The True Powers of Blogging

I was browsing my favorite daily newspaper this morning when I came upon this article that was entitled Yes, blogs can ruin your life. I was not moved at all because I've already read similar kinds of articles that talk about every bloggers duty in writing responsibly. See, in this age where every average Joes and Janes can put out a blog on the Web, someone's reputation are made or broken in just a click of a mouse say for example a commercial establishment with a poor maintenance or service. But talking about the true powers of blogging, I never thought that writing carelessly about my personal views and stuffs about certain matters can backfire or work up against myself!

Just thought I'd share it with everyone particularly to those who writes about their personal stuffs in the Web, here are some things to think about when you blog.

1. You don’t know who is reading your page.

Unless your entries are locked and you have total control over who has access to them, you’re never sure who is reading your entries. Your parents, your teachers—they’re all just a google search away from unlocking your deepest thoughts.

2. What you post can make or break your career.

While some people have gotten book deals after building a huge blog readership, most bloggers need to realize that employers have started using Google searches as a tool to scan job applicants.

3. Will your post hurt anyone?

It is easy to vent online your anger with a friend or a family member. But let the anger simmer before hitting the “publish” button. Sleep on it, think it over because once it’s online, it will not be easy to get rid of—not with the cache features of online searches.

4. Can your entries be lifted and used against you?

Your blog entries may be lifted anytime by anyone who knows how to highlight and press Ctrl and C. Your photos may be stolen as easily and defaced, like some have been on gossip blogs. It may be smart to add javascript that prevents readers from right-clicking on your page. It’s not total protection, but it may save you from the less-techie lurkers.

5. Will your entries attract the wrong kind of people?

Most blog readers are kind. They leave comments, they send you e-mails and sometimes, you even find people you can be friends with. But some of the more popular bloggers have had problems with blog stalkers. High Internet traffic is a good thing, but not when it leads to scary encounters.

*******Click here for the whole content of the article by Pam Pastor of Philippine Daily Inquirer.