Am I crazy for thinking about making Blogxygen public again? I've been private for nearly a year, and as I'm getting into my writing again, I'm missing all the fun that a public blog was - I mean, it was so fun to get new commenters, and it was really exciting thinking about what I was going to write about. Right now, I write, but it is mundane. Not to insult you readers - it is just very different to have a public blog that is usually updated every day, and to get a lot of responses and feedback.
However, I still have a lot of reservations, so I'm not necessarily going to do it, just something I am thinking about. So, pros and cons? For those of you that still read and know why I went private, (or because of who) I'd particularly like your input as to if you think this is a good idea or not. Thanks.
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11 comments:
Hmm. That's a tough one. I don't know why you decided to go private, but I can imagine it was to protect yourself and your family. I think pros of going public again would be that you get to reach more people. A con would be having pics of your kids and details about them out where any perv could come along and see them. Ya, this is definitely a tough decision to make. Good luck.
oh golly, that's tough! you're last few posts have been about things that make me awfully anxious just *thinking* about -- like, what would I do if I decided to have a baby? what would I do with a public blog? what if I made a mistake? -- that I get all nervous and just think, "that can never happen!" But they're all terribly important and terribly brave. For as much difficulty as I have leaving comments anywhere, the flip side is that I think if I kept a blog I would really need those comments.
But if it is something that motivates and inspires and uplifts you and sparks your creativity and drive, that value is tremendous. Especially if it's something you need.
I don't know the details of when you went private, although I have suspicions/speculations. I've seen blogs with a tab on their comments policy, and I think it'd be nice to give yourself permission to monitor comments for any reason whatsoever that you fancy, no justification required--to make this your safe space. And also set an example for readers! I am also following an industry blog that is anonymous and nobody can figure out who writes it, but it has a cult following. So I know it's a little late to be anonymous (and there are of course cons to anonymity), but you might be able to minimize your use of names and so on, to distance yourself a bit from new readers.
You could also try it out and then switch back, no commitment...
Also maybe you could mentally prep for how you'd look at any negative reactions, comments, etc? (this is me not knowing the details of what happened.) Like, maybe decide that you'll probably end up with some negative reactions as something every public writer has to deal with, but you'll shrug it off, take the high road, remember that people are meaner online, remind yourself how many people love you and think you're awesome and xyz are just bad eggs, etc. I don't know if this is a decent analogy, but my general strategy for a marathon is, "I'm going to get tired, and then I'm going to keep running." So maybe it could be something like, "I'm going to get shady douche readers, and I'm going to ___." then when it happens, it'll just be part of your plan!
There are a lot of ways you could go with this. Just a few ideas... :)
"your" not "you're"! You can see my comment worries beginning...
I think you're terribly brave for pondering this!
this is a tough one because although i know your blog would touch so many people, and it would also strengthen your own journey - i worry about what might happen regarding the reason you went public. i say go for it! but be cautious at first if you do! you have a lot to give to people and they (and you) deserve that and its stupid that one thing is preventing that from happening. but it doesn;t have to take away the gift you can bring to so many people.
* oops, i mean regarding the reason you went private.
I know what you mean. I went private for a while and then stopped writing because I felt like no one was out there. But now with instagram people blog so much less that I still feel like no one's really reading. You have a lot of readers though so I'm sure you miss hearing from them. You had a good reason to go private so I guess it just depends on if you're still worried about that.
I know that you can block specific IP addresses from accessing your blog. That won't block a specific person (or specific people), but it will ban a certain area (usually a few miles wide). You could also make sure comments have to be approved by you to show up. I know of a few friends who do miss reading your blog (but were too shy to ask for permission, since they've never met you in person). But I know that it can be really stressful to have a public blog, so it's definitely a tough choice.
It's a tough choice. I don't know the reason you went private, aside from what you've alluded to on your blog, but I can get a rough idea based on that.
I guess I'd suggest that if you feel the reason you went private is still an issue... then I would hesitate to go public again, just because a creeper is still going to be a creeper a year later, you know?
On the other hand, I do get that the sense of community & readership could be way bigger with a public blog, and that could be a huge motivation to want to write more.
I would echo Marissa's comment about blocking IP addresses - you could give that a shot if you think it would help!
Im not sure why you went private but i remember the time frame and how upset you were about xyz that finally pushed you to being private. On the other hand I can only imagine a creative spirit is only spurred onward by engagement and feedback from an audience. I guess it depends on where you are emotionally, can you handle the emotional disruption if xyz happens again balanced with the need for reader engagement for increased creative output. I think only you truly know how those two juxtaposing issues weigh out on the whole "is it worth it" scale. Good luck on your decision!
Nothing is more freeing than rocking ur true desires, and not allowing others to hold you captive or a prisoner in your own life....
-L
I know, that for me... I would love to have you go public again... It isn't that I don't check the other spot... But when it isn't in my reader, I do, at times forget to check...
I think that it is a decision that... as I know you... I know that you have thought about A LOT... and I trust your decision whichever way you choose to go.
In one of the comments they were talking about the power of being able to put yourself out there. And it IS risky. But I know that you were able to feel so connected to so many people... You have so much to say... and people listen to you. Your blog reaches far outward. And in that way... I think that your words have a lot to give to people.
Okay... this ramble may not make sense.
So, I'll stop now..
I love you Twin
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