Friday, July 27, 2007
What Exactly Is A Blogger?
I certainly didn’t know what a “blogger” was, but if asked I probably would have guessed that blogging was some new form of internet dating. Now I’ve been enlightened, and I have to admit that I am a blogger. Whoa—what a difference a year makes.
I was first introduced to blogging last fall when I heard that a friend of mine was unfairly being criticized for saying things and acting in a certain way, and I knew for a FACT that the things said about her on that blog were not true. Someone was actually putting my friend’s name on a blog, but in a cowardly way the person making the accusations was able to remain anonymous. I couldn’t believe that people could do something like that in such a public fashion, so I had to find out what it was all about. I became involved in that particular blog for awhile, but in the end I had to take a break because it was becoming such a negative place. More often than not, I found myself constantly trying to be the “etiquitte police”. It seemed so strange to me that people who didn’t even know each other felt compelled to argue and throw out insults at “cyber strangers”. Unfortunately, when people can make statements behind a fake name/ID, they feel justified in saying things that they would never say “in person”. My feeling is that if you are willing to say it, you should be willing to stand behind what you say.
When NBC-17 asked me to write this blog, they gave me “free rein” to write about my experiences and to share feelings and opinions that had been shared with me. For the most, part people on this particular blog have had no problem revealing their true identity and saying exactly what they feel. I appreciate that. But there are still a few who feel empowered to dispute what others say, but then choose to remain anonymous. I guess you’ll get that anywhere. I continue to believe that if you’re willing to say it, you should be willing to stand behind what you say.
One thing that has really surprised me during this past few weeks is the number of e-mails I am receiving “outside the blog”. I really haven’t counted, but a good estimate is that I hear from around 10-15 people per day. That adds a whole dimension to what I write. Many of these people are teachers, some are parents, some are administrators, and while they are willing to share their feelings with me (under their real identities) they fear retribution from employers and peers for saying what they say. I don’t think they’ve been threatened in any way, but they value their jobs and friendships and I understand their positions. Now I feel like a reporter who must protect the identity of “my sources”. (and I have absolutely no problem doing that). Because of this input, even though my blog entries ARE hugely based in fact, I have to present them as “general opinions”, and in turn I open myself up to being accused of seeking out negatives and spreading neighborhood gossip. (I’m not complaining, but this is what it comes down to) I personally want only the truth, and that’s what I pass along. If I make a mistake, I’m the first to admit it.
I sincerely appreciate the honest entries added to the blog AND the “outside e-mails”. This is a new process to many of us, and we’re all trying to work through it in our own ways. It’s nice to hear that people are doing their best even though they’re in situations they didn’t choose. Hopefully we can all work together to make some positive changes for the future of Wake County Education.
Enjoy your weekends with your children! I know I will!
