You have to admit, blogging is a weird concept. It’s modern, trendy and often misunderstood by people. Particularly by those who have never heard of the term before.
I think blogging can be very misconstrued. Also, “blog” is a weird word to say (or write, for that matter). Before I began blogging or even reading blogs (3-4 years ago) I assumed bloggers were either a) fashionistas or b) recluse computer nerds. In my mind those were the only two categories. I didn’t understand why someone would keep a public diary and want to connect with people they had never met…and will probably never meet.
Admittedly, I bought into the stereotypes. I believed that bloggers were anti-social and in need of friends.
To say I was wrong is an understatement.
Bloggers are some pretty cool people. First, they have busy, exciting lives in the “real world.” They (can) publish relatable, useful and inspiring content. They share knowledge and opinions and provide insight on their topics of speciality (determining the qualifications of bloggers giving advice/knowledge is for another post. I have thoughts on that). Overall, they aren’t the “freaks” I thought they were.
I’ve mentioned this before but other than my immediate family and one friend, I haven’t told anyone about my blog. I have a separate Twitter and Instagram account and I don’t have a Facebook page for my blog.
My reasons? I’m embarrassed.
-I’m embarrassed to have people I know in “real life” read some of my vulnerable thoughts and experiences. I’m afraid I’ll be judged by what I write.
-I’m embarrassed to admit that I feel a bond with people (other bloggers) I’ve never met.
-I’m embarrassed by my old posts from when I first started (hello awful pictures and random formatting).
-I’m embarrassed that I willingly spend time and enjoy writing, brainstorming, reading other people’s opinions and having conversations over a topic/issue.
-While this has nothing to do with embarrassment, I feel like people I know will comment on posts and voice their approval just because they know me. Not because of the content.
Are these concerns valid, I’m not sure.
But I feel like I’m Hannah Montana, keeping a deep dark secret from people. Ok, that was a self-indulgent thought. I may only share bits and pieces of my daily life here, but blogging has undoubtedly become part of my life. When I told my friend about this blog I said it out of shame. Like blogging was a bad thing.
I’m learning more and more that blogging is not something to be embarrassed about. In fact, that’s the opposite of what I should feel. Being able to generate thought-provoking and/or helpful content is something to be proud of. At least I think so!
In general, and if used properly (not as a forum for criticizing, spreading false information, or comparison), blogging is pretty darn awesome.
Sure it might be “weird” to an outsider but who really cares? As long as I’m writing this blog for ME and using it as a creative outlet, which it has been phenomenal at, then I think it’s something worth sharing to friends and family.
Look out, world. We’re really going public now.
Linking up to Thinking Out Loud. Thanks, Amanda!
This rings so true to me. I have had the hardest time being open about my blogging, even though every time I tell someone about my blog they end up being really supportive and excited about it. It hasn’t been until recently that I actually have called myself a blogger in public, but now that I am more open about it, I feel a lot more confident in my writing and the direction my blog is taking!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Giving Back: Love with Food Snack Box Review
I’ve had a similar experience so far…people are excited and supportive! It feel good to have it out in the open :)
I can totally relate, sometimes it’s hard for me to talk about blogging in real life. Or if I talked to a fellow blogger about something and I’m relaying what I learned I usually just say “my friend”. It’s an awkward balance sometimes but I think people are starting to realize how cool it is and how easy it is to connect with people with similar interests.
Angie @LoveTheRunning recently posted…TOL: Placing in a race
Haha I usually just say “I read it online,” which IS true. But you’re right, people are starting to realize it’s an awesome and helpful concept.
YES!!!!!!!!!! And your concerns are totally valid! I only kept my blog secret from my family for the first few months, but after I told them, I just told everyone. I obviously don’t care who knows now and my blog is me. I am my blog and there is no hiding it! It’s my brand! I think once you fully embrace your blog and everything that entails, that is when you become a TRUE blogger! So get out there and go!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO And you know I am one of your biggest fans and supporters ;)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Which Food Must Go?
YOU ROCK! xoxo
haha, I feel the SAME way. I haven’t told anyone about my blog.. and it’s not even that I’m ashamed of what I write but like you, I’m not sure I’m totally sold on the idea of letting people I REALLY know in on my thoughts/actions. Which is completely weird since random strangers are reading it. I do plan on telling people.. just not sure I’m quite there yet!
Sarah @ Sarah’s on the Run recently posted…Thinking Out Loud
I was/am most nervous about people reading my vulnerable posts and thoughts. But my mom reminded me that, for better or worse, most people I know will just take a quick peek and not think much of it again. But I WOULD love if they stuck around ;)
I can definitely relate to feeling embarrassed about blogging! And when it came to taking pictures out in public for the blog? Pfft. No way. But what helped me open up was actually a few of my old friends randomly stumbling across my blog after finding it in Google. They actually thought it was pretty awesome that I blog, which made it a lot easier to open up to others.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #123 .
Telling my friend instantly made me feel comfortable. She thought it was awesome and not something to be embarrassed about. She wanted to tell people for me!
Love this and I can definitely relate! I’m pretty open about it, but I had a random guy (from online dating) Google me and found out I had a blog and that freaked me out. Also freaked me out when a guy I liked starting following me on Twitter, where I advertise my blog a lot. I was embarrassed and kind of nervous, but then I just figured that if they’re meant to be in my life, they’re going to find out at some point since I absolutely love blogging and don’t intend on stopping.
Jessie @ Just Jessie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #11
Good point! A few months ago someone I knew found me on Instagram and it oddly made me feel more comfortable with blogging. They willingly chose to follow me so I interpreted that as support.
I totally relate to this. Most of my good friends (and boyfriend) know about my blog now but at first I kept it a huge secret. My old roommate used to judge me hard for it and I was really embarrassed, but she didn’t understand just how much my life changed for the better as a result of blogging. It made me realize there were other people like me out there even if I’d never met them, and some of my closest friends are people I’ve met online. I still am not really open about my blog to others and I tend to keep it a secret. It’s a big part of why I changed my instagram name back to my own name instead of my blog name. In reality, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s just that people don’t really get it unless they read blogs themselves!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…I need a break.
I think explaining the whole concept of a blog takes more energy than actually admitting I have a blog (if that makes sense). Like you, blogging has been really beneficial for me. It feels weird to credit something as modern/trendy as a blog for feeling more comfortable with myself.
I feel ya! I sometimes feel like people that I know might think, “Does she think she’s an authority figure or something?” .. No, I don’t, ha. And it’s not like I think I’ll be the next PBFingers ;) .. I just like writing/ organizing my thoughts, connecting with other like-minded people, and having something I’m proud of. Who cares what people think or say, right? :)
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…It’s Monday and I Ain’t Even Mad
YES. I felt like people I knew in real life would judge me for thinking I was “qualified” enough to have a blog. LOL nope and I’m not trying to be famous. Just trying to find my place in the world.
I totally relate! I keep a lot of my personal life off the blog but it’s still weird and something I feel like I need to hide because it’s “small and silly”. Thankfully my best friends and boyfriend are really supportive and bring it up when I’m too shy to!
Lauren recently posted…MealEnders-An End to Overeating {review & giveaway}
It did feel weird to hide something as “small and silly” as a blog! I completely overreacted :)
I have the same feelings. I have not told anyone except for my mom and she doesn’t even read yet. As a new blogger, it is harder because I do not have a following yet, so it is sometimes discouraging. I sometimes think telling people might make it easier, but I haven’t made it to that step yet. Maybe soon….:)
Shannon recently posted…Mushroom Miso Soup
I wanted to feel more established and figure out the kinks of blogging before I told people. But on the flip side, I do think it would have been easier to tell people in the beginning of my blogging journey.
I’m just starting out, but I love sharing my blog with people I know! It does get a little embarrassing if I get comments from my family (most of which don’t really understand the whole concept of a “blog” and think it’s basically a diary that is private for them.) I’m glad you’re opening up about this, because I’m sure it’s something a lot of bloggers feel!
Thanks, Gretchen! I’m really proud of this blog so it feels special to tell my friends and family. They have been very supportive!
I actually shared my very first blogpost on my Facebook page & have shared most of them since, so pretty much everyone who knows me knows that I have a blog! It’s always funny when people tell me that they read it because a lot of times, it’s people I wouldn’t expect (random classmates, my editors at the school newspaper, a friend of a friend, etc.)…but it’s always fun when they tell me they’ve enjoyed reading it! I was actually really intentional about not making it a secret because having a separate, secret online life was, to me, weirder than having a blog in general. People who aren’t familiar with blogs and especially healthy living blogs probably WILL think things like WIAW are weird but whatever :)
And as for people commenting just because they know you, I bet you won’t have to worry about that. The people I know in real life read it but don’t comment online– they just text me or tell me their thoughts in person! But definitely do whatever you’re most comfortable with :)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…No-Bake 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites
I really didn’t intend for it to be a secret, because I agree, it’s kind of weird to think someone has a secret life online. I just started it over summer when all my friends were at school and I was working and needed an outlet. I’ve had to explain WIAW and Thinking Out Loud to my family and I can imagine I will have to explain to others if they ask haha. Thanks for your support :)
I’m right there with you. Somehow I feel it’s better to tell strangers that I’m blogging (aka the people I meet in my professional setting) than it is to tell the people I’m around on a daily basis. I’ve started opening up to those closest to me, but it’s still a hard go of it. Some of them have reacted the way that you felt….like it’s something that only weird recluses do. Best of luck with your full on out blog!
AmberLynn Pappas recently posted…TOLT: Things I’ve Been Meaning to Say
I’ve had a similar experience- I feel MUCH more comfortable telling people I meet in a professional setting than those I see on a daily basis. But it’s been “freeing” to tell people I know. They have been incredibly supportive!
I can completely relate to this! I always feel like Hannah Montana as funny as that sounds but we really do basically lead double lives. I also have a separate Twitter for my blog and no blog related Facebook or Instagram. I guess I just don’t want people who know me or people who knew me in the past to judge me even though my blog is really something to be proud of. Maybe some people just can’t understand and that’s why we are so grateful for our blogger friends who know exactly what our life is like.
Madison Carter recently posted…my thoughts on using twitter
Yes I completely agree. It’s nice “knowing” and relating to other bloggers. It makes you feel less weird that way (even though we aren’t weird :))
I know exactly how you feel! Sometimes I want to tell people, but I only feel comfortable if they ask if I have a blog, rather than just telling them. I’m not sure what I’m so worried about. I also feel super self-conscious taking photos specifically for my blog. I don’t understand that either…my dad is the king of taking pictures, and no one thinks it’s weird.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Myrtle Beach Marathon Race Rating
Yes, I feel much more comfortable when someone else brings it up. I’ve become less self-conscious about taking photos, only because I feel like that’s the “thing to do” with snapchat and instagram. No one knows what I’m using the photos for!
Hahaha I love the Hannah Montana reference, I totally feel that way though. It’s kind of an awkward thing to bring up in conversation and I definitely feel like I’m hiding a huge part of my life.
Lacey @ Runs and Roses recently posted…20 Habits to Adopt in Your 20’s
I don’t know if I’ll ever get over the awkwardness of talking about it in conversation. Most of the time I probably won’t bring it up unless someone else does.
So glad you’re out of the blogger closet! I definitely feel like I live a double life, but the more I open up about the blog in the “real world” the more opportunities I find. It’s really hard to tell someone you care about that you have this little space on the interwebs where you are friends with people you’ve never met in person, and that you write about things that would be sometimes hard to say out loud, but it’s also a huge accomplishment to have an active blog. In fact, I used the skills I had learned from my blog to get the job I have now…. so yay blogging!
Prime example of how blogging can be so beneficial! The fact that you leveraged it to get a job and build sponsorships is incredibly inspirational. :)