What's Appropriate in Social Media?

In an age of social saturation, we sometimes forget that there are definite lines that should not be crossed, posts that are inappropriate and comments that would best be left unsaid.  

         There are comments that are ok in a social setting, but, not in a business one.  There are comments that a private person can make on the facebook, twitter or other social media accounts that they could not if they were representing a company.  But, time and time again, we’ve seen the fallout of that very thing happening.  Politicians who make inappropriate comments about their constituency or post inappropriate photos to a friend’s site, that eventually becomes public. 

         When you represent a company, even comments you make in private or on social media can spell an end to your career.  Companies must protect their brand.  People should see themselves as a brand as well.

         If you are your brand, protect it!  If you are cultivating a political career, your life should remain circumspect.  Your actions should be congruent with your message.  Your personal life should not argue you’re your business life. 

         Some high profile people have gone into obscurity due to their inability to keep their life or their tongue in check.  When was the last time you heard the name Gary Hart?  Although that name may not tweak anything in your mind, in the late 80’s he was running for the Presidential nomination of the Democratic party of the United States.  This was before social media, but, not before media altogether and it was arrogance on his part, basically taunting the media to prove he was having an affair that spelled the end of his political aspirations.  In less time than it takes to get the paper printed, that’s exactly what they did, acting on a tip received. 

         Keep a positive attitude and if someone is so irritating to you that you can't control your responses to them - stop talking! It's better to walk away from someone irritating and confrontational than it is to apologize, especially if you don't mean it.  Haven't we all wondered at one time or another - "why did I let him/her get to me"?  If you don’t want to be asking yourself that question while sitting there crafting yet another apology for yet another gaff, keep your own counsel – not everything in your mind needs or should be expressed!  Perhaps a sense of mystery would be more desirable.  Keep them wondering what you’re thinking.

         What about you, how are you able to stay positive and navigate the social media while maintaining a positive attitude? 

Beware the Family Tree - A Lesson in Positivity!

OK, I just finished reading some of the research conducted on the family tree, or, perhaps I should say, the root system.
It seems my forebears were inveterate 'sheep stealers' among other things; once they had been stripped of their land and title due to resistance to being taken over by the crown.
One should really be cautious in their pursuit of historical data. I think most people take up these types of projects, believing the best, hoping they may be descended from royalty, or at the very least note-worthy historical figures,but, let’s face it, there’s probably shady characters and/or events in everyone’s past.
On the other hand mine were also readers, which meant they kept the historical records. This part I like – explains my love of history and storytelling.