We forget that people are watching...

I am a journaler, and while much of my most personal stuff never sees the light of day, my blogs are different. I was reminded of this today, and it made me pause and reflect. (And so I post it here, for all eyes to see.)

You see, all that 'happened' was a bumped into a prof. of mine who had been at a conference for a few days. She met up with another prof., one who had been earlier introd. to me by my prof. So when se saw me today, she said, "Oh yadah yadah, says hi! And she told me about your blog and I checked it out." I said, "Oh cool," and kept running to print directions (I was on my way out to PA for the week.) But as I was walking to my car I began to 'panic' a bit.

First, I wondered how the second prof. knew of my blog at all. But then I recalled my continued signature on my Trinity email....ah yes, inviting the world to join in my conversation. So, that's cool...I mean I don't think there is anything 'special' or 'profound' in my ramblings, but other ramblers joining me makes for a larger and grander rambling.

Second, then I had to contemplate what I had actually posted on this page. I don't really ever put anything up that I don't mind the world to read, but I thought for a bit, what if. And truly it has just been rambling, after rambling of late.

Thirdly, and probably the most important I began to think about what this type of communication and reflection means in our society. I mean, we have read studies, and heard news reports about teens and places like myspace.com or facebook.com and posting the most personal (and sometimes extremely dangerous) content. Then there are blogs and sites that reveal the most obscene and offesive material and commentary. But its a free world, right? Freedom of speech and expression, yes!?

So as I began driving down the highway, I just said outloud...we must post responsibly. And then I laughed at myself, that I had taken it just so intensly. I mean, there is nothing on my site that is 'irresponsible' because I filter what I have to post by saying, "Anyone in the world can read this. My mother can read this."

So are there people watching what is being posted? The map on my site says yes....and my conversation in the library entry says yes as well. Are you watching? What are you thinking?