One of my friends is thinking of starting a blog. This friend is quite shy and introverted, so we were talking about the pros and cons of blogging. She doesn't know if she wants to be anonymous or open, if she wants a family-centered blog or one where she talks about deeper stuff. And she's very concerned about who might read her blog. Because you never know.
I told her that sometimes you'd be surprised who reads your stuff: your first grade teacher, your husband's old commander, or your parents' next door neighbor (yikes to all of those). And I told her that even if she has an anonymous blog, someone might still find her: both a friend from high school and our local lawyer recognized me.
The funny thing about blogging is that even if you never say who you are, strangers will read about the best and worst days of your life. I've been enjoying reading knitting blogs lately, and I've been privy to some very personal stories. I gasped when the Etherknitter's husband's tibia popped through his leg. I choked up when Debi gave Augie his sweater. My heart leapt back on the train with Squeeky's mom. And I cried with Jeanie when her son lost his best friend. I don't know these people from Adam, but I am in on their lives. I am thinking about them. I am cheering on their intarsia. And for moments, when I am engrossed in a particular post, I feel like I am a friend.
For all the headaches and heartaches, blogging has been very rewarding for me. I never would've known Bunker if it hadn't been for blogging. I never would've gotten an email from Ben Stein or gotten published in a book without blogging. And I never would've found so many people who cheer me on.
So even though I think about quitting every single day, I'm still here.
Posted by Sarah at March 29, 2006 06:42 PM | TrackBackI think she should go for it! You inspired me to start me blog. I never really read blog until I read yours and then it became and obession. I truly enjoy it. There are days when I can think of nothing to write, but then I read other pages and I'm moved to write. OUR shy, introverted friend has some very wonderfull things to add to the blogging world and I can't wait to hear what she has to say.
Baby steps grasshopper! That is all you need!
Posted by: Vonn at March 30, 2006 12:04 AMI sometimes think about quitting too. But YOU are not allowed to quit, Sarah!
Posted by: annika at March 30, 2006 05:57 AMI am quiet and an introvert myself. Blogging and almost 8 years as a military spouse has helped me to talk to strangers, and be more willing speak up more.
The only bad side - I vented once, she read it, she didn't like it, she told who knows what to her husband, my husband lost a friend. All because of my frustration of trying to keep a woman with a drinking problem from driving home.
Otherwise, I love it. Great way to clear the mind of things you are thinking about and trying to process.
HH6
Posted by: Household6 at March 30, 2006 07:02 AMI'm occasionally tempted by the possibility of starting my own blog, but I'm daunted by the time it takes. I've been invited to join a group blog of people in my field, and maybe I should reconsider accepting that offer. For me, the big dilemma is that if I am blogging under my own name, then I am going to feel an obligation to put a lot of time into each post, because it would be humiliating to put something out there that I later regret. If I just do it as "Pericles" then I take a lot less risk. On the other hand, it lets me say a lot less, and most people probably find anonymous blogs less interesting. I expect that people here will be torn on what advice to give me: The world doesn't need another liberal blog, but maybe it will keep him too busy to post here! :)
Posted by: Pericles at March 30, 2006 12:32 PMSarah,
I too enjoy reading your blog. Too bad you'll be leaving Germany just as we are getting back. Angie and I joke that I should move into her old house. Wouldn't that be funny. Well keep up the good work. PS love the quotes on this site-Vicki
Pericles...I've told Sarah before that I think you should blog. I would actually read it (even though you are one of "them") :-)
And for our wanna-be blogger friend...My only advice would be to make up nick names for your hubby, your child, and yourself. I'm contemplating going through my blog and editing all the times I used our real names...I never want someone I don't like googling my name and finding my site. Even though the information I'm putting out there is for everyone to see, they don't necessarily need to know that it's me.
Posted by: Erin at March 30, 2006 05:48 PMIt's all fine & good to be anonymous... until someone keeps calling you by your real name in the comments :) hahahaha
Posted by: the girl at March 31, 2006 12:57 PMMost would probably say that I am very shy and introverted as well but I think that the expression of writing is different for some reason, so I think your friend will find it to be very easy. Things will flow :)I never thought I would enjoy it but I have surprised myself.
Posted by: Nicole at March 31, 2006 03:59 PMThe girl,
I had to go check to see if I was guilty of that...and I so AM. I'm sorry! :-)
And I've thought about that on my site too...do you tell everyone that you want to be anonymous, and not to use your real name?
Posted by: Erin at March 31, 2006 05:48 PMThank you for crying with me, and don't stop blogging -- I just got here!
Posted by: Jeanie at April 2, 2006 06:41 AM