I’ve been blogging for a long time. Eight years to be exact. And I know that blogging is an excellent way to network and meet new people. I actually met my husband through blogging. True story! We met online by reading each other’s blog. The first thing my husband ever said to me?
It’s kind of like the CIA. The way they did their research on you before you walked in. Did they hook you up to a lie-detector? or mention anything about Cuba?
That one comment led to a friendship, then to a relationship, then to a marriage.
The biggest blogging community I’ve ever encountered has been amongst Mommy (and Daddy) Bloggers. It is large and diverse and friendly, but it can also seem big and scary and cliquey.
People can be cruel with their words, especially behind the veil of anonymity that the Internet provides. I’ve never felt the wrath of another blogger, but I have heard stories of it happening. Bullying is prevalant everywhere, and as a Mom I know that I want to do my part to wipe it out. If it breaks my heart to think about my son being bullied, why would I want to support the bullying of someone else’s baby?
That’s why today, I am taking The Mom Pledge.
I am taking the pledge because I am a proud Mommy Blogger. As such, I pledge to conduct myself with integrity in all my blogging activities. I can lead by example.
I pledge to treat my fellow moms (and dads) with respect. I will acknowledge that there is no one, “right” way to be a good Mom. Each parent makes the choices best for her family.
I believe a healthy dialogue on important issues is a good thing. I will welcome differing opinions when offered in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. And will treat those who do so in kind.
I stand up against online bullying. My blog is my space. I will not tolerate comments that are rude, condescending or disrespectful.
I refuse to give those who attack a platform. I will remove their remarks from my blog with no mention or response. I can take control.
I affirm that we are a community. As a member, I will strive to foster goodwill among moms (and dads). Together, we can make a difference.
So, now what about you? Will you stand up against online bullying? Will you take the pledge? Will you strive to foster an even stronger community of Mommy Bloggers?
I will.
Because if we’re not all not hoping that our blogging will connect with people, then why are we doing it?
(I’ve linked this post up with Courtney’s No Mom Talk Monday over at The Mommy Matters. Although the word Mom was mentioned a lot, there was no real mention of my kids… kind of. And that’s the rule. So it counts right?)
I have never personally experienced it, either. But it exists, and I want to see it stop. So I created The Pledge. Thank you so much for standing up with us against online bullying of moms!
Haha! Of course it counts! :) Thanks so much for linking. You are so, so right. Mommy bullying is getting worse and worse in the blog world. Rather than issuing words of encouragement and positive reinforcement, there is negativity. Here's hoping you don't have to deal with it!!
You're welcome for linking… (both of you!). I think it is so important to be positive and encouraging. Today, I read this, and I thought it was so appropriate: "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, sot hat your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Eph 4:29). An encouragement. That's what I want to be.