In my previous post, Meditation, Happiness and Mind Control, Virginia from Sumptuosity asked me to share some information about myself. It got me thinking. What kind of information am I willing to share?
I discovered that I'm not willing to share much online in terms of personal details, but I am willing and in fact am sharing quite a bit. My thoughts. Which is more than I share with most of my non-bloggy friends, save a couple of my very best, of course.It's not that I'm two different people, it's just that I see it as two different forms of expression. But I'm always me.
This whole thing led to another thought that Carter planted in my head when he asked Why am I blogging?
I've realized that it's not that easy to answer.
The reasons why I started blogging are very different from the reasons I'm blogging now. And even now I'm not one-hundred percent sure.
I think that one of the main reasons I blog is the immediate feedback re my writing. Not just the writing itself, but the subjects I choose, the way I discuss them and the angle I take. I make mental notes about what I see (maybe I should make actual notes). Some things I take to heart and change according to what I find works better, that is if it works for me too - like subject matter, but some things I don't - like the pictures I choose.
I see that many of you put your full names on your blog and regard your blog as self promotion (in addition to other things I'm sure). I also see some who use aliases, but then feel more comfortable discussing some personal details. Do you give it any thought? Did you decide on boundaries you wouldn't cross?
Karen, the Fantasy Scribe had another take on the matter.
Other questions Carter asked in his post:
- Do you post your first draft or edit?
I edit. Not very successfully I might add. And only if not inebriated, I should say. - Why? - asked and answered above.
- How much time do you spend thinking about and preparing a post before it goes online?
I'll give you one of my favourite answers - that depends. It depends on the topic and on the time I have. - Anything else you'd like to add? - asked and answered above.
Categories: writing, blogging
13 comments:
I use my "real" name. The pets get aliases, though. For no other reason except that I've been stupid and used their names as passwords. Nope, Nikster isn't his real name. (He answers to his registered name, which is odd in itself.)
I don't post my address or anything too personal, but I don't see any reason to use an alias. (I annoy people in person; I'm just annoying.) My mom reads my blog, curse words, sexual references and all. When she loses her bookmarks (every other week; le sigh), she can Google and find me easily.
It's neato when I get feedback. But that's not why I blog. I blog as a writing warmup. I'm always experimenting, that's why the content isn't consistent.
I'm fair game, but I don't post personal information about family and friends. I actually can keep a secret.
Nikster isn't your horse's real name? Shame. And Rat Dog?
Actually, my mom reads this too although she never said anything and I'm not asking.
Yes, I think experimenting and exercising my writing is definitely another reason I blog. Good one.
I use my real name, but don't reveal the names of my family and friends out of respect for their privacy. Blogging is a good way to connect with other writers as well as a warm-up method to writing my stories. I don't edit (although looking at prior posts, maybe I should), but blog impulsively about whatever I feel like.
Aha! Connecting to other writers. Another good reason.
No worries Deborah, I haven't seen posts that look like impulsive blogging on your blog, so you're pretty safe not editing.
I'm a bit dyslexic so I find mistakes even after I edit. Incorrigible.
Truth is, anonymity on the net is largely a myth and if one feels so inclined, it is possible to locate an individual via several channels (including good old social engineering).
I use my real name because it encourages me to say only that which I want associated with my name. Accountability is the key word.
As for why I blog? Well, there are many possible answers (some of which have been covered here in the comments), but the short answer is that I blog for the same reason that people talk - they just do :)
Thanks for the comment today. I appreciate the connection.
The balance between self promotion and stepping up to the words you write. Small place to stand. Feedback and connection. As you read we find ourselves at these places in writing, that I think keeps us less stagnent, and absorbs more from others quicker to add to ourselves for improvement. It can be self destructive but so can just about anything.
Eric, good answer!
Of course. Blogging is like talking to people, connecting, exchange of ideas, listening, writing.
Oh, Lance, me too.
Wow. These are excellent reasons. Keeps us less stagnant. Indeed. To absorb, to improve. Absolutely.
Gina, I love the health news you bring.
Therapeutic is the word for it. I know I've worked through several issues in my blog, just by posting and having people's opinions.
And it sure is easier to find people who share the same interests.
Interesting topic, Melly, I think that we reveal a lot about ourselves through our writing whether we include a lot of personal details or not. But in some sense, we also create a "character" whenever we write. No matter how honest we are, a certain persona develops.
You're probably right, Patry. You're a lot more honest than I am. See, I never even thought of that, but now that you said it, sounds so true.
I really appreciate people like you who take their chance in such an excellent way to give an impression on certain topics. Thanks for having me here.
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