In 1971  Shirley Bassey told the James Bond fans and the world that “Diamonds are Forever.”

Nearly 40 years later, this track was re-mixed by Kanye West and introduced a whole new generation to this famous Welsh singer.

What Kanye also did was send a telling message with his remix, that ALL diamonds (including “blood diamonds”) are forever (as is the damage done bringing blood diamonds to market).  A compelling message and great adjustment to a 40 year old message.

In 2009, it is not just diamonds that are forever.  Today it is emails, Facebook pages, MySpace pages, Flickr pages, and the list goes on and on.

This post is a cautionary tale, and a reminder that everything you say and do sends a message.

Laughing Online Lasts Forever

This coming Saturday is Election Day for the national Young Republicans.  The leading contender for the post held court on her Facebook page, opening a number of discussions.  On one particular topic, someone posted a racist (and vile) rant/joke, and it appeared that the contender laughed along – “You tell ‘em LOL”   

Long story short, other participants in the discussion saw the rant and called her out on the comments.  She pulled the page down, however it was too late – others had captured the screenshot, and now this contender is gaining more attention than ever imagined (or desired). 

One positive side note — Cassie Wallender, who was the first to state on the Facebook page that these comments were “Not OK” in a very pronounced way has also gained national attention for completely different reasons.  Cassie has sent a message, without even trying, that she is a leader.  Not a bad introduction to the national stage for the 26 year old.  (Illustrating the viral power of the web)

Once you write it online, someone, somewhere, has access to it.  Facebook pages (like diamonds) are forever.

Emails Last Forever

Granted, this email exchange is a bit unusual.  Storyline – Executive Assistant  (E.A.) at lobbying shop in DC writes to a scheduler/office manager for Congressman Jim McDermott to request client meeting.  Result – E.A. does not get meeting for said client, receives countless harsh emails, and apologizes 6 different times.  This goes on for 19 emails.

E.A.’s crime?

Calling the scheduler “Liz” as opposed to “Elizabeth” on one email. That’s it. It’s all right here.

19 emails, six apologies, a national story, thousands of blog references, a huge headache for a Congressman and a disaster for his scheduler.

Emails (and diamonds) are forever.

**Side note to new graduates — everything sends a message.  Those embarrasing Facebook/MySpace pictures and quotes can hurt you in your career search, and the reality is you may never know it.  It is far more likely that a potential employer will either a) tell you that you did not receive the position or b) just not call you back.  The chances are the employer will not tell you WHY you didn’t receive the position (chances are that they WILL tell other people why you did not get the position).  It only takes a few minutes, but clean up your ‘net profile when entering the workforce — it will pay off.

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