Search Yourself

If you don’t use Google Alert, you should. It’s an easy-to-use, Google-based search system that allows you to enter a subject and, once done, Google will email you daily messages on related activities. I change my alerts often. Currently, I receive alerts on auto racing; air shows; large-format, digital printing; LEDs and Darek Johnson.

I Google alert myself?

You bet – and you should too, because you’ll quickly see if your name is mentioned on the Internet. View it as a precautionary measure, not an ego trip. Think of social-media and chat rooms. Now, consider the reckless disregard for libel that often flames in the minds of today’s indifferent youth — especially those who regularly misinterpret everyday events.

That said, you might also create a Google alert for your company name; and check glassdoor.com more often.

You can get around any chat room sign-up by searching the site name on Google and then scroll for the subject and click on “cache.”

Here are samples of chat room-expressed angst:

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• “One day the [—] might get the hint!”
• “It’s not your fault! It’s that you’ve been puked on by a puke!”
• “Several calls have been ignored. I have purchased their equipment for 20 years, but never again.”
And humor:
• “…Looking for a vector image of a cowbell.”
• “Do cow farts and fluorescent lamps start fires?”

Is chat-room information bad or misleading? Not always. But, I’m certainly distrustful of anyone who rants too long. Or too often.