Public and Private

My belief in today's electronic world is that only thoughts are private - and sometimes they are projected through facial gestures or body language.

With all the attempts to encrypt writing, set aside private boards, etc. so long as one thought is spoken or recorded, someone will figure out a way to make it public.

I remind myself of these facts every day. I often slip, but I have improved.

The biggest problem, DK, is that people are not virtual; they are real, and real people are unreliable. Over the years, I have received numerous private messages asking me to discuss other members of the various forums and networks that I've set up. Although I can trust myself not to divulge anything told to me in private, I cannot trust others to do the same. I would not betray their confidence, but they would betray mine. Consequently, I have not discussed, and will not discuss, anyone I have met over the Internet.

I also stated on this forum that I strongly disapprove of anyone repeating anything posted on the WIP board. A private board should remain private. Unfortunately, not everyone shares this view.

I think it's a matter of personal responsibility. It is my responsibility to remember the lack of privacy in today's world. Every email may be potentially forwarded.

A friend of mine said to me, "I have a story for you to include in your next article. When my grandson asked how the ship got there; I said, "It must have been a hurricane."

I put the story in my article and used his name. Fortunately, I sent him a draft. He was upset that I used his name.

The lines between private and personal are so very thin in a public world, especially when the public world is a necessity for promotional purposes.