Bill gets a blog

When it comes to the travel industry, corporate blogs have gotten a mixed reaction from the online community. Some, like Southwest’s blog, generally receive high marks for their irreverent tone that connects with other bloggers. Others, like Starwood’s Lobby have been criticized for being overly promotional.

Now it’s Marriott’s turn to go blogging. Bill Marriott himself is credited with making the first post on the site this morning, and in it, he makes this startling confession: “A year ago, I didn’t even know what a blog was — until my Communications team began telling me about all the blog traffic on travel and tourism.”

A year ago? You mean, 2006?

He continues: “Now I know this is where the action is if you want to talk to your customers directly — and hear back from them. Soon we’ll add an audio version of the blog. That’s how I’m most comfortable: telling stories and listening.”

So Chairman Bill is planning to skip straight into podcasting, if I’m reading this correctly. That’s a little unusual, but not without precedent.

So here’s what I think: Better late than never. And Bill, if you prefer podcasts, that’s cool.

But I hope Mr. Marriott and the folks behind this blog will do more listening than talking, because that’s what makes blogging such a revolutionary tool. You actually hear back from readers and can improve your business, make changes to policies and who knows, maybe even make new friends.

Welcome to blogging, Marriott.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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