As I travel through the blogosphere, I encounter a bevy of different types of bloggers. Each blogger trying to accomplish a different goal. Some wish to document their lives, some vent their frustrations, some share knowledge, some start businesses.
The Blogosphere is a cornucopia of opportunity.
Lately, a debate about anonymous blogging has raged. One camp has cried that taking away the anonymity is akin to taking our First Amendment Right of Free Speech. The other camp states that you should take responsibility for what you write regardless of the consequences. Yes, First Amendment Rights of Free Speech apply but those who are responsible are writing within that context and have nothing to fear.
I have to say that stand in the second camp. I live by the rule 'If my mother can't read what I write, I don't publish it!' Trite I know. I feel that too many people hide behind a mask to publish slanderous and defamatory materials about decent people. All under the guise of Free Speech.
Free Speech does not protect against slander and libel. Both of which are prosecutable. Publishing anonymously doesn't give anyone the right to hurt another person. PERIOD.
Not all Anonymous Bloggers publish with the intent to harm. Some are worried about personal security. There are plenty of opportunists that can do irreparable harm with just a little bit of seemingly harmless information. That being said, I truly believe the majority of bloggers simply wish to express themselves, if asked they will reveal themselves.
I'll be honest. While I might be pointed and tart in what I say, I stand by my opinion. I am a private individual, who welcomes new friends and acquaintances. As the light of bloggers rights is being shined across the blogosphere, I know that I can stand in the light and fear no shadows.
I am a blogger.
The Blogosphere is a cornucopia of opportunity.
Lately, a debate about anonymous blogging has raged. One camp has cried that taking away the anonymity is akin to taking our First Amendment Right of Free Speech. The other camp states that you should take responsibility for what you write regardless of the consequences. Yes, First Amendment Rights of Free Speech apply but those who are responsible are writing within that context and have nothing to fear.
I have to say that stand in the second camp. I live by the rule 'If my mother can't read what I write, I don't publish it!' Trite I know. I feel that too many people hide behind a mask to publish slanderous and defamatory materials about decent people. All under the guise of Free Speech.
Free Speech does not protect against slander and libel. Both of which are prosecutable. Publishing anonymously doesn't give anyone the right to hurt another person. PERIOD.
Not all Anonymous Bloggers publish with the intent to harm. Some are worried about personal security. There are plenty of opportunists that can do irreparable harm with just a little bit of seemingly harmless information. That being said, I truly believe the majority of bloggers simply wish to express themselves, if asked they will reveal themselves.
I'll be honest. While I might be pointed and tart in what I say, I stand by my opinion. I am a private individual, who welcomes new friends and acquaintances. As the light of bloggers rights is being shined across the blogosphere, I know that I can stand in the light and fear no shadows.
I am a blogger.
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