Comments on: Are You Afraid to Be Yourself?

By: badbanana

badbanana — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:22:47 +0000

taking item 2 above and expounding it, i think one reason also that you are afraid is that of the idiots who would think you may have violated some copyright law or such. in any case, what options does an ordinary, mortal blogger can do? we can’t afford expensive lawyers and surely we can’t afford to be out of work.

hmm, if only there is some kind of a union for bloggers that would help, legally and financially, those who are in trouble with the copyright czars.

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:09:57 +0000

Absolutely Laura, and it’s amazing how just expressing an idea will either reveal the faults or allow others to expand on it :)

By: Laura Bergells

Laura Bergells — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:43:57 +0000

If you don’t open your ideas up for criticism, they don’t have any room to grow.

Hunter S. Thompson had a great start on a title for a book. “Fear and Loathing…”

Most people fear the loathing. Afraid that someone will hate their ideas. Or ridicule them for expressing the idea. Or despise them for the very way they express themselves.

Feel the fear…and face the loathing.

It’s not about you. It’s about setting an idea free so that it can live.

Any idea that you’re passionate about is worth expressing.

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:03:58 +0000

Thanks folks :)

I think you have to jump in and be prepared to be called on what you write. If you are open to criticism, and believe what you write, and are not going to cause problems to family, friends or career … if you get insulted, who really cares what some random internet troll has to say? :)

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:51:27 +0000

Good post.

As a minister my problem comes when people read my blog and make judgments about me without engaging me any further. In the Evangelical Church conformity is expected. Unfortunately, I don’t conform very well and I blog about it. Some people love it…..others hate it. I just try and be open and honest. I may not be right but I want to be wrongly open and honest :)

By: Maria Reyes-McDavis Blog Marketing

Maria Reyes-McDavis Blog Marketing — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:44:20 +0000

Great post and a much needed topic to be covered. I see lurkers everyday and used to be one of them out of shyness (big surprise to those who know me). What’s important to remember is that you can’t please everybody all of the time, you will have dissenting opinions and it’s not the end of the world :-) Get out there and get social :-)

By: james

james — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:26:14 +0000

I agree with Steve. I’m proud of what I write and the spin on opinions I have.

I think maintaining an internet presence with your own name is important too. If someone Googles me they will find my site and the communities I participate in – and if someone does have a dissenting opinion of my views that’s fine too, but enough of my substance will balance it out.

It also forces me to write clear and concisely, (usually,) and put thought into what I say on the ‘net.

james…

By: Steve George

Steve George — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:07:02 +0000

Great post Chris. Years ago my two problems were Shyness and Fear of backlash, but after spending many hours ‘reading’ various forums, yet never contributing, I came to realise that everyone has a ‘controversial’ view in someone’s eyes.

Generally, there will be at least as many people that agree with your view, as disagree and those few individuals that are simply there to flame any view that disagrees with their own, aren’t worth worrying about. :)

Also, the joy that I get from being able to assist people in forums, blogs, etc., far outways the views of the odd idiot in the wings that’s just waiting to cut you down.