Into the Fire

Social media has given those of us with a presence in it a bit of empowerment. We can write our opinions on most any subject where the opportunity to comment is given. Some people not only embrace the empowering that it presents but they take it to another level and allow it to become emboldening. Where they might not say a word on any given issue in their personal "real" life, somehow the anonymity of the worldwide web presents them with the chance to strut their stuff. 

As an author/writer, I've had to decide if my opinions on certain issues were necessary, important, and/or damaging to prospective readers of my work. To some individuals that might sound like an inconsequential factor, but no one who writes stories desires to purposely alienate potential audiences. 

In the end it's a decision many authors opt out of doing, sticking to writing their novels and focusing on the promotion and hard work of producing them, essentially using social media as a friendly business tool. 

As we've discussed before, some reviewers seem to exercise their empowerment in negative reviews of the novels they've either read or quit reading before finishing. The motivation to write insulting reviews escapes me, but I do understand if a reader chooses to express – respectfully – why they didn't care for a book. 

Social media is a useful means for communication between families who are spread all over the earth, for long-distance friends, for anyone who wishes to form/join groups with like-minded people, to share commentary on various skills, hobbies, travels, and to advertise products – such as our books.

However, it can be destructive when it's used to degrade, disrespect, and discourage others from maintaining a presence that disagrees with their own. The best advice to us all: Use it wisely.

Father, help us to be respectful and to act wisely. Apart from you, we can do nothing. And certainly nothing of any value. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.