The ability to send words and images all over the world brings with it important decisions. As my daughter once told me, “Don’t put anything out there that you don’t mind the whole world seeing.” And I would add, “For now and forever.”

My on-line presence is limited to this blog. I choose not to participate in the other choices available to me including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Everyone has to make their own decision about this, but I believe many people began using these forums without anticipating the problems they might cause.

I have also made specific decisions about what I post. Some of these I have mentioned in previous posts. I do not write about living people unless they already have a public presence or they have given me specific permission to do so. I don’t write negatively about people who have died. They don’t have the ability to refute my accusations. I allude at times to difficulties in my past, but I try to avoid vitriol.

When I write about interactions with living people, I omit their names or obvious identifying details. Sometimes friends know that a given post is about them, but they aren’t publicly identified.  I also choose to not post pictures of living people other than myself. While I would love to share extremely cute family pictures, I return to my daughter’s caution and choose not to share them with the whole world.

I also moderate my comments section. I love to interact with readers, but I am uninterested in posting attacks. I think moderating comments reduces the interest of internet trolls.

It’s a new world for us all. I choose caution and consideration for other people’s privacy. I respect that bloggers have a wide range of decisions about these things. I just hope that every blogger thinks through the implications of what they share.