Rumor Mill

Rumors are like a wildfire, once it starts, it spreads.  Just as individuals, companies also have to deal with vicious rumors.  I believe that companies should respond with swift, short explanations to rumors on the internet.  Let’s bring this into perspective using an example of an individual.  There is a rumor that you got fired for drinking on the job when in reality, you were fired for a reason you do not know, but you know you have never drank on the job.  You are approached weeks later about the abrupt absence from work.  In hearing the rumor, I believe the best defense for this is a simple answer that you do not drink on the job.  If you get too defensive it will appear as if you are desperately trying to get people off your tail and trying to hide something.  If it is not true a simple defense is all that is needed.  This is how it would be for a company as well.  The more you talk and explain your way out, the more desperate it sounds.  Rumors are so common, they are just part of life.  In order to defend a company in the best way possible is to not get too wordy and just accept that some will continue to believe otherwise.  Do what you can do and then leave it alone.