By Jenni Hammitt

June 23, 2009

Today I got a phone call from one of the guys at P3. Apparently, the owner of one of the establishments we work in has requested that we remove all pictures of his establishment from his and the owner’s Facebook account, our show video and the web site. I guess some of the patrons were upset that there were “embarrassing” (for lack of a better word)…etc pictures of them on the internet. They have threatened to not return as long as the owner allows us to use pictures from there for public viewing. We are complying; however, I just don’t get it.

Honestly, I do not have any photos of this establishment on the website. I considered using a few from a recent party, but I opted against it. I really do like this establishment. That being said this is usually the show where you are most likely to have a girls gone wild moment. They are many times over beveraged, and yes they may just be having a good time. Still, they also choose to do all the crazy and sometimes mildly inappropriate things.

I understand these are things they would not post on their own Facebook accounts or the internet. They do not want their parents, grandparents, children, employers or potential employers to see this. However, they did this in a public place where anyone with a camera could capture it and put it out on the internet.

Okay folks…here is a basic rule to live by: If you do not want it posted on the internet, then you should probably not do it. I know it may seem harmless, and you may have no intention of posting it yourself. However, if you are in public, or in any type of a group, this is a bad idea. Anyone with a camera can take a picture and post it to the internet. Anyone can take video and post it to the internet. Heck, I can take a picture with my Blackberry and have it on Facebook, my blog and Twitpic in less than three minutes.

In this particular case, we announce at shows we are taking photos for our video/facebook/web site. At the time, no one asked us not to. Now that it has apparently gotten someone in trouble, it is a huge deal. Now we can minimize the exposure, but it is has already been out there. We can’t take that back. We can’t guarantee that it hasn’t been copied and that another copy is still out there. Potential employers may still find it in a Google search. You chose to participate in that behavior, now there may be consequences.

I know it is hard to always be on guard when you are just trying to relax. However, I also like my job and I am also hopeful for advancement some day. With that in mind I am always working to ensure my “bad” photos are just ones where I look frightening. At some point you have to be an adult and know when to stop. If something does happen, then you need to take responsibility for you own actions. It was your choice to do this.

Ten years ago, you could dance with your best friend on a pool table and chances are it wouldn’t get out. Now, as soon as you are on that table at least one person has taken a picture and there is a good chance it is internet bound. In these times people need to be responsible for their own actions. If you do not want embarrassing pictures on the internet, then do not put yourself in that position.

© 2009, Jenni Hammitt. All rights reserved.

Similar Posts:

None Found