A very outgoing young man in my class (“Troy”) keeps a blog (Internet diary) about his schoolwork, partying, and politics. As I read his entries, including his grousing about my class, I tell myself that I am not eavesdropping, and that he is entitled to write whatever he likes in a public forum. Yet his field is public-school teaching, for which I think his openness about his life might hamper his chances of getting a job. Should I advise him or let it go? — Letter posted to “Ms. Mentor” advice column —Keeping a Lid on Your Blog (Chronicle)

I can’t help thinking of the middle-school teacher fired over a website he created when he was 19. When does the online confessional become too public?