And while mistakes can be upsetting, sometimes costly and even potentially dangerous or deadly, there is also sage wisdom that says everyone can learn from mistakes.

This week, we’re seeing the potential ramifications – both reputational and financial – of a mistake by a member of our elected council.

Cr Robyn Bain has been ruled to have breached the council’s Code of Conduct for questions posed to a developer during an open council meeting in December.

When asking questions of the intentions of the developer, she did not disclose her significant, non-pecuniary, interest in a competing development.

In doing so she has opened the doors to a hearing in the Land and Environment Court on Monday at which it’s hard to see council being looked upon favourably given the goings on in chambers.

It’s not the first time Cr Bain has found herself in the public eye for the wrong reasons, with a social media exchange late last year – also regarding an Eden development – adjudged inappropriate behaviour for an elected official.

On that occasion she apologised – and has been directed to do so again for this latest breach.

However, it’s not just Cr Robyn Bain dicing with the hazards of social media and online debate.

Quite a few of our elected representatives take to Facebook with gusto, through their own profile pages as well as through discourse on several other community pages. 

There’s a well-known tip for those who spend time in the online gaming world that also rings true for social media – Don’t feed the trolls.

Getting under your skin and creating heated discussions – which never end well –  is the role of the troll. Responding to them, however sensible your argument, just adds fuel to their fire.

The descent to immaturity and car park bickering that eventuates doesn’t seem out of place in online gaming – but it is certainly conduct unbecoming elected representatives.

Social media breaks down barriers to communication and engagement. If used well and respectfully, it can be an invaluable tool for speaking directly with, and to, your intended audience.

Just don’t be surprised if it turns sour.