Why a Soapbox?
Long time Kibbles & Bytes readers will know that I have been writing editorials in the newsletter for some time. Many times when I write a soapbox, I will provoke some thoughtful discussion on our blog, Barkings!. There will usually be a few customers who advise me not to “mix business and politics” in case I hadn’t thought about the implications of expressing myself in my newsletter. Some have even gotten angry that I share my views.
That was the case this last week and I want to thank everyone who shared their views on our national priorities and the budget. Furthermore, I thought it would be good to give you some perspective on the “why” of the soapboxes. I look at our electronic newsletter as a periodical that we send to our subscribers, and while our main interest is everything Apple and how you can use the amazing products coming from Cupertino, I also view it as a newspaper that might have advertisements, pictures and of course, editorials. My soapbox is the equivalent of the editorial page of a newspaper.
But even more importantly, I believe that our commitment to social responsibility in business practices requires us to speak out on issues that face us today, especially those that impact business, our employees and our customers. I have long been an advocate for non-violence and for issues such as human rights, women’s rights, gay and lesbian rights, health care reform, dog welfare and environmental protection. I speak out on these issues, I testify in the legislature and I feel that it is totally appropriate to let you, my customers, know how I feel. It is really a part of our marketing plan—to make Small Dog Electronics personal and personable.
Sure, I could avoid upsetting any customers and be pure pablum but that is not who Small Dog Electronics is—we are an active and contributing member of our community and I want you to know how we think. Before you decide you will never buy from us again because I tell you how we feel, you should consider where other companies put their money and what their commitment to their communities is. Providing the soapbox is a forum for civil discussion of issues that impact us all and will help you understand how Small Dog Electronics measures its success by our commitment to people, planet and profit.
I encourage you to join the discussion at our blog and assure you we never intend to insult, only to provoke careful consideration. The soapbox is part of Kibbles & Bytes and will be for some time to come.
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