You wrote what??
When people write posts on their blogs, they only think about what they want to write about. But they don’t think about the fact that it could be inappropriate. Keep in mind that it’s not only you that sees what’s written on you’re blog. I always keep those things in mind when writing my posts.
So, what do you think should and should not be allowed on blogs? Give me your opinions, I’m all ears.
Like I said to someone earlier, “Blogging is like an art easel! You get to put whatever you want onto it!” But keep in mind when I say ‘whatever you want’ I don’t mean posts that are innapropriate.
Be smart. Be safe. Most important, have fun!
P.S. The idea for this post was given to me by, Sue Waters. http://aquaculturepda.edublogs.org/!
Mobbsey said,
October 18, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
A great topic!
I think it’ really important to remember that we’re writing to an unknown audience and that what we write will lead to them getting a particular impression of us.
I also have blogs for different purposes – my teaching blog and my perosnal blog I share with my students have different topics and limits. I don’t tend to talk about my personal weekends on my teaching blog!
I think you need to be really aware of the type of audience you’re trying to attract to your blog and make sure you keep that in mind! So, what isn’t appropriate? Anything you might not want your parents, teachers or classmates knowing.
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lichtenwald said,
October 18, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
This is a fantastic topic and I am glad you have created a space to chat about it. We really need to put a lot of thought and consideration into blog posts because writing can be directly linked to who we are and what we stand for. By carefully reviewing our goals and intent for blogging we can ensure that we uphold respect, truth, dignity and truly represent ourselves. By keeping all of this in mind we can be sure to keep inappropriate content off of our personal public spaces. You say best in the closing motto. Be Smart, Be Safe.
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Suzanne Shanks said,
October 18, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
I suspect you already know all about omitting personally-identifying information. I would add that you should leave out gossip, rumors, and dating issues. It’s awesome that you are blogging and trying to do it well. Keep at it!
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Sharon Harper said,
October 18, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
Hi Ashley, this is a really pertinent topic as so many students are blogging for a variety of purposes. This is great because it means people are very much aware of audience and purpose, something that has been difficult to ‘teach’or get across in the past. It is evident that bloggers use different spaces to achieve different ends – I have different friends on my facebook to the ones on bebo and twitter for example. I also have several different blogs which I use for a range of purposes. I think as long as we keep in mind the reason we are posting something to the web, we will be appropriate and smart and keep safe.
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lucybarrow said,
October 18, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Hi Ashley!
I think it’s great that you’re writing a post about this topic.
I really love the creative side of blogging…writing, designing, creating, etc…
When you think about the fact that your blog has a *global audience* and you think, “Wow, anyone can read this!” it makes me think twice about anything I post.
One issue that I am concerned about is people using their blogs to criticize others. My older sister has always said, “Walk a mile in my shoes.” I think people need to remember that we all have feelings.
“Be smart. Be safe. Most important, have fun…but not at anyone else’s expense…”
Can’t wait to read other comments.
Bye for now
PS: You and I could be “voki sisters”!
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inpi said,
October 19, 2008 @ 2:10 am
Hi Ashley!
Besides not giving identifying information, I think we must keep our virtual audience in mind and write as if we were talking to them for real.
As the essence of blogging is the art of keeping a great conversation, all we write is as if we were inside a dialog.
The virtual presence of someone else is so essential in blogging that it inspires you, all along your writing, in such a way that you place your subject and your words at the “right distance”, I mean: not too familiar, not too personal, not too intimate, but deeply human,thoughtful,warm and friendly.
s. Ines
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Sue Waters said,
October 19, 2008 @ 5:17 am
Hi Ashley
I’m glad you decided to write this post as it’s a really important topic that every blogger, regardless of age, should consider. As you say while it is your blog and you can write whatever — this doesn’t mean that it is appropriate to do so.
Your post provides opportunity for everyone to reflect on this topic. I look forward to reading all the different opinions. Well done with coming up with the great saying about blogging and taking the blogging conversation to the next level to debate the issues.
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Marilyn Mossman said,
October 19, 2008 @ 8:10 am
This is a great question to ponder and one that all bloggers should consider. I think it’s important to be truthful and respectful. Just because you think something doesn’t mean it should always be said aloud, just because you can do something doesn’t mean it should always be done.
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Ms. Kate Morrissey said,
October 19, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Hi Ashley,
I think your topic for this blog post is an important thought that should be constantly considered when writing in personal blogs. Understanding that telling the same thing to your best friend and your boss is not always best. It is really important to consider what sorts of personal information you want the public to have access too. One always needs to think about the future, not just the present. You wouldn’t want to post something your employer or parent might see down the line. Great job thinking of this post!
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Ken Allan said,
October 21, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
Kia ora Ashley!
What is appropriate? This is a good question.
I think Suzanne Shanks put forward some good points about the ‘type’ of data that may be considered appropriate. I’m sure that’s not what you’re on about though
.
It could be argued that any ‘debatable’ topic is an appropriate one for a post. It then comes down to what is considered appropriate for the public forum.
I guess there is a whole range of grey areas that could cause debate as to whether they were appropriate or not
Controversial topics tend to spark heated debates. Yet many of those may be perfectly appropriate. It’s how they are debated that might become inappropriate.
So you have come up with a curly issue here. It makes us think, and that is always the mark of a good blog topic.
I like your suggestion about having fun. I’d go all for that one *****.
Ka kite
from Middle-earth
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