Social Networking Sites -
Ten years ago no one could have envisioned the array of electronic
tools and toys that exist today. And I doubt if any of us can imagine what
lurks over the horizon in 2015-2025. Today students and professionals spend a
lot of time on social networking sites like FaceBook. They are fun and useful tool for making,
enhancing, and developing personal connections on many different levels with
new and old friends from all corners of your life.
However,
I strongly recommend that you scrub your Facebook profile of anything that
could possibly be embarrassing to you personally or professionally. That party
with the hookah or bong pipe? Erased. The all brand beer party in Acapulco.
Gone. Those photos at Karen’s wedding where your blood alcohol level appears to
be higher than your I.Q. Delete. Willing to play bet your career? I didn’t think so. Don’t worry I’ll
still be your Facebook friend.
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No......I don’t
want to
“Follow You” on Twitter
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Twitter attracts considerable traffic from
individuals and businesses. But many use it to cast around snippets of their
day to day life that range from weird to downright strange. This can seem
strange to senior colleagues - particularly those who believe that a lawyer’s
hour by hour activities should be discrete and confidential. Turn off Twitter
for the summer. In law firm life Tweets aren’t sweet.
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Does this violate your first amendment rights? I have no idea. And I don’t care. What
I do care about is the impression you make on your senior colleagues and the
clients of your law firm who may find such behavior juvenile, immature,
inappropriate, or offensive.
Ahh - since I am not your Facebook friend
you believe your privacy settings can save you? Not so fast Sparky, I’ll bet
you a Zingerman’s sandwich from Ann Arbor or nice bottle of Pinot Noir that I
can break through that wall easily and completely. Maybe with my phony log in
name that causes you to accept my friend request. Maybe there are other ways.
Are you willing to play Bet Your Career?
Didn’t think so.
This
is the 9th installment by Frank Kimball for law students. Click on the
author's name to view all of his previous posts.