In a dozen or so games in the last few weeks, I may have scored one goal.

Even if it's something you consider to be an achievement, not everyone does. One could find something questionable in a work of fiction I have written for dA and that could disqualify me because what if someone disgruntled with my performance finds it, reads it and finds grounds to sue for my dismissal based upon it? Maybe I wrote something and they construe it as racist, then there is grounds for a dismissal suit.

I sure as hell don't want the possible liability of paying for an investigation and maybe a court settlement over a faculty member, especially not in this economic climate. It's easier to dismiss the person--or not hire them at all.

This is also why the most "edgy" academic work is done by people outside of the educational establishment--people in the private sector.

In most career fields, it's irrelevant, but in academia it's a big deal due to the competitive nature of job openings. I've been on a search committee for a new professor and distinguished, highly qualified candidates were rejected solely because their Facebook page contained drunk pictures and spelling errors.

In the information age, the public face you put out there stays with you forever.

When someone searches for my name, it is my intention that they find nothing negative so nothing can be held against me. And regardless of content, someone will find it offensive.

Simple preservation.

Tenured professors have been removed from their jobs solely based on what they have said in webforums and on social networking sites.

University managements would rather dismiss their best professor than come under any negative scrutiny.

Duh.