Online Soapboxes
You probably hear people talking about what they read on "this blog" or "that blog," but you may not fully understand what a "blog" is. Blogs are one-sided, personalized public diaries. Bloggers lay open their creative soul by posting their daily experiences, and, in most cases, permit readers to comment on the postings in a forum-like atmosphere. Readers can respond to each other, but threads are often short-lived as the blogger moves onto new topics.
You don't have to be a celebrity to have your own blog. You just need to create a personal page on a blog site (many are free) and start journaling. But, be cautious about what you post. Anything you post online is available for the world to read, and it's nearly impossible to delete a message once it's sent into cyberspace. Checkout websites like www.myspace.com and www.livejournal.com.
Lay of the Land
It's far too tempting to assume that our virtual projections of our online friends are held separate from reality. Until we can put a name with a face, it's a simple matter to use our own stereotyping methods, arriving at quick assumptions. This is, in large part, the foundation for the negative reputations some online communities tend to earn. No matter what the topic, the ability to overlay one's own imagination over a virtual discussion has led to more levels of annoyance, bickering, and outright keyboard-based fighting (dubbed "flame wars") than you would ever see in a public setting.
While it may not be possible to avoid the scathing quips of certain contributors (and there's at least one in every group), you can protect yourself from their slings and arrows with some simple defenses.
First, don't leave your good judgment, tact, and manners in your chair as you tap into cyberland. Let those positive qualities reach your fingers and flow into your keyboard. The web erases boundaries of time and distance, but not the boundaries of kindness and common sense. If you wouldn't say what you're about to type to your social circle, don't type it online.
Which begs the second defense-the delete key. Many a flame war should have been prevented by simply deleting a gasoline-soaked message. Venting through the composition of a reply can be a therapeutic outlet, centering your thoughts on a topic, but pause before clicking post or send. Save a draft. Get up, walk away. Buck some hay. Reflect. Then return to your keyboard and give the delete key preference over the post or send buttons. You may find that nine times out of 10, you'll delete the message, or, at least, edit the angry tone to a more polite, conversational tone before sending.
Lastly, if you've joined a new group, slip in the door (subscribe or join), find a corner, and sit quietly for a while. This is called lurking. Don't post or reply, and hold off your eager introduction. More inadvertent toes have been smashed by breaking a group's established protocols. A seemingly minor faux pas can be irrationally exploded, leaving you to rush into unsubscribing from that group. That can be unfortunate. While the group's dynamic may have been unusual, the information may have been exactly what you had been seeking. Lay low after subscribing, and when you have the feel of your new community, say hello.
Where to Go
Visit these websites and search for horse-related groups that interest you.
John Lyons' Discussion Board
Find a community of like-minded Lyons' training enthusiasts.
www.johnlyons.com (click on Community, then Discussion Board)
Delphi Forums
Home to Pleasure Horse Journal forum and Dreamhorse forum, among others.www.delphiforums.com
Yahoo Groups
Home to hundreds of horse-related groups. Search for one that sounds interesting, or create your own. groups.yahoo.com
