I started following someone’s blog recently and about a week or so ago they decided to write about this other blogger and publicly voice their opinion about something the blogger wrote. They were a tad sarcastic and I found it to be pushing the limits of good taste but to each their own. Right?
A few days ago they didn’t like something someone else did. This time it involved someone who spammed his Facebook page. He decided to write a post about it, calling out the spammer (by name). Yep, they wasted a blog post, just to make someone else feel like an ass. In his defense, spammers piss me off too but a spammers stupidity isn’t worth my online reputation. More about that in a moment.
Every so often, on Linkedin, an online “bird fest” will brew. Someone didn’t like someone else’s opinion so they publicly insult the other party. I’ve even seen these things get brought over to one of the “bird wielders” blogs so they can get the backing of their homies. In one case, the bloggers followers took the other dude’s side. I guess birds of a feather don’t always flock together!
Ah, flashbacks of Middle School!
So it is in that spirit that I thought some “Bird Etiquette” might be in order
1) When you’re online, as in life, keep the main thing, the main thing. Now if being a jackass is in fact your main thing, then by all means carry on. Seriously, don’t ever let anyone force you to compromise the incredible brand called YOU!
2) If you decide to release “The Online Bird”, understand that you aren’t exactly communicating in the cone of silence! Most of this stuff can be found online. Yep, it’s as if the virtual world has found a way to commemorate your dickiness. Try explaining that one to a prospect that Googled you.
3) Don’t ever use your blog or any online venue to offer a “Return Fire Bird”. I think its rather insulting to your audience that you would think they were that stupid in finding value in that. Additionally, it dilutes the heck out of your brand and deters from the “main thing”
4) 
When you are the recipient of an “Online Bird” please understand that you are allowed to step back and take a deep breath. Might be a good time to “put the bird down” and step away from the computer. Life has a way of helping us see things differently after we take a chill.
5) Keep the bird in its cage. Ignoring someone is highly underrated! Suggestion, make a voodoo doll in their likeness and stick a pin in their rear, but do it offline.
6) “Clip the Bird’s Wings” with a simple “thank you for your perspective” How does a bird fly in the presence of that? They can’t even say “bite me”. It doesn’t work.
7) Understand when your ego has put your side of the conversation on cruise control. Pride has ruined many a personal brand. Don’t ever forget that.
8) The “Accidental Bird”: Truth be told, sometimes we give the bird and we don’t even realize it. I see this when people publicly comment that someone misspelled a word or worse yet when the grammatical Gestapo get their panties in a bunch. Perhaps that would be best communicated in an offline email dude.
So have fun with this stuff and by all means express your opinions. Just be careful of the real message you’re sending to an audience that can and will judge you!
Note: No birds were harmed in the creation of today’s blog post.
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