I was never much of a writer, at my best I got B's in English, and I own enough blank journals to start a small Hallmark, but when I found the BLOG-o-Sphere, I was changed in the click of a button.When I first started I only knew one other blogger personally, so I had no inhibitions. What ever popped into my scattered little brain was posted: closet pooing toddlers, sagging unmentionables and the heart break of losing a loved one, it all got written.
I loved the idea of having a record of our family adventures, random thoughts, daily doings, and testimony building experiences. I would love to read about how my mom dealt with day to day life. So, I guess I write with the assumption that one day my kids might be interested in my day to day life. And, I plan on printing it into a bound book for my kids, one day.
But, in the last year I find myself holding back so many of my real thoughts and what I would write if I knew no one was looking, that it's losing it's appeal to me. I was talking with Racheal awhile back and we decided we would write how we wanted, because the only people's opinion we really cared about were those who loved us anyhow, and since they would expect some odd posts about subjects like quilts, pooey mishaps, and Mommy rants, it would make us just that much more endearing. But alas, I digress. I still find myself writing carefully, and cautiously. Sometimes I just write freely with the expectation that I will just save the post as a draft and post it right before I print.
I've contemplated going private with only subscribers being able to read, but the truth is I love to read other mom blogs, I gain ideas, insight, and perspective from reading about their daily mishaps and adventures and I want to share those things with others too. I really am inspired and strengthend by the things I read on friends blogs, so I just don't know. What do you guys think? Anyone else having the Private? Public? Issue?
21 comments:
Hey Steph. As soon as I read the title of this post, I thought, nooooo, Don't go private!!! Only becasue I've been reunited with lots of friends simple by finding their blogs and had they been private, then I would never have access. I do know what you mean though, about feeling like your holding back. Something you might consider is keeping this blog public, but then have another (private) blog for when you feel like really indulging your friends (I better be invited!). I don't think it would really be a ton more work because you'd just be splitting your posts bewtween two blogs, not posting twice as much. If that makes sense. I think you have too much great stuff to share with the world, that it'd be a shame to go completely private. I love reading your Stephish insights, and I know I'm not the only one.
well I don't want to go private either..... however I do feel the conscienceness of writing. I know that soemtimes I spell incorrectly or that maybe I am just dull. but I do feel, especially lately a little bit judged, or maybe it's just me in a funk. I get what you are saying.
On that note.... I love your un-inhibited post. the ones where you let go and write pure Stephanie Larsen! Your 'real' life perspective, gives me such a better way to see my 'real' life. Keep writing! Your kids are going to love this stuff!!!
I have that all the time. Especially since I had a random freak guy post a comment on my blog. But, I too don't want to scare people away from looking at my blog! It's a catch 22! I haven't figured it out yet. :( sorry.
HI Stephanie,
Just checking with you to see if you received my last 2 emails that you are the winner of the Layers dress on Simple Finds? Please let me know asap, since since the contest has ended well over a week ago. If I don't hear from you with the next day, I'll have to pick a new winner. Hope to hear from your soon:)
Christie
www.simple-finds.com
christie(at)simple-finds(dot)com
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog, you can go private if you feel like it would allow you to write more freely... however, sign me up immediatly. I read your blog to Dave alot, I think you have the best writing style of anyone I have ever read, and your HILARIOUS, it's also all so true. I love seeing a mom who blogs about the same things I feel. It;s not complaining I think it's help me to realize how small the hard stuff really is in the grand scheme of things. I understand the private thing, I am not gonna do it, because I like the idea of random people really knowing the true ME, I don't want to hide things and pretend like everything is perfect, lot's of times it's not, but I am learning, and I am loving all the bumps along the way!!! Good luck on your decision
Well- i guess you could go private, but then the rest of us moms out hear would have one less real life person to compare our own to...Like me--I read your blog and find some hope that my nine month old will eventually sleep thru the night...her crib isnt punishment...nursing in the middle of the night is special...lol...and it's ok to walk around like a zombie during the day because the baby isn't sleeping and want to nurse, like you are a dairy cow!. Mom=Zombie/Dairy Cow/Pillow/Snot Rag/Drool Catcher. She'll only be little once, right?
Any suggestions though for a unsleeping beauty?
Keep up the honest blogging...it keeps me going!
i went private just for the sake of my children's privacy and safety. i didn't want any weirdos trying to find us or looking at my kiddos pics and thinking not so nice thoughts! and i say post about the poop and all the stuff that's on your mind....it makes it real! it's all the stuff we deal with on a daily basis right! i will agree with you though that it's nice to be able to peruse through people's blogs!
Well, it looks like if you went private you would just end up having to invite half the world anyways because we all just love your blog. I think you are a perfect example of how we all should be and how we all should blog. No one's life is perfect and we shouldn't be trying to pretend we are. And, your kids will love all of it when they are older. So, I hope you don't hold back because I love your blog so much!
Hi Steph! I don't know what you should do... I put my blog private because I tend to not always write what I want to because I don't know who is reading it. Plus I got some really weird comments from people I didn't know that freaked me out. Whatever you do, I better still be able to read. I love your blog, especially when you write what is truely on your mind :)
WHy worry about being private. most of think the same way we are all just to scared to say it. It takes soemone to start it, be the leader and you'll be amazed at others who will agree and also start revealing those "private moments"
so here's one for you....when you gonna add me to your list of cool people?
To tell you the truth I Don't care what people think. I write for me not them. I don't care about my spelling errors or whatever. If you know me than you'll understand my writing and my thoughts behind it.
So --thanks for your comment. A tthat moment I really needed it. Happy to say we have had 2 god nights of sleep!! Only one nursing stop in the night. I feel like a new woman! Hope you are doing well!
Oh my! If you go privete you HAVE TO invite me. I LOVE reading your blog! Actually, a friend in my ward read it too and she thinks your amazing.;0) I actually have writers envy. I wish I could write as freely as you do. Keep up the good work girl, we love reading it!
I love reading your blog because you sound like a friend of mine! But I understand about the privacy thing. I have a friend that has one for family/friends and one for private more intimate thoughts she only shares with a few. When I started blogging I never thought of all the different ways to use a blog! Right now, I just post pics of family events to share and find mamas to relate to. Thanks for sharing! Tonya
Yeah, I get to see you!!! I fly back to Utah December 31st, so call me when you are here. The best part of living in Utah is friends are always traveling here! Have a Merry Christmas!
I totally know how you feel! I have lots of "drafts" that I've never posted, too. But I love your blog. Hmm. That's a tough one!
Throw caution to the wind my dear, throw it to the wind!! The people that know you for the uninhibited girl you are in your mind is all that matters!! If you feel better make you blog by invite only, then you will only have the people that you know love you for who you are privy to your mommy rants, and poopey storeys!! I am lucky to not have to many people follow my blog and i use it more fo thearapy than anything!! (should i admit that...) Anyhoo i love your idea off printint you blog off for your kids and have thought of that too!! Can't wait to see you more once school starts again!!
Please stay public! I'm of the opinion that our blogs can help others know "we are not alone."
From what I've read, if you don't mind, I want to follow your blog. I'm sure there are others you don't know who feel the same. Not to put the pressure on or anything. :-)
You can always delete posts you really don't want out there, or start a private blog for private thoughts.
Either way, keep it up! Oh, if you go private, add me PLEASE!!
Awwww SCREW 'EM!
Stay public and let the chips fall where they may. We're censored enough in this world. To start censoring ourselves purely out of self conciousness would just be a shame. Doesn't matter much to me though cuz I'd get to see your fabulous posts anyways. Unless, wait, unless you want to keep me out!? :D j/k Love ya
besides, how could we spy on old boyfriends if everyone went private?
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