recently, i've been thinking a lot about the influence and responsibility we carry have as bloggers.
with the ability to share our thoughts with all of kingdom-come does comes with a price. if you write something, more than likely, someone will read it. and if someone reads it, you have just influenced them in some way.
and yes, i know this is your personal space. for some of us, it's our diary. we pour out our most private thoughts, desires, and fears. it's our place to let it all go; to find our release. it's therapy.
... and that's awesome. that's what a diary is for! i would much rather you vent your angers and frustrations here than drown your sorrows in tequila later.
don't get me wrong, either: i believe in free speech. i would never pretend to tell you what you can and cannot do. your blog is your prerogative.
but i can't ignore the seemingly flippant attitude that keeps popping up in my google reader.
if you would consider your blog your diary, you pretty much get a free pass here. pass go and collect $200. you share your thoughts with your friends, and you don't expect anything more from it but companionship and stress-release: a perfectly good use of social networking.
but if you believe your opinion commands respect, authority, and action, watch yourself.
what caused this bunch in my britches? well honestly, i've kinda wanted to smack one of my (previously) favorite bloggers. and it takes a lot for me to get ticked off.
i feel no need to name names, but basically, this blogger recently seems to feel they are an expert in all areas... politics, supplements, veganism, you name it. and that's all fine and dandy, except for the fact that much of the information they post "as fact" is completely inaccurate.
i'm certainly not trying to toot my own horn, or say i'm better than this person. they're hilarious, always make me think, and have introduced me to many new products. they also have probably 293874293874 times more readers than i do.
my problem is that this blogger hasn't researched the opinions they are passing on to their readers.
if this blogger prefaced their thoughts by saying something like "well, this is what's worked for me," or "in my opinion," i would get off their case. but far too often, i come across people who don't know what their talking about pushing their thoughts as facts that EVERYONE should follow.
sometimes, it's no big deal. but other times, it could really impact someone. for example: if you eat like crap, that's swell. i wish you wouldn't, but it's your life and your wallet, so you eat however you please.
but advising confused readers to exactly copy your habits, and then guaranteeing health and happiness, like i've seen a lot of recently? now i'm gettin' ticked. your choices are your own decisions, but misleading someone with inaccurate information is just downright shameful.
and my place in all this? here's the scoop: i'm 20 years old. i'm immature, haven't experienced all life has to offer, and don't pretend to know everything.
what i do on a daily basis works for me, but it certainly doesn't work for everyone. but what i post on my blog, i hold myself accountable to.
if i say something, you'd better believe i've put time and energy into it. i've researched it, thought about it, asked around, exhausted it, read about it, and just generally am incredibly passionate about it. not to say i'm never wrong, but if i am, it will be a GENUINE error on my part. and if i don't know the answer, i won't give you my thoughts until i do. period.
there's a difference between posting your feelings/thoughts on something, and telling other people to believe something as fact
if you blog with a purpose, whether it's product reviews, nutritional advice, animal rights awareness, etc., you are directly influencing others and the way they think. even if someone doesn't agree with you, what you say will subconsciously stick with them.
what should you ALWAYS do when you read personal media/opinions?
1. think for yourself! you have a brain, use it!
2. don't doubt your intuition. if it seems wrong, it probably is.
3. research, research, research! never take something at face value.
4. consider the source: are they an authority on the matter? have a degree in it? years of life experience? a reputable source?
5. stand up for yourself: don't be afraid to challenge them, or double check their sources.
please know this: i want my blog to be a safe, encouraging place. if i can help it BY ANY MEANS, i will not post something irresponsibly. and always feel free to ASK ME ABOUT IT! i just wanted to warn you guys.
ok, rant over. i hold nothing personal against this blogger, seriously. it was just a recent example that came to mind showing you guys how dangerous blogging can be, if you aren't careful. just because someone says something confidently doesn't mean you can check your sense of reason at the door.
now, on something a little happier.
like mexican food.
fresh, summery salsa recipe
adapted from simply recipes, of course.
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, about 1 1/2 lbs (i used cherry tomatoes from mom's organic garden!), diced
- 1/2 huge red onion, diced
- 3 or 4 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 2 or 3 big handfuls of fresh corn (unfortunately, i only had frozen)
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (very important!)
- 1 big bunch fresh cilantro, chopped fine
- 1 small bunch fresh oregano, chopped fine
- big pinch salt, little pinch pepper
directions: combine. let rest in the fridge a few hours to meld flavors.
that was difficult, i know... now, the pictures:
have you ever read someothing you knew was inaccurate on a blog?
what did you do?
what kinds of information do you post about?
-rebekah
