Interesting article today on the Drudge Report. The CEO of Google is now saying that because young people put so much information about their private lines on the Internet they may have to change their names upon reaching adulthood.
This article was an eye-opener, to say the least.
As as author putting information about myself on the Internet goes with the territory of promoting my books. However I use my common sense. What I do post on my website is information about my work history, and the process that led me to become a speaker and an author. I also use common sense practices to help protect my family's privacy and to help protect my reputation as a children's book author. These tips could help protect your privacy, as well as your family's privacy.
• I don't post my marital or relationship status on social networking sites such as Facebook, nor do I post information about my family. In fact I would discourage anyone from using social networking sites as a dating service. If you're single and using the Internet to find a companion try finding on-line dating service that will protect your privacy.
• Be respectful your family's and friend's privacy. Always ask their permission before posting information about them on-line.
• Grandma was right when she taught you that if you can't say something nice about anyone don't say anything at all. Attempting to destroy someone's reputation on the Internet makes only serves to make you look bad. It's also against the law and could get you some unwanted attention from the FBI. Same could be said for posting compromising photos or videos of family or friends, especially if they are underage, or if you are doing so without their knowledge or consent.
• If you have a website use a contact form for prospective customers to contact you instead of posting your e-mail address. This will help cut down on unwanted spam. And if you work out of your home get a P.O. Box or private mailbox. Never post your home address on-line.
• And finally, if you are a parent, I can't stress enough that you need to closely monitor your children's activities on-line. Put the computer in the den or living room--not in the child's bedroom. And yes, you DO have the right, and an obligation to check their on-line history and monitor their Internet activities.
Think of your on-line life as living in a glass house where anyone and everyone can see you, and act accordingly.
GM
1 comments:
Internet is the conglomeration of all human knowledge- bastardizing and demeaning not exempted- although, many of its uses are still intact and untarnished by its user's inanity.
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