Whether we’re blogging for fun or to enhance our online profile, we need to realize we can also expose ourselves to scrutiny,cyber bullying, law suits and even death threats.
The higher the profile of the blogger, the higher the chances of being targeted.
Today’s Lesson
Although these are topics we may not want to think about, I feel it’s important we’re informed.
In 2007 Kathy Siearra, a popular blogger and author, canceled speaking engagements when she began getting death threats. The threats appeared on her blog, plus on the blogs of others.
In January of 2009, Michael Arrington the founder of TechCrunch wrote an article of how he was spit at. In the same post, he disclosed how he had also received death threats in 2008. Needing time to reflect, he took a month off from blogging.
Then there was the sad story of the young girl in Missouri (USA) who committed suicide after making friends with someone on MySpace. According to this New York Times article, the girl received an email which stated, ““The world would be a better place without you.”. Shortly after that, she took her own life.
In January of 2009 a lawsuit in California was settled after a patient posted a negative review about a doctor on Yelp (an online forum). The parties came to a mutual agreement, however, it raised the debate of how to protect not only the right of free speech but also the reputation of businesses.
In December of 2008 Pete Cashmore of Mashable.com wrote a post warning those on Twitter titled, Twitter Lawsuits: 4 Reasons Your Tweets Might Be Trouble, explaining how what you write on Twitter could get you into a courtroom.
According to MediaLaw.org, as of February 23, 2009, bloggers who have been sued have been ordered to pay over $16,000,000.00. This site lists summaries of multiple lawsuits against bloggers – well worth the read.
Granted, in most cases blogging will remain a fun and enjoyable activity and we won’t “make headlines”, however, we need to be aware we’re not as safe as we may think.
Today’s Assignment
Have you ever been bullied on line? If so, how did you handle it?
Knowing this is just the tip of the iceberg for law suits against bloggers, death threats and cyber bullying, how would you suggest we minimize being a target?
If you were targeted, would you quit blogging?
Please feel free to share your thoughts.
.
P.S. A great resource for preventing cyber bullying is Cyberbully.org – Center For Safe and Responsible Internet Use.
Photo Credit: blakeemrys
I think there are two sides to this Barbara – taking care, and having a good network of friends if you should need it, but also being responsible and respectful.
Blogging shouldn’t be a licence to publish what you want about others, and I think there’s a need to remember that everything you post online including comments and tweets… stays out there, and is easily findable, and readable.
Joanna Young´s last blog post..Introducing the Theme for March: Community
Interesting post. I’ve never been bullied while blogging but I have been bullied on an online forum before. The worst part wasn’t the actual bullying, but the fact that so many people didn’t speak up for me or worse criticized me for complaining to the administration because after all it wasn’t likely that any threats could be carried out and it would impede other people’s free speech to ban people for being jerks. What a colossal failure of common sense! I remember thinking what was so awful about me that people thought that it was okay to stand by and let another treat me like that.
Oi, I still get angry thinking about it.
Back to the subject, I’d like to think I would still blog no matter what, but if I felt my kids were in danger I probably wouldn’t. That’s one reason I don’t blog very much about my children, not because I’m paranoid about predators or people targetting them but because that’s one area in my life where I know I would take it extremely hard and couldn’t be objective if I were to get vicious, ugly comments.
Tracy´s last blog post..Shangri-La Diet Week 1 Recap
I totally agree with Joanna.
My mode of writing is, never write anything I’d be ashamed of my folks reading or my kids reading or …..
Respect is simply good business sense.
And don’t get me started on bullying – gosh, how I hate that. 🙁 There are many idjuts online….
Data points, Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post..GRAB this free quality OTO script – one time offer!
Sidestepping the death threats issue, which is serious, the problem of bloggers being sued is part of the litigation culture that seems endemic in the US at the moment. As a European I find it horrifying. I recently joined US Scuba forum, and every thread has a whole series of legal disclaimers you have to agree to before posting – in the end I gave up!
Mike´s last blog post..Maintaining Motivation in the Middle Phase of Blogging
Hi Barbara – I think fears parents have about cyber and text bullying are well-founded, especially in light of the St. Louis incident, and the fact that thousands of predators have been outed from MySpace, etc. The threats to Kathy Sierra and the assault on Michael Arrington personify the notion that some feel the anonymity of the internet gives them license, and that sense of entitlement can spill over into their perception of reality.
Years ago, I was targeted with inappropriate behavior from someone I met online. A letter from a lawyer did the trick, but not without an embarrassing outburst from the perp – which made me realize that I hadn’t been as judicious in my choices as I could have been. A red flag is a red flag. Document and involve the authorities if necessary, sooner rather than later.
Betsy Wuebker´s last blog post..NETBOOKS – LESS IS MORE THESE DAYS
I’ve been involoved in plenty of eye poking contests on the internet. First, you need to have, or develop, a thick skin. Second, make sure your facts are correct. Third, try not to get personal – You can criticise somebody’s work or opinion, but not their looks or habits. Lastly, when it’s clear that you’ve been walloped, learn to retreat, instead of digging a deeper hole.
It helps if you have a couple of friends who will back you up with their words. Fighting it alone is a bit heavy. Last, don’t ever get into a fight based on false premises. Meaning that if you don’t really believe in what you’re arguing for, then don’t.
This is a hard one! I guess hate is going to rear its ugly head anywhere you go. It is too bad that people just have to spew their ugly words, threats and/or actions.
Not sure what I would do but I certainly would not give them a parking place in my brain. I would enlist the authorities and then decide what to do from there.
Linda´s last blog post..EPA’s TV Recycling Challenge
I have not, but I had a cyber friend who did and she did quit blogging. She was accused of plagarism and threatened with a lawsuit. It scared her so bad she just gave it all up. It made me sad because I really enjoyed her post.
This raises an interesting point, though and one I’ve thought of often. I make friends out there and we talk about meeting someday. Many bloggers I read post about how they hooked up with a fellow blogger. My husband is completely against this idea. I sometimes travel with him and I would like to meet some of these friends while he is in seminars. I have the day to myself and wouldn’t it be fun to have lunch with them. He does not like the idea because I really don’t know them. Where do you draw the line? When we discussed it further recently he said if I ever did, do it in a public area where I had my own transportation. That way, you can leave if you need to. I don’t know if I’ll have the opportunity to meet one of my blogging friends, but if I do, I will do it with caution.
Debbie Yost´s last blog post..Forever is a Long Time
i haven’t been bullied online and if i ever felt threatened i would shut it down and run away. i really don’t blog about anything that would set someone off, but you never know. there are some unstable folks out there and i don’t want to be nobody’s target.
NaTuRaL´s last blog post..Answer: A River Runs Through It
Hi Barbara – I’d heard those stories and they were shocking – particularly the young girl who committed suicide.
I will definitely be checking out that site you mentioned. I’ve been threatened and bullied online. But I haven’t received any serious death threats – ok, someone told me to “go die” in the comments section of my blog but I didn’t feel worried for my life.
I’ve never been threatened with lawsuits – aside from my ex and his wife, but they’re complete idiots anyway. And the way I see it is this – if I’m honest in what I write and someone still wants to sue me – I’ll worry about that when it comes.
Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Sleazy Sales & Why Your Neighbours Make You Poor
I agree with Mike, but I’d like to add that we are starting to see this trend in Europe too.
Just as an example, when I taught, it was very hard to get teachers open to take their students anywhere out of the school limits; excursions could become a thing of the past. And it’s not like I would blame them.
Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..Fat Runners Club
Twitter is a public forum. Don’t say anything that you want kept private. The same is true of blogs. Before you click publish, comment, or update take a moment to think.
In terms of the death threats and cyber bullies, I think that’s an extension of things that were already happening in society. Famous or semi-famous people have dealt with this for years. I think really popular bloggers are semi-famous. Wish this stuff wasn’t a reality, but it is. It’s important that law enforcement be vigilant in protect against it on and off the Internet.
Gennaro´s last blog post..San Marcos La Laguna: A Peaceful Retreat
Hi Joanna – That’s a great reminder about what we publish – posts, comments and/or tweets, stay in cyberspace forever. I also agree, we need to be responsible and respectful.
Hi Barbara – That’s true. When we write something we’re not ashamed of, chances are, it won’t get us in trouble.
Hi Mike – That’s sad how a forum you probably would have enjoyed disclaimered you away.
HI Betsy – Thank you for sharing your story and the advice; document what has transpired and to involve the authorities if need be.
Hi Ling – Thank you for the great suggestions. With blogging we do need thick skin just for negative comments. I agree sometimes it’s best to retreat and let the aggressor “win.” We need to pick our battles, don’t we?
Hi Linda – Yes, unfortunately no matter where we go, online or off, we will witness hate. It’s sad to see it on blogs, but if we’re prepared for it, it’s a little easier to swallow.
Hi Tracy – That is sad no one came to your defense in the forum. Just like in real life, people often don’t want to get involved and would rather sit back and watch.
Hi Debbie – It sounds like your husband is a wise man. Meeting strangers (even if they’ve become online friends) could be dangerous. It’s tough to say what’s the best way to handle it. Maybe meeting up at a bloggers conference would be a good choice, or having someone else go with you even if they just sat off in the distance.
Hi NaTuRaL – I can’t see anyone wanting to attack you for what you write either, but like you said, “you never know”.
HI Catherine – I remember when you got that “go die” comment. That was the first time I had seen someone I know be threatened and you handled it perfectly.
Hi Miguel – Yes, these problems extend into our real life, too. It’s sad to see, but on the other hand, it doesn’t help to stick our head in the sand either.
Hi Gennaro – I agree. Taking a moment before we hit publish is a great idea. Like you said. what we post online (anywhere) becomes public knowledge.
Hi Ribbon – You’re welcome. I find it fascinating how lawsuits are more prominent in some countries versus others. If Australia can curb this activity (filing lawsuits) and find a better solution to a problem, everyone will be better off in the end.
Hi Stacey – “Hanging out” with like minded people should ensure we don’t get bullied.
Hi Jannie – That’s true. Have a thick skin or be non controversial.
People saying they don’t like you is fine. Death threats are too much. Those are my thoughts.
Legal action stuff is not an unique phenomenum to blogging, but it’s a bigger problem to bloggers because many of them are running their own operation. It’s different from a big company being sued and having their own lawyers taking care of it.
Kelvin Kao´s last blog post..New Video! (With New Puppets!)
Hi George – Thank you for sharing your experience between your site and the other one you post on. I agree, if a blog or site doesn’t have a personal aspect to it, people are more apt to vent and forget there’s a real person behind the words.
Hi Kelvin – Good point. Our blogs are “ours” and in most cases are not a business entity. Your example of a business being sued vs an individual is a perfect example.
Hello
I’m not intending to down play the seriousness of feeling victimised, but it is highly unlikely that a person would commit suicide due to ONE comment. I base this comment on my experience of suicide.
Anything that involves dealing with the public leaves you open to experiencing bullying behaviour.
Fortunately for us all most undesirable behaviour is played out by an insignificant minority in the scheme of the scale of the human race.
The threat of law suits appear to be more prominent in some cultures as opposed to others. It is something that is trying to slowly creep in here in Australia, but is proving not to be the most popular choice at this point in time.
As far as stopping I don’t really have a straight answer for that one. Like most things…. deal with it ,if and when it arises. No preconceived idea!
Best wishes and thank you for sharing
Thank goodness I have never been bullied online. I tend to hang out with like minded people and couldn’t imagine being sued for my contribution to the blogosphere. Looking forward to reading what others have to say on the subject.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..Attracting Life Balance
I would say to minimize your chances of being bullied, blog about non-controversial topics. Or as Ling said, develop a thick skin.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Why?
Very interesting topic, Barbara.
I’ve not been bullied online, thank goodness. Caught at the right time, I’d be likely to fire a salvo right back, just adding fuel to the fire. Yes, I know that’s not smart.
Something amazing I just noticed today. Over at Tumblemoose it is rare for me to receive anything other than a positive comment. I don’t believe I’ve ever had one even less than civil.
But I post for Examiner.com as the Alaska Transportation Examiner and the comments left over there have a ratio of about 60% venom and vitriole. I think it’s because there is not as much of a personal aspect to the blog over there.
Nice work for making your students put on their thinking caps, Teach.
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..Writers: Does a library intimidate or inspire?
I have ever been bullied online but not in the measure of the stories here. I chose to ignore the email. I felt that there was nothing that I need to fear because my conscience was clear. The stories you mentioned here did shake me a little, however, on the extent of how bullying can become.
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Interview On How To Attract Life Balance
PS me again …. I just became aware that when I mentioned suicide and said that comment was based on experience that it may have been misinterpreted ………………….what I intended was ………….My experience in dealing with people who are suicidal 🙂
best wishes and apologies for any unnecessary concern
thank you
Ribbon´s last blog post..My Hero
I wonder how the world will change as diplomacy and hope fill the airwaves – at least here in the us….I think as the leader behaves so does the country?
Being one of the first women admitted to the graduate school and program I attended was a time of severe bullying and torment. In every job I have worked there has been someone who has tried to make my life miserable – I draw the line to protect my family.
I have survived so many things. I document and quote and check my sources as best I can….Then I post what feels right.
I think that is why though I only did research for news sources and let the hungry reporters purchase the research – I did not want much more of the public eye.
We need to be careful in this world and then do what we know is best.
Patricia´s last blog post..Sunday Dinner
I agree with Mike on the litigation culture. It’s sad.
I like the way you ask the tough stuff.
Seems like lots of opportunities for prescriptive guidance.
I’ve always liked the saying, don’t let other people push your buttons.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..How to Pave a Path Forward
I’ve never been bullied nor ever had a negative comment on my blog. Then again my posts are never the sort to get people riled up.
I’m with Mike, Miguel and Vered on the litigation thing – so sad how little we can do because of worry over being sued.
I wonder how much of what happens comes from a culture of fear. As an outsider looking in (even more so now that I don’t live in North America), culture in the United States appears to focus solely on fear of one sort or another and the dangers of the world – best safe behind locked doors multiple levels of internet protection and a gun under the bed. With that kind of mindset, it’s no wonder people go on the attack quickly – a kind of “get them before they get me” attitude.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post..At a crossroads with no signposts: Introducing Lab Rat Cat
Hi Barbara,
I have not been bullied online and it would never occur to me to sue someone else for what they said on their blog.
Having said that, I have read some other blogs offering health advice that I found dubious, and these are not qualified health practitioners in anyway. I did wonder if anyone would sue them if their advice was followed with adverse effects. We do have to be careful and responsible for our words. Thanks for raising awareness about this.
Daphne´s last blog post..Do You Have A Personal Creed?
Hi Barbara. This is difficult to answer. I’m fortunate that I’ve not been bullied online. I did receive a hate letter from an old employer in Toronto once. He laid me off and refused to pay me appropriately. I took him to the labour board and won. He wasn’t happy and I received my last cheque with a hate letter enclosed in the same envelope.
As for blogging, all we can do is be respectful of each other. Even then there are no guarantees. A blogger with a high profile or who blogs as an expert in a given field is obviously at more risk and needs to take precautions. But I don’t believe you’re ever safe when you are visible to the world.
Davina´s last blog post..Take This To Heart
Hi Barbara,
Nope never been bullied on line but I’ve was bullied during childhood.
I agree with Stacey and like minded bloggers.
I would never write anything bad about anyone or to anyone. I also wouldn’t touch controversial stuff. On or off line. Also if someone disagrees with me I change the subject. there can’t be an arguement with only one person.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Magic for Your Monday: Bold Steps for Living Your Dreams
I have been bullied by an ex co worker who attacked me relentlessy online via comments on my blog and through emails/hate mail after I asked her to not contact me again on the phone after an abusive phone call. It is scary, VERY scary and I did not know how to deal with something that seemed so unhinged like her behaviour. I did NOT shut down my blog. I am not going to be her victim. I have had to work extra hard at monitoring her prescence and I did have to dirty up my blog with a warning to her that no contact means no contact along with other typical warnings that you would make to someone stalking you. This was the first and last time I directed anything to her personally a year after it started because I had had enough and she had started commenting on my blog again. Of course the hate mail followed…again.
In my case, shutting down my blog would be pointless because she knows where I live. My blog is designed for me to network as I create my business in real life and I do promote my stuff from my blog so I cannot afford to shut it down and start again and I wont either. It is very scary though and no one should be subjected to this behaviour. If it happens though, do as I am doing. LOG EVERYTHING.
I do need to become more informed as I felt very alone and vulnerable when this happened so I will be reading up more on this post when I have a break today.
melanie´s last blog post..Seriously fun
For the most part Internet tough guys (or girls) crack me up. Anyone that plays online poker can back me up on this lol.
Sure I’ve gone a few rounds on forums, but only with all my ducks in a row and others to stand by, luckily.
Cyber bullies however (referencing mainly teen situations) are a totally different matter and very dangerous. Not that most if any would actually take it offline, but since “the ‘net is life” for many kids, it’s just as bad if not worse.
I strongly believe months of mental anguish is far worse then geting beat up under the bleachers by the head moron.
That particular suicide mentioned above was so much sadder then most when it turned out in the end that the bully girls mother was also involved.
Dennis Edell´s last blog post..Best “Blog Improvement Review” Contest – 1 Winner – $100 via Paypal
I don’t think you necessarily have to do anything in order to be harassed or sent hate mail. Sometimes people are just envious. I’ve received a couple of anonymous negative comments on my blog, and I think I know who they were from. I responded with polite questions, but I don’t think the person ever returned to see them.
If I received a death threat for blogging, I would probably quit. I left quite a few newsgroups and otherr net interst groups because of the “flaming” (maen, angry messages) going on.
Dot´s last blog post..Akashic Records Reading, Part 2
I’ve never had the astute pleasure of dealing with haters on my journal – but then again, I used to kill off my loyal readers a regular basis – I’m guessing that probably scared off the haters.
The biggest thing with dealing with internet success to make sure that you know there are stupid, needy people who are able to remain anonymous.
I wouldn’t quit because of them – and I wouldn’t block their IPs either. I like to think I have a strong enough backbone to take their hate (because it won’t hold any meaning unless I let it). YouTube has it fair share of haters – so I was well trained even before I started blogging.
If you intend to appeal to a wide audience – which is one of the only ways to really be popular online…then you’re going to have to accept that there is going to criticism and hate. I’ve accepted that. I refuse to give up my brand and my connections just to feel a perfectly comfortable. What’s a little roughness if the payout is good?
Matthew Dryden´s last blog post..Don’t Call Me a Blogger
Another great post here! I worry about this sometimes as I had a good blogger friend get bullied. Someone kept leaving horribly mean “anonymous” comments on her blog. I do worry about stalkers…that’s why I never write about my kids or where I live (although most people can look up my IP address and find me…). I really try to keep my blog neutral. I don’t blog about controversial subjects or give my political or religious opinions–I feel that would open a can a worms that I am not willing to dive into. I just want to have fun and keep it light.
I will say that my husband brings up an interesting thought to ponder… He wonders how many of the bloggers out there are really who they say they are? When I start thinking about that…it does send shivers up my spine.
I recently joined twitter and am so surprised what people say and information they give out about themselves…
Caroline´s last blog post..Further thoughts on failure
I’ve never been bullied online (knock on wood) but I’ve seen some bullying behavior in some forums in the past. Not pretty.
Dennis said it well when he commented that “I strongly believe months of mental anguish is far worse then getting beat up under the bleachers by the head moron.”
Scary stuff.
Christine´s last blog post..Recession Marketing: Communicating Value is Even More Crucial Now
Hi back again…but you got me thinking…
This is off the subject, so I apologize.
I think you should do a post (if you haven’t already) about meeting your blogger buddies. A do or don’t? I had one blogger suggest meeting for dinner and I backed out. I got a little freaked. I feel like bloggers build communities and we can get really close to our BBF’s (best blogging friends). However, when it goes from the virtual world to the real world…it’s a bit intimidating. I would be curious to hear what others have to say on this subject.
I might think of it just like any other blind date, so to speak. Bring a friend or 12. 🙂
The best scenario is if the friend is also interested in the topic…would look more natural that way.
Dennis Edell´s last blog post..Best “Blog Improvement Review” Contest – 1 Winner – $100 via Paypal
Hi Evelyn – Yes, bullying can go to extremes. Like you, I’m thankful I’ve never been in that position.
Hi again Ribbon – I hoped that was what you meant. Thank you for coming back and clarifying.
Hi Patricia – I’m sorry to hear you had to put up with so much bullying. You’re such a kindhearted person, it’s hard to believe anyone would want to torment you.
Hi Vered – Yes, the litigation culture is very sad.
Hi J.D. – Thank you. Not letting others push our buttons is great advice.
Hi Alex – That’s a great observation. I’m guessing some of that goes on. Although we have freedom of speech, it seems to get scrutinized more closely when it’s online.
Hi Daphne – I hear you. The health blogs concern me, too. So many people take anything that’s written as gospel, but when it comes to health issues we really need to know it’s a reputable source.
Hi Davina – You’re right. When we’re exposed to the world, we’re not completely safe, therefore, it’s best to be cautious.
Kudos to you for winning your battle with the ex-boss.
Hi Dennis – Definately. Having our ducks in a row and others to back us up would make a HUGE difference. Yes. That story of the teen suicide was extremely sad.
Hi Dot – That’s true. Sometimes we don’t have to do anything for someone to come down on/after us. That green eyed monster of envy can make some act rather irrational.
Hi Matthew – You hit the nail on the head with those words, “…it won’t hold any meaning unless I let it”.
Hi Tess – Haha! I like that, “…there can’t be an argument with only one person.”
Hi Melanie – What an awful experience. But, how smart of you to be documenting everything. If need be, you’ll have all of the evidence you need.
Hi Caroline – Thank you. What you’ve said is true. Controversial subjects will often open a can of worms, and too often readers/commenters will attack the author and not the topic. They forget there’s a human being behind the blog or website.
Hi Christine – Yes, it can be scary stuff. By reading your comment and others, it sounds like forums are notorious for bullying.
Hi again Caroline – No need to apologize. I love your idea for a future blog post. I’ll add it to my list and we’ll let the other BWABers share their thoughts. Thank you.
Hi again Dennis – Thank you. That’s a great suggestion.
Good point…bring a friend or 12…lol.
Caroline´s last blog post..Further thoughts on failure
Hi Barbara. Yikes – this all sucks, doesn’t it. I’ve been lucky enough to have never been targeted by a hater.
I suppose one way to help minimize it would be to focus on being more objective, like people in the news (unless you’re watching Fox News). For example, if you talk about Christianity, talk about it objectively – yeah, hard to do. Just a thought, though.
Unfortunately, we live in a world that this sort of thing may happen.
If it happened to me, I’d have to see how severe and real it was. So I don’t really know what I’d do.
John Hoff´s last blog post..Understanding The Psychology Of Your Website Visitors
Hi John – Yes, it does suck, but unfortunately, it’s the reality of being online.
Being objective is one way of minimizing hate “mail”, but like you said, that’s often hard to do.