Topic: Social Media, Property Takeover

Our management company recently sold some buildings in which we own and manage all the social media profiles for (Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, FourSquare, etc.) in house.

However, it's usually said to "cancel or delete" such profiles/Pages after we sell. The profiles we can not cancel, we delete all our company identifying information out of but still have control over the profile in my accounts. I, personally don't think they should be deleted just because they are so established and are almost a "real thing" of value.

I have deactivated the pages, but kept them in my profile (aka did not delete). It seems like a waste for a new company to make a new Page, such as for Facebook if one already exists and has residents who like it, engage, etc. (not to mention customer URL's and all that). I kind of just want to delete all the info that refers to "us" so the new company can have it if they want to get into that (they would of course have to contact me, and I would add their rep as an admin and then they could delete me as one). The new company really doesn't use Facebook or any social media - however, I feel they should have the option to claim or have them if they choose to expand their company in that manner?

Thoughts?

My only thought is that if you created it as an employee on behalf of your employer, you should do as they ask.

There could be liability you don't see, yet. It doesn't sound like it would be worth the risk.

Sandy

Typically the management company's social media policy specifies that all pages, such as Facebook and all social media accounts, such as Twitter, Foursquare, Pinterest, belong to the property. When it sells, it goes to the new owner. The new owner can do whatever it chooses with those pages and accounts. A lot of companies revamp them or take them down and start over; it's part of their branding process. I will pose this: why do you think you want to keep holding onto the "rights" and need to control this by giving the new company admin rights? It's okay to feel like you invested a lot of yourself in the development of those accounts, but there comes a time when you much let go.

This is one where I would talk it over with those in your chain of authority and make them aware of your line of thinking and get what they want to do. If they say take it down and remove your company, then I say do as they are directing. I picked up that you said you personally feel, but there comes a time when we may not personally feel the same as the owners and to do other than they say, what is the fallout? It can be seen by those higher as not being loyal or a team player.

Not just on this particular issue but on all, my rule of thumb always was: What was being asked does it violate ethical, moral, or legal issues? If the answer was no, then no matter what I thought personally I carried out the directions of those in charge. It has kept me out of the line of fire many a time. It was also the philosphy that I preached to those I was in charge of.

It is hard at times, but just like with our parents, or our children with us, never always got what was wanted. It's hard, not always fair, but it keeps people in their lanes!

This has been handled.

Thanks.