What privacy ?
The lines between what should be public and what should be kept private have blurred in the online world. It truly comes to a personal decision and whatever way you decide to go, as a blogger you will at some point question where to draw the line.I’ve personally developed a better relationship with the internet after having a love/hate affair with it. It happened when I realized that everyone can make the decision of keeping things to themselves and that doesn't mean they're being dishonest. In fact, questioning my motivation for wanting to share things publicly has been the best decision I've made.
I'm in contact with bloggers on a daily basis and I have the privilege of going through their ups and downs with them while they rebrand and shift the direction of their blogs. It baffles me how many people feel pressured to explain themselves, their successes, losses and personal tragedies... This is the downside of blogging success, the lines are at some point broken.
We as blog-makers need to keep in mind that sharing our personal lives publicly is not the only way to notoriety. From a personal point of view, if you are concerned about how to maintain some level of privacy, my advice is that you question your motivations, rest in your ideas and be true to yourself in every way, so that no matter what kind of feedback you receive, you’re able to channel it with positiveness.
Sharing our struggles and successes is a right that we all have and it's a beautiful thing when we use those stories to help others but that shouldn't be done at the expense of our peace. Don't ever feel like you need to over-share or explain yourself to make it in this business, do what you feel right in your heart.
How much of your life do you share online?
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i think there are often question marks over what to share vs. what not to share and it can be difficult to decide. but i feel my blog is my space, it's not everyone else i know's space so i draw the line at sharing information about others in my life even if i affects me. but for myself, if i feel like sharing something then i will. if i don't, i won't. but i don't think there is a right or wrong at all. i am not sure people feel they have to over-share, and just the word 'over-share' makes it sound like sharing is negative. what defines over-sharing? i think it's up to each person and what they are comfortable with. there are blogs where they are solely based on 'over-sharing' that i love reading, but i'd never be comfortable with writing. there are blogs i love aesthetically but i without any personal sharing at all i lose the connection and will stop visiting. for me i share as much as i am okay with being public - sometimes that's a lot, sometimes it's a tiny bit, haha.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a wonderful way to see it, Christine! It's definitely YOUR space and you should be able to be yourself and talk about the things that move you. Over-sharing for me is sharing something that makes me feel uncomfortable just because someone else expects me to talk about it. Whenever I read people's blogs I never feel like they are sharing too much because as you said, it's their decision to say things or express themselves in any sort of way. I actually enjoy each Blogger's personalities and the way the speak about the things they are passionate about. Thank you so much for joining the conversation. Hope you're having a lovely day so far. xx
DeleteThis is such a good post. I used to be so closed and shy, and honestly i didn't like it at all. Somehow i found myself throughout the last months and started becoming more outgoing in ways of sharing more of my life, more of me.
ReplyDeleteBut honestly, there are some things that need to stay private and although there is a thin line, i think that it's up to whatever makes you feel comfortable you know? I love sharing my struggles, and see how people respond, giving and taking advice. But i'm very closed with my personal love life for example. I've seen bloggers sharing with their readers about their relationships but it's something i don't think i could ever do. Relationship discussions could be very fragile since you are talking about a second person and not just for you.
Corina, thank you so much for sharing. You touched on something so important that I actually wanted to mention and missed. Talking about a third person is so sensitive, specially when they do not know they will be brought up on a post. I personally don't think I'm shy but I am very reserved, I like to keep a lot of moments to myself and I sometimes wish I was more open because I love to read about the trivial things other people do. I have come to terms with the fact the I am who I am though and only hope to be able to "open-up" in the measure that I can. Kudos to you. You are definitely doing a killer job! x
DeleteI agree with you ana, as i said in one of yours posts people dont take care of what they share and many times get themselves down when people have an opinion or wish to change them. i want people to be more encouraging in their blogs like you and corina or breana all this people helping and not making us upset make the difference. thank you ana! this topic is very interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leandra! I've read so many comments about this both on blogs and social media lately. I have to agree that we should all try to be more positive, to encourage one another and to open up and share in the measure that we want to do it. I appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteThis is such beautiful perspective (as usual) on a truly challenging element of blogging.
ReplyDeleteI was going through a very painful time a little over a year ago, and even though it felt a bit disingenuous at times, I didn't share it on my blog-though I did discuss it with some bloggers I am close to. I had such a negative reaction from a few people in my life that I knew I couldn't handle the anonymous judgement of the internet and people in my private life who read my blog. In the end, I'm glad I didn't share the gory details; it would have been gossip for most people, and I survived with the love and support of those people I knew would not judge. The only benefit would have been to my own concept of authenticity, and frankly, it wasn't worth it to expose myself so thoroughly.
I've been there, Lena. I'm so sorry that you went through that. You are right. It's truly about what gives you peace and what makes you comfortable. When it comes to protecting those we love, not mentioning sensitive issues is absolutely justifiable. I feel incredibly responsible for E's well-being and so my personal life will always (or until I feel more comfortable) be kept somewhat separate. I do feel like I put a lot of myself even in the most trivial of posts though and this is probably the case for many more bloggers out there. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this with us. I'm sure many people will feel reassured by your words. xoxo
Deletegreat post. i definitely keep certain things private and don't reveal everything. some things just aren't anyone's business. but it is nice to share things. it's a fine line.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Caitlin. I also agree with people who want to share everything under the sun. I guess I'm just happy when others are.
DeleteOh I agree with this for sure. Blogging and being online for me is just a creative outlet and nothing more. I do not want anyone to see what my family looks like, know us when we're out, know my personal battles, etc. Those things are very private and I think they should stay that way. My heart always breaks a little when I see moms over sharing when it comes to their children with private pictures or stories or all the other things that I see that should really never make it to the net.
ReplyDeleteI have always like that about you that you seem to get that and where I come from as well since you think the same. It's rare, but smarter for sure.
That's so right, Noor. I'm also very sensitive when it comes to family, friends or anyone who hasn't chosen this lifestyle to be theirs, specially kids.
DeleteSo true! Will keep it mind.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Carol!
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this is something i've struggled with. people are curious by nature, and want you to spill your guts so they can feel they know you. this makes me uncomfortable as i'm not that open in real life, plus it opens me up for criticism. so yes, a fine line. some things i'm glad i shared and others i wish i hadn't.
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