(Quote): ” Formerly viewed as a marginal activity restricted to the technically savvy, blogging, along with Web 2.0 applications like social networking sites have become mainstream phenomena on the Internet. Thanks to lots of media media hype and some high profile blog sites, having an online journal or profile has captured everyone’s imagination.
But as novice authors plunge into the thrilling world of blog publishing, they soon realize that publicly writing about one’s life is not as simple as it might seem at first. As they become prolific writers, more bloggers find themselves having to deal with issues of privacy, liability and more frigtingly, personal safety“
Quote: “In real life if someone followed you, listened in on your conversations and went through your photo album without your permission you would call the police (or maybe they are the police)“
These days, we flaunt our daily endeavorers for the whole world to read, store and comment on. Don’t we no longer care about our privacy? Did somewhere along the line we collectively decided to expose our daily activities, photographs and deepest emotions on over 100 million blogs, cached for eternity? Do we really need world-wide exposure for our private thoughts?
As you might have expected, my real first or last name is nowhere to be found on this blog – I even might be a bored lesbian housewife from downtown Antwerp who just likes to have fun by creating multiple fictional but ever so exciting online personalities. And I might have gone to great lengths to cover my tracks.
So, what’s your excuse to burden the planet with yet another privacy hazardous, full-disclosure daily journal? Do let me know
This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by the city of Antwerp, Belgium.
Hi Peter,
Are you really a lesbian?
My view on the whole 2.0 thing is more of a philosophical one. It’s not so much about people (including me) blurting out personal feelings and emotions. It’s more of an evolution of human communication.
After all, we’ve always done it, whether cavemen sitting around the fire, or the water cooler gang sharing gossip. It’s human nature to share. Or more accurately, to want to be known.
Our very reason for existence is strengthened by the fact that we are known (or at least perceived to be known) by others.
The tools of the web just enable us to do it more efficiently.
Web 2.0 is also about cutting the crap. Lies. Falsehoods. Theoretically, Web 2.0 is more about human touch. Human reality. It’s why so many companies are signing up to it.
Back in the dark ages, people had no choice but to believe everything that the church told them. No self study. No self discovery.
When folks began to do just that, the world was shaken.
It’s the same in the evolution of communication. Back in the day, people always believed what companies told them Not anymore. People have a wonderful ability to sniff out the bull shitake.
Already, companies that try to fake it online are sniffed out.
Soon, bloggers who do it too will share the same fate. Or maybe not. Maybe they’ll just be ignored and the rest of the world will carry on indifferently.
For bloggers, I agree with you – almost. But if you want to reveal 100%, 50% or 0.5% of the truth, I’m all for it. Your readers will decide if they like you or not.
That will be the great test of being known, if you like. Increase your chances of passing it by being honest.
Why do I read your blog? Well, it’s because I think I know you; even if it’s only your first name. You’ve given me your name, and I’ve given you mine.
Were it not for the Web, we wouldn’t be talking, and I would not have learnt some interesting, thought-provoking, entertaining and even down-right irritating views on the world from a good writer.
Now that, in my humble opinion, would be a loss.
Comment by Ryan — April 5, 2007 @ 12:22 pm |
Ryan, thanks for your intelligent comment. I’m currently on a lunch break, but I’ll make sure to post a more elaborate comment asap. BTW: I doubt whether I’m really a lesbian, but then, who knows for sure? I once posted: “In cyberspace, we’re all stars, until someone turns on the light”
Comment by Peter N. — April 5, 2007 @ 1:27 pm |