Strata Corporations & Social Media

Whilst the whole world is embracing new ways to communicate - I wonder if strata corporations, owners, residents and managers are getting left behind?


It's not that I think that strata corporations should adopt the latest technology because it's a craze.  Rather, I believe that these new and emerging social media tools create great (and easy) opportunities to do the one thing that strata corporations have struggled with forever - communicate better.


Whether it's keeping owners and residents informed about day-to-day issues, outline more long term and strategic plans, sharing information about the progress of projects, making records more accessible or getting feedback on plans and actions - social media provides easy and flexible options.


That's not to say that it's easy.  The kind and type of social media has to be selected, information uploaded and checked, updates posted regularly and comments moderated.  And, if successful, the activity level (and work) will almost certainly increase.


Plus, there might be legal, or at least, policy issues to be considered.


Stephen M. Marcus, Esq. recently posted a short piece for US Associations about social media policies at the Community Associations Institutes' legal pages which is a great starting point and makes the following key points.

• It's important to decide whether the social media is used to provide information one-way only, or to allow owners/fans/friends to post and comment.
• People need to be selected and authorised to update and manage the social media site.
• Should there be limits on who can see, friend and/or share information from the social media site.  And, if so, what are they?
• If posting is allowed will it be moderated or not, and by who?  In particular, will negative comments be allowed?
• Where there is a policy to take down negative or other unwanted posts, then it's important to enforce the policy properly to avoid legal exposures.
• Does the strata corporation's insurance cover the social media site and posts?

It's early days and only the most dedicated strata corporations, executives and managers are exploring social media avenues.  But, I think we'll see a lot more in the very near future and that it will benefit everyone involved in strata.


I'd be interested to hear of good, bad or neutral experiences.




Francesco ...