There really is such a thing as too much information.
There are things that you don’t want to know, even about your spouse or significant other. Yet people seem to like to share these things online. Before you do, think about whether you’d want your parents, grandparents or even kids to see the post. It seems today that everyone is using social media.
Blogs, Facebook and Twitter are popular and powerful tools. And like most tools, they could be helpful if used correctly or dangerous if used inappropriately.
The bottom line principle is that you are responsible for what you write. The Internet is a public forum, and writing something is the same as speaking it from a stage. Even if you delete a blog post, RSS feeds will still contain your post. Once something is published, it’s impossible to take it back, so think before you update, and be responsible for your words.
Recently, I decided to rework our social media policy and send it to our ministry leaders to share with their teams. Additionally, I used Facebook to encourage our members to connect with their ministry leaders and read the policy. Surprisingly, many pastors and ministry leaders sent inbox messages and emails requesting our policy. Yep, I sent it to them…free of charge!
I want to be a blessing to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, I decided to post it on my blog for all to glean. Here’s what it says:
All personal blogs should contain a disclaimer. Here’s a sample:
This is my personal blog and does not necessarily represent the views of the Mars Hill Baptist Church or any groups mentioned here.
Here are a few additional tips:
- Be nice and be positive. Like it or not, people will equate you and what you say with the organization you represent.
- Do not attack fellow employees, members, businesses or other churches. Keep your tone respectful.
- Think before your write. If you’ve got a doubt, let someone else read it before you post it. For example, it’s probably not a good idea to complain about your boss on Twitter. There’s a good chance he or she might read it.
- Do not post any advertisements, solicitations and/or market and/or promote any business or commercial interest, chain letters, or pyramid schemes.
- Don’t write about potentially embarrassing situations that could cast a negative light on the Mars Hill Baptist Church. For example, you shouldn’t twitter, “I just saw a rat in the basement.”
- Follow copyright rules. If you give information that did not originate with you, be sure to give credit. Cite and link when appropriate.
- It’s perfectly okay to talk about work and church related stuff, but don’t talk about sensitive things. Private conversations, finances, future plans should not be discussed openly.
- Don’t set up social media accounts using your Mars Hill Baptist Church email address.
- If a member of the media contacts you, contact your Ministry Leader.
- Don’t create something if you are not going to use it. An abandoned blog or Twitter account could do more harm than good.
Well, that’s it…what do you think?
