Luckily, when I proclaimed in a recent tweet that I was "the flaming keyboard of justice," (a phrase I'd picked up from a t-shirt company) my other half took it upon himself to check in with me. Although he insisted that he didn't know my brand and freelance writing business better than I did, he gently questioned some recent screeds I'd posted on Twitter. He reminded me that getting into rows about politics, parenting and so on with anonymous (or even real life) audiences rarely works out, and no one is likely to "win," anyway.
And he's right. As a writer who often produces content on culture, politics and current events, I've suffered from the after effects of controversial posts, tweets, stories and photos. Sometimes I simply seethe at those who can't see my obviously well-crafted and bulletproof argument. However, there are other times when I honestly regret letting my sour mood get away from me, and wonder about the dialogue I may have had, if I'd only kept it under wraps.
However, some content goes even further, and has more lasting and permanent aftereffects. A previous blog entry here at Huffington Post generated a rash of indirect threats, including the posting of my actual address on a white supremacist online forum. This led to police monitoring of my home, and the installation of a security system -- something we'd never before even considered.
And this occurrence is too common. Recently, it was reported that a Kansas professor has received death threats after angering gun enthusiasts via Twitter. Feminist bloggers have had an ongoing discussion about the current online environment, a dialogue that is frustratingly long on incidents and short on solutions. This week, I fielded two different questions from the new freelance writers that I mentor at About.com Freelance Writing regarding this same issue. One recent journalism grad related a story in which she'd been recognized in the local grocery store and harangued about her recent oped in a local paper. Another writer told me she was seriously reconsidering the career after losing control of the comments section of a client's blog.
In addition to the classic "back away from the keyboard" suggestion, there are a few precautions that both professional and casual writers and bloggers can take to protect themselves from the damaging and even dangerous online culture without giving up on the writing/blogging career.
We're just at the beginning of figuring out this collision between real life and digital existence, but some progress has been made and online publishers are working on solutions. But you (I've) got a part to play in this, too, one which requires a dollop of humility, and the ability to judge a productive conversation from a useless escalation that has no potential positive end. Learn along with me?
And he's right. As a writer who often produces content on culture, politics and current events, I've suffered from the after effects of controversial posts, tweets, stories and photos. Sometimes I simply seethe at those who can't see my obviously well-crafted and bulletproof argument. However, there are other times when I honestly regret letting my sour mood get away from me, and wonder about the dialogue I may have had, if I'd only kept it under wraps.
However, some content goes even further, and has more lasting and permanent aftereffects. A previous blog entry here at Huffington Post generated a rash of indirect threats, including the posting of my actual address on a white supremacist online forum. This led to police monitoring of my home, and the installation of a security system -- something we'd never before even considered.
And this occurrence is too common. Recently, it was reported that a Kansas professor has received death threats after angering gun enthusiasts via Twitter. Feminist bloggers have had an ongoing discussion about the current online environment, a dialogue that is frustratingly long on incidents and short on solutions. This week, I fielded two different questions from the new freelance writers that I mentor at About.com Freelance Writing regarding this same issue. One recent journalism grad related a story in which she'd been recognized in the local grocery store and harangued about her recent oped in a local paper. Another writer told me she was seriously reconsidering the career after losing control of the comments section of a client's blog.
In addition to the classic "back away from the keyboard" suggestion, there are a few precautions that both professional and casual writers and bloggers can take to protect themselves from the damaging and even dangerous online culture without giving up on the writing/blogging career.
- Avoid engagement and escalation. This is the gentle suggestion of my husband earlier this week. For professional writer/bloggers, interacting with the comments section, Twitter reactions or Google Plus discussions may be part of the client's deal, but if it's not- why bother? If you've stated your argument well and provided clear support, perhaps it's time to move on.
- Take precautions. Again, it saddens me when new freelance writers who used to write me asking how to protect their copyright are now asking me how to protect themselves. However, a little prevention goes a long way. Having a security system has provided a bit of stress relief for us. In addition, if you can, consider using a PO box instead of a physical address for your business. Avoid posting details about your daily schedule or habits.
- Be secure in other ways, too. Don't focus only on physical security. Some writers and journalists have suffered from concerted hacking efforts, takeover of social media account and "doxxing." Some of the best money I've ever spent on my business was for the advice of a serious IT safety and security professional, who also takes care of all my computer and wireless equipment, in addition to my online needs. Another way to cover your bases is to forge a proactive relationship with an attorney accustomed to working with independent writers or journalists, just in case. The power of a cease and desist varies, but you'll want to be prepared. Besides, they're a great source for vetting your writing/client contracts.
We're just at the beginning of figuring out this collision between real life and digital existence, but some progress has been made and online publishers are working on solutions. But you (I've) got a part to play in this, too, one which requires a dollop of humility, and the ability to judge a productive conversation from a useless escalation that has no potential positive end. Learn along with me?
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