Once it's online, it's there forever. I think those of us over the age of thirty have a bit of an advantage when it comes to online reputation since most of our rabble-rousing days were before the advent of social media, at least as it stands today. So, most of our unflattering history is in memory or a few printed photos. Nevertheless, even these days I am sure that there are numerous tidbits of information connected to me that are seemingly innocent but could be misconstrued as inappropriate if taken out of context.
For my digital reputation, I think a few factors have limited my footprint so far. One, I am often told that I am better in person than in photos, so a love for the camera I do not have (just ask my wife). Two, I allow my students to friend me on Facebook so that keeps my Facebook content tame. Third, I tend to be fairly private so I'm not comfortable with too much of my information floating around in the ether of the interweb.
Taking ECUC932 has validated my actions when it comes to my online reputation but it has also given me food for thought about how I project my professional persona online. I like the idea of having a history of what I have accomplished which can attest to my abilities, experience, and aptitude. Trent Kays' blog (http://teaching.trentmkays.com/) is a good example that I think I will pattern my blog on. It clearly and concisely showcases who he is and what he has done. A blog such as this is a good forum that I can openly present to would-be employers in the future, fellow professionals, collaborators, and students.
I think I am already on the right path, I just need to keep walking.
Patrick, I enjoyed your post and while reading it, I thought about my online reputation and how “seemingly innocent tidbits of information” connected to me could be “misconstrued as inappropriate if taken out of context” especially by a potential employer. I’m also over the age of thirty and as such I am also thankful that most of my “unflattering history”- especially my university years -are reserved only for memory or printed on a few photos. You also stated that you allow your students to friend you on Facebook. I however do the opposite. I try to keep my personal life only for friends and family and as such a few unsavory photos of myself have been uploaded. It seems so far that your online reputation is intact and perhaps in a little better shape than mine.
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