WWW.ItsASmallWorld.internet
Group: Better Networker Newbies Guide
Read More: Your reputation is priceless.
We only get one reputation and if we ruin it we can't buy a new one or get a reputation transplant.
The lesson I am learning is that you are only a casual comment away from ruining your online reputation. Which isn't entirely obvious to people just starting out on the internet.
When you first venture on to the internet it seems like a vast universe of unconnected pathways. You feel lost and abandoned. You think you are an anonymous traveller randomly "surfing the net."
The fact is you couldn't be further from the truth!
You are neither anonymous nor surfing randomly.
From the moment you log onto the internet you are being watched by big brother and the many other people keeping track of your movements to "better serve you."
Your random surfing is being controlled by google and other search engines to make sure you are spending your time and money correctly (read - most beneficial to them). Copy writers and web designers are influencing your every subconscious move. Every thing from the colors you see, to the position of every pixel is tested to see how you react to it and how they can be changed to make you react differently.
I say this to warn you that every click you make is monitored. Every comment you leave on the internet is accessible to millions of people and it doesn't go away in a hurry (if ever).
Which is why I say you are only one casual comment away from ruining your reputation.
When you begin using the internet you have no idea how a small comment in the public domain may come back to haunt you. You don't realise that years later someone can type your details into a search engine and it will bring these comments to light again. We can all find these surprising little gems we had long since forgotten we posted.
You probably have no intention of being a "leader" when you start out on the internet. But you should always post as if thousands of people will be following what you say because one day they might be.
It is easier to think of yourself on stage in the public arena with every casual comment than it is to try and mop up the damage later. Becoming a leader can happen much quicker than you think.
Views: 220 | 
Comments: 6 
Member Since: 12/31/1969
Industry: No Industry Selected
Primary Web Site: No Website Entered
If only I'd known
This is definitely worth noting Dean. I find it highly embarassing when some of my earlier, not so clever decisions come to light, thanks to the memory of the Internet. And like many newbies, I had no idea that posting a comment, or joining a programme, meant that my actions were 'visible' to the whole world.
I only hope that if anyone sees a link to some of the programmes I so gleefully and energetically (read - spammed) enthused about when I first started out, that they ask me first.
But that's not to say I still don't post things that perhaps I shouldn't. It's important to be real, and to be true to yourself. As long as you do that, you shouldn't go too far wrong.
Ahh Yes...
I remember getting spammed by a Susan .. was that you??
Scary
I just Hope people are forgiving as I am. Thank you for this Light
Your Friend for Life
Juanita Waterman
Dean Thank you!
Are you picking on Susan ,Dean? lolol. Susan you are on point about just being yourself. With experince comes better judgement which is what makes us look back and grimise...But being authentic makes you consistant so you should be safe :-).
Is there a way to delete of request to delete long ago posts or comments/discussions? How about other peoples commennts... can you request to erase that?
Malika
Magnetic Sponsoring and Building-On-A-Budget for dummies? Learn Attraction Marketing click-by-click www.recessionproofincome.com InterNetwork Marketing = www.GetPaidToProspectOnline.com
Something to hide?
Hi Malika,
Are you trying to get my comments erased now? You can submit ticket to Jason and possibly Ferny (the deputy) I believe to have old posts removed.
Re Susan - Let it be stated for the record that I have nothing but the highest respect for Susan Coils. Having seen how fast she went from "newbie" to industry "guru" is nothing short of astonishing. I also know how much work she put in to get to where she is.
The susan that spammed me was a myspace porn bot - I am thinking the name similarity was probably a coincidence? lol.
Forgiving ...
Juanita I like to think I am forgiving.
I have refrained from getting personal in the "spam debate" because although I find it an irresponsible method of prospecting, we all have to make our own choices. I do think that there are plenty of other forums where this method can be practised and that it would be in the greater interest of this community to set loftier goals.
I do not think there is any need for slighting other people saying they are only jealous about losing clients. One might turn that around and say other people are jealous because they have been knocked off the top of the BN points table. I am sure neither case is true.
All the best,
Dean.