The Web Never Forgets

One of the things people find fascinating about this new technology called the Internet is the ability to completely document one’s own life and share it with the world. Between social networking sites, blogs, and Flickr accounts, the urge to document one’s life for posterity is strong.

But how much information about yourself is too much to share online, specifically as it relates to your business and your career?

I worked briefly with a designer at an agency I was freelancing at, and then years later stumbled onto a posting on a design portal, where the designer complained about his work environment, and asked for advice on making the leap to freelance. The post was done under an alias basically identical to the URL for his freelance business.

I emailed him with a few leads I had that I thought might help him, but what if I was someone else, with interests in his employer, or reasons to try to harm his career?

I contacted another person recently, who I don’t really know at all, because I had come to find out that we shared mutual friends and a common previous employer. When she emailed me back, her signature included a link to her personal blog. The blog included an early posting on a horrible work situation she was going through. She complained of office politics and enemies, and was relieved that she had been finally been freed from this horrible place.

Of course I had heard stories and rumors where I could safely assume the agency and major players she was referring to. Was she fired? Did she quit? What were the circumstances?

I was checking out some networking groups on Meetup.com, looking for creative professionals in Connecticut. I came across many people looking to network, socialize and/or collaborate with others in their field. Great. Clicking on profiles, however, I would discover lists of other, somewhat curious groups that they belonged to, or “shout-outs” from others I would have to assume (or hope) weren’t business associates.

Sure, everyone has a right to a personal life, but do you really want potential business contacts to see that you belong to “Hot Moms in CT” or that you were “lookin’ fine last night at the club”?

I’m even surprised by certain agencies that will post on their site or blog, “candid” photos of employees at work, after hours, or at office parties. Are they showing a fun, team-oriented place to work? Are they showing that creatives are the kooky, off-beat people that come up with the fun ideas? Or could they be turning off potential clients that might view the agency as unprofessional?

It would seem much of this could be avoided with a little common sense. Create two accounts at your favorite sites — one business, one pleasure. Be careful what you select as a screenname. Be careful what and where you post. And remember — the Web never forgets.

Posted by David Cushman, form:substance