Blogs
Months ago, a hot topic on weblogs was how open people are or are not in their writings. I printed out a couple posts about it but never took the time to post about it myself. Even though I’ve been blogging for almost a year, I don’t think I had enough experience to write about it. Well, lately, I’ve had experiences that have made me think about what I should put up and what I should not. Over the year I’ve written several things that were personal, and even created a mostly hidden category labeled personal. About a month ago, I made those entries viewable just because I didn’t feel like I should have to limit what I say. People for the most part are adult enough to treat what I write with respect. And those that don’t I realize are kidding. But twice recently I’ve wanted to write stuff that I thought might should be kept more private. One of these entries I even put up for awhile and then took down after advice from two friends. I didn’t like doing censoring myself, but did it because of the small chance the wrong person would read it. And now, I find myself wanting to write about something personal again and fearing the consequences of doing so. I love getting comments and having readers, some of which I’m sure I don’t know.
These readers that I don’t know, those that are in the cyber world, really aren’t the ones that I mind sharing personal information with. I don’t care who you are, if you ask me something person, you are likely to get an answer, and one that isn’t, “I don’t want to answer that.” In real life, I’m more discerning, and that’s where the problem lies. There are some things I want real-life people to know and others that only a select few should know about.
What’s the solution? I guess it’s some sort of self-censoring endeavor. Jamie from Tits and Wits (the site is down at the moment) put this rule into effect. She basically only posts what she would not mind sharing with real people. But I think it should go further. I think I’ve got to only post what I wouldn’t mind telling the people I’m not really friends with at all, the distant acquaintances who you only share a little small talk once in a blue moon. I now understand this, but I still feel like I’m being cheated out of what I think is a great thing in my life. I guess in time, it will all make more sense and be easier to deal with.
I don’t generally keep my blog set up as a personal journal, like you and many, many other people. However, when I do post about personal things, I generally make sure it is stuff that I wouldn’t mind sharing with everyday people. If I think for a second that there might be something in my entry that someone that matters to me might get really upset about I just don’t post it. I haven’t made a habit of using my site as a way to slander or make fun of people, and I don’t foresee doing that in the future (although I won’t rule it out completely if someone gets on my bad side). If you are going to run a journal-like blog however, there is really no way around your problem. Part of what makes a journal a journal is the inclusion of the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life. That’s what makes it interesting. If you aren’t willing to put that type of stuff up, then perhaps the running-journal blog isn’t for you.
I recommend the Jerry Srpinger-type blog. :)
There are a lot of things that are best kept to yourself. I think in the end the “personal” stuff should be just that. You have friends … use them. The real ones will always be there to discuss (or just listen to) issues that you do not want to share with everyone. Or you could just get hammered one night … that always helps getting over “personal” stuff.
I recommend getting hammered first. Talking is overrated.
My thing is… I post anything I want. Personal or not. It’s my blog. I have a right to say whatever I choose to say. I mean, to be honest, if you don’t like what I have to say, DON’T VISIT my site again. It’s that simple in my opinion. Why worry about censorship or worry about upsetting people. I’ve pissed off plenty of people with my current and my past blogs. I have a blog to share how I feel with anyone that cares to listen/read. If you don’t like it, piss off. I don’t read blogs that piss me off.
Why worry when it’s a simple gesture of not clicking on the link? If people are too stupid to make that choice for themselves, then they shouldn’t be on the ‘net.
Of course, getting hammered isn’t a bad idea…
Not a bad philosophy …
I think that is an excellent argument for those in cyberspace. But I guess I care too much about the friends I have to willfully do something that might cause a rift. I agree with fluckdat, and those who know me, know that I take advantage of my friends’ listening skills on a regular basis!
There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of your friends listening skills.. That is what they are there for… As far as personal things being posted, I think it is a good way to hear people who have no idea who you are, or nothing about you opinion on the matter, but then you do face the problem of having someone you are close to getting hurt by the problem… But on the same token, you can’t always walk around safe! You have to be uncomfortable every now and then to grow! That is something that they preached on in church yesterday! Don’t always do the safe thing! Just something to think about…
I would have one rule:
Don’t post things about others that could put them in hot water, or make life tough for them.
Everything is a good for posting.