Access to information and people is intoxicating. Creating an online portrait of who we are or who we want others to see is equality alluring.  But without direction, governance, and discipline, we are at risk of giving ourselves to the very networks we value rather than managing the platforms to our advantage. Our participation must be inspired by purpose and parameters. No, we are not obligated to connect with everyone who connects with us. We are obligated to maintain balance in who we are, what we value, and equally the value we invest in the communities in which we participate. As Clay Shirky once observed, “There’s no such thing as information overload — only filter failure.” My take? “Information overload is a symptom of our desire to not focus on what’s important.” It’s a choice. - Jay Cross