There are many ways to ask and answer this question. Authorship used to be rare, but now, all of us write something.

If you’re putting your words on a social media platform, you might be surprised to discover that they could disappear at any moment. Some platforms acknowledge that they own the relationship you think you have with your readers, not you. Others go so far as to insist that they can take your username and transfer it if they choose.

The words (and images) you share could be harvested for the data they contain as well.

At a more metaphorical level, in community discourse it’s easy to get in the habit of parroting talking (and arguing) points. Take a moment to think about whether you mean what you just said or perhaps are simply cheering for your team. If they’re not your words, you still might be responsible for uttering them.

More mundane but important: If you’ve ever been asked to sign a release, take a moment to read it. It probably insists that your words (and even your likeness and reputation) now belong to the company that asked you to sign. I consistently refuse, and I’m surprised that they’re surprised that I take the legal document seriously.

Words can change minds, build our culture and make an impact. They only work when we share them, but they still belong to us.

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