I was really brought up short recently when a co-worker said that they thought blogging was "dangerous".
To say I was really "HUH?-ed" is putting it mildly. How could blogging be dangerous? Was there a sinister side to blogging that is hiding just around the corner to rear it's ugly head?
Of course, I asked why they felt this way. The response was that if something controversial was written, it might affect your reputation in the industry. There may be potential clients that will not work with you as a result of something blogged. You might become the pariah of the real estate world.
My experience with blogging has been so different from this persons perception of blogging. Blogging has been uplifting, interesting and an unbelievably positive experience. I have met people across the nation and Canada who have opened up my life to a whole new world.
The danger is not blogging, but ignorance of what it is capable of. I do understand the potential damage that can be done. However, participants in respected sites such as the Rain understand the rules of the platform they are participating in and act accordingly. Neither the Rain nor it's member tolerate disrespect...and it shows in the quality of the site. 
Photo from Flickr by Mike Licht
www.PaulaSwayne.com
CA DRE# 01188158
