With recent happenings, blow-ups and internet debacles I’ve been thinking about this subject for awhile.

And I may have mentioned recently how I friend says that I bite my tongue online especially when I’m in writing/author mode. So the question is how do you balance things? What’s the give and take between speaking your mind, voicing your opinion and keeping quiet?

I know that people can, and should, be thoughtful and respectful when discussing varying points of view. But what stops me sometimes, most times, besides not wanting to give in to the drama, is asking myself is it worth it? And, maybe I think too much about projecting a “professional” image. Plus with me writing under two separate pen names, building a web presence for two persona’s it’s a bit more difficult.

But there have  been times I’ve spoken up, to make my point known and was engaged in a thoughtful, provocative conversation. And I have let lose with the occasional rant. There have been times when I’ve seen internet dust-ups and have completely ignored them because they aren’t worth it. But I tend not to poke a stick at someone or something just to get a rise or start a flame war.

So yes, there are some hot button topics I avoid. And no, I won’t be naming what they are. When I write up a blog post I think of myself as an author, my brand and the image I want to project. I have come out so to speak on the blog about some personal issues. I don’t regret doing that.

So maybe it’s a matter of what the issue is and what is important to you as a person, as an author. For me, it all boils down to – Is it worth it?

Other Perspectives – On Reading Excerpts & Self-Censoring