Online it happens all the time. People claim to be someone their not.

You’ve heard the stories. Perverts pretend they’re teenagers and befriend young children. Scammers send emails to unsuspecting people and tell them they’ve won a million dollars or are heir to a fortune. Those with an online presence are warned their Paypal, Ebay and/or credit card account needs updating.

In some cases, online relationships have lead to stalking and even death.

It’s behind their computer screen where they hide, typing words that may not always be true.

Today’s Lesson

Blogging is no different. We’re online. It’s inevitable we’ll “meet” someone who is not who they say they are.

Last week when Diana Freedman of U Stand Out commented on “The Unseen Benefit Of Commenting” post, she said, in part,

You can learn even more about people from their blog posts/comments than in person, too. I have friends who still keep LiveJournals, and it’s amazing how emotional people can get in their blogs when they NEVER would have made themselves seem so “vulnerable” during in-person conversations.

Diana’s comment reminded me of the recent political race. Blogs were filled with hateful, mean and disgusting comments. Many were written by people who chose to not use their real names.

The emotions were boiling over.

What about bloggers and blog visitors?

Are blogs an outlet? A place where they can honestly express their emotions? A safe place where they can first “test” what a reaction will be? A place where they can share their true feelings with others and not feel they’re being judged? A place where they can read what others are saying and when they feel comfortable, “come out” and share their thoughts, too?

Or do some feel their online presence gives them permission to lurk in blogosphere? Prey on unsuspecting individuals? Hide their true personality?

What if we were to meet other bloggers in real life? Would we be convinced they are the same person whose blog we read? How would they come across? Kind, well mannered, and/or caring? Angry, negative and/or filled with hatred? Or would they be exactly the same as they project themselves to be online?

I fall into the category of being transparent. What you “see” is what you get.

What about you?

Today’s Assignment

How transparent are you?

Have you ever befriended someone online only to find out they’re not who they said they were?

Have you ever used the internet to voice an opinion you would never speak of in real life?

If so, did it aid in your growing process?

Blogging has the potential to expose us to thousands of people. Feel free to share how your online presence has opened your eyes to the realities of the internet.

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Have you ever noticed how when you write your thoughts on paper it helps to clarify your feelings? It’s no wonder keeping a journal is so popular.

Blogging is the same. We often write (blog) about that which is on our mind.

It’s not just posting to a blog that can be beneficial. So can commenting.

We all know commenting is a great way to get our blogs found. Commenting builds community, both on our blog, and on others.  Just like writing a blog post, commenting can also give us a voice.

Today’s Lesson

When a blogger writes a post on a subject that interests me, I get to thinking and excitedly leave a comment that basically says, “Yeah, me, too, etc…”  My hope is my comment adds value to the post, and in the process, I feel I’ve been heard.

Other times I may read a post on a subject I’ve avoided thinking about. It could be on a life, business or blogging issue. Maybe what the author wrote strikes a chord with me and I realize I need to make a change. Perhaps the post is on the subject of death; an issue that occasionally haunts me.

On those type of blog posts I’m hesitate about admitting my weaknesses to the world, and/or telling others how the post may have opened up an old wound.

But, by reading the post, thinking about how it affects me, and leaving a comment saying so, I find I gain clarity, which in turn, begins the healing/learning process. By sharing what I’m feeling/thinking, I realize my words may help others, as well.

When I think back to the most memorable posts I’ve read, they are ones that were hard to read. In fact, oftentimes I was typing my comment with tears in my eyes. Looking back, the process of was extremely therapeutic.

I like when a blogger asks questions in their posts. They make me think. The thinking process opens my mind to other possibilities. When I share a comment, I get closer to finding answers to unresolved issues and/or gain clarity on a subject that eluded me.

What about you?

Today’s Assignment

When you read other blog posts, does the act of commenting on them bring you closer to finding clarity?

Does reading posts or comments on a post, open you mind to more possibilities?

Do you ever hesitate to leave a comment because the subject hits too close to “home”?

Please feel free to share how commenting affects you. I’m guessing I’m not alone on this issue.

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