But when I read how Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google referred to Google+ as an “identity service” bells went off in my head. It’s not that I have a problem using my real name online, but it does make me wonder why it’s so important to Google.

Let’s face it, social networking sites are database gold mines filled with all kinds of information advertisers and/or governmental agencies would love to get their hands on.

The sad part of it is, we voluntarily fill those databases.

Today’s Lesson

In a previous lesson we talked about creating a digital footprint. We also discussed the importance of self-monitoring so what we share doesn’t lead to identity theft.

When we look at it as US creating a digital footprint, it sounds like we’re in control.

However, when we become aware others may be using the information we share on social networking sites to “profile” us, it feels like the tables are turned.

Let’s take a look at a sampling of how we provide demographics and psychographics with what we share.

We disclose our sex (gender) and marital status. If we have kids, we often say how many, plus their ages. We write about our likes and rant about our dislikes. We say where we live, talk about our jobs, our favorite foods, hobbies and the sports team(s) we follow. Some go as far as sharing their birth date (age) and anniversaries, too. Based on who we follow, our religious and political preferences become obvious. Some of us share our routines, where we go and how we got there (mode of transportation).

We share photos of ourselves, friends and children and write about our insecurities and our accomplishments.

In other words, we’re voluntarily profiling ourselves and offering the information for free while others are may be profiting from our ignorance trustworthiness.

When I look at it that way, I find it disturbing. But when I think of what I share as building my digital footprint, I feel I’m in control.

But am I?

Are you?

Today’s Assignment

Knowing what you share online could be used to profile you, will you change what, how and where you communicate online?

Care to share?

With the introduction of social networking sites such as MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin, plus with us posting to our blogs; what we feel, what we think, what sites we link to and what we believe, is no longer being viewed by just a select few but possibly by “private eye” type companies hired by potential future employers, or even our current employer, to spy on us.

Today’s Lesson

Although Google and Facebook are usually the spots where potential employers or clients look for information about us, if a professional social networking surveillance company is hired, no stone goes unturned.

Take, for example, Social Intelligence Corp (a division of RivData), who describe what they do as follows:

Social Intelligence Corp solely generates reports based on employer pre-defined criteria, both positive and negative. Negative examples include racist remarks or activities, sexually explicit photos or videos, and illegal activity such as drug use. Positive examples include charitable or volunteer efforts, participation in industry blogs, and external recognition.

Companies like this will find all of our blog posts, comments we left on other blogs, links we like, tweets on Twitter and posts on Facebook. Although we can delete some of the derogatory statements/photographs, if we’re in the job pool/market now, it may be too late.

Knowing this is happening can raise fear in bloggers. In fact, we may become so fearful, we either don’t start a blog or if we do, we become blogging sheeple, never expressing our true beliefs, but instead “playing nice” and acting like we don’t have a backbone. If it appears we don’t have an opinion or are wishy-washy on most topics, that could be construed to mean we cannot make decisions. Even small ones.

On the other hand, if we’re outspoken and share views that go against what a potential employer or client is looking for, would we be a good match for them anyway? And…would we even want to work for a company/client who isn’t accepting of opposing views?

I know some of you will say, “I’ll just blog/tweet/Facebook and use a pseudonym (fake name). That way I can say whatever I want”. In actuality that could hurt us. In the event our goal is to build up a clientele or develop a digital footprint which will benefit us in the future, all of the work we’ve done using the pseudonym could be wasted. Plus, not showing any online activity could appear suspicious.

Building a digital footprint and being aware of the breadcrumbs we leave on the world wide web can be daunting, however if done right, it could lead to great success and/or that dream job.

What say you?

Today’s Assignment

If your online activity was investigated, how would you score?

Based on your digital footprint, if you were in the market for an assistant, would you hire you?

Care to share?

For links to other posts on this topic, check out:

1. Do You Pass the Social Media Recruitment Test? (Mashable)
2. Social Media and Employment Law: Six Things You Need To Know (Monster Thinking)
3. Yes, Virginia, HR Execs Check Your Facebook Page (Gigaom)
4. Pre-employment Social Media Screening Deemed Legal, posted on Reppler, which is,

…a social media monitoring service designed to keep your social reputation clean and safe.

Photo Credit: Felipe Venâncio

The topic continues to be a concern not only to new, but to seasoned bloggers, as well.

Truth be told, a lot of writers turn to blogging hoping they’ll be judged by their words and not by what they look like.

Unfortunately the blogosphere is no different than the real world.

Those who are handsome, pretty, sexy and smart (looking) may have an advantage over their plainer looking fellow bloggers. And if their looks help them advance in the real world, they may use that in blogosphere, as well.

Some will wear horn rimmed glasses in their photos to appear smarter.

Blonds may darken their hair to be taken seriously.

Others may show sexy photos to entice readers to follow them.

Photo editing programs are often used to “enhance” a person’s features.

And then there are those who use their looks to compensate for their lack of writing skills.

Today’s Lesson

I think it’s common for us to have a preconceived notion what others look like (if they don’t share a photo of themselves).

If someone is a technology blogger, we may envision them to be nerdy looking.

“Mommy blogger” can evoke an image of a woman in an apron, tenderly responding to her children as she lovingly cooks fabulous meals for her family. Or not.

We may assume those who have a blog in conjunction with their business are professional looking.

When we read the words of another blogger, it’s nice to “see” who’s talking.

However, if they’re not sharing a photo, we are left guessing and may be asking, “Why are they hiding?”

What’s a blogger to do?

Today’s Assignment

When you land on a blog, can the photo of the blog author affect whether you read and/or subscribe to their blog?

Do you think a blogger can benefit from NOT posting their photo?

Care to share?

*P.S. More of David’s writings can be found on Blogger Dad, as well as at Collective Inkwell, where he and Sean Platt share “self-publishing news, tips, & interviews.

For anyone who has blogged for any length of time, you’ll likely find dozens of pages which link to your blog posts or comments you left on other blogs.

You can also find if someone referred to you or a blog post, but didn’t provide a link.

Today’s Lesson

I recently Googled my name and found the usual entries – blog posts and comments I have left online.

However, one entry stood out.

It was for a research paper a student from Penn State University (PSU) had done on the topic of introverts.

He said, in part,

I find insatiable interest in the introverted personality style particularly as it relates to learning and the impact that blogging can make on aiding academic performance when used in the classroom. According to Swafford (2009),* there are about 11 characteristics of the introverted personality type that lends itself well to blogging:

He then listed the examples I included in the blog post, Are Introverts Better Bloggers?

Knowing I had done my homework for that post, I wasn’t concerned, but it reminded me, what we share on our blogs is often deemed as “accurate”.

Lets’ face it; if something is published online, many will assume it’s true. Many will repeat what they read.

Thankfully I’ve always tried to blog both accurately and responsibly, but can you imagine my embarrassment if I hadn’t?

How about you?

Today’s Assignment

When you hit the publish button, do you realize what you’re sharing in your blog post(s) could be used as reference material?

Does it, or will it make a difference in how you blog?

Care to share?

*emphasis added for the purpose of this post

As I work behind the scenes getting the site ready, for those who are participating, I’d like to ask you to get ready for your part, as well.

Today’s Assignment

When you provide a guest post to Writers’ Blogk, I’ll be adding your bio at the end of your post(s). What I need from you is a short write up which will promote you, your writing talent and/or your blog.

Here’s a sample of what the bio will probably look like (still a work in progress).

click on image to see full size

When you provide me with your first guest post, that’s when I’ll also need your bio.

Please note, your avatar will be part of your bio, plus it will added to the list of contributors in the sidebar of the Writers’ Blogk site. If you do not have an avatar, I’d suggest getting one as it is part of your online branding.

Keep in mind, it is not necessary to have your photo in your avatar. Choose an image which best represents who you are, whether it be an anime, a pet, a flower, landscape, logo, or….

For your bio, it needs to be concise. I’d like it see them UNDER 50 words, so make each word count. You’re allowed to have ONE link in your bio. Use it to link to your best work, whether that be your blog’s home page, a specific post, your “About” page or….

Have fun with it. Show others your personality.

Due to a heavy work load and family commitments, my appearances online will be limited over the next week.

Please feel free to discuss this post amongst yourselves in the comment section.

Until then, Happy Blogging!

P.S. Are you looking for more information about avatars/gravatars? Check out this previous post: How To Get and/or Add A Gravatar To Your Post Comments