The issue lit up the blogosphere as commentators denounced Wal-Mart. Earlier this week, Wal-Mart announced it would drop its effort to collect and would change its policy regarding subrogation to allow for exceptions.

Tara Parker-Pope notes the public relations punishment that can be delivered via the blogosphere. The fact is, the major media outlets keep a vigilant watch on the hot topics highlighted by bloggers. As the Wal-Mart v. Shank episode begins to fade, a new age perhaps begins to dawn.

Corporate citizens face the tribunal of public opinion very rapidly in this digital age. If Wal-Mart blanched at the prospect of relentless media pummeling, it can only be a matter of time before other juggernauts take their place in the media spotlight where their mettle will be likewise tested against the flame of public opinion.