The Dangers of Blogging

Blogging is a dangerous game, personally I think you have to be a bit of a masochist to blog.

There are various types of bloggers, but there is one thing in common, you are leaving yourself open to some very doggy people. Think about it. You write a novel or a book of poetry, it gets published and it may get reviewed, by a select few people, where reviewing is their job or profession.

You blog, you publish, and depending on the site you publish to, you get reviewed by countless people, many of whom aren't 'straight down the line' as they would like others to think, where they aren't professional reviewers, and often where personal feelings / insults may take the place of reasoned judgement, but for the 'reviewer' well, they think that this is part of 'reasoned' judgement.

This isn't the case for many bloggers. Many are decent, reasoned people who will give their support and the reasoned judgement or criticism, but a few, many who hide behind one or more identities, use this forum to abuse, which is not reasoned judgement. The odd nasty comment sliped in. Oh they didn't like that you had a different opinion to you about another blog or blogger, so here's my chance, lets put the knife into this person, because they've just posted a blog.

Blogging between three different sites has allowed me great insight into the world of blogging and I now find myself having to decide where each post is most appropriate. For example if I were to post this on the My Telegraph site, I'm more than likely to come into the area where those who feel that this is a direct referece to them, will take it personally and will then feel that their feathers have been ruffled. Then the uncontrollable need for revenge will slip into gear, although this isn't in the forefront of their mind, the need for revenge or get your own back, but in reality that may well be different.

To post on a site that has aspiring writers etc. People who have a creative element to what they do, you are much more likely to get the constructive criticism approach, where the need to be helpful in the most constructive way is priority. These people often do not have an axe to grind or a need, to be nasty, so they are far more likely to have a more balanced approach to reviewing the blog, rather than reviewing the person.

The third site I post to, is blogger. Now this is completely different, there is no ready made audience, and you either have to actively promote yourself, or do what I do, which is to just post. If some one happens to chance upon the blogs great, if they feel that my blogs deserve a comment, even better. Now these people will more often than not leave a positive comment, because they have found you by chance, and have found your blog interesting enough to hold their attention, otherwise they will pass on and read another blog.

So to any people who feel that they are more likely to blog as opposed to write novels or short stories, the best advice I can give you is take great care. Investigate the sites that take your interest, what are people blogging? Are there any hidden adgendas going on through the comments? Do some people seem to revel in being rude or offensive, if you noticed one offensive comment, track the comment this person makes is it 'normal' for them and most importantly do you want them to do this to you?

On most blogging sites you can post pictures usually only one. I rarely if ever post a picture, especially of myself or my family, why? ...... think about it, who can view it. You have no control of who views your picture or your blogs. I never give too much away online, I don't mind giving my email out, because if it gets too bad with spam or insults I can close down the email and get another.....I'm in control.

Always make sure that you have control of your blogs, that you can edit and delete them if things get uncomfortable. Some sites have moderators, but don't rely on these for help, after all what is their adgenda? More advertising for the site as its seen as dynamic? In that case does it matter if there are a few casualties along the way, remember these people have a vested interest, they may be the site owners; therefore a bit conflict could be good. Or they could be employed in another role and are given a moderators job as a second role, but are told to 'back off', let the site develop.

If you decide to blog good luck, there is not much more that one can say.