Week 2 - #4

Online blogging and safety measures are as strong and reliable as the person participating in this method of communication. Very basic and common sense approaches are what determines how "good" ones experience can be.

Examples:

1. NEVER give out personal addresses and phone numbers until you have established a comfort zone with the person you're supplying this information to.

2. Keep uncomfortable topics out of conversations with online "buddies." It keeps you from scrambling to change the subject or appearing rude when you don't respond in kind.

3. If you decide to meet somone whom you've been conversing wth online, make it in a very public place, and possibly with a friend or family member "shadowing" you. Drive your own car.

4. Although you want to think the best of everyone, always keep in mind that there is a possibility that you are communicating with a person who "could" cause you harm.

5. Follow your first instinct. If you believe something isn't right or feel that it isn't, your "third eye" might be sending you a sign that it isn't. Proceed with caution.

Other than that, I can say that I have met countless friends from online, and I have enjoyed each and every moment of it. I have traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia to meet some of them, and we had a blast!

That was over five years ago, but we're still in contact with one another. Online dealings can work against you, and they can work for you. YOU have to be patient enough to explore the different offerings of it and make all your decisions based on what you find.


Yolonda*