When I speak online, either through Instant Messaging or through a forum, I usually keep my replies quick and to the point. I don’t drag things on, and I try to say what I want to say and get out. There are a few exceptions though, this class being one of them. I have never wrote so much online before, I have probably written more words online in this class, then I previously ever did online.
When I join forums and such, I find that I am usually the silent type, I don’t just go out and start posting. I never post unless whatever being discussed is somehow important to me. I believe that this makes me look more calm and collected, at least I would like to, because I do not just throw words out without thinking about how they could be interpreted. When I type, I try to sound as intelligent as possible so that my words are actually listened to, and not just tossed aside. With the plethora of information that is online, I want what I type to stand out and be heard.
This rings true no matter what situation I find myself in. When I type in any forum, public or private, I always use the same manner and follow the same practices. I don’t want to act one way in one place and completely different in another. If someone reads some of my information then finds I said something or acted completely different on another forum, my words will become meaningless, and my reputation tarnished. I find that just like in life, you have an internet reputation. Those with good rep get listened too, and those with bad rep get ignored.
I can only hope that my words actually do portray me as an intelligent human being. Though I know there are times when my words are completely misinterpreted. Without the use of my voice, I find that word choice matters a whole lot more. I don’t want to write something that is offensive, though I am not afraid to disagree. Hopefully following the actions I stated above makes me seem like an honest, likable, intelligent human being.
It is hard to look at my writing and try to interpret how outsiders view what I say. When writing online, you leave your words out there for anyone to view, and because of that, there are so many things people can think that I don’t even know where to start. There may be some that think I am intelligent, honest, and likable, but that is definitely not what everyone thinks. Some might think I am a try-hard because I try to sound intelligent. Some may even say I sound stuck up because of my language. There may even be those who don’t even understand what I am writing at all. All I know is that when online, it is important to remember that the words you speak can be out there for all to see for quite a long time. Anonymity will only protect you for so long, and we must remember that when sharing our words online
I never thought about the term “internet reputation” being used but you are correct. Our writing portrays who we are and what we stand for and we need to make that clear so no one thinks differently of us. I am not sure what forums are but I’m thinking they are like chat rooms, maybe? I don’t have any of those that I visit but I think I will do some research of that. I have read it in another blog that he does it too. I am curious. Let me know if you have any suggestions for me. Words are always misinterpreted and you can’t change that so just writing you is good enough I think. If people spend all their time trying not to sound stupid or weak, I don’t think a lot of writing would get done. I do understand that you want your writing to sound smart and I totally agree with you there. I hope my writing is portrayed correctly too. I think I am smart and write decent. I know a lot of people write better than me and are smarter than me but I do my best and try to convey the best knowledge I have through my writing. I enjoy writing but I am so glad this semester is almost over. A couple more weeks!!!! No doubt it will be hectic but we will get through it. I have learned a lot with this class and I hope you have too. Good luck with your research paper and enjoy your writings!
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