Post on Posts
Three things happened this week that got me thinking about what I post and who reads it.
First, an article in the “Illawarra Mercury” (Crashing Facebook Party, 29 March 2008) talked about the concerns some Facebook users have about the increasing number of older users and how information they posted in their teens may now be viewed by their bosses and the effect this may have on their careers.
Second, this website was “pinged” and quoted on another website.
Thirdly, the newly chosen Olympic swim team were recommended to review their Facebook sites
This all started me thinking about who’s reading my site and where the information will end up. Exposure to using a weblog has increased my confidence and level of self disclosure on the site. This weeks events have got me re-thinking this level of comfort.
Further to this, I have been considering using a social network site as part of a network for trainers/assessors I work with. One of the things that I will need to address is ensuring the users are aware that what they write really becomes part of posterity and is open for many other users to read – it’s not a “private conversation”. Something else to build into my development and education plans for the proposed site.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Heather
Prue mentioned a technique in one of her posts that may help clear some images that have been posted in the past that you may prefer to see removed.
She suggests uploading a blank image with the same file name to the social networking site where it was posted.
An alternative may be to post a more complimentary image, still using the same file name.
It is an interesting dilemma. Of course a blog post such as yours remains under your control – you can choose to remove this any time you choose, but my comment also becomes your property, so if I choose to change my mind about this comment, its removal relies on your agreement to remove it.
Similarly posts to discussion lists remain forever. Having them removed may be a nightmare.
The concern for students is particularly high. Comments that may make while they are learning will remain long after they have learned more and have increased their understanding or changed their mind.
I see the solution as a well explained introductory session at the beginning of an e-learning program, so that the fears of what could go wrong do not overshadow the tremendous benefits that could arise.