David Meerman Scott posted about the <a href=”http://www.webinknow.com/2008/09/learning-from-t.html”>3M post-it debacle</a>
a couple of months ago (September 24, 2008). In a nutshell, someone put post-it notes all over a colleague’s car, and posted pictures. It spread virally, 3M found out, and wanted to use the pictures for free. When the creators said no; the company created their own post-it car and stole the idea!

Bottom line, whether it’s online or offline, social media or old media, it’s not OK to steal or lie or cheat. 3M had thousands of dollars worth of publicity, without spending a dime, and they blew it.

Be authentic, share your passion, tell the truth.