Worth the Risk

Hello Classmates,

I would have to agree with James Maxlow and say that blogging is worth the risk.  Even though Lisa Nielsen gives a valid testimony of the risks involved in blogging, it seems to me that there should be some discretion on the part of the author in what is posted.  No one is forcing anybody to share information that they do not want to share.  If you want to post a blog, you are asking for people (of all different opinions and perspectives) to read it.

I agree with how Maxlow argues that we have to take responsibility for what we post. Being under the intense scrutiny of other readers will make a person more conscientious and will hold the author accountable for what he or she says.  Maxlow goes on further to say how powerful of a lesson this is, for young people especially. His challenge is valid, not only online but in person, when he says, “effective communication requires us to consider the effects our words might have on our listeners or readers…effective communicators anticipate reactions.”  Words need to be chosen carefully.

In essence, I believe that blogging can be a powerful tool for a student (person in general) to be heard.  It offers an unhindered avenue for expression and communication and, while there are risks involved, the person has the ability to censure what he or she wants to be seen and known.  As someone who has a hard time expressing myself in person, blogging enables me to speak my mind and be heard.  I know that I am not alone. 

Marissa Carney