Comments on: Rip the Veil or Close the Blinds?

By: Michele

Michele — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:23:49 +0000

Aw, thank you! I really appreciate your kind words, Karen. And, yes, I do try to be open and clear about helping folks improve their health.
Michele´s last blog ..Writers Are Superheroes

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:22:36 +0000

Hi Walter! Well, that’s a good point and puts it right back on us. It’s not the information but the one who shares it. Well said Walter!

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:21:37 +0000

Michele, I am so glad you stopped by too! Your openness is not for shock value but is literally saving lives. As Janice noted, context makes a huge difference. While you may share info that might make others uncomfortable your mission is clear and in my book we need more of that kind of transparency.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:20:03 +0000

Fred, bingo! I think you nailed it “Determining what is meaningful from your personal stream will require hard editing decisions.” This is a trait that we don’t often appreciate in leadership. Leaders MUST know how to make those tough decisions and own up when they have edited too much or too little. A leader will not divulge every thought or opinion but the masses will.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:17:33 +0000

Robert, wow, yet another layer to this thicket! So, for you position in your life and influence are key elements in the level of transparency. I had not thought of in that way but agree that on some level we all make that same judgment call.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:14:57 +0000

Robyn, thank you so much for those kind words. You and I agree on so many things and this is yet another common bond. You explore, share, teach and warmly invite discussion. You question to involve us all and we’re all richer for the experience. You are right that many freely discuss and debate the “taboo” topics and while they can be a lightning rod, they can be handled with respect.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:10:27 +0000

Kevin, I love your position of judicious use of transparency. Naomi is another great example, because she is transparent and AUTHENTIC. She is true to her character and makes no apologies for it. Perhaps that is the true key?

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Jan, hmmm, this really makes me think. In your last comment you referenced Penelope, Queen of the Envelope pushers. I read that tweet and it is a juicy example of something that could completely polarize an audience. Was it gratuitous? Some would say definitely so. Was there a reason for ever sharing that with anyone out loud or was she being true to her own character?

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:01:45 +0000

Brad, your comment truly cuts to the heart of this issue, and aligns with what Conor and Barbara shared. Our own style/personality and comfort level drive our transparency and in many cases provides a guidepost of how we react to the transparency of others. However, there are those that push the envelope, make us uncomfortable and we seem to like them. Is there an art to making people squirm but still engaging them?

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:54:33 +0000

Conor, what a great point about the reader’s comfort level and really ties in with what Barbara shared. However, in fiction making the reader uncomfortable can actually draw them further into the story. Does that ever hold true for non-fiction?