Tonight I had a little sadness in my heart at bedtime while we were all gathered together on the bed, both girls jumping all over as Mike and I were trying to relax. The girls were pretending to feed us dinner, and Rachel proudly served up some 'pas-ghetti'. Mike informed her that what she was actually giving him was 'spaghetti', to which she very slowly said, "Noooo Dad.... PA-sghetti." He again told her that it is pronounced 'spaghetti.' I was bemused until she turned to me with a somewhat pained expression and asked, "Mom? It's pasghetti, right?" Her sweet innocent concern over the fact that she was SO sure that it was, indeed, pasghetti really broke my heart. It was like revealing the secrets of the tooth fairy or something. She took it pretty well, though. Bless that child.
So, on the topic of innocence, I have been feeling lately like I need to privatize my blog again. I really hated having a private blog, because it was so inconvenient for people to check, especially family members who seemed to have trouble logging onto it. But, I have so much concern over the safety of my children....I don't know that it's right for me to plaster their pictures and stories where any freak in the world could see them.
I have thought of starting another blog, more about me, not really talking about my kids, you know, for bachelor season and such. :) But then I am worried I would feel pressure to be witty or something, and I don't want that.
Thoughts?
10 comments:
I know people who have hated the 100 reader private blog policy so they have started a new blog using none of their actual names and they don't give too many personal details out. I know it's scary wondering who in blogland in lurking.
we have the same debate over and over. Ben just had a good idea though--turn your current blog private and then start a new blog that is not. On the new blog post, "i updated today" or something so it will pop up on everyone's reader and then they'll know to check it...make sense? That will at least solve one problem!!
De-lurking here.
Hi Rachel! My name is Ralphie and I honestly can't remember how I started reading your blog. You know someone that I know, I'm sure of it! I lurk on very few blogs but loved yours, the bachelor antics and the photography, I just kept coming back. And now you're on google reader and that just pretty much makes you a part of the family! A very unscary, safe family, BTW.
Anyway, about the going private thing, I considered that too starting off. But once the photography got underway I chose to keep my blog public as a way to draw in business. But I had to compromise with my conscience and change a few things! First, I only keep a couple of months worth of archives on my blog at a time, I do not use my husband's full name, or my children's names. They all have nicknames. I also never talk about things or post pictures of places that will give away our location. And never ever ever do I put out my last name.
It's helped me sleep better at night. That and my very sharp knife and guard dogs (for weird people reading this comment).
Anyway, I've wanted to comment for a while because I'm sure we would be good friends if we knew each other! Good luck with your decision!
once you figure out the answer, please let me know :) i'm having the same debate. i never put specifics and try not to use my last name anywhere but you can't really prevent that because other people use it to link you on their blog sooo... that ruins that. your last name is a little different since it's a common one though. i just hate the thought of having fake names because this is for my family and when i publish it, i don't want different names in it. i guess if you had nicknames for people that you used anyways, it would be cool. see...i just don't know! i go back and forth on the issue.
i'm probably the worst person to ask because i don't like private blogs (only because they don't come up on google reader and i forget to check them but once every six months).
but then again, i also don't put very private stuff on my blog, so i don't feel it's an issue in my own personal case. if you share personal stories about your children and don't want creepies looking or reading it, then you need to do what you feel is best.
I dont think you have to try hard to be witty- you just are and i love it. That breaks my heart a little too about the spaghetti. Poor girl. As for the private thing, I know how you feel. For one, I think my MIL, bless her heart, calls once a week to ask me how to log in to my blog. But my mind is at ease knowing who is looking at my blog. I just found google analytics tonight. You may already use it but it's awesome. You could try that for awhile. PS when does the bachelorette air??
I've had the same struggle with the whole blogging thing, mostly due to my kids. I really don't feel it's my right to put them out there, so I've thrown around the idea of doing two blogs too... it's a tough call. If you go private make sure you add me to your list!
nancysblondeambitions@gmail.com
I decided to go private this week as well. I was watching a show where predetors were figuring out people's scheuldes and where people go often off of blogs and facebook and then stalking them, and in once case even kidnapping a girl. I just feel like its time to do it :)
Re: the blog for you I think it would be hilarious.. you have a very fun witty writing style to begin with so I don't think you'd have to "try" to have some fun stuff on your page. I didn't watch the bachelor once, but I read your blogs every monday to see your reaction. :) Good stuff!!
Good luck... that's a tough decision. I like it not private so it pops to the top when you update, but if you are concerned for safety, you should definitely go private... It will give you peace of mind anyway.
just do what i do! post once a month with little enthusiasm. haha.
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