Keeping People in the Dark
I have this theory, and tell me what you think about it.
My theory that people don't like bloggers who don't post pictures of themselves and their families as much as those that do. I'm not saying that those that don't are shunned or made to sit in the corner. But I've noticed that a lot of the most popular bloggers are the ones that really put themselves out there.
And to some degree, I can understand that. I mean, it is human nature to want to connect with people, and how can you do that with someone who is faceless to you? And that is fine with me, I am not trying to criticize. It just isn't my cup of tea.
I mean, even newspaper writers are doing it now, awkward photos above online bylines.
But really, does it make a difference?
I actually sort of value my anonymity. And I certainly value the anonymity of my child. There are some major whackjobs out there, and even though they don't constitute the majority, they are scary enough to make me never want them to lay eyes on my kid or save his image on their computers.
I have had an opportunity to "blow my cover" quite a few times recently, and each time I chose to not reveal myself.
I can count on my hand the number of fellow bloggers who know what I look like. And I'd like to keep it that way, really.
Because once you have crossed that invisible line, it's like your virginity, you just can't get it back.
What do you think?
P.S. I'm not necessarily talking about myself as a boo-hooing when I say the more popular blogs have pics. I just think it's an overall trend thing.
My theory that people don't like bloggers who don't post pictures of themselves and their families as much as those that do. I'm not saying that those that don't are shunned or made to sit in the corner. But I've noticed that a lot of the most popular bloggers are the ones that really put themselves out there.
And to some degree, I can understand that. I mean, it is human nature to want to connect with people, and how can you do that with someone who is faceless to you? And that is fine with me, I am not trying to criticize. It just isn't my cup of tea.
I mean, even newspaper writers are doing it now, awkward photos above online bylines.
But really, does it make a difference?
I actually sort of value my anonymity. And I certainly value the anonymity of my child. There are some major whackjobs out there, and even though they don't constitute the majority, they are scary enough to make me never want them to lay eyes on my kid or save his image on their computers.
I have had an opportunity to "blow my cover" quite a few times recently, and each time I chose to not reveal myself.
I can count on my hand the number of fellow bloggers who know what I look like. And I'd like to keep it that way, really.
Because once you have crossed that invisible line, it's like your virginity, you just can't get it back.
What do you think?
P.S. I'm not necessarily talking about myself as a boo-hooing when I say the more popular blogs have pics. I just think it's an overall trend thing.
Comments
It would be nice to see a current picture of you though.
And thanks for your swee twords on my blog this morning. Just hard for us b/c Mark is on some meds that he can't be off of for an extended period of time. We don't have that long of a window before we go to the doc and say HELP!
I use pictures all the time, and I expect I will continue to do so, but many of the blogs I read have no pictures at all - and I still visit them, simply because I enjoy their posts. :)
Heidi
I don't really mind using my kids' or husband's names, and while I post some pictures, I don't post many. I try not to post any I think might be used for some perv, like pics at the beach or when my son runs around naked in the house.
I understand your inclination towards anonymity, and I share that. My names been outed occasionally b/c my husband has his own blog and readers of both or friends have revealed it but it's so infrequent I don't worry much.
Yes, there are feckin' weirdos out there but if you're going to be a writer, I think at some point you will have to come out, come out, wherever you are!
BTW, you were in my dream and you looked like the picture on your blog, only really tall and adult looking. You only had a cameo role, but your performance was riveting.
But, I am totally with you on valuing my kids' anonymity. The only pics that I post of the arem non-identifying ones, or ones with their heads cut off :)
I mean, lady, I don't need to see your kid in a cute little onesie for the 17th day straight.
So, I may be another demographic altogether. Who knows?
Wait... what were we talking about again?
Seriously, I live 700 miles away from my family and friends, and it's very important for me to feel connected to them, and blogging has become my way of accomplishing that.
I'm also a really big HAM. ;)
I used to be more open about posting pictures of Autumn...not so much about myself. But I began to feel more like I was invading her privacy now that she's older so I've stopped. I long to be more open..yet hold onto my privacy so that a thief doesn't steel it.
That said, there are of course exceptions to this rule. I find myself drawn to blogs that are well written and witty (and this can happen on picture-less or picture-full blogs) AND to blogs where I feel like the blogger trusts us, the readers, and bares his/her soul to a certain degree.
That being said, I also am a public high school teacher. I think that pretty much states my entire case.
I figure that if a person wanted to find you, they could. I already have photos of me on a number of sites, but for some reason I don't post my face on the blog. Inconsistent I know.
I like you ... even without pictures proving you're hot too:)
However, that is me. Others choose to remain anonymous and that's their thing.
Actually, I don't mind the mystery blogger.
I read a comment once where a blogger claimed he posted a pic of himself and then no one came back. ;) I could never post one of my kid. Most of my reads are very open and I enjoy them, but I just can't do it.