The dangers of blogging.
A title like that makes blogging sound like an after school special on the abuse of prescription drugs.
Certainly, there is no danger to life and limb if you write a blog.
But, there are many things to be wary and aware of when you venture into the blogosphere.
Keep the following in mind before you hit that publish button.
A Blog Is Not A Private Diary.
Blogs have been around for quite some time now; long enough for people to know better - when the words go out into the world wide web, thousands and thousands and thousands may read those words.
It is not a private journal that you and only you have access to.
And yet, every day there are thosesurprised folks who's blog comments make a splash, hit the news or come back to haunt them.
This is especially true of those who believe 'no one reads their blog: 'If no one reads it who cares what I say?' This is a dangerous viewpoint.
What if you say something libelous about another individual? What you may see as an innocent unread comment, could be defamation of character.
It could be actionable.
Always write as if someone is reading.
It'll give you just the little pause you need if you're an emotional or impulsive writer.
Do you really want these words read? Really? A Blog is Forever.
Just because you don't update your blog, or even if you abandon it, that doesn't necessarily mean it disappears into nothingness.
What you've said is still out there and it can be found.
If someone googles your name (say a potential client, or boss) what will they find? Will a client find your curse riddled diatribe against the phone company? Again, knowing this could be just the pause you need: do you want these words read - forever? A Blog Is The Quick Road To Publication.
The road to publication for a blog is as long as it takes you to write the post.
Boom, click, and there it is.
The speed with which your words find their way to an audience can be addictive.
Speed is dangerous.
It means you're not taking your time with a post.
You're not re-reading.
You're not sleeping on a post.
You're not being careful with grammar and spelling.
Are these things really that important in the blog world? Well, if you're presenting yourself as a writer, as someone with knowledge, as an expert on a situation, a hastily published post will only serve to lessen your credibility.
To be aware of the dangers of blogging is not about stifling creativity.
It's not about writing a robotic emotionless post just to avoid every issue and any problems.
It's about knowing what the blogosphere is like and being proud of having your writing exist in that world.
If you're proud to have your writing out there for everyone to read, forever, then get blogging!