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.
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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
.
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