Second Military Careers - Military Times

Blogging about work can cause trouble

It’s estimated that there are more than 8 million blogs today, with people writing about everything from making homemade wine to top vacation spots to their latest love affair. And, of course, they’re blogging about work.

Blogging about the job is often a risky venture because many bosses frown upon anything detrimental being said about the company. That means if you point out on your blog that some blowhard got a raise simply because he sucks up to the boss, you could face a pink slip if the boss finds out. But what if you want to write about work, and don’t plan on saying anything nasty? Could you still get in trouble?

Maybe. Some companies have policies in place regarding blogging (they don’t allow it, ever), and some just sort of make it up as they go along. That means that no one at work cares about your blog until they find it. Then, they will carefully scrutinize it to a) glean everything they possibly can about your private life to share with others at work and b) look to see if you said something that can get you in trouble.

While this may seem unfair, you should understand that anything you put in writing online could be hurtful to your career not only in your present job, but also in anything you might decide to do in the future. It’s sort of like that tattoo you got five years ago on vacation while under the influence of several mojitos. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now you’re coming to regret you can’t have it completely erased.

“You want to stand out and gain attention if you put something online, but you don’t want it to be detrimental in your life,” says Nicholas Aretakis, author of “No More Ramen: The 20-something’s Real World Survival Guide.” “If you can’t show it to your family or your boss or feel comfortable having it on national television or in a national newspaper, then don’t do it.”

That’s sort of the advice coming from many bloggers themselves these days. Many agree that it’s bloggers beware: No whining if you harm your career because you blogged your big mouth off.

So, here are some straightforward rules regarding blogging and your job:

• We know who you are. Thought you were pretty smart blogging anonymously, did you? Well, guess what? Your co-workers pay enough attention to you at work that they not only know your interests, but your friends’ names and what Web sites get your attention. It doesn’t take them long to find your blog — and to discover you’ve said some snarky things about them, even if you did try to use fake names. Guess they’ll just have to forward your blog to the boss and let him in on the fun.

• Blogs are like tattoos. (See above mojito reference.) Even if you take your posting down, chances are other bloggers have seen it and copied it to their site, or forwarded it on to someone else. The more controversial the blog (“Marcia at work is so fat and stupid”), the better the chances are it will spread quickly.

• Be honest. If you want to blog about work, then check with the boss first. Many bosses will not have a problem with you talking about how to foster great customer service or how your team won a big award. They just don’t want you giving away company secrets or trash-talking the CEO. Once you’ve cleared it with the boss, make sure you have something in writing from him giving you the OK. Some bosses may even be open to your blogging on company time, and that can help boost your reputation with others in the company and in your industry.

• Don’t let it go to your head. Sometimes bloggers forget that they’re just one opinion and start to get a heady sense of power just because they get a lot of hits on their blog. Remember that co-workers, customers, colleagues, bosses and even potential new employers are reading your blog. Don’t use your blog as a forum to try and shape company policy or criticize others — or you may be blogging unemployed.

Join the discussion about how to establish a professional online presence and offer your thoughts about blogging about work at http://www.45things.com.

(Anita Bruzzese writes Gannett News Service’s On the Job column. She is author of “45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy ... and How to Avoid Them.” Write to her care of: Business Editor, Gannett News Service, 7950 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, VA 22107. For a reply, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)