When A Tree Falls In The Forest....

http://www.ter-whenigrowup.blogspot.com/

I've often seen posts where people get on their "soapbox". It's one of the things I love about blogging. You get to say what you are thinking (and if you are passionate about something) it sometimes means you "go off" a little.

I didn't really think anyone was listening, so it was a bit surprising when I opened up my e-mail at work on Thursday and saw a cease and desist letter from a company I had mentioned in my work blog.

Oops.

I sell paper. And I am currently in charge of my company's blog. Now it is true, I did get on my "soapbox" in the particular blogpost in question. It was about a company who was misusing facts about paper and trees to put a "green spin" on their product. I'm sure you've seen something similar many times from your bank, or your credit card company, that little plug to save the environment and go "paperless".

This particular company had a nice little You Tube video and website with all these "facts" about how great their product was for the environment. My beef? They were not true. Don't even get me up on my soapbox , but the real truth is that by not using paper, you might actually kill the forest, not save a tree. For a great video which explains this real story visit http://cmpaper.blogspot.com/2011/03/this-one-is-for-visual-people.html.

I wasn't as much afraid of the cease and desist letter, as I was excited that my work blog was getting noticed. They didn't really have a leg to stand on. When blogging in the comfort of your own home or office, it is easy to think that you have anonymity, almost like  no one is really "listening".

But the truth is people might be hearing you.

After some consideration I took down the post, reworked it, and with no mention of that company, reposted it. My choice. http://cmpaper.blogspot.com/2011/03/please-cease-and-desist-with.html.

I was right, they were wrong, but who am I to single out one company when there are so many who do this? In my email response to them, I suggested they might want to double check the information listed on their website for accuracy before someone with a lot more power behind their cease and desist letter, like the American Forest & Paper Association, noticed their greenwashing.

I am just one person. I have my own thoughts, dreams, frustrations, and joys. And I have this little window to share them in. If you are reading this, I thank you. It is an honor to be heard.

We are lucky people to have this freedom, this right to speak our minds.