In the old days journals were private writings that only the writer read. They were used for all sorts of things but were considered private and sacrosanct. Blog postings are a kind of journal for the modern age, but are public rather than private. Care should be taken to be sure that what is written is accurate, and if remarks are hurtful or mean-spirited the writer better be ready to take the heat. It's easy to rail about politics and political correctness. It's easy to poke fun at anomymus people and events. It's easy to reflect on a life well or badly lived. But a fair number of essays are written as drafts or in the head and then discarded in favor of civility. Publicly lashing out at the President for something is OK, but don't lash out at your boss publically. Talking about an old roommate who had a big and funny nose is OK, but don't describe your best friend in unflattering terms. See what I mean?
I love writing these little essays that range over "Woodys World" high and low. To anyone interested in someday putting thoughts on "paper" and hanging them out for the world to see I say this: Editing is more important than writing. Write it; let it rest; read it; edit it; let it rest; read it again. If you still want everybody to read it THEN publish. Saves a lot of grief in the long run to be somewhat circumspect about what you say publically.
By the way, this goes for Facebook too.
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1 comment:
The same goes for posting pictures, especially of others. Not everyone appreciates being "tagging" in unflattering or potentially damaging photos. What my seem innocent to some, may be devastating to a career or relationship.
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