There’s quite a few articles out there about “netiquette.” In these articles, they clearly write out the rules for sending emails and chatting, about forwarding messages, and even deciphering the emoticons. However, I think the topic of “googling” people needs to be tackled. We all do it. We all know we all do it, but do we need to tell people we do it. One of Jaycie’s friends recently came to school and told Jaycie about how she was googling her. Of course, they found the various websites of my family members with pictures. Now, I don’t put anything out here that I don’t want people to read, but I don’t want to have to discuss it in person either. It’s just kind of creepy. I’ve had this conversation with Jodi a couple of times. We all know her website and most know that we (her sisters) are not allowed to read it, but it’s so weird when others come across it and then want to discuss it with her or us in person. Then there are those who read and get upset with what they read. Some are offended because they feel left out of activities. They make assumptions and feelings get hurt. It’s lame. Then there are those who lurk. I like them the best. I’m a lurker. I interact when I feel like it, but sometimes I just don’t. At least lurkers are quiet and don’t make creepy comments to your face about what they found on the internet like it’s some kind of dirty secret.

Like I said before, I don’t put out there what I don’t want people to know. And I have to deal with those repercussions, but I just think it would be good netiquette to keep your googling to yourself. If you find me–great, either comment on the site, shoot me an email, or lurk, but don’t feel it’s okay to talk to me about it in person. It’s just creepy.