This subject has been on my mind for a while now, but has become more important to me personally in light of my recent public admission.

The Internet is a wonderful tool for knowledge and information, but it often falls flat as a tool for wisdom and personal growth. Why is that? Let's explore a couple of possibilities.

The first and most obvious reason is Internet anonymity. With the widespread use of this medium, people no longer have to face the person or interact in realtime. Now, people have the ability to hide behind the Ethermask and say anything they want without fear of instant feedback. Without that accountability for their actions, at least in the physical realm, people have stopped measuring their words. If the writers of much of what is said were to say those words to someone in realtime, they'd be slapped, punched, kicked, stabbed, or shot, if they were lucky. If not, there would be new cases on the docket at the local courthouse.

I'm not saying the Internet breeds cowardice. I'm saying that it removes the instant feedback of accountability from the equation.

The second and maybe less obvious reason is the self-imposed anonymity of the Internet. On writing sites, as well as other membership sites, some people will complete the profile and add a personal photograph. Others deliberately do not complete the profile and make what I consider to be a mistake in not adding a profile photo.

What makes the profile photo important? If I am interacting with you on the Internet and I've never met you before, then I don't really know your personality or that you are really another living, breathing human being on the other end of the Internet connection. Without that knowledge and reminder, I can assign--often erroneously--personality and character traits to you that may color my responses to you.

Some people choose to hide behind the Ethermask for better or worse (and I respect that each individual has his or her own reasons), but for those seeking to connect to other writers and their readers, having a profile photo is one of the best if not the very best way to do it.

If you pick up most any book written for public consumption, you will see an author photo and short blurb about them. Your profile is a chance to reach out to your readers and establish yourself in their minds.