Comments on: Let’s Connect – Maybe

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:36:34 +0000

Karen,

I love the metaphor which you use to describe this situation.

Personally, I would run a mile if someone opened and closed the door in the manner that you describe, which does not sound at all like a remotely effective networking strategy.

Those who participate in social networking forums should set out a clear idea before they start about what they want to share and with whom. Once this is done, they should either invite others in or otherwise. But inviting others in and then making them jump through hoops in order to register and participate does not seem particularly sensible to me.

By: Ulla Hennig

Ulla Hennig — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:20:59 +0000

Karen, there is a big discussion going on about privacy here in Germany, and a lot of people are afraid of joining social networks because they are afraid. I think that it is important that we know what we are doing - there is also the saying "don't write in an e-mail what you would not write on a postcard". Information given on the web can be searched for and archived - a lot of people don't know that. Knowing all these things I am on Twitter and facebook, and I am writing a blog and commenting. Ulla Hennig´s last blog post..Memories and Old Stuff

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:55:10 +0000

@Brad, I think that approach is smart and one I try to live by as well. I won’t say I’ve never stuck my virtual foot in my mouth but er I would’ve done that in real life too!

@Conor, hi there! I completely agree with you. I behave on the internet as I do in person. I am certain it is a direct result of still hearing my mum’s voice telling me to behave like a lady. Or one could say my life just ain’t that interesting! lol! I absolutely think people should exercise discernment in the information they share and with whom. And as you said, write it down if you must but let it sit before you hit publish or you may regret it for a very long time.

@Roland, lol! I love the approach! We can protect our privacy without hiding our personality! I am quite frankly appalled at the location applications that blast where you are all over the internet. As a woman, I will not ever use Google Latitude or any such service that tells people online exactly where I am and don’t understand the appeal.

@Fred, wow! Excellent observation about Sales and LinkedIn. The world is changing and I think we have all had to live with the new competitive environment. Information is fairly transparent and is no longer the leverage it was in the old economy. However, I would rather be the one mastering the tools than pretending the world is not evolving.

@Alex, I agree with you! Be smart but you can’t live in fear. Your picture as an avatar is no big deal but tweeting your home address is stupidity.