Comments on: I’m Not Perfect and I Don’t Care Who Knows It!

By: Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:31:46 +0000

I view the risks here as the same as in any other walk of life. Anyone that acts and behaves responsibly has nothing to fear from being visible online for all eternity. Those that don’t should not be surprised if they don’t enjoy the consequences of their own actions. There’s a world of difference between exercising the right to express an opinion and, say, making groundless libellous comments online..

By: John Hewitt

John Hewitt — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:31:41 +0000

@ Augustu

I do feel like corporate life had changed my personality somewhat over the years. There are certain skills ant attitudes that you adopt so that you can succeed. Many of them are actually beneficial, such as learning to negotiate, but I’m not sure how many people would say that working at a major corporation made them a better person.

@ Amy

It sounds like you have the right attitude.

@ Marie

My political leanings tend to upset both liberals AND conservatives. Luckily, I avoid most political blogging.

By: Marie Ann Bailey

Marie Ann Bailey — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:25:07 +0000

Great post, John, and great comments! I haven’t used my blog or MySpace, etc. to complain/criticize former employers mainly because: (1) I can’t imagine that anyone would care (especially since I’d be writing about state government and most people also have opinions about that already); and (2) I live in a relatively small city. I frequently cross paths with former coworkers and employers. Writing about them could literally come to bite me As far as my political leanings and extra-curricular activities, all anybody has to do is take a look at the back-end of my truck. The bumper stickers say it all!

By: Amy Derby

Amy Derby — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:37:49 +0000

John — Thanks for writing this article. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one in the minority about this issue. I do understand the general concept of “don’t act like an ass, or someday it may come back to bite you in yours,” but on the other hand I refuse to censor anything I might have to say out of fear of what a potential employer might think of me. And, like you and others have said here, I wouldn’t be a good fit for that type of company anyway. Best to find that out before getting hired, eh? Save us all a lot of trouble.

Amy Derbys last blog post..Progress Not Perfection, a Fine Freelance Writing Career Mantra

By: Augustu

Augustu — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:42:58 +0000

I see that most people who join big corporations have to kill their creativity and innovation to fit into the mould. And once they are well settled, its this “fitting into the mould” that hurst them the most. I work with a top technical soultions company, but speaking your mind and tlaking about rela issues is something that’s alwyas swept under the carpet. So while a good reputation does help in getting a job, but what the company does to you may force you to change yourself, and ultimately affect your reputation

By: John Hewitt

John Hewitt — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:06:59 +0000

@ Deb

I certainly will. I have a dozen or so domains sitting around, so I’m sure I can convert one of them.

@ Lillie

Thank you Lillie. I am trying to present situations without judgment.

By: Lillie Ammann

Lillie Ammann — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:22:45 +0000

I agree with the general consensus: I wouldn’t want to work for a company that objected to my talking about previous work experiences. On the other hand, badmouthing a company or person is not appropriate.

You handle it well, John – a sort of “just the facts, ma’am” style that doesn’t sugarcoat the situation but shouldn’t offend a reasonable person either.

By: Deb Ng

Deb Ng — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:54:07 +0000

@John – Should you ever open a private forum, do let me know.

@James, well said. As always.

Deb Ngs last blog post..Why You Should Add Blogging to Your Freelance Writing Portfolio

By: John Hewitt

John Hewitt — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:52:29 +0000

@ Eva G.

Alcohol, God forbid! And on a holiday! You are virtually unemployable now.

By: John Hewitt

John Hewitt — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:44:47 +0000

@ Allena

It can be difficult as a freelancer, because reputation is important to getting new business. You don’t want to be seen as difficult, but you don’t want to be taken advantage of either. It is a tough line to walk when you get wronged.

@ Alexandra

Twitter does open up a new can of worms. The urge to pop off about a topic is strong. I have so much web content with my name attached though, I don’t worry too much about Twitter. If they are looking that hard for problems, I doubt I could handle working with them.

@ James

You get business because of your personality, not in spite of it. I think you’ll do fine.