The news was released on the popular blog of Ed Brill, director of product management for Lotus Software.
The entire article was created using Ed's blog post and selected comments to it. Example:
"I am humbled by the responsibility of leading Lotus," Rennie wrote in the comment section of Brill's blog. "We have made tremendous progress on all fronts from technology to Lotus Knows. The role of the community is more important than ever and you have my commitment to keep the channel as wide open as Bob has."
Rennie did not answer e-mail asking for comment on his promotion.
Also on Brill's blog, Picciano wrote, "I will move to my new role knowing full well that Lotus is in the best of hands with Alistair and the team."
Andrew Pollack's comment was used, too.
Andrew Pollack, who is founder of consulting firm Northern Collaborative Technologies and has been working with Lotus Notes since 1991, said on Brill's blog, "I've heard good things about Alistair Rennie, particularly from those who've worked for him. I consider that a very good sign." And he praised Picciano and his work at Lotus, but he was not so keen on the new organizational structure.
"Moving Lotus under solutions is not something I'm happy about, particularly since 'Products' is now even more obviously focused on WebSphere under LeBlanc, and this looks more and more to me as a continued devaluation of the core products. Further, I've never seen a Lotus specific services group that I could speak positively about. Lotus Consulting?"
He also reiterated his previous clashes with Rhodin, "I've made no secret that I didn't consider Mike R. good for Lotus," but said he hopes that Rhodin can change his mind this time around.
It's great that Ed's blog generates a lot of interest in other media outlets, however I was surprised that the author used only Ed's post, and the comments, to create an article. There was a little editorializing sprinkled in, but interestingly, the bulk came from a blog. Attributed properly, but still from a blog. I just find that fascinating.
Link: NetworkWorld: IBM shuffles Lotus executives, creates new biz units
Comment posted by Ed Brill01/13/2010 11:30:33 AM
Homepage: http://www.edbrill.com
I find it fascinating, too, Gregg. I think the reporter wanted the "scoop" and thus wrote the story this way. I'm sure that several, myself included, didn't expect the blog to BE the story.
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred01/13/2010 12:28:38 PM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
@Ed - Greyhawk tells me that John Fontana, the author, is a good reporter and that he knows you. I wasn't making a comment about John personally. As I said, it was strange (to me) that your blog provided all of the material for an article. Your post seems to have taken on a life of its own.
Comment posted by Charles Robinson01/13/2010 02:30:36 PM
Homepage: http://www.cubert.net
I'm not at all surprised. Many of the IDG articles read like quotes strung together from multiple sources with very little actual reporting. I don't know any of the authors, I just know how it comes across to me.
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