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Bloggers, Facebookers, Tweeters and more seem to be constantly besieged by warnings from young and old alike that we will regret our words, photos and thoughts. One blogger reveals, “I look back at some of my own posts and shake my head.” Online tools make it possible to change in front of the eyes of the entire world… And some believe this is going to be pretty embarrassing in the years ahead.
What do you think? Do you share enough to worry? Will you regret your blog or Facebook profile?
*cringe* personal brand *cringe*
Now to the point: I think a little self reflection didn't hurt anyone and having a medium where you record your thoughts and opinions on issues today can help you reflect on what has transpired.
Now will people see your past and evaluate you on it? Of course they will, but as a person you've probably evolved and you may, or may not, think the same way about things. When people talk to you about your past it's up to you to set them straight. Why are you doing what you're doing and how does it fit in with what you strive to do in the future?
Will you regret your blog or Facebook profile?
Ans. Nevar, why should one regret if the posts where true and meaningful, we are serving the web readers with quality contents in the web 2.0 era...
It will be interesting to see how blogs and Facebook profiles affect political candidates. Almost all college students have embarrassing photos on Facebook that even if untagged, can be found by an enterprising searcher (especially in the future as facial recognition software improves). Politicians have all of their writing scrutinized now, but most of them only have trails from when they first entered public life. Many people change their views over their lives, which is a good thing. Will they be charged with "flip flopping" from positions they held as 23 year olds when they run for office when they are 50?
My hope is that everyone becomes more tolerant of youthful indiscretions and the changes that people go through when they are maturing. People will have to be, otherwise, we will have some boring politicians!
@ Pepper - Why are we cringing at personal brand? Cultivating your personal brand is actually a lot of responsibility. Also, while it's useful and necessary to think about your future activities in relation to your current ones, I think a better test is to simply ensure that your Facebook profile, blog, etc. is in line with your values. Goals changes, values don't.
@ Finsofts - Hear, hear. Sounds like a good strategy.
@ Nathan - I used to be more involved in the political life here in Madison and I would say, "I'm never running for office so I can have a blog." I think political candidates are open to more criticism which makes being more authentic more difficult. Having said that, I know some young political figures and it works for them to remain transparent. So maybe (hopefully), as times change, the political landscape will too.
I was always worried about how my blog could potentially affect my employment. Last year, I applied to several AmeriCorps positions and an organization in Boston wanted to hire me BECAUSE of my blog. The posts that director of the organization referenced were two posts I personally thought would've turned him off, as they were very emotional and purposely refrained from poltical correctness. Apparently, for the position I was applying, it was an asset.
Unfortunately, I know that doesn't work all across the board. But I agree with you, Rebecca. Values are pretty consistent over time. I keep much of my presentation in synch with mine.
@Rebecca - I am not opposed to the concept of a 'personal brand', AFAIC the term is meaningless jargon that conveys the same meaning as 'reputation' and 'selling your skills' (based on everything I have read about personal branding)
As far as changing values - I will play devils advocate for a minute.
I propose that values can change based on your encounters with others people. Let's say for example I valued money early on in my career. The more the better. vacation? bah! over-rated! Relationships? m'eh! Show me the money! Then I met the right one. I enjoyed spending time with this person, decided to settle down, have a kid or two and suddenly my values change. Money is not a primary motivator, I don't value money as much - but I would value more family time, and this, let's say, leads me to seek employment where I get more vacation time, or flex time, or something along those line
We are all brought up with the values of our society and our family. As we spread our wings and explore the world on our own our values may change. They may not, but there is that possibility.
@ Leandra - I love stories like that! My blog has overwhelmingly helped with my job as well. I think it has less to do with what you write about and more to do with the dedication and commitment it shows. Thanks for sharing!
@ Pepper - Good relationship, vacation, having kids and money are all goals, not values. I know my goals will change. My values on the other hand, haven't changed since I was quite young.
This always the question people ask when they start a blog; but there are so many ways to handle this when it happens. For example, If your opinion changed over time, you can always do a lookback post on a old post; which can link back on to the old post.
There are often times so much positives, like in Leandra's case.
Sometime this could act as a good filter as well. If a company have issue on a topic on a semi-professional blog, then you want to ask if you want to work with them or not. If a bad photo is posted anywhere outside of facebook, then you should find a way to burry it.
I won't worry about facebook, since it not too easy to access item in your facebook on the company's end. (at least I hope so)
It is really cool that you posted a video instead of a typical blog! Good topic...I'm sure my opinions will change in the future, but I won't regret stating them!
I've been putting words and pictures online for about ten years now, give or take a few years, as have a few of my friends. In my view, the value you will gain from expressing or trying to express yourself online will far outweigh any hypothetical problems you may, but likely won't, experience in the future. If anything, I probably wish I had a better record of my past posts, emails, and photos. It can be very interesting to look back at how you looked and used to view the world when you were, 20, 25, etc.
The only thing that I would do differently is cross dress more often.
As far as the topic on hand, I blog anonymously and see it as an acceptable happy ground. I of course write as I would if my name were attached. If someone wants to know more about me, I tell them about my blog (or they can find it on linked in if they are really that interested). Personally, I think that we overestimate how much time an employer or anyone actually wants to spend learning about us.
As far as Dr Pepper's comments, why do we call a reputation a brand? What is the added value of changing words around than launching a new industry of personal branders? Cattle has brands, people have reputations.
I agree with many of the above comments regarding old blog posts tracking growth. Here's a quote that I thought was relevant:
"Speak what you think today in hard words and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict everything you said today"- Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Self Reliance" 1841.
Thanks for asking these insightful questions, Rebecca!
This is a really valid question that I struggle with a lot. Part of me feels like I can use the excuse of youth and inexperience to explain away anything from the past, but the paranoid part of me realizes that things can easily be taken out of context.
Blogs and social networking sites are written histories of who we are/who we've been. I try to view my writing through that filter before I post anything, but I also understand the power of controversy. It's a constant balancing act, but a risk I have to take to pursue my passions.
Based oN other people's experience I guess we all should pay a great attention to any word published by us on the web.
Google is indexing evey letter and while we try to delete one we have noone to turn to (but the spider...)
http://www.nice-firma.com
One of the most important ways managers can work with Gen Y is by sharing their stories, and letting us learn from your accomplishments and struggles. By doing this, our managers can shape us to be excellent leaders. More...
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