Going private with blogs seems to be a big trend among many blogs. I have been thinking about this for some time now and have been considering the idea. I really don't want to but I also don't want to hurt any one with my posts or things I do or say. After all this is my life and I like to live it to the fullest. I found some Cons/Pros as I "surfed" my friends blogs.
Here is a brief list of the reasons not to go privatize vs. going private.
THE CONS
1. I really enjoy the community that is created through blogging. Its fun to share and get ideas from others. Going private wouldn't allow me to do that.
2. I feel like if there is someone who doesn't like what I say or do then their feelings could get hurt or perhaps in return they would hurt my feelings by leaving not so positive comments on my blog.
3. I don't want someone, like my dad, to find my blog and have the privilege of seeing what they are missing out on with my family. Make sense?
4. Some crazy person could get on my blog through someone else's and find out way too much information in regards to my kids and my family... so
THE PROS
1. I value the security of my family and our privacy.
2. I want to be able to blog about whatever comes to mind with out feeling guarded as to who might find my blog or read my deep thoughts. I use my blog as a type of journal so my thoughts, at times are some what personal and I want nothing but positive "vibes" coming to me.
3. I like the idea that if only those I know care about me are going to view my blog then I know I can trust that they will be loyal to me and encourage me to keep trying to be who I want to be... which is, over all, a good person.
4. In some ways I like the idea of controlling who comes and goes... a bit.
I feel that blogging can bring people together. Family, who is spread ALL around the world (as mine) can be in touch and even feel a part of your daily lives through blogging. Friends from a far can be reunited and "rekindled" friendships can help us relive those great times spent together years and years ago. Exchanging ideas on motherhood, parenting, sisterhood, spiritual or not can REALLY help.
Why have you gone private? or Why haven't you?
I really want to know what you think!
7 comments:
The only reason that I haven't gone private is because I have had friends find me through friends. I don't really put anything on there that I wouldn't want anyone to see so if you are then I wouldn't be a bad idea. By reading your pros and cons is sounds to me like you have already made your decision. Go for it!:)
I'm not sure all of what "going private" entails because I don't have a blog myself. But if I did, I think it would be private because I like the idea of knowing who is looking at my thoughts and pictures. Plus, there is that whole crazy person thing. You need to do what it takes to make sure your blog can be ALL of what you want it to be. Set it up in a way so that it can accomplish your goals for it. Love ya!
I've been wondering the same thing for a while. I actually changed a few things in my profile so that someone can't scroll through random blogs and find me... That has helped. Also, I got a sitemeter that gives me reports on who is reading my blog, how long they are on, and what they view. It is really handy, you might add this to your blog... Go to sitemeter.com. Another option you could do is something that Brad has done with his blog. Each comment that is made has to be approved by him first. It comes to his email, where he reads it and then decides to post it or not. Just some more control. I'm with you though, I get tons of ideas on meals, mothering, crafts, (not that I do any crafts), and other fun things by reading my friends blogs. I've been found by long lost friends through other's blogs that are linked to mine also. That's always fun. I do have to say that I have missed being able to get into your blog for the last day or two. But, whatever you decide, good luck with it!
Such a toughy! (And something I've been thinking a lot about lately too.) My blog started out as a family journal of sorts...a way to share pictures and milestones with friends and family far away. Somehow it took a turn and then became a crafty show-and-tell (which I don't like!) with a little bit of family stuff mixed in. Don't get me wrong, it's led to a lot of fun things that wouldn't have happened otherwise, but it wasn't my original intention. Anyhow, what I'm getting at is, after a bit of a scary stalker-like experience, I never post anymore...mostly because it totally freaks me out not to be able to do anything about it. (You can't force a person not to read your blog when the info is out there.) I think the only solution is to maybe have 2 blogs...one for personal family stuff (private), and the other to share fun hobbies. KWIM? There are some serious FREAKS out there.
Love ya girl~
Kim
Tough call. Like others who have commented, I too have been thinking about it. I like the ideas Carrie mentioned...
I went private for a few reasons. But I think I will switch to an open blog for my ideas and stories and a private one for updates on my kids and more personal stories and info.
I like Carries ideas as well. I think the comments to your email is a good idea if you're worried about negative comments and seeing who's watching your blog.
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