Biz columnist: Tech companies need to talk to us more

Michelle Quinn, the new business columnist at the San Jose Mercury News, writes her first column and argues that the tech companies in Silicon Valley need to talk to the media more.

Quinn writes, “I see this column as a conversation. I’ll bring insight and analysis about the big news, and point out the big news that is being overlooked. But as I give you my two cents, I welcome yours.

“And here’s my take on the new valley: The swagger and confidence are great, because they are the fuel that leads passionate entrepreneurs to create the Next Big Thing.

“But they need to be balanced with more transparency, for both investors and users. Sure, reporters like me get frustrated when the boardroom doors close and you’re left begging the person looking in the keyhole to dish.

“But I’d argue that the more tech companies talk, even at the risk of embarrassing themselves, the better for all. Google, Apple, Facebook and many others are the new fourth estate, a societal and political force that is influencing everything we do, and with that comes a responsibility to be more open about what they do.”

Read more here.