Sunday Morning Blog

January 27, 2006

Blogosphere Survival Skills

Who said blogs were a passing fad? There are only a few groups of people who would still seriously consider this question: 1) businesses (including software developers), 2) the media, 3) governments (including politicians), and 4) those who have yet to express themselves through blogging. Fortunately blogs, or some future variation of them, appear to be here to stay. In fact, despite negative stories and attempts to bully or frighten people away from blogging, the Internet seems to be flourishing with people freely expressing themselves.

I did say "freely expressing themselves," but even this may be a point of contention in blogs. When confronted with opposing points of view, residents of the blogosphere sometimes claim to be the victims of some organized effort to squash their freedom of speech, despite their obvious, unfettered ability to utilize this right. Many newbie bloggers, and even some confused veterans, also seem to think freedom of speech means freedom from contradiction or freedom from ridicule. When did freedom of speech become a right for only the chosen few, or only for those on "our" side of an argument? When did freedom of speech become something we would so readily deny those who posess the nerve to contradict us?

The blogosphere is still open and free to all people (here in the United States at least). This guarantees differing points of view and a forum that is open to debate. If you put your ideas (especially contentious ones) in a public forum, prepare your defenses. If you are not willing to accept this reality, or have such little faith in your own beliefs that opposition will be perceived as a threat to you, it makes no sense to blog on some of the more popular, public sites.

If you still choose to put your reputation on the line in such a forum, be warned: although the blogosphere is no longer uncharted territory, it does remain a wilderness. By their very nature, blogs can be a dangerous place- especially for those whose beliefs have never been challenged. You are in the public eye. Blogging about contentious issues, being open about your politics, and especially posting on a site where attack dog debate is the standard means of communication, your patience and fortitude will surely be tested. The trick is defining yourself and sticking to your principles without allowing commenters (or tormentors, depending on your perspective) to steer you off course, or author your beliefs for you. Staying above the fray may be your most difficult test.

The point of this post was not to preach or scare would be bloggers away. In a roundabout way, I was getting to some important lessons for bloggers to be. These teachings may very well be the difference between sinking or swimming in the wilderness of the public blogosphere.

Blogosphere Survival Skills

Lesson #1: What should you do if your blog post evokes an avalanche of outrage? Even the smallest avalance can be extremely dangerous. Mild outrage may appear innocent enough, but can quickly overwhelm you if you do not get out of its path. Attempt to make your way right or left of the avalanche's flow and do whatever you can to remain on the surface and avoid being buried.

Lesson #2: What should you do if charged by a grizzly commenter? Play dead and cover your rear. The commenter may bat you about with a few non-lethal blows, but you will survive. The best policy: avoid grizzly commenters or their habitats at all cost.

Lesson #3: How do you avoid a storm of controversy? Listen to the news reports, as they can usually warn of impending storms. Also, if you get the feeling that maybe you are pushing the envelope... you are. Don't post to your blog despite such warnings.

Lesson #4: What should you do if you are bitten by a commenter? Stay calm, and get away from the commenter as quickly as possible. Rinse the bite area and click Help for further instructions.

Lesson #5: How do you free yourself from an admiring commenter's embrace? If you have been trapped by the commenter in a public forum, quickly climb on the commenter's back, highlight his/her text and press the delete button. Hang on for dear life. The commenter will not be able to reach you from this position, and the delete button may actually calm the monster. Beware that it does not lash at your back with its anonymous tail.

It is my hope that mastering these skills will give you a good start as you proceed into the wilderness of the blogosphere. I will attempt to add more lessons as time allows, so check back often. Most importantly, remember to stay on your toes and tread carefully. You never know what might be lurking around that next blog.

Posted by capecodcyclist at January 27, 2006 04:45 AM