your way.

This is simply more proof that life isn't fair. We all see those who work hard and have their mind and spirits working for the good of their company. Then the company doens't appreciate nor even try to understand the new technology. Best of luck to Naomi. She will rise again. You just can't keep good people down!!!