So you wanna blog, huh?
7 Jan
The other day, I stumbled upon this Babble article “Wisdom from Mom Bloggers” and devoured it. I’m still a blogging newbie, and what better for me than to get some decent (and free) blogging advice from some of my favorite mom bloggers out there?! The article asked 36 popular, amazing, successful mom bloggers to give their best blogging tip for new mom bloggers (hello?! That’s ME!). The very first one I read touched instantly on what I love most about having a blog–the sense of community. I touched on my feelings about this in a prior post, which you can read here if you’re so inclined.
There were a few I thought to be extremely important to remember when posting anything on the internet…FOR ALL TO SEE! Especially this one from the beloved Heather Armstrong, of Dooce:
Be aware that anyone and everyone can read your words. The last person you would ever want reading your website will eventually find and read your website. Write knowing this beforehand.
Seriously, this cannot be stressed enough. The other day, thanks to SiteMeter I discovered that someone local found my blog and read EVERY. SINGLE. POST. They spent over an hour devouring (I guess) every morsel, every word I’d ever written here. And guess what? It kind of freaked me out. There are, I admit, a few people out there I’d rather not know anything about my life. And the thought that the last person (or few people) I would want reading my blog was perhaps reading each and every word of it, like Heather Armstrong said would happen, was almost too much to bear. I thought for a minute about whether I should even have a blog. I’m usually a very private person, and it’s kind of unlike me to blog at all.
But then I came to my senses and remembered how much I’m enjoying blogging about being a mom and how it has helped me get past PPD and a lot of other negativity/baggage. And I also remembered all of the compliments I’ve received from friends, family, and total strangers who are enjoying reading my posts. So I’m gonna truck on.
I really loved this comment from Eden Marriott Kennedy, of Fussy:
Be honest. Your experience as a mother may be incredibly similar to other women’s, but no one else sees life exactly like you do. Write that.
And this one from Candy Kirby, of The Laughing Stork, really hit home for me (because of my Wiggles post back in the early days):
Never drink and blog. (Drunk Tweeting, however, is not only acceptable, but recommended.)
Jill Smokler, of Scary Mommy, wrote something that also resonates with me:
Decide from the beginning how much you want to share. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t publish my kids’ real names and I’d consider going the whole anonymous route.
I have been a bit regretful that I used my kiddo’s real name right from the get-go. I kinda wish I’d used a pseudonym. You never know what creeps are out there using every tidbit of personal info you post. I’m careful to not post anything about my town or anything that could lead said creeps to my family. And one of these days, I’ll learn how to watermark my photos.
I’ll leave you with one more, possibly my favorite because it’s so freaking true, by Mr. Lady, of Whiskey in My Sippy Cup:
Do not do this for money. Any time you mix money and passion, something about both changes. Allow yourself time to evolve as a writer, and yes, you will evolve as a writer, even if you’re superb now. Writing is a gift that keeps giving…you get better every time you do it. Just write, just let your passion bloom. Money can come later, if you want it to, but you need those first few years to grow.
I hope if any of my readers have been on the fence about starting a blog (mom blog or otherwise), this post helps them take the plunge!
James & Jax at the computer, ready to blog!
Fabulous post James! Thanks :) I “devoured” it!!
I love this post.
Totally agreed that community is the most important part of blogging. On my relatively new blog, I’ve found incredibly supportive people who are helping me through the craziest time of my life, as my ex is taking me to court to stop the very blog through which I’ve found these amazingly supportive people. Ugh!
So I press on, surrounded by my community.
Thanks for the reminder…
:)
It is scary if someone is reading your blog like crazy, but, if you think about it…isn’t that kind of the point. It’s like saying, “I cooked a meal for my family and it freaked me out because they actually ate it.” We write because we want to be read. Anyody that writes and says they do it for fun and don’t care if anybody reads their stuff is flat out lying. So someone is stalking you…you should feel flattered…lol…jk…you do have to be careful. I have found people reading my stuff that I did not care for…I had evidence when they made up a fake name and commented and I noticed their workplace in the ip address. Always be careful, but always be yourself. Sounds a little like a contradiction but whatever :-)
http://www.runtobefit.wordpress.com
Isn’t it great that you can sort of track people through their IP address? Haha, I love it.
How did they find your blog? I would really like to believe that mine has remained anonymous, and I suppose I will continue thinking so until I hear differently.
I have just started blogging and I need to believe that we are all anonymous!
(adozendates.com)
xx
Thanks for the advice about any body reading your blog. I’ve had it in the back of my mind whilst I’ve been updating daily but now I’m going to go back and check my blog. I just announced to the world of twitter that I have one and I need to make sure there isn’t anything on there that’ll get me into trouble ;)
Great collection of information posted here! To add to this if you google your wp name you will find links to all the posts that you have commented on.
great tip, thanks!
Just go to the dashboard and click on my comments. You can see all the comments you made.
I am a mother who blogs, but don’t necessarily consider myself a mommy blogger. That aside, another piece of advice is to determine how much motherhood will define you: of course it forces us all to prioritize differently, but how much will you lose of yourself to become a mother?
I wish someone had pointed out to me five years ago that just because we are mothers, we don’t need to be consumed by motherhood.
Well said Deanna!
Deanna, this is something I think about constantly! There are probably 20 blog posts in my head about this topic alone, just waiting to be written!
It’s so easy, because motherhood is such an important and “right there in your face” part of our lives, to allow ourselves to get consumed by it, isn’t it? And I think it is natural to get wrapped up in motherhood for a time. But it’s also good to remember we can always come back to ourselves- and that our children benefit most from their mom’s being whole people.
Great post! Thank you so much. I know what you mean about freaking out when people read it. Somehow the thought of strangers reading my posts doesn’t weird me out in the least. For me, I went public with my blog in the online communities I’m a part of before telling my real life friends and family about it. It seemed less intimidating.
Yesterday my mom mentioned that one of my childhood friend’s dads was faithfully following my blog. I have to admit, it briefly weirded me out. I adore the man. He’s like a second dad. But it was just strange to think about. Here’s someone who is unbelievably intelligent, who I look up to in a lot of ways, and he wants to read what I write? Wow. It was really intimidating.
Thanks for your post, and I’m thrilled to have found your blog!
Yikes. I took a look and it’s almost more helpful information than I can handle. Bookmarking.
I think your blog is very sweet, and no doubt will help other new bloggers!
best of luck!
I’m a new mom who started blogging, and I have gone the anonymous route as far as names/location is concerned. But I do post pics, I wonder if that makes me un-anonymous. I loved perusing your blog, especially the stuff about PPD/Anxiety. I experienced it too, and I have had a hard time finding a blog that really addresses that. I usually encounter moms who are so thrilled with mommyhood they can’t even imagine what it is, or the other end of the spectrum with severe PPD.
Good point, indeed, lilzbear.
I have read another blog which claims there is not any problem if you write your own name. I do not know.
on the other hand, many “anonymous” blogs feature personal pictures. isn´t that a risk?
Any news about troubles or problems for being public?
So glad you were Freshly Pressed! Thanks for sharing that article and your experience as an Awesome Mom Who Blogs!
Cheers,
Tori
Loved this post, and so agree about being anonymous. From the Oldest Mom Blogger Known to Man.
Ha! The Oldest Mom Blogger Known to Man.. That’s funny, I thought that was me. :)
Great Post, JamesandJax! Definitely alot to think about as I consider a Mommy blog. (and I am so getting that “I support breastfeeding in public” link…)
::waves sheepishly::
Hi Jaime!
I hope I’m not the person you were creeped out about. I did read some of your older posts, but I didn’t read them for hours! I actually found your blog through Bryan. He was searching for something for work about West Deptford Park and somehow came upon something you commented on at Meetup, which somehow led him to here. I love your posts and feel like I’m getting a good perspective on real-life motherhood, whether or not I ever take that route! So I added your blog to my Google Reader. I hope that doesn’t weird you out!
I have a blog too, but it’s been private/limited access for several years now. I found that I was censoring myself too much when it was open for all, and for me journaling is about being honest. So I remain in my little shell. :)
Sorry if I’m the Creepy McCreeperson you were referring to! :-/ I’m not shady, I swear!
Hi Jen! Thanks for reading my blog. You’re not creepy at all! And I totally get what you mean about censoring yourself instead of being completely honest. I wrestle with that myself. Sometimes I want to vent on my blog but I can’t or won’t because of who’s possibly reading. Frustrating & disappointing. I’d love to check out your blog sometime, but no pressure!
I hear you on this – especially the part about people finding your blog and reading it. Try this: your scariest English teacher you haven’t seen for 100 years reading your blog… What the hell – lets keep going! Good job on your blog 10/10
I do share personal stories about my family but am careful about using my kids’ names. For me blogging isn’t about opening up my diary but instead sharing stories that hopefully provide insight and encouragement.
Excellent post. I’m glad more people now have the chance to read your writing.
My blog is sometimes controversial and gets some people very angry at me. I have receive a few threats but more praise. I expected that when I decided to blog about those in our society that use the government as a means of plunder. My objective is to make people think. You do have to use some degree of caution when speaking about your personal life. I have recently decided to tone it down a bit. What began as a way to vent has turned into a pleasurable hobby. Being a father, I find your blog entertaining and a good read. I will certainly be coming back.
Hi, I just read your latest Freshly Pressed, Congrats! and thought that it was interesting…it is true about blogging too much information…I send my post immediately to Facebook and after posting an extremely private post I have since purged, but I have written about the need and freedom to post private things…sometimes we all must share things to feel better or get advice, but you never know who will read them and if you will regret the need for sharing, better to think for 24 hours…
evelyngarone.com
Yeah, I think about that a lot too now. It is quite hard sometimes resisting the urge to write whilst your mind tell you to limit something from your post. It kinda makes the creative juice dry – well, at least for me.
I like your post, keep writing! And… congratulations on the freshly pressed!
Hi there.
I stumbled across your blog and I love it! I am also a mom and blogger. I co-created http://www.plussizemodelsunite.com for women of ALL sizes to discuss self-esteem, confidence, body issues, fashion, etc. It’s been fantastic and we’ve done well. No, not financially…I agree about NOT doing it for money. It has been a great creative outlet and has led to many other amazing opportunities—like being guests on the Leeza Gibbons talk show!
I am currently creating a parenting blog as well! Once I’m live, which will be in the next few weeks, I’d love to have you as a guest blogger! You can reach me at nelizabethanna@aol.com if you are interested. Great work!
Great genuine post! Congrats on being Freshly Presssed!
I completely agree with what you’ve posted. I, myself am a Teen blogger. I really appreciate the information you’ve passed on because the things you’ve mention are completely true. I try my best not to post names of people in my life so I can protect their privacy.
I like the wisdom of your Mum…but don’t believe the part about “The last person you would ever want reading your website will eventually find and read your website” because with a bit for forethought about privacy, and not putting all your sh** out there in the first place, the chance of that happening are nil. There should/can be a bit of cloak and dagger anonymity inherent in the blogesphere as with the internet as a whole. The writer can control how much of him or herself to disseminate and when if you are careful. Congrats on the FPressed Top-Ranking!
achilliad.wordpress.com
Nice post!
This was a great post. Thanks for sharing it. The best quote was the last one. Once you start making money, it becomes work and something inside does change. All of a sudden it feels like a chore. Awesome blog! Keep it up!
Oh and is it weird that I’m not a mom and think this blog is pretty cool? lol
cute
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!!!
I personally have tried to remain very anonymous. Not often do i mention a real name in my post, most times people have been given a nickname. I think the biggest reason for that was the defensiveness i may need to deal with if people found that i was writing about them…… my man being specifically one of those.
Only about a month after a started it, did i tell him i have a blog (i think 3 people i know personally now know), however he still doesnt know what it is called…. and i am not rushing to tell him. I think i wont. The only reason why i told him that i have one in teh first place was because of the time that it starts to actually consume!! Very addictive.
Great post!
xx
I’m a stay-at-home dad who blogs, but I don’t see it as anything special. Blogging is merely a platform, a sounding board so that I can hammer out my views and opinions and see if others are interested in hearing what I have to say. I want to be corrected if needed. I hope I’m listened to if I’m correct.
Mostly I have friends and family who check out my blog. I talk very little about my personal life on my blog. I try to keep my blog as private as possible and do not see it as a form of community.
And the blogging advice you’ve come across is correct. Assume that anyone and everyone, even people you “don’t” want to read your stuff will read it. As another blogger put it, “write for yourself, edit for the world.” Personally, as a Christian, I try to write with the knowledge that God is right there, and unless I delete an article, it’s there in perpetuity, for all to see.
As for parenthood, I’m a father of four (two still in utero), but my fatherhood doesn’t define me. My effort is to make sure that my faith is what defines me and shines outward. I love my children and my wife dearly, but Christ comes first, not them. This isn’t to say that I do not put my wife and children’s needs before my own – I do, as any good parent and spouse should.
Fatherhood is interesting and my children do and say some interesting things, but for me, it’s best shared in person and in diaries that my wife and I are making for our children. The internet is not the real world nor is it a viable substitute for it.
Hi wadingacross. I think you make very interesting points. However I think what you are doing and what this blogger is doing is different. You are a parent who also blogs, she blogs about parenting.
I also want to point out that the internet is part of the real world, in the same way that your work is part of the real world. I assume that you are trying to make the point that one should not place all their interactions on the internet, and must also interact with the rest of the world. I believe that to be true of all parts of our life, we must remember that their are several parts, family, work, church (if you are religious) and the interenet.
Good to see moms like you having blogs. Good to love moms! YOU can also read my blog at: http://junaldpascua.wordpress.com/
Cool stuff! Yeah, it’s so true when I post pics and info about the family I assume it’s only my mom reading…All the best!
Thank you for writing this blog post. Your disclaimer actually inspired me to provide my own disclaimer on my blog.
Anyway, I’ve noticed you’ve only been blogging for five months. I’d say it’s not too late to go back through your blog posts and take Jax’s real/complete first name out of them and make it a little more anonymous than it is now.
Good luck and take care.
sweetest banner pic ever.
I stumbled upon this while looking at blogs to decide if I should start a blog. I like the idea that a blog and business should be two different ventures, that is the reason I have been putting off starting a blog. I do like the banner pic also.
You are featured on Freshly Pressed now. The whold world will read your blog. You can go through and edit each post with your babies name. Just change it to Baby. I just just hubby for my husband.
just loved this post…I’m also mother who blogs and have found that at times I’ve had to remind myself (because I get caught up in writing) that anyone and everyone may be reading what I am about to publish so very publicly. So, I read and reread before I hit that button! I have written about issues concerning my children before and even dedicated whole posts to them in their honor.s There have also been times when people where just POSITIVE I must have been writing about them when in fact it was very random. And yes, its very weird and sorta humbling when you discover that someone you never thought cared one bit about what you had to say, in fact has been reading every word you write!
Mi piace cio che dici, il blog non è un confessionile dove puoi riversare tutti i tuoi problemi per farli conoscere al mondo.é giusto pensare prima di pubblicare.complimenti per essere su “appena pressato”!!
This post has a lot of truths in it. I certainly had to consider what and how much of my personal life to share when I started. I try to leave my children (older teenagers) out of most of my posts, except to mention them as “my son” or “my daughter.” I know they would not appreciate me telling every detail of their lives to the world. And, I am a very private person myself. My blog is about sharing my creative side with people, but there are times when I would like to say more and then I hold back, thinking about how I have given people at work my blog address.
There is much to consider when you make the decision to blog, for sure. You’ve already started something that you feel good doing, and that is so important. Good luck on your blogging adventure!
I like the comment from Eden Marriott Kennedy. After all, there are no original stories — every person’s and writer’s experiences are similar to other people’s and writers’. What sets us apart isn’t in the experience; it’s in the telling. Only you can tell your story your way. Keep on blogging, and best of luck to you!
Keep on blogging – you clearly love it!
And in my book if anything is worth doing – then do it to excess!!!!
http://itsmyid.wordpress.com/
Wise words, whether the blog is about Mommyhood or politics or whatever. We write because we have a passion to write. No two people see the world in the same way. The key is authenticity.
Congratulations on getting FP!
This blog post raises a big issue related to blogging life which is constantly in the back of my mind. This is why, personally, I’ve chosen to keep anonymous and I try not to talk about my personal life on my blog, although I often would like to. I’d rather be careful in advance and ‘censor’ myself a bit rather than regretting it later. Your point about ‘not knowing who is reading our blogs’ is very true.
Not meaning to get personal, but just to contribute with my opinion, I am actually against blogs on children.
Firstly, because I don’t think it’s fair for children to be exposed pubicly without having any knowledge / understanding (and, thus, no possibility to choose). Even comments which might feel now totally ‘innocent’ are part of a private sphere, which I think every parent should preserve and protect – I’d say also to preserve the beauty and uniqueness of life-time experience.
Secondly, I am not sure it’s a healthy habit for the mother. I mean, I totally understand you are enjoying it right now and receiving great advice or sharing great stories. However, have you thought about whether you will be blogging about your child forever? If not, when will you stop and re-focus on yourself? Maybe blogging about your child should be a side topic to other ones that you are interested / involved in.
I hope my comment won’t make you feel bad. That was really not my intention. I was just trying to give some food for thought given you raised this interesting issue.
For now, I would suggest to change all of your old posts so that your child is first of all anonymous. In that case, I think you could continue enjoying the benefits of blogging with less worries about the future consequences to yourself and your sweet child. :)
Thanks for your comment, Little Explorer, and I understand both of your concerns! As for refocusing on myself, I kind of already do that. Not every post is about my son or being a mother at all. I think for now the mix is pretty good. Later, I’m sure I will focus less on being a mom. I try to keep my son as an older kid in mind when I blog, asking myself if he would be upset or embarrassed to read something I posted about him 5 or even 15 years ago.
I’d love to change my posts so that my son’s nickname is anonymous, but the title of my blog gives it away anyhow. I do use his nickname, and never his full name or any other identifying features, so at least there’s that. But I do need to start watermarking photos so they can’t be stolen/used without my knowledge. Learning how is next on my to do list! :)
You sound like a very thoughtful mum and I’m sure you’ll do a great job! I will hopefully have some time soon to browse through your blog properly!
I wish sometimes that I had done my blog anonymously, but it’s too late now! At least I have kept the identity of my loved ones concealed. Good post!
http://humanitarikim.wordpress.com/
Some good tips in there for sure!
I enjoyed your post. Especially the part about names and locations being anonymous . I am a mom blogger but I think it is VERY important to add where I am from and where I am raising my family because it sets the tone / setting of the blog and why Ohh why I get so frustrated with my surroundings.How can I protect my children from certain ppl or scenes as soon as we walk out the door…… Im From Brooklyn .being a mom is no easy business. It’s not happy GO lucky everyday. It can sometimes be really crappy…literally :-). I am happy u got it out there about your PPD.
Congrats! On being Freshly Pressed Mama!!
Thanks for sharing these tips. I started blogging again and it looks like I’m on the right track.
Thank you for putting me on your blog roll! I now wear your button on my Blogs I Love page! SO happy to have met you! ;)
Hi Lori! I’m so glad to have “met” you, too, my fellow sleep-deprived supermom!
i hate the fact that anyone can read my blog.. i know some people that i would never want them to read my blog.. i guess we bloggers have no control over this!
Hey, nice pieces of advice – even I’m not a “mom blogger” ;). Must take care about info you spread on the web!
Take care!
Well, true that to have a PERSONAL blog means it is best not done for money. But keep in mind that organizations, both for profit and non profit use the blog technology internally and externally for communications and marketing.
Just view blogging as method of writing and simple way of organizing content on a computer software platform. Methinks the crux is if one loves to write and wordsmith, regardlss of medium, then the quality of writing shines through.
Thanks for sharing this amazing post! I’m a rookie blogger and deciding what to share can be challenging. Thanks to the site stats, I’ve also learned that a few readers will read posts without subscribing. I’m still new at this, but really appreciated your post. Thank you!
I spent almost 7 years blogging at a blog I called Random Thoughts- Do They Have Meaning?(wwwjackbenimble.blogspot.com)
During that time I have experienced everything that was shared. There have been discoveries by people I didn’t want to read my blog, my content was stolen and moments where people spent hours roaming through my archives.
It comes with the territory. You cannot last at blogging unless you enjoy it because like Mr. Lady said it is not a money game. A few people will make something from it, but most won’t.
But it can be something wonderful regardless. One of my children just turned 10, but if I want to remember some of the funny stuff he did at four all I have do is point and click in the archives.
Blogging has been a wonderful gift for me.
I’m not a “mom” blogger, but this was a great post! The advice is good for anyone blogging about personal stuff. My blog is pretty “undiscovered” right now, so it tends to be friends and family. Sometimes I’ll see someone and they’ll just start laughing because of something humourous that I blogged about – it’s like having a private joke with someone. But I have a few total strangers who have subscribed, and that’s always interesting – I wonder what they see that they relate to. But, like one of the quotes you provided, I don’t blog for money, but to stretch my writing muscles and express myself. Nice job!
Great post! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed. I always catch myself right before I hit “publish” thinking things like, who is going to read this? have I revealed too much about my private life? should I even post a picture of my kids or mention their names? Then I think, oh, what the hell and click that publish button (holding my breath)
Blogging has become a very important aspect of our everyday lives. Even a teacher told me that. You know the blogs that moms have are very unique to me concerning that I never thought dads and moms would blog about that (I’m kinda young). But yes, blogging is fun and by God Almighty do it!
Great post! I read the same article and all of those things resonated with me too. I’ve been blogging for almost a year and all of those fears and insecurities sometimes get to me…especially when I made the decision to publicize on facebook and so many people from my past were reading. There are times it keeps me from blogging for a while or hesitating before I hit publish, but when I do, I love it and I remember why I started in the first place and it feels good. It’s therapy for me!! Good luck with your blog and keep going!!
I’m kinda new to blogging too…glad to see that you didn’t give up on it because somebody that you may not have wanted to find it did. That kinda bothered me at first too (wondering how much & where to post my blog at) but if you start thinking about that…your writing could suffer. Keep it up!…Jason
Great post. There is so much truth in several of the quotes you include.
I’ve taught college writing classes for years but only started blogging in the last six month. I think my primary motivation for testing the waters was more cathartic than passion or money.
As I have written and published more, the passion has grown. Not so much a passion for writing but a passion for experiencing the insights both internal and external as I develop an essay.
I think this blogging thing could end up, at least for me, a very frugal alternative to paying an analyst hundreds of dollars a week to hear me babble and him replying, “Uh-huh.”
Again, great blog.
-gw-
Hiya!
You might be interested in the Natural Parenting Blog Carnival that happens on the second Tuesday of each month. I’ve found it to be a great way to connect with other bloggers who are interested in similar things… even though I don’t primarily blog about parenting. Here’s a link: http://codenamemama.com/carnival-of-natural-parenting/
Re: not knowing who is reading… I once was standing in line at the library and saw somebody I didn’t know very well checking out a book. I commented, “Oh, I loved that book!” and she said, “I know. I read about it on your blog. That’s why I’m getting it.” But I still find it disconcerting when a stranger subscribes.
Thanks, Seonaid. I’ll definitely check out the blog carnival you mentioned. I love blog carnivals! :)
You are totally honest and I love that about your writing! I found this post to be very well written and I could relate to it being a mom/writer myself!
You are totally honest and I love that about your writing! I found this post to be very well written and I could relate to it being a mom/writer myself!
Elizabeth
http://www.greenlivingpeace.com
All I ask of any blog is that it be interesting.
This post is awesome, and I do find it kinda strange that I’m such a private person in real life too, like you, yet I share so much information via the web. I think that it’s like writing in a journal that’s broadcast for everyone to see, plus that sense of community blogging has definitely helps you get through some stressful situations with someone reading and understanding you. Congrats on getting freshly pressed!
I really loved the way you have presented your ideas. Great job as blogging mother. I understand the relationship we have with our mom, its truly amazing.
Keep it up. Hope to read more from you.
It’s not too late to change your kids names to psuedonyms. You’d just need to say so and go back and edit each entry. If you’re really worried about it, it is an option.
Wow, what an eye opener!!
Congratulations on being freshly pressed! This is a great post, and I absolutely agree that anonymous is the way to go.
http://mysoulforsale.wordpress.com/
Way to go on making the home page!
Here’s the ‘tough love’ version of your article: http://willblogforlols.com/2010/07/14/how-to-write-a-winning-blog/
I like the advice you gave in this blog. 2 Thumbs up!
First and foremost, congrats on being FP. :)
I believe this post was Freshly Pressed because admin thought this post should be read by every blogger out there (especially those very new to it), or those who have wanted to try blogging for so long but have never tried. I agree with the guys at WordPress and I thank them—and you, of course!:)—for bringing these wonderful thoughts to the community’s attention.
Long before I started my blog, I had already decided to be completely honest in my writing, especially when it comes to stuff about myself and how I see the world (thus the blog name ‘Thread of Truth’). I had also made all the considerations, including how much information I would share, which has led me to be completely forthcoming with information about myself personally, but not about my family or friends, whose names I intentionally omit in my posts (at least when I’m writing something sensitive and personal about them). Still, I think there’s this very thin line between whether or not we should publish certain details about someone’s life. In this case, I am forced to side with caution. It pays to be extra careful these days (what with all the psychos roaming around the internet).
I also agree that bloggers who are really passionate about writing should take the time to grow without the prospect of making money through blogging. Truly, when money and passion mix, one or the other or both would inevitably change.
Lastly, I believe that honesty in writing should never be lost on us bloggers. We should be uncompromising in telling it as it is, because the blogging community’s value depends on every single blogger’s steadfast telling of the truth.
Awesome. I should recommend your website to my pregnant fiance. We’ve just started a dual blog together!
I think, when Charlotte comes along it’s fine to call her Charlotte, but I’ll never ever put our area, address, phone number or any identifying features of our suburb in my blog.
Photos and first names are okay though me thinks.
interisting. nice to read this note.. i’m from south east asia.
This was so timely for me! I have been a very sporadic blogger for years – I enjoyed blogging, but my privacy concerns overwhelmed me. The thought that the last person I ever wanted reading would find me made me so anxious that I just clammed up.But I don’t want that worry to rob me of the enjoyment of writing and being a part of the online community any more, so I’ve made the decision to hide all my archives and start 2011 anew as an anonymous blogger. After reading your post, I think I’ve made the right decision and I’m looking forward to rejoining the blog world!
Great Blog!I agree that you have to just let the words come out naturally. Your blog was an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing. Good Luck.
Katie Goodman
Great advice – even if I’m not a mom blogger!!!
Well done for being being freshly pressed too!
xx
i like this post.good going.
all d best.
Absolutely wonderful post! FP worthy! Congrats!
Great job on the post, very nice read.
Hi,May I explain how that happened. If you understand how the Law of Attraction works you will understand that you attract into your life ….whatever it is you are thinking about. The universe or higher power, call Him what you will, does not interpret the not before your thoughts and you end up experiencing just what you wished to avoid in the first place. It is so with every thought so be careful what you think about. This post is just so you understand how life works. I have authored my first book on this subject so do understand what I say. Enjoy your motherhood…believe me there is no better experience.
I really enjoy your blog. And as a new blogger mommy I found it very helpful. Thanks :)
I feel the same way as you do when I find out people are reading my stuff. Sometimes I stress and worry about whether they think I’m a bad writer or think my ideas don’t make sense. I’m glad others feel the same way! Great post.
For fun, read this crazy story about an alcoholic relative who comes to town and wants to move in. You decide the fate of the story at http://shouldthestorycontinue.wordpress.com.
Is it ironic that I just found this? I just made a blog about (my) writing! Please read and help keep me relevant on the interweb – http://ambwrites.wordpress.com/
I started blogging when I first found out I was pregnant – to help sort out my feelings about it and then after to help work through my PPD and it just kind of stuck.
I would vent and rant about anything I needed to and eventually a girl I worked with found my blog, printed it off and distributed it to everybody at work, nice eh?
After that I immediately deleted my blog (I wish I had just made it private though) and moved on. When I started blogging again shortly after that I was much more careful to keep things more anonymous and it took almost two years for me to really open up on it.
Then I decided I’d outgrown my blog and took a break and now here I am, starting over again lol. I feel like I should know what I’m doing by now but at the same time I feel completely new to it all over again… struggling with whether to post photos, or not post photos – pseudonyms or not.
It’s hard to figure out when you aren’t sure where your blog is going to take you!
Thanks, good points. One thing that a lot of mommy bloggers seem to forget is that their kids might eventually read these old posts. I would hate to find out that my mother shared my every tantrum with the whole world out there… And it would hurt me to read how exhausted and sick and tired she was of me at times. I’m so glad I was born before the internet was.
While it might be a bit embarrassing for you if your new boss or your mother in law reads your mommy blog, I think it can be much more hurtful and disruptive to your family if you blog in a way that you wouldn’t be comfortable if your 15 year old son/daughter reads it in the future. And we can be sure, even if we try our best to erase it, at age 15 our babies will be tech savvy enough to find these old blog posts…
Eva, I sure hope I haven’t written anything that would embarrass Jax later. I’ll have to go back and make sure! I must say, it is something I definitely try to keep in mind each time I sit down to write. I try to save the embarrassing bits for the notebook I write to him, which nobody will read except me and Jax.
because i am a teenager i dont normally look into that sort of thing, but this just really inspired me. Thank you very much. I think i’ll be more careful now on the internet. :)
Great post and great advice! Cute kids as well!
This is really helpful. Makes other bloggers realize to be careful for every word that they’ll post online. The world is the audience, btw. LOL Great post!
I’ve tried the anonymous route with previous blogs, but the funny thing is I find it very hard to be authentic when I’m hiding behind anonymity. I do try to keep personal information about my children to a minimum, and while I don’t consider myself a “mom blogger” I do write on topics that include my children and motherhood.
Interesting, lesleyreidcross, your note about finding it hard to be authentic while anonymous. I think some bloggers find that anonymity helps them be authentic & truthful. I think I would lean toward the latter, if I were totally anonymous. But who knows.
I deleted my old blog and I got a new blog. At my new one, I don’t mention where I live nor what my last name is. I’m sticking to my first name only. Luckily my first name is pretty generic.
I stick to average subjects, I don’t talk about my friends nor family. I don’t even talk about work. Even though I’m anonymous on my blog, I still don’t want to talk about anything personal. I need to have that line of privacy for myself.
In addition I also abandoned my old screen name, except I use it on AIM to talk to friends and my bf. The problem with unique screen names is that anyone can Google it and see where you’ve been online.
Even if you don’t have a blog, any stranger you chat with online or on a forum, they can see all your posts from online forums. It just creeps me out. Now whenever I post online its under Jaime (my first name).
Human nature being what it is, people tend to be very nosy, that’s why they Google their friends, acquaintances, etc. A lot of people know that people are more “real” online so they go online to find out your online identity.
Luckily I’ve never done anything scandalous online and since my name is generic, it was easy to delete the old blog and start a new one. Even though I’m not talking about anything controversial or anything, I need to have that anonymity on my blog. I needed to have that fresh start.
It’s either you do or don’t blog while you’re drunk if you’re able to see The Social Network.
Great post. Congratulations on making it to freshly pressed. So true about the person you least expect getting to read all your posts. I’m currently trying to get over some people reading my posts and then going over to my facebook page to look at my photos. Its kind of creepy.
hahaha! Drunk tweeting! what better way for secrets to be spilled unknowingly (or was it knowingly ;-))
I’m a soon-to-be-mom and I’ve got to say.. having a job while going through the changes of getting accustomed to being a mom is a huge necessity. coz’ else tis pretty boring sitting around at home, doing nothing worthwhile and ending up getting worried about the coming months..
But then, as you said, blogging is fun. And the sense of community it creates ..knowing that there are others out there who are facing your exact dilemma is actually a relief!
Do visit me on luckyandvin.com
Oh no!
Don’t forget, you’re NOT doing “nothing worthwhile”–you’re raising a child! But I totally get how it can be kind of boring, since newborns really don’t do a whole lot!
Just stumbled upon your blog while logging in. It looks good to me – though I hope “Eat all you can in Birmingham” doesn’t refer to the Brum I know . . .! I’ll return to read more.
Excellent post! Thanks for the tips. As a brand-new blogging mom, I’m hoping some of you might check out my blog and give me some feedback… (please?!)
“Be aware that anyone and everyone can read your words. The last person you would ever want reading your website will eventually find and read your website. Write knowing this beforehand.”
Simply brilliant!
Thanks James and more importantly Jax (who appears to me to be typing)!
I wrote a post detailing my inner debate on whether or not I wanted to go public with my blog. So far, I’ve only told 2 of my “inner circle” about it, and THAT’S it. Everyone else that stumbles onto my site knows nothing about the real me, and I’m going to keep it this way.
A fellow blogger of mine told me: “If you have to censor yourself while writing, you’re not writing the truth.” This really sealed it for me. I’d rather be a private blog with some great followers, than an overly popular private one, where I can’t write what I REALLY want to write.
Welcome to the Blog-O-Sphere! Congrats on being FP, Jax!
http://miracleon32ndstreet.wordpress.com
Another fairly new mom blogger here (started right around the same time as you) and I too had read the Babble article last week. Great stuff. Excellent reminders from women who know the road. And I fully support the drinking + tweeting. Sometimes it’s a must :)
Keep it up — great stuff.
It’s good to be anonymous sometimes but it won’t have an impact as a person. People in general like to know who they can relate too.
Loved your post! Lots of information and food for thought that applies also outside the blog area. Having recently closed a forum community I have administrated for over seven years I share the point expressed in this blog entry, especially the bit about mixing business with pleasure. Keep up the good work! :)
wat an awesome entry.I,too,am new to this whole online thing and blogging and am a new mother as well. I def think your blog is great!
Y’know, folks, we all blog for different reasons. And some of us may not write totally deathless prose.
But “if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing badly” and “I’d rather be a failure doing something I love than be a success at doing something I hate”.
(That second quote is from George Burns – dunno from whom the first one comes . . . Oscar Wilde, perhaps?)
I am about to become and mum and I am a newbie blogger.. Love your blog very well written.!
http://www.rocketcoaching.com
I’m also new to blogging….Thanks for the inspiration!
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I am about to become and mum and I am a newbie blogger.. Love your blog very well written.!
I thought about it for a month after reading this article of yours on blogging. I’ve decided to give it a try and started one today. Thanks.
That is awesome! Good luck with your blog! Can’t wait to check it out. :)
So glad you retweeted this so I could find it! I just devoured IT as much as the things I’ve read about new blogging. I can attest to not doing it for money. I was doing some creative work for hire and it almost made me hate it once I started to rely on it. Not good!
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Thanks for reading it & commenting! I’m glad you enjoyed it.