Speaking Up

Yesterday I was doing an interview and was asked about the prospect of social software for government.  I pointed out use cases for activism, government as an organization and how Socialtext had three prominent Democratic campaigns as customers.  Unfortunately and admittedly Dean, Kerry and Raseij lost.

I was asked if it was okay to have a political bias in business.  I explained that we had a decision point on if to serve a Republican campaign as a customer when the business was just four founders.  We did, and using the metaphor of a phone company, instilled a principle of non-discrimination for customers.

But just because you are in business does not mean that you should not strongly express your views as an individual and citizen.  For that, I thank Adam Bosworth for speaking up.

Comments

[David Ascher]

What was the thought process that led to the adoption of the 'non-discrimination' policy? I can see a legal point being made (cf. The Corporation, Ford vs. Dodge and all that), but I wonder if you would have made the same decision if it had been just one owner. As an individual, there are companies I don't do business with. Companies with shareholders can't legally do that in most circumstances. But a limited partnership or sole proprietorship could, could it not?