Incognito
“Blogs are great. You get to express yourself. Friends read it. Family read it. Strangers read it, and that’s okay with you. The catch is, when you blog, you create an identity but you can’t always say what’s really on your mind”,1 without repercussion.
At the risk of sharing too much personal information via our blogs do you think it’s better to blog anonymously or at least set up an online identity, but not under your real name? I always felt like having two identities was living a double life, but now I see it as a small measure of protection.
My identity is no secret, I am Valerie Morrison, but sometimes I wish I had blogged under the cloak of anonymity. I try to keep my personal life separate from my online life, but it’s challenging and in some ways, limiting.
Now, I’m not blogging about anything here I wouldn’t want my mother to read, but my alter ego likes to write too and she has no home training. If I blogged incognito this would be a slightly different blog. I’m not sure I would like that either. Maybe because my identity is known serves as a restraint; I have to think twice before I hit submit or publish.
While blogging can be a great outlet for keeping people up to date, receiving support from our online friends and sharing our experiences – even our secrets – we need to be careful what we put out there.
I came across this post from Judy called, I Have A Secret. Immediately I had to stop what I was doing and read it, who doesn’t have a secret? Judy writes:
I have lived a “fantasy” life for over 50 years. I have portrayed a life that I wanted people to know, not what actually was. I have kept secrets inside that I have been afraid to let out. I have struggled from day to day to not trip over the “baggage” that is my memory. I have a story to tell. It’s not pretty. It would be about my life. It would be about control, brutality, incest. I have wanted to write this story, but could never leave a hard copy around (or even in my computer) for fear someone would find it. I write it daily in my mind with tears flowing profusely. I feel a need to “let it go” by telling it. I thought my blog could be the avenue to final peace but am uncertain whether or not it would be the proper venue. I would need to do it in short, weekly segments…serial form, if you will. My family, my humor and my faith are the only things that have kept me sane. I don’t want to scare you into thinking that I am unstable; I don’t believe I am…I just have a terrible secret and I’m tired of holding it inside. I was hoping you, my readers, could help me to dissect the pros and cons of such a venture.
I tried to contact Judy to ask if I could use her post here, but I couldn’t find any contact information on her blog, so I hope she doesn’t mind. Writing is very therapeutic, especially for me, I don’t like to share, much. I keep my true feelings bottled up and I know that’s not healthy. Like Judy, I could never have a hard copy of any journal or diary, but I still need to let it go.
Sharing too much information online can be risky. I opted for a private blog, one that I only share with a few individuals, but I also have blogs that I don’t share with ANYONE. They fulfill a need.
If you blog under your real name do you regret it or find it limiting as to what you can share? And if you blog under a pseudonym or anonymously, what tips can you offer someone thinking of going in this direction?
Helpful Sites:
FearlessBlogging.com – Lets you post anonymously.
Hushmail – Provides private, secure free email accounts.
photo: by fatboygotsick
In: Blogging · Tagged with: Anonymous Blogging
on February 10, 2009 at 8:46 am
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I think blogging is limiting simply because if you want people to read your blog you can’t be too offensive with what you write nor too unconventional, people are weird like that. Most of what is/has happened in my life is really good blogging stuff but most people would be shocked.
I don’t use my last name in my blog but I think many people could guess what it is by reading my blog.
I believe you have the right idea by there being more than one blog.
you are right, it is limiting. i do think there is more freedom though blogging anonymously. i really don’t care – not one bit – what other people think of me on my other blogs because they don’t know the real me. here, i won’t post or say anything too out of line. i have to give it some thought.
ps. watched the video of rudy this morning. so cute.
on February 10, 2009 at 9:30 am
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A very thought-provoking article. I feel for the person who has those secrets. I grew up feeling that way, too, because of a violent and emotionally abusive home where no one must ever talk about “the family.”
It’s important to overcome that fear and tell the truth about what happened, but as you point out, you have to protect yourself so you can be safe.
My friends and family don’t have access to my blog. I started out with my full name, but quickly decided to remove my last name so that I could write more personal things without fear of anyone I know giving me a hard time. Since there’s a possibility of people at work reading my blog, I prefer to make it difficult to find me but not including my last name. Only because some things are too personal for work.
At first I wanted to write anything I had in my head, but soon found that my readers weren’t interested in some topics. The readers became more important as time went on, and eventually I was writing only for them, never getting personal. That didn’t work either. I found readers like to know the personal things, too, not just the “content.” Since I’ve kept a journal all my life (an entire shelf-ful at this point), I haven’t really needed to blog a journal.
yep, i grew up too not talking, so i write. paper can’t run and always listens. well i don’t have much to hide here, so my family, some of them, know about my blog and website. they’re not interested and that’s fine, but their friends might be. forget blogging about work, i check my blog there, they have the information and can read it anytime, so i take my “business” elsewhere. i need to write, but i don’t need to tell and i don’t need to share. this blog will suffice. thanks dot.
Dot´s last blog post..Time to Celebrate!
on February 10, 2009 at 9:52 am
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When it comes to blogging, I subscribe to idea of making who I am known. I feel like it allows my online personality to be an extension of who I am instead of a substitute. I also don’t feel that since my identity is widely known that I have to show some restraint in what I post. Generally my rule is that if I wouldn’t talk about it in real life, then there’s no need to talk about it online.
you are one brave soul. i talk about things in real life that i would NEVER blog about, uh hello. maybe later after you join corporate america you might feel differently. companies love to check up on what their employees are doing. i’d like to be known for my writing, but nothing that would get me in trouble.
TOPolk´s last blog post..I Put On…
on February 10, 2009 at 10:47 am
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I blog under the name Shinade. But, everyone knows my real name is Jackie. I usually always sign everything as Jackie when I make a comment or a reply on my blog.
The name Shenade is ancient Gaelic for The Graciousness Of God. And I thought to myself that I could always certainly use all of that I could get. So that name is more for me than for hiding my identity.
Besides I am on Twitter and Facebook so most people know me anyway. This is a great post. You have a fabulous blog here at least I think so.
I have something for you and your blog that says just that.
hi jackie. i enjoy usernames more than i do knowing a person’s real name. i like the mystery and it does tell you a lot about a person, well to me it does. i know a lot of people and people know me that i don’t even know know me, so i have to be careful what i sign my name to, you never know who is reading. thanks so much for your kind words and my award.
http://shinade.blogspot.com/2009/02/compassionate-blogger-award-and-more.html
Happy Tuesday,
Jackie:-)
on February 10, 2009 at 11:06 am
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I have a personal blog about my day to day life but I don’t post EVERYTHING there because some people might misunderstood what you are blogging about. I also have a blog that nobody knows about.
i’ll have to stop by and see what you’re blogging about then in your day to day life. if you have a blog that nobody knows about, keep it that way. wise choice. IMHO (in my humble opinion).
on February 10, 2009 at 11:40 am
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I don’t regret blogging under my own name. The only difficulty that I have is that I am restrained from saying too much about some people because I know that they have read my blog in the past. Of course, I’m sure that they wouldn’t have the same restraint about talking about me behind my back, but there you go. I’m not that kind of person.
well of course not mike, people talking about you is always justified, but you talking about them is always wrong, right? glad you have no regrets and are careful. thanks for sharing, good to see you again.
Mike Goad´s last blog post..The New Location.
on February 10, 2009 at 1:14 pm
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I blog using my full name. I don’t regret it at all. My blog is more than a creative outlet – it’s my business card. It helps me land writing gigs. I do censor myself when I write, but I don’t see any problem with that. I can be “me” with my loved ones. I don’t need to share all of me with the entire world.
censoring yourself is a good thing. i think people who need to write – therapeutically – probably find it difficult to hold back or censor their words – there’s just a need to tell someone or say it out loud – the issue is where and how one chooses to do so. thanks vered!
Vered – MomGrind´s last blog post..Sex Sells? You Tell Me
on February 10, 2009 at 1:17 pm
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Val:
I started a blog unanimously about my “secrets” but it was too hard to keep separate from my “public” blog. I would forget “who I was” while commenting on some blogs or social media and it was just too hard, so that blog fell in the “failure” hole of blogs about 50 days out! I may try it again or I may try it without trying to hide who I am…maybe.
i totally understand Dee, sometimes you sit down and think: who am i again? it’s easier to be one person but sometimes when the lights go on, it’s showtime, we can be different from our regular selves.
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..EntreCard – Yes, No or Maybe?
on February 10, 2009 at 2:58 pm
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Hmmm I am very much struggling with this. I have always avoided using my real name and many photos because I talk about such personal stuff that I don’t even tell anyone else, apart from my boyfriend. I wouldn’t like for my real life friends to read half of the stuff, and in some ways I feel like I’m more honest on my blog because I don’t show my real name. However, I do now have an adopted blog name ‘Penny’ which I sometimes call myself without noticing
My only problem is that I want to write articles online which means putting the ‘real me’ online. Do I have two online personalities, or do I combine the two and stop being so personal??? Hmmmmm
okay don’t do it. keep your name to yourself. there i said it…but really the choice, of course, is yours. it’s hard not to share stuff with your “real life” friends – sometimes we’re proud of something we’ve written or we want to share a funny story. things slip out, but once they do, it’s time to be more careful. you can’t talk about them. i kind of still struggle with 2 or 4 online personalities, myself. let me know what you decide, penny. that’s a good name btw. i think i was compared to “a bad penny” when i was in my teens. something that just keeps coming back. was i THAT annoying.
oh the abuse.
Penny´s last blog post..Something That Made Me Smile
on February 10, 2009 at 3:00 pm
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I think it all depends on what you’re blogging for, and what your blog is about. Since I am out here branding myself, and offering my advice as a fitness professional, I want you to know exactly who I am. Because of that, I have also cut down on the “personal rants” that you could find on my blog when it was in its earlier stages. Also, now that my blog is more well known than it used to be, I know I have to be careful. Someone from the company I work for could be reading my blog at any time. I refrain from expressing my real feelings about corporate politics and co workers (although I could say more than a few things on those subjects).
I have clients who read my blog, and members of offline social networking groups that I belong to who come across it also. Hell, I publicize my link everywhere I go. These people get to see me in person, so, I can’t go too nuts with my posts.
I created that monster, but it’s okay….for me that’s all part of the plan. But as a businesswoman, I know not to go into details about my last date or sexual escapade. I have all types of people reading me now, and also know what they come to my blog for; fitness advice, and that helps me keep that blog on target.
Since I do have a need to express things that are not related to fitness, I started another blog where you will kind of find more of the “real”, four letter word slingin’, unrestrained opinions comin’ out the wazoo, ME.
A place for everything, and everything in its place!
I have found that keeping my business (fitness) blogs and personal blogs separate is a necessity. I’m not anonymous on either one, so if I ever really wanted to start telling DEEP secrets, I don’t think I’d be telling them there! I’d have to keep them to those that already know me personally!
i’ve been to your other blog a few times…but is there any real separation from your professional blog and your personal blog if the two are linked. all someone (a client) has to do is click a link and they still get to see the other side of you. people still judge, whether we admit it or not, regardless of which blog it’s on if they know you personally. my clients would have to find my personal blog on their own
i wouldn’t give them a link. thanks fitness diva for sharing your thoughts.
The Fitness Diva´s last blog post..The Fitness Diva’s Hot Gadget Review – Carmen Electra’s Electrapole
on February 10, 2009 at 4:55 pm
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My main blog is Fashion who is my alter ego based on my life but I am blog under my name through other sites. I keep it light and funny but cover fashion seriously and my personal personal life to myself….like the Fitness Diva..not everybody needs to know everything.:)
smart choice. i don’t think we start off wanting to tell the world everything, it’s a gradual process. you don’t even know it’s happening sometimes. the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
alicia´s last blog post..Fashiona on the 51st GRAMMY Awards
on February 10, 2009 at 5:37 pm
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I own my own domain, so if anyone really wnted to know who is the blog author, they could find out easily enough.
I can’t think of anything I would write that matters to anyone enough to cause problems if they knew my name. Would it be different if anonymity were guaranteed? Probably not, but much of that is my boring life, coupled with the idea I don’t think anyone would be interested in anything particularly racy from me.
Great food for thought, though.
well you could make your domain registration private, so it’s not always that easy, but if somebody really want to find out who you are, i’m convinced it can be done – makes me shudder sometimes. nothing is guaranteed when you blog anon either. one of the points i came across was: prepare to be caught. anything can happen. thanks for your comment joe.
Joe´s last blog post..Time to Man Up
on February 10, 2009 at 7:35 pm
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I used to not care about my identity being known, but there are days when
I wish I was invisible.
i understand mel, been there myself and if i think real hard i still get that way sometimes. xoxo
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Readers Digest Writing Competition
on February 10, 2009 at 9:13 pm
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Well, keeping it private can be a good thing, that way you can reap any benefits financially for publishing it some day. If you use a blog that is an alias, that can be good; You can perhaps peak an interest that you can profit from some day. You can also use a blog that only lets comments remain from visitors that you do not find too offensive to your own. You can always delete the comment or block certain individuals from leaving comments on your blog. I don’t know if I would tell too much, but that is up to the individual blogger; but I do know that not being able to completely come to terms with what has happened to you can wreck your life in a way that you do not even know yourself. So many times, the offended is portrayed as the one at fault, and that is the part that needs to be changed so that further injury can not be inflicted through that way. I don’t think it ever totally goes away, because it has caused so much damage in our life, and as long as it remains a part of us we will always be able to remember. But we do not have to continue in this life waiting to become a victim again. We can go on and make sure it never happens again.
i didn’t realize how much thought people put into blogging before they suited up online. now that i know, i probably would do things slightly differently. like keeping my mouth shut.
Raquel´s last blog post..Purchased Plane Ticket to Philippines
on February 10, 2009 at 10:05 pm
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This is a really good post today and something I struggle with. My blog tends to be happy little stories, sometimes sober, sometimes opinionated, sometimes just stupid. I find that people get mad when I post my opinions and I’ve actually received some nasty comments regarding them. It’s hurtful when that happens and it makes me second guess being honest or open about how I feel or think about current events or issues. I don’t like that–I want my blog to be that–my blog. My diary, my place to tell my story, to share, to get it off my chest per se. I don’t mind contrary thoughts or ideas in the comments, but I do mind being called names and accused of being things I am not.
So, I kinda stick to lighter things, avoiding the touchy subjects, which somehow contradicts what I wanted the blog for. There are gonna be days when something irks me and I write about it, but maybe I need to put a “no comments please, I’m venting” sign on the doormat. I don’t know.
As for the identity, I don’t mind being known and I don’t think it had anything to do with what I write. I’m like that in life too–I have opinions and I say them… a lot. And people don’t like that… a lot. I have a theory–if you don’t like me, stand to the left. Oh, by the way, that’s the really looonng line. If you like me, go to the right. It’s the short line, but that’s okay–it’s the only way I look towards.
hey Lin! it’s fine if someone doesn’t like a post, not everyone is going to, but saying mean things to or about the blogger isn’t acceptable. won’t be tolerated here. we’re different, people should respect it and keep it moving. if you feel like a touchy subject, it’s your right and your blog. it’s nice to have a place to dump and speak freely.
Lin´s last blog post..Kiss of Life
on February 10, 2009 at 10:22 pm
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I loved this post!… It’s so true. “No home training” is the best. It’s hard sometimes. You just have to breathe. LOL! I agree, it’s difficult to separate the two–your personal and online life. But, what I’ve found is that a little added you to each post is better than none at all… Seriously. For some reason, everyone loves to have a little piece of you. Just remember balance. I think that’s the best thing.
hello, veRonda, you’re new here, welcome. yeah my alter ego writes here sometimes, lol. that’s what i do, reveal a little here and there. i guess if one stays here long enough they could put together their own profile of me. i try to add something of myself in each post, so i don’t appear too impersonal, because i can. balance IS best. i strive for it.
on February 10, 2009 at 10:31 pm
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Wow, just perfect! Why do you think I stopped blogging. A few people got a hold of my blog and they got upset over things I wrote; then you get a few readers that want you to always write about one thing or the other “the next think you’re in box you can’t escape” -even I wasn’t enjoying my own posts. I wasn’t being authentic, I was starting to write to be accepted and not to hurt people’s feelings, which defeated the whole purpose of blogging/expressing yourself. So I do regret using my real name, and I’m not sure I want to carry on being all polite when sometimes I don’t feel like it. I remember sometime ago before you had as many fans, I wanted you to share more about yourself, you would share just enough and I felt like you had more to say but you couldn’t – “I understand why now” and then once you left a comment on my blog advising something like “I could be anonymous” I should have taken that advice, “I was still young in this blogging world”, now I have stalkers that I can’t get rid off even when I’m not writing – it’s a whole post on its own. So there I’m gonna start me a new blog. Thanks for the post, just what I needed.
wow tondy. i guess when we start a blog, that’s what we do, we start a blog. we don’t really think about the what if’s and the best way to proceed. then we get comfortable. i miss you blogging, but i said i would fall back and when you got ready and started again, i’d be there. if you do an anon blog, don’t forget to send me the link
. go, get started.
“I’m not sure I want to carry on being all polite when sometimes I don’t feel like it.” made me laugh out loud.
tondy´s last blog post..Rescures and Pleasers
on February 11, 2009 at 11:44 am
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thanks for your reply – very helpful as well as reading all the comments here. I keep changing my mind as to what to do really. And that is a funny nickname, I’m sure you weren’t that bad
I have multiple online personalities atm which I feel kind of guilty and two-faced about having…. but they are still both me, just one is much less inhibited (Penny!)
you’re welcome. and yes, the multiple personalities online makes me uncomfortable, but…. *shrugs* like you said, they are both you.
Penny´s last blog post..Something That Made Me Smile
on February 11, 2009 at 11:47 am
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I blog under the name Grog or Organic 70. I think this is a great point you bring up. I went down the route of using slight anonymity because I was worried that some people would get to worked up and want to pursue you for expressing your views and upsetting them. I am glad that I did it as I have recently gotten into some heated debates that I am sure would escalated would I have had my real info up on-line.
i feel less personally attacked if people are screaming at my alter ego, she doesn’t care, rather than valerie. it can be a protection.
Grog´s last blog post..What Is A Community Food System?
on February 11, 2009 at 12:48 pm
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My blog is mostly of a business nature, and I want to start building a reputation as a writer (and later an artist) so I use my real name. My personal struggles and such I save for my journal, which is not online and will be accessible to no-one until my death.
that’s cool. i even have a pseudonym for my books. lol. geeze. well i would reveal myself if one ever did really well in sales, maybe. i hear ya on the journal, you can read it when i die and even then i might turn over in my grave and shudder just once at the thought.
on February 11, 2009 at 1:23 pm
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I am semi anonymous…
then I had a comment from an anonymous person who signed “dave” and he read about me in the local paper…
Little freaked out about that, I thought I was doing a good job not TOTALLY revealing my whereabouts, full name, etc.
*shrugs*
okay i’m freaked out with you then. wow. uh, what was in the paper?
staciesmadness´s last blog post..(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday
on February 11, 2009 at 2:23 pm
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I am definitely blogging under an alter ego. It started out that way because I didn’t want a trail to my real name just because. Really because I tend to be paranoid.
Then I started to write about my family — the weird unspoken stuff a lot of other commenters have talked about here — and that was okay for awhile. Until some stuff blew up in my face.
At the time I really needed to write about that. I’m glad I did but I had to take it down because I couldn’t shake my family. Once I removed stuff about them they had no interest in my thoughts or anything about me.
Typical.
However, I still find I’d rather hide behind my cape and Converse rather than throw my real name out there. And I think it would be a let down for people to see the flesh behind the words, you know?
I look better as a doodle, anyway.
you were smart to do so. i like being unknown on my other blogs. i think people can get a sense of who you are even though they don’t know your name. much is revealed through your writings.
i understand the let down. that’s one reason why i don’t like to watch interviews of my favorite entertainers. they are much cooler in my head then i watch an interview and they mess ALL that up. i love janet jackson, but i can’t stand to watch her being interviewed. i’ll pass.
cardiogirl´s last blog post..The book of questions, Volume 28
on February 11, 2009 at 2:40 pm
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My gut feeling is that blogging anonymously could be very lonely and one would feel even more alone and hidden than if being selective what to disclose in your true identity. I think that as bloggers get to know each other better, we can let down our guards and admit our failings. After all, we are all human, we’ve all sinned and we all have things we are ashamed of. But forgiveness and understanding is there for the taking. And bloggers can be such wonderful friends.
I blog under my “stage” name, but my real last name doesn’t really matter, anyway. I still divulge my true self. (I think.)
“Funster” came from a few years ago when I was in a band called The Funsters.
i haven’t experienced the lonely thing yet, i guess that’s because i have this blog – which is why having two blogs, if you can, doesn’t hurt – for those who need to write. even when you let your guard down, you can still frighten the bejeezers out of people by what we say.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Blogging Poems
on February 11, 2009 at 2:57 pm
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maybe later after you join corporate america you might feel differently. companies love to check up on what their employees are doing.
I’ve already been a member of Corporate America – for about three years actually. Being employed never stopped my blogging or edited what I wanted to say. I’m a firm believer that if a company I’m working for has a problem with what I do outside of work, then I’ve got a problem with that company — especially if I’m not compromising confidential information. I’m sure most – both employees and employers – don’t see it that way, but that’s how I roll.
alright then guy. you’re a better man than i am. i guess as long as you don’t violate their confidentiality most companies may not have a problem, but you never know. i get to read up on the legalities of blogging at work. scary.
on February 11, 2009 at 3:48 pm
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I think it’s much better to have an online identity that is who you are. Why hide anything. If everyone is open and up front this process can benefit everyone involved.
everyone has their reasons, could be family, job, maybe being known is not all that important. surely it depends on what kind of blog you keep.
on February 11, 2009 at 8:08 pm
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I have so many aliases now but I don’t feel so uncomfortable as I like to have some fun sharing my thoughts. Of course you can make enemies and have critics but we have those in daily life too, so I don’t care and just carry on being mad me.
yeah i like sharing this blog with people who know me. it’s fun to do so, but i don’t want to share everything with them. i rather go hide.
on February 11, 2009 at 9:57 pm
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Valarie,
These are some very valid points. I use a alias mainly because alot of the information I give is proprietary and I don’t want to get sued obviously. Blogging under my real name would not be as fun. At least in my mind.
hi rick and welcome. the interesting thing about being anonymous is just because you are doesn’t mean you can’t be sued. people sue “john and jane doe,” and to my surprise, not always take progressive legal action against them, but to reveal their identity.
Rick Vaughn´s last blog post..Minimum Monthly Payment Formula
on February 12, 2009 at 4:50 am
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Now blogging at work, that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms. They don’t pay me to blog (or hang out on facebook), so I try not to do so. I can’t say I haven’t done either — but at the company I did so, I was more than ready to leave anyways.
smart man. some people can’t resist. (cough)
TOPolk´s last blog post..864/803/843: We Fly High
on February 12, 2009 at 6:09 am
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In many ways, my blog would be considered “incognito” simply because most of the people that I know don’t know of its existence. In fact, only two of my closest friends are aware of it. That being said, anyone who knows me and happens to stumble across it would immediately recognize my picture! For this reason, I don’t include many things that I would like to write about – to get off my chest. The problem with this is that when I write I tend to write for an audience and not so much for myself. In my everyday dealings with people – family and friends and people I work with – it has often beed said that I keep things to myself so that people don’t REALLY know what I’m thinking.
I think that most people would say that they aren’t completely “open” in their blogs because in many respects it’s like any relationship and we tend to protect ourselves from seeming “vulnerable.” In order to satisfy this need to openly express how I feel or what I think about something, I keep a private journal on my computer. It would be great if I could include some of these entries in my blog with an “I don’t care what people think” attitude!
a private journal is a great idea. i just keep mine as a blog, i can’t lose or leave that anywhere and hopefully no one will find it. i look through my entries to see if there is a thought that i can expound upon here. thanks for sharing robin.
Robin´s last blog post..What’s Your Hobby?
on February 12, 2009 at 9:00 am
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I’ve actually gotten banned from some blogs for voicing my opinion, yet they have no problems comment on mine
really? i don’t mind opinions or even if someone disagrees, but there’s a way you go about doing it.
Grog´s last blog post..Should A US Secretary Of State Except Bribes?
on February 12, 2009 at 10:55 am
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I never regret anything I do,because it’s all adventure on the road of life for me.Blogging is true therapy for me- It lifts me out of moods. I find I am unabashedly honest hereThe one thing that does hurt however is when you become attached to someone and suddenly they are gone- no reason.
I should think that I would be used to that at my age husband gone etc. but it still bothers me.
i know how you feel. i have to go check in for my session soon. thanks sandy, hope you are well. will pop over later.
sandy´s last blog post..Probably no single picture has affected me like this one- maybe the earthquake in China- I am very moved by this newsreel footage from Australia
on February 12, 2009 at 2:33 pm
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Sandy…I agree
grog, i see a huge converse sneaker coming out of the sky in your future.
Grog´s last blog post..Should A US Secretary Of State Except Bribes?
on February 12, 2009 at 8:20 pm
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I thought about blogging anonymously, and keeping more private things private- since a few friends and family members were reading it- but at some point I became more honest with it and stopped worrying about who was reading it. I want my blog to be honest and “me”. And that’s what it is now.
Sometimes it’s best to remain anonymous, however- like if it would get you fired or arrested, or if you couldn’t bear for people you cared about to know certain things about you.
oh you are too real to write anonymously, not that others are fake, but it doesn’t seem like your personality to hold back. your blog is you and honest, i like that about it. always making me laugh.
um corrina, come closer. put your ear to the monitor, i want to ask you something. closer. i’m sorry to be this close to your ear but i don’t want the others to hear. you mean your family and friends read the shower post? i would die, change my name and relocate. i’m chicken.
Corrina´s last blog post..Ten Days
on February 13, 2009 at 2:45 am
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Hi Natural – First, it’s funny as I know your name is Valerie, but I automatically call you Natural.
I wrestled with using my name when I started blogging, but then realized some day I may want to use my blog as a “reference” for some type of “job”, so I went for it. I’m not at all sorry I did. Writing under an alias would be difficult as I would feel like a fraud. I like being “me” as it makes writing so much easier not having to censor things.
Ironically, you and I are on the same page this week. I just published a post on a similar topic.
natural or valerie, whichever you prefer. we’re the same, for the most part.
i’m sure it depends on what kind of blog you have as to whether or not using your real name matters. there are benefits if you’re using your blog as a stepping stone. my focus here is not really about me but writing and conversation – but i’m still able to share some things about me.
i’ll be over before the weekend is out to catch up and read your thoughts on this topic. thanks for sharing barbara.
on February 13, 2009 at 3:18 am
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One of the intriguing things I enjoy about blogs is the sharing of information we would otherwise never learn about some people. That said, there’s a fine line from enjoying a good things and TMI…one I try to straddle and not cross as much as humanly possible.
yes, mike the TMI line. it is fun to share some things, we just need to remember not all things need to be shared (at least not under our real name).
peace,
mike
livelife365
Mike Foster´s last blog post..Are Your Foods Super?
on February 13, 2009 at 10:27 pm
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Hi Natural – yeah, it’s an issue for me. I would love to talk about my close family and life partner more – but I simply can’t! I especially can’t talk about my parents and sister – this is all quite limiting when I am discussing healing ourselves and our relationships, and I would like to give good, juicy examples from my own life.
If I wrote anonymously however, I don’t think I would come across as very substantial – which I think I need to be (I attempt, anyway!), for my topic.
i understand. i keep a tight lip as much as possible. sometimes things slip out, maybe not here, but on another blog. the more we blog, the more we get to know our readers and the more we want to share. can’t always.
Robin´s last blog post..Fires In Victoria
on February 14, 2009 at 12:29 am
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If you’ve been to my blog you know I obviously blog under a pseudonym. Considering I’m a political blogger – the pseudonym fits the content and allows me to write freely without fear of reprisal. I’m sure if anyone who is net savvy really wanted to they could figure out who I really am – but – it just gives me the allusion of privacy to really say what I feel about any given topic.
hi bobo, i feel a lot more at ease talking about certain subject under a different name myself.
oh yeah, anyone can be found if you’re online, it’s never really a matter of if, but when. hopefully i’ll be dead when my time is up.
The BoBo´s last blog post..She says it’s the largest middle-class tax cut in history! I just can’t wait for my $13 a week!
on February 14, 2009 at 12:47 am
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I resolved that problem by having two blogs. One is completely only semi-anonymous. My full name isn’t on it, but it’s listed on my Facebook page, and some friends and people from work visit it (no one in my family’s online). My other blog is completely anonymous. It’s all pseudonyms, so it remains totally honest and complete with anything that I might happen to want to say that I might not want to share with my ‘real world.’ It’s very cathartic. It’s actually gotten compliments for being so open and honest, so I find that there is a use for it, and people ‘get it.’
hi rachel, having two blogs is a nice option. it’s freeing to blog without caring, when you truly write for yourself. not for praise, pats on the back or laughs. it’s the selfish few minutes i need for just myself everyday.
i read your blog and have always thought it was very open and honest.
Rachel S´s last blog post..Flashback Friday – Love Bites
on February 14, 2009 at 11:15 am
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I have a mix, I post under DrBurst, but one can look up my real name at the bottom of my blog. I use this cloak just as a writing name, a name unique to my writing. Google search DrBurst and one can find all my stuff on the internet. My real name does not do that.
hey drburst, i’m like you. online i’m natural and well offline to some people as well, but my real name is out there and everywhere, probably waaaay too much.
DrBurst´s last blog post..Creativity in Negative Times
on February 14, 2009 at 12:10 pm
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My real self and my blogging persona kind of overlap — as is evidenced by my choice of blogging name, which is just my intials.
More limiting to me is the fact that I mainly write humorous posts. There are times when I would like to reveal more — and wouldn’t mind people knowing it’s “me,” but it doesn’t really fit into my format. To satisfy that itch, I’ve submitted a few articles to Field Report (fieldreport.com).
it was many many months before i even knew what your real name was. i love saying JD, with a little bass in my voice for emphasis.
i enjoy your blog and your humor, it’s the best of the best! i would love to see another you so if you come back here, leave a direct link to your work. (uh i couldn’t find you on that site, but i only tried 2 searches before i gave up).
JD at I Do Things´s last blog post..I Get Hurt so you don’t have to
on February 14, 2009 at 3:43 pm
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I blog under my real name because I prefer to be the same person in the real + virtual world.
hi hicham. i’m sure we all have our reasons for choosing what’s best for us. i kinda like it both ways. glad you found what works for you.
Hicham´s last blog post..Under the Sun
on February 14, 2009 at 6:13 pm
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That was a great post. I struggle with it all the time. I haven’t made up my mind yet.
~Lori
hi lori and welcome. so does this mean that lori is your real name or a pseudonym?
Lori´s last blog post..Pour Some Sugar On Me
on February 14, 2009 at 11:23 pm
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A very thought provoking post. I can really relate to your sentiments on not sharing too much personal information hence, the user name mystique on my blog. It pays to be careful these days. Especially in the cyber world. A lot of horrible things happen everyday and if we become so careless to disclose some very personal information and background in the internet, I really think we are somehow opening ourselves to become the target of some terrible beings who are ready to pounce on their would-be victims anytime.
i enjoy a little mystery, i rather imagine sometimes. it does pay to be careful…what we put out there can follow us for a lifetime. the info. we put out there is like a tatoo: hard to remove.
Mystique´s last blog post..MM – Weak – SWV
on February 15, 2009 at 1:33 am
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I refuse to live an anonymous life. I am real with what I do, because I shouldn’t have to be afraid. Maybe the results of my open book approach will have bad results in the future, but in the meantime, I am able to look at myself in the mirror.
People who blog anonymously do so because they are afraid of something or another, and I try not to walk the path of fear.
hi trey and welcome. i’m glad you are able to blog openly and freely. everyone doesn’t have that option or may not want that option. without knowing the details of a person’s life, it’s hard to judge why they might blog anonymously. so i look at the positive side of fear and view it as a protection. listening to our fears can keep the peace and may save a life or two. thanks for sharing your view.
Trey – Swollen Thumb Entertainment´s last blog post..Stephanie Meyer: Author of Twilight
on February 15, 2009 at 9:47 am
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I loved this article, and I also think that writing is very therapeutic. It helps to get the feelings out there, but not in a way that you are judged harshly (as in talking directly to friends and family).
We all need to vent sometimes, or just tell a story or two….blogging is my outlet for that!
Thank you for posting this article,
Take care,
hi kat, i agree. writing is good for the soul. it’s nice to be able to write without being judged or analyzed or even people looking at your like you’re crazy. there are no strings attached.
on February 15, 2009 at 10:11 am
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At our magazine, The Angels Weekly, we specifically state that our writers do not use their real names. For the reasons you stated in your article.
We have lots of women writers who write for us, based solely on the fact that they “can” remain anonymous. They feel it is a great outlet for them, and they don’t have to let anyone know they write for us, if they choose not to? It is their choice.
We are always looking for women writers, and welcome all submissions. We try to keep our articles on some sort of topic, like a “real” magazine…but if you are one of the regular writers…you can write about whatever you feel like!
We have had articles on abuse, weddings, health, poems from the heart, and so many other subjects that I can’t possible list them all!
There is something to be said about being able to write anonymously.
This article was wonderful, and I am glad that I read it. Thank you!
women have a lot more to worry about when it comes to sharing our thoughts, blogging, etc…we’re always judged – men? not so much or as harsh. some topic are just too difficult to tell under our real name. people will just have to deal with it.
i did check out your website. thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Angels Weekly´s last blog post..Chris Brown Arrested for Assault!
on February 15, 2009 at 7:22 pm
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I initially started blogging anonymously, but I have now started crawling out from behind my anonymous persona and started using my real name as well. I have mixed feelings about this as I want to write what I feel, but I don’t want to be impeded by using my real identity. On the other hand, using a real name makes it easier to connect with your readers.
a real name is something i have never needed mark to connect with people online. people tell me a lot about who they are just by their blogs. of course i could be wrong
Mark Daymond´s last blog post..Housing Your Chickens
on February 16, 2009 at 11:33 am
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I began blogging anonymously for protection from Deaf political leaders. My family has endured threats of every kind for over 30 years because we do not agree with so much of what many Deaf politicians claim to be the Holy Grail of Deaf World.
In other words, my decision to blog anonymously came from real-life experiences.
As it turned out, during my time as a blogger, I have endured the following:
a) Vicious witch-hunts (Google “Who is Paotie?”) by Deaf political groups
b) I have been called every name and accused of everything under the sun by Deaf political groups
c) I have had people who commented at my blog stalked and harassed by Deaf political groups and leaders
d) I have received countless threats sent by Deaf political leaders, bloggers and commentators
e) Been slandered and libeled by Deaf political leaders
(f) I have endured numerous attempts to have my blog banned from aggregators
g) Been accused of “hijacking” Deaf political leaders’ blogs
h) I’ve had entire articles of mine copied and pasted into other Deaf political leaders’ blogs (which is partly why I now have a trademark)
i) I have endured attempts by Deaf political leaders to have me kicked out of my doctorate program
I’d go on and on, but I’ll stop here. I have no regrets about blogging semi-anonymously and it should be noted that our Republic was founded by anonymous writers and politicians.
)
Paotie
i don’t know what to say to this, but are you kidding me? Are you deaf or fluent in ASL?
Paotie´s last blog post..E I E I O
on February 17, 2009 at 12:05 pm
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hi Valerie,
I also try to not say anything online that I wouldn’t say in public. But that’s just me. ~ STEVE, the first-name-only trade show guru
I use my first name and consider that a nice compromise. I like knowing other people’s first names as the conversations seem more real than talking to BigRedDog or Ae39T5er.
PS. I love the picture that you selected for this post! Did you randomly find it or do you know fatboygotsick, or whatever his real first name is?
Maybe Ae39Ter would bother me, but I can get down with BigRedDog, I’d call him Clifford anyway, in my mind. Steve, I just found that photo. I don’t know fatboygotsick, but hope she’s okay.
trade show guru´s last blog post..Do Trade Show Giveaway Pens Work?
on February 18, 2009 at 11:32 am
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If I blogged about my REAL life, my audience would be much different. I have to tone down things so I don’t piss people off or offend them, because I really do live a fringe society type of life. I enjoy it tho, that’s what matters.
As for blogging, I’m just trying to put stuff out there that helps people do what they want to do. That’s all I’m ever looking for, trying to get on with my day.
Oh! I started a contest on my site where I’m giving 10k in EC credits to one person. Details are on my site if you’d like to enter.
well that’s a good thing, being helpful to other people. can’t go wrong there, too much anyway. yes, i read about your contest, i’m a subscriber, ya know. i can’t follow directions so i stay clear of contest and entering things.
Wayne´s last blog post..The Entrecard 10,000 EC Credit Giveaway Contest