I've been reading lately about hacktivism.  Examples being Governer Sarah Palin's e-mail being compromised and posted and talking head Bill O'Reilly's website with hundreds of users personal information posted. 

Being someone that has worked within the Internet world since 1995 I must tell you.  The best way to deal with this when you are average person is lay low.  Sadly the answer is as simple as keeping your mouth shut when it comes to serious subject matter.  People that want to hurt you, can.  People that want to hurt you through the Internet can really hurt you.  I'm not talking about using the World Wide Web to attack people with false discussion board posts or other forms of slander.  And while those take place, what I mean is that on the Web or in the physical world when you open your mouth too wide, you draw attention to yourself and with it bring trouble. 

I can think of at least one world issue that I've compiled a great deal of ammuntion to argue over but because I know the uglieness and ruthlessness of the Internet I don't ever discuss the subject on my blog.  I'm certain I'd be targeted for retaliation if I raised the subject on my blog.   In fact I once posted an article on another site under another name and

Hactivist don't see faces.  The only know they have the power to do harm and further their agenda.  Organizations or entities that have their way of life at stake will hurt you.  They'll use the Interent to find you and come to your door and hurt you.  Nine times out of ten, hactivist hurt many innocent people along the way. People with no dog in the fight other than having known the person under attack.

I can't really give you advice as to how to protect yourself other than to say be careful who you speak up to.  Sometimes a single person can wield the power to hurt you.  Sometimes it's an organization.  

On my blog I'm known to speak my mind.  But I don't try to offend.  I certainly don't intend to offend and if so, not purposely.  If I can offer any real solid advice it is to argue your points without anger or emotion.  Lord knows I've read enough blogs and e-mails from people showing a writer that has lost control and puts their feelings first and points second.  

You won't win these people over anyway.  Really.  So when you write or post on the Internet, consider your audience.  Challenge them and provoke them to think, don't provoke their anger or prick at their emotions.  It's wasted energy and can come back to haunt you.