Free Website Content
Blogging a Dangerous Game
I have heard many a blogger say that
blogging fills a need. While blogging provides a humanizing
effect on news and journaling, it also opens a window
into personal lives. The details shared in blogs were
once only available to a select group of friends, and
while blogging has become common place, it has risks
that should not be ignored.
Cyberstalking is a new phenomenon that
allows anonymous online stalkers to prowl for victims.
Online bloggers traditionally provide personal details
about their lives. As a result, many women that blog
are becoming victims. Most people are concerned about
children on the Internet and set up rigorous posting
guidelines for children, adolescents, and teenagers,
but few adults heed the warnings and often do not consider
that they too can be targeted.
Females, in particular, should be cautious
when circumnavigating the blogosphere. If you are a
blogger or contemplating an online journal, consider
these tips to protecting your identity:
Do not have an online profile.
Most blogging services allow bloggers to create an online
profile. While it might be fun to post information about
likes and dislikes, it is best to refrain from posting
any personal details. Often, personal details inadvertently
provide insight into physical location or habits. The
aggregate information in a personal profile can also
assist someone interested in pursuing an individual.
Post anonymously.
Manage your blog anonymously or adopt an alias for all
online posting. This will help protect you in the event
that you draw unwanted attention.
Avoid personal or identifying details.
Avoid any personal or identifying details when posting
in your blog. Do not post in advance about locations
that you will be or about areas that you live near.
No photos.
Refrain from posting a picture. Photos can invite trouble
or unwanted attention.
Avoid inappropriate dialogue.
Be careful not to engage in dialogue that could be interpreted
in a way that it was not intended. Sometimes humorous
threads can get out of hand. If the dialogue degrades
to an area that makes you uncomfortable, disengage from
the dialogue and refrain from further posting. Also
when making decisions about individuals online, consider
their past posting behavior and attempt to consider
their true intentions.
Lurkers.
Always remember that just because you do not have a
dialogue with someone does not mean that they are not
reading everything that you write. Many people merely
lurk on line and don't engage in comment posting, but
do read what is written. Your audience could be much
larger than you realize.
Timeless.
Internet content is timeless, and keep in mind that
even if you remove content, it might be archived or
syndicated. If you do not want something read, do not
post it to the Internet. High Schools, Colleges and
Employers all search the Internet to discern an individuals
history. Sordid details about a late night will not
help land a coveted job.
The internet is a haven for all types
of predators. Always remember that just because someone
says something is true, does not mean that it is. Predators
adopt personas of who they think you want them to be.
Just as we provide guidelines to young children, adults
should be wary and take precautions when posting online
as well.
While blogging can be a great outlet and
channel, and in someway immortalizing thoughts, it is
important that safety is considered and that good blogging
practices are followed at all times.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
NotePage http://www.notepage.net
a wireless text messaging software company.
**********************************************************
This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource
box is included and the links are active. A courtesy
copy of the issue or a link to any online posting would
be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
**********************************************************
|
