Online reputation management has been a major risk to all and discussed frequently for businesses – my own included.
We’re all human – and not everyone likes us, that’s a fact. Of course if holding some form of public position (eg politics) this gets played out on a daily basis and almost becomes part of the job. However, for a regular girl with a regular business trying to make regular ends meet, the complications and implications increase. Word of mouth can be a vicious thing. But why is it different now?
One negative word online, equals, enormous implications offline.
Do we all have to become polished princesses (and princes) with no opinions if we wish to have an online personality, identity or business? Many would hark “yes”. But that’s in a perfect world. So, how should we conduct ourselves in our less than perfect world with our more than complicated scenarios?
Many would argue “with grace” and for the majority this is easy to do. But let’s be real, we aren’t graceful everyday… and neither are our friends. Some have less than savvy online capabilities. Where one may think they are doing the right thing, they really may not! the tried and true statement of “if you cant say it to your grandmother, dont say it at all” wins the day. Sometimes the negativity isn’t negative at all – sometimes it’s simply over the top and embarrassing. But it’s life.
Then there are moments when we should bear in mind that:
Due to the severity of online bullying, stalking, slander and malicious online behavior; it is now a prosecutable offense to partake in any of these actions using any form of electronic medium. This is now being pursued seriously by law enforcement initiative.
Unfortunately these scenarios exist.
Good tidings my friend, I hope we all win in the end. #peace
Charlie-Helen Robinson 
Well said, Charlie. Unfortunately, a lot of the younger users of the Internet and Social Networking sites don’t seem to realize their actions and those of their friends have the possibility of having quite a negative impact on them in the future.
Words written and images displayed will be around for a long time after the events that triggered the words and images are forgotten by the perpetrators and unfortunately these words and images may come back to haunt them. Look at the number of politicians and celebrities, amongst others, who have paid the price for indiscreet actions recorded on the ‘Net. I always attempt to warn my nieces, nephews and younger friends of the hazards of exposing too much, both literally and figuratively, as they engage in online activities. Hopefully, some of my warnings will stick.
LikeLike
thankyou for those words Don!! I always thought us adults should lead the way for the younger generation, you are right in that we should guide and advise. the world is changing very fast though and there seems to be emerging a new set of rules with how we conduct ourselves. free speech is very public – no longer are arguments settled behind closed doors, it seems to be OK for all to happen in public. this saddens me – that we dont live with as much grace (my perception) but as adults it is up to us to still guide. in the area of character assassinations and defamation, I still believe that if you cant say it to a persons face – you shouldnt say it at all. even MORE important – if you cant say it to a persons face in front of your grandmother…. then online isnt the place for it.
hope you agree as a grandparent yourself 🙂
have a good day Don xc
LikeLike