Terms and Conditions

This is a risky business.

Unless writers conceal themselves behind careful layers of anonymity, a weblog is like standing in a spotlight before family, friends, co-workers, neighbors - and thanks to the memory of search engines, anyone you will ever meet for the rest of your life. Most of them couldn't care less. But all it takes is the right Google search to reveal everything.

Intimidating? You bet. Try it yourself if you think it's easy - especially if you are an adult with a job and commitments. For my part, from the start I have assumed that anyone and everyone could be reading. My daughter might be seeing this ten years from now, in an archive. Or somebody could have tipped off the neighbors, or coworkers I never expected.

On that last point I will reiterate something I said before: I never, categorically, write about my employer, it's customers, or fellow employees. I'm proud of the work I do, but cognizant of business realities. Search every post, you won't find those topics discussed.

Freedom of speech, ironically, works better when you write anonymously about personal items. Add in politics and cultural concerns - or offer up your real name - and you are on more tenuous grounds. Talk about professional matters and you could be in trouble.

Some cultures imagined their ancestors were always present, always watching. This cleverly encourages responsibility. If you can't stick up for yourself, and stand by what you say, don't bother talking.