Prompt 2 involves the debate with yourself regarding the merits of revealing all on your blog, or leaving some things to the imangination!! I am not talking naughty photos or videos here but the actual written content of posts.
I haven't always been completely open on this blog about what is going on in my life as I know it is a public forum so it is not private by any means. Even on Facebook I think carefully about what I reveal about my thoughts as I have 'friends' there who fit into different categories eg not seen for over 20 years (so don't know them) , contacts of DD (so still young), family (some of them older and more shockable I suspect, or maybe not!), work colleagues, great friends, craft friends, some friends who I could say anything to and some who are just vague aquaintancies... some people may even fit into more than one category!!
I came across this facebook cartoon on this blog which demonstrates the question about how much information is too much information? Also are social networking sites preventing 'real' communication or are we just keeping up with technological advances and trends? I rarely write or receive real letters any more and I miss hand written envelopes landing on my door mat but it takes more time. I don't actually talk on the 'phone very much either, again it takes time. I can post 1 message on my blog and it will reach a huge audience or send one text to multiple recipients.
Blogging is a great forum for sharing and gaining information. I have learnt so much from other bloggers and I have been greatful to those who not only share their good days but also their down days. Life isn't always perfect and I really admire other peoples openess and honesty. I have laughed out loud at times and also gasped in awe at some of the amazing creativeness I have seen.
I appreciate each and every comment I receive on here so thank you all for visiting and I would be interested to hear what you think regarding keeping up with technolgy versus 'real' communication and if I should 'reveal all' or not on my blog!! xxx
Mmm, well, my own view is that there is no conflict between technology and 'real communication': in fact, I've seen more deeper sharing and connections happening via the Internet than can occur in face-to-face encounters. As to revealing 'all' - I'm not sure what 'all' means. I think there is value in being circumspect: once it's out there, it out there forever!
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly open on my blog. And I figure that if my learning curve in life and my take on my own ups and downs, struggles and triumphs, can help anyone else with their own issues, then it's a good thing. At least I hope so! :)
ReplyDeleteHow you run a blog is a very personal thing ~ there's no right or wrong. I go with what I'm comfortable with and that means no proper names (apart from my own) and no obvious identifiers.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wise to think carefully about what is shared on your blog, and yet still be open and real. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! I actually don't think I would ever 'reveal all' in actuality! i think I was being a bit tongue in cheek ut it was interesting just writing down my thoughts as the flowed!!
ReplyDeleteTough question! Thought provoking! I am naturally cautious about any communications but sometimes I feel closer to my cyber friends whom I have never met than people I've known for years! (then feel sad when they disappear from my orbit). Not sure I would ever blog about serious personal issues but would like to think I could help anyone who did feel they could unburden themselves this way. OMG! what a long comment...I have gone on..... xx
ReplyDeleteGood thoughtful post (with some spot-on humour). I too, miss letters which can be savoured again and again, and for me there is nothing nicer than sitting with a good friend for a really good chin-wag - it's not the same via FB, e-mail or even the phone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog. I thought I'd return the visit and found your posting very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteI too have friends of all kinds on facebook and I am thoughtful about what I share on line. My close friends & I communicate on a more personal level. Email is brilliant and I wouldn't want to be without it, but nothing replaces a phone call, hand written letters or face to face! That said, my blog has opened a whole new world of contacts and new friendships.
I love how everyone creates their own style.
In this case, Alexa has summed up how I feel too :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, that is a bit sad, I was all set to comment away and she really has proven to be succinct and putting thoughts into words far better than I ever could! ;-)
Very thoughtful post. I try to guard the privacy of myself and my family, but not to an obsessive degree. And I agree with your comments on the phone and real mail. Not much going on there anymore. I get most of my interaction now via email, blogs and Facebook. Kinda wonder if that's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI still write real letters and I'd take them over email any day (mind you, I'm a rubbish typist, so that might have something to do with it!). I loathe Facebook, but I know I'm in the minority lol. I love blogging - and I would dearly love you to share a proper name, what do you think? :)
ReplyDeleteI must admit I love reading personal blog posts but that is because I'm nosey! I don't like them to be too personal though, because then I feel uncomfortable as though I've invaded their personal space. I personally prefer to read blogs that tell me a little about the person and their life rather than just the craft or card they have made, then I can relate to them more.
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered if we will eventually lose all vowels from our words since they are so often left out of text messages. I hope blogging helps revive writing...I know it has for me.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a very sensible approach. It's important to feel comfortable with how much you share, and if anything I think you should err on the side of caution. I enjoy visiting your blog, it's been lovely getting to know you - and I do feel like I can get to know you on a certain level, without you needing to be too personal or give away more than you feel comfortable with xx
ReplyDeleteI think everyone has summed it up perfectly!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! I've just noticed your countdown to Christmas, how exciting!