Miranda's Rights and Wrongs

 (Miranda is not a real person. She has been made up to make a point)

By Pam

You are under arrest for posting something on the internet that you shouldn’t have.

You have the right to your opinion. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of public opinion. You have the right to an argument. If you want to avoid confrontation, someone else will always argue for you. Do you understand these rights? With these rights in mind, do you wish to post on the internet?*

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of pictures and videos, and have read a lot of posts by fans on the internet.  I have posted pictures and videos in the hopes that my sharing would bring a smile to someone.  Yes, I like to be recognized for my efforts, but it’s not absolutely necessary all the time.  “Give and ye shall receive.”  It’s nice to see other people share, as well. I’m not hell bent on finding out where something came from, though.  I’m just happy that someone was nice

enough to share. Without them, I may have never seen Alex O’Loughlin flash that particular smile.

There’s nothing more frustrating than going to a favorite source and reading someone shaking their finger at the host. “Where did you get this?” Where’s the credit?” “So-and-so wouldn’t like it if they knew you posted this.” Some care to share only with sharing in mind. There’s nothing wrong with that. Who shares what is a matter of choice. The finger shaker has no authority to judge, or decide for the host. 

Pulling the “Internet etiquette” card is no excuse for policing others by way of intimidation (It's obvious that the etiquette I'm used to isn't the same as today's 15 year old). Everyone doesn't have to know everything. It’s been said that a good reporter never reveals their sources.  That doesn’t mean they’re sneaky or underhanded.  In a fandom, it’s a personal choice. By the same token, it is our own choice to accept what we see and read no matter who it’s from. Being up front and indicating that picture isn’t yours, but not saying where you got it from is fine. That's being honest with discretion. Being deceitful by implying you are the originator of media or information, but are not, is not fine, in my opinion.  That's just dishonest. I choose not to accept those kinds of people as credible. And the right to choose is the only right anyone has.

We have to remember that each country’s customs plays a role in decision making as to what a person feels is postable. For example, Russian fans are a little more lenient in their giving up information than those in the US.  I doubt anyone within a fandom will ever be able to change their customs. 

 Frankly, Miranda, you have no right to even try.

*Taken from Miranda Rights. Learn more here Here