Be Careful What You Blog

As some of you may have surmised from my previous posts, I'm a big fan of blogging and frequently recommend leveraging blog posts as a networking and general career management strategy. But keep in mind that generally the goal of a blog is to share information, raise awareness, create expert status, and build relationships. When readers perceive that a blog post trivializes important events or when a comment touches issues that are so emotionally charged you are bound to make enemies, you may be defeating the blogging goals you have tried so hard to achieve.

Take for example, a recent post on MSNBC’s blog, The Daily Nightly, where a producer expresses her frustration with the heightened airport security measures implemented following the diverted terrorist plot in August. While her post led to over 300 responses, many of them were negative, criticizing the producer for her flippant take on new security procedures and her concern over parting with a $50 bottle of sunscreen as part of the new “no liquids” security protocol.

Did this producer plan to cause such a stir with her commentary? Probably not. But unfortunately there is now a written record of her post and her readers’ reactions that can easily be traced via a simple Google search by future hiring managers, recruiters, and anyone else who may consider retaining her services in the future. It’s possible that a controversial post may cause a decision maker to question the blogger’s judgment, integrity, and fit within the culture of their organization.
Can blog posts deal with real issues and can bloggers go head-to-head with people of differing opinions? Sure. That's an important part of the process. But consider how the post may be helping or hurting your overall professional goals before you hit "publish".