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[puppetthesock]

Another student in my grad program has been blogging/vlogging about academe and his/her research regularly for about a year. Great, right? Except that many of his/her posts give the impression that this person is simultaneously narcissistic, naive, incompetent and sensitive, and it's affecting his/her reputation.

I like this person, but so far I've STFU'd because he/she IS sensitive and I really don't want to hurt his/her feelings. I feel guilty about it, though and wonder if I should say something since it might hurt his/her chances of getting a job if he/she is googled by the SC (it's all under his/her real name). On the other hand, he/she is not the strongest student, so maybe it will never come to that and I should keep quiet.

What would you do?

[ptarmigan]

If you are very close friends, then you should have a conversation about it. Otherwise, I don't see any upside for you in bringing it up, and I wouldn't.

[offthemarket]

You'll be applying for the same jobs as this person? If this person is a friend, then be a friend. If not, well, remember that in life we cross paths with many dim bulbs, and your time can be better spent worrying about something or someone else.

[puppetthesock]

He/she is in a totally different subfield. We will never compete for the same jobs.

We've had a couple of heart to hearts, but honestly, we aren't close.

I'm relieved that neither of you think I'm going to be a complete jerk if I continue to STFU. I've felt guilty because if it was me, I'd like someone to tell me... but as you say, I'm not responsible for him/her.

[sagit]

This would be TOTALLY passive-aggressive but you could post anonymous comments on their blog that are more blunt than you could be in person.  May or may not work, or be a good idea, but it might help them see that their blogging isn't a great idea.