Through a recent comment, I had a great conversation with a reader named Dawn about some issues she brought up in her post, and issues I brought up in my first post. We were discussing the issue of privacy and our choices regarding that. Namely, posting our child’s pictures on the net and sharing intimate details of our lives. I don’t post full face shots of my girl. It’s my choice to maintain a level of her privacy. *Please don’t assume that this in any way takes away or belittles your choice to post your child’s pictures*
Dawn also brought up the issue of whether you can have a real connection if you don’t share everything. I responded with this:
“I try to be as open
as I feel comfortable – which isn’t everything – while guarding her
privacy. Also, you can still make connections. I don’t tell the friend
I have coffee with everything about my life, but that doesn’t mean the
connection is any less genuine. I don’t tell co-workers everything and
again, they are real connections. So no, I don’t think you have to
share everything to have a connection as long as you’re genuine in what
you do share.“
I just wanted to bring you in on this conversation and say that while you may not know the intimate details of my life, what I do say to you and what I do share is 100% me and sincere.
That’s the best I can offer. Hopefully, that’s enough.
April S.
July 17, 2012I totally agree with you. That topic was brought up on another blog and while I will say that I would love to share picture of my kids because I think they are beautiful and funny, I've had bad experiences that lead me to be more concerned about their protection than I am about satisfying the curiosity of folks online. Same reason I don't use their names or the town we live in. Probably someone could figure it out if they really wanted too but I don't want to be that person that posts everything including their house address online and then when someone breaks into the house or abducts my child be pointed to as the idiot who gave the perp everything they needed to commit the crime. Also, I want to connect to people who have the same values, share the same interests and hobbies and enjoy my recipes and tips, not someone who just wants to pop in and see cute pics of my kids.
Aubrey
July 17, 2012I agree.
There are some things that just don't need to be shared.
AND I HAVE TO HAVE THAT SHIRT!!!
Lena @ Mom2MemphisAndRuby
July 17, 2012Well said!
Looking back, if I had started blogging for more of a social aspect, I would have censored a lot of my kids on the blog…
Because I started blogging as a way to keep friends & family updated on the kids, of course I shared. I'm okay with it, but I don't think there's anything wrong with not divulging everything either.
To each their own! And let's respect that!
ZZ
July 17, 2012You do alwasy seem very sincere, as well as sharing enough details to keep your writing interesting. You seem very sweet and I think you've struck the right balance.
Frannie Pantz
July 17, 2012Great post. I recently did one just like this on Tuesday called "What's in a Blog?". I am a mother of three and quite honest on my blog. However, there are some things that I will not share on there. The comments that I got on that post were phenomenal and I am glad I posted it. I think in the end, to each their own, but I find I am more connected with and can relate better to those that are genuine and honest. I have been following your blog for quite a while now and I find you to be such a blog. Thanks!