January 16, 2013 by 7 Comments

Parallel Worlds (Real & Online)

Epcot by Raúl Colón

On many occasions people have asked me why I don’t get more involved locally in Puerto Rico efforts with those who appear to be heavy users of online platforms like Twitter and Facebook.  I have never found a polite answer to that but I make sure I amplify the voice of those I see are doing awesome things like:

The list can go on if you venture into my blog since I also have my Igniting a Revolution Series which I plan to continue in 2013. 

The main reason I am careful is because these platforms open a Pandora’s box when it comes to interacting with others. Something I have learned over the years is how even the nicest person online can quickly turn against you if you said something that might have offended them or if they had an agenda when it came to interacting with you. Another typical issue is the small island mentality of being offended because you agree with others who those people dislike.

The Fake Online World

Some individuals who are online most of the day, even when they are supposed to be working (and their jobs are not connected to any online efforts), see the online world as a fantasy world. This gives them a green light so they can act recklessly on the Internet and then say it was all a joke.

There are many sad stories envolving morons (like those who think that online communications are a joke) that have ended in tragedy. You don’t use a phone to blast fake information and then say it was a prank. Some people seem to think that the Internet is a different way of communicating.

Everything you write on the Internet has the opportunity to be interpreted and more importantly, logged by anyone.

The Real World

There is a connection with your actions online and what you do offline.  Most people that can’t or don’t want to understand these repercussions have their own motives. For some reason or the other they’ve used Internet platforms to spread hate or harm others.

I am the same person online and offline. For those who have known me for years know that what you see online is what you get offline.

If I have an issue with someone I communicate that issue privately and deal directly with him or her.

If I have offended anyone I apologize; I am only human.

For those who use the excuse of the online world being a fake world to hurt others and then play the victim, I can say I have lost respect for them and they better wake up before they harm someone and it is too late.

What are your thoughts on how connected the online world is from the offline world?

How do you deal with these issues that pop-up every once in a while?

 

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  • http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson

    I don’t see the online world as fake. I see it as what we make it. I have met many friends and introduced many projects via online, something I could not do easily as a single dad. That said, I still believe the best marketing and business ventures happen offline. As my daughter grows I’ll be doing more lectures, speeches, book signings and shows.

    • http://raulcolon.net/ Raul Colon

      Dan,

      I have to say maybe how I wrote that paragraph I forgot to mention that many people act like it is Fake but I believe it is not.

      My experience has been very similar to yours when it comes to being a dad and collaborating on projects while being present and close to my daughter.

      Dan where can we find your books. Please share a link… :)

      • http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson

        Raul,

        You can learn about my books at my site http://www.danerickson.net. My first, “A Train Called Forgiveness” is available at Amazon. My second will be out this Spring. Thanks for asking.

        Being able to work online during my hours at home has been a Godsend in regard to my writing.

  • http://www.facebook.com/IvelisseLaPerfumistaArroyo Ivelisse La Perfumista Arroyo

    Knowing you for a while now and been able to share with you this topic offline I do agree you are the same person online and offline; I’m your advocate on that one. I believe that’s why we have built a trusting friendship. On fake online world I just take it as it is. It just helped us realize with time with whom we can relate or not. I do agree with you in that while a lot of people dont take seriously how they look in front of others onlie and how their words can harm others online and offline, but in the end they only harm themselves. But again, that only shows their true colors and eventually they’ll fall for it. In today’s world, where Internet is tight to everything we do, I think not working your business online is not an excuse to be an AH, that only put in perspective how unprofessional you are.

    We just need to keep teaching people how is done. And you my friend are an expert on that one. ;)

    • http://raulcolon.net/ Raul Colon

      @facebook-845529724:disqus thanks for the kind words. I learn a lot from you on every interaction. I guess I need some of the energy you put into things but again that is why we are unique and we get a along.

  • http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/ BellaVida

    Hola Raul, I hope you and the family are doing well. The online world is not fake, there are just people who don’t know how to use it. When I run across these situations I’m just glad the person has revealed their true self and intentions and continue focused on my own goals.

    Best of luck to you always.

    • http://raulcolon.net/ Raul Colon

      @bellavida:disqus Focusing on your goals that is great…. But sadly a lot of people do think that the online world is a place where people can do as they wish. I try to keep myself away from it. From braking promises to a few other things but like you said you move ahead with your own goals and we need to support ourselves first before we are able to move forward with others.