In a blog article, Words You Shouldn't Say Onstage for $500, Alex., Mena Trott, president and a co-founder of Six Apart, writes:
The point I was trying to make in my speech is that it's about taking as much responsibility for what we write online -- whether that's on a blog, in an email message, or on IRC -- as we would in a face-to-face, private conversation. What we say might not always be nice and that's okay. Certainly neither Ben M. saying [deleted by Cop Car] or my calling him an [deleted by Cop Car] would qualify as "nice" -- the important point is taking accountability for what we say.
I think accountability and responsibility is about holding off seemingly anonymous attacks, giving people the benefit of the doubt and understanding that what you say online not only affects others but is part of a permanent record -- a record that, right now, is scary to some watching from afar.
Ms Trott had presented a talk at Les Blogs, which led to an interchange during the Q&A session that included the above expletive deleteds. Six Apart knows me only as another blog client of TypePad (one of, presumably, millions), thus this posting should not be construed to imply their approval or agreement. I recommend the reading of the text of Ms Trott's speech at Mena Trott Implodes Onstage. News at 11.
Having gotten around to reading the articles, I find it leads to some thoughtful consideration. On several levels.
I may have to share those thoughts at my place.
Posted by: Wichi Dude | December 29, 2005 at 11:58 AM
My excuse for being uncouth? I think it is a dna thing.
Or, something in Texas water...
Posted by: Cowtown Pattie | December 29, 2005 at 09:30 PM