I have to thank Applicant for this post. I found them through a StumbleUpon spree last night while listening absent mindedly to Congressman Scott (D-Ga-13th District) have an emotional implosion during a town hall on healthcare reform when pushed on the issue by one of his constituents that was being replayed on CNN. I thought their post had more relevance. The actual post I landed on had this image:

Now those of you who are observant may point out the use of the word “wanker” and “post” to probably identify it as a UK incident. Chances are that you are indeed correct considering the slang, but that doesn’t change the underlying lesson to be learned.

What you say on a social network is representative of your employer, your family, and most importantly you as a person. Being careless on social networks with your words can lead to problems with any of the above.

“But the First Amendment protects my freedom of speech!“, you may say… to which I will inform you that while it does in fact protect your right to free speech, it does not guarantee you protection of employment for that speech. This goes back to my Responder Do’s and Responder Don’ts when using Social Media… although it really can apply to everybody. Even if you use your social networking for strictly personal reasons, speaking ill of your employer is something not to take lightly.

Historically speaking The Well, a virtual community since 1985, had a policy of You Own Your Own Words (YOYOW). The words you use to update your status, post, or comment are yours.

You need to own (and own up to) them.

Source: Applicant