Is it possible to be a good social citizen and a successful brand at the same time?

Fresh on the heels of Facebook’s Beacon mess, Google’s blows it with Reader. As I mentioned about a week ago, you need to be a good friend when engaging socially with your customers.

Of course, Chris Webb and Shel Israel discuss “social brands” and whether it’s even possible to be both social and a brand. It reminds me of the discussion Mike Moran and I had about corporate blogging.

I think we’re all still uncovering the answers on this one.

What do you think? Is it possible to be a good social citizen and a succesful brand at the same time?