1) As in "Hmmm...good to know."
My friend Cynthia just posted about Google Reader and I thought I'd also share this helpful tool with those who still may not know about it. A few months ago my sister-in-law Amy B. showed me how you can add everyone's blog address to Google Reader and it will then tell you when they've updated. That way you don't have to click through your long list of links everyday. It's a huge time saver! That also may explain why I'm usually so quick to comment---because I know when you have a new post. It doesn't tell you when those with private blogs update though. Ughh. Which leads me to my next "hmmm."2) As in "Hmmm...what do I do???"
I've been debating for the past several months about making my blog private. I've talked to many people who think that it's a must to keep it private and to many others who don't think it's a big deal. I can see both sides. I understand the privacy side of it, but then there are lots of things I don't like about it. For one, I don't visit private blogs as often because I think it's a pain to have to sign in to see it (I'm lazy) and I also don't have Google Reader to tell me when they've updated. But my main reason is that I've had so many old friends that I've found and friends that have found me through blog surfing. And that wouldn't have been possible if mine or theirs was private. I've also been super sad when people that I've been blog stalking, randomly go private. It feels like I didn't get to see the end of a really good movie. (Come on, you know you all do it!) And I know I'm normal and am not doing any harm to my stalkees.
3) As in "Hmmm...Christmas lights?"
Come on now!!! It's mid-March! Easter is next week. I will take them down for you! Plus, they're icicle lights. My least favorite. At least they're not turning them on at night right?
Okay, so that last one was just a random thought from today, but I really am curious about what everybody's thoughts are about private blogs. Have you heard bad stories about non-private blogs? Do you have anything that might scare me into switching? Any other thoughts on the subject?
40 comments:
Yes, Christmas lights should be down by Easter. Read my friend Allyson's blog, her little girl (who is three) said, as they passed a house decorated with Christmas lights..."that's so ghetto". Ha ha! Kids are brilliant I tell ya. And, as far as private goes, it's really annoying.
I don't see the harm in keeping it open to all. I haven't personally heard of any stories, but I am sure there are some form of them out there.
I personally wouldn't worry about it, but you should do what you feel comfortable with. This is your personal information, if you're not going to be able to enjoy the blogging experience because you're concerned, I would go private. If you can let it go, then problem adverted (is that a word?)
Joy and rapture. It's great to read your blog and see you guys and your kids.
I'd visit your blog either way! Have a fun weekend.
Thanks Bethany! And I agree that it's annoying, Marissa. I personally would like to keep it open and would like if everybody's was open. I think it's more fun that way. I'm an open book and like to share and love when others share as openly. My only concern is if somebody has experienced something bad or knows a reason why I should make it private.
I agree about the advantages of having an open blog. I love finding people from the past - it is so fun! So far I haven't heard any horror stories but I realize it would be possible.
I am all about the open blog cause I have loved finding so many friends on here and it always stinks when I see someones name that I know and I get excited and then their blog is private! Thanks for the tip on being notified when people update there blog!!
I'm always going back and forth, too, for the same reasons as you.
Thanks for the tip about the blog updates! I knew there were tools out there but you've given me the motivation I needed to actually set it up.
BYW, I think your blog is a great mix of cute photos & family stuff but also useful information that you pass along. Thanks!
I almost went private, but then decided not to. I think the whole fun about blogging is being able to meet new people and read about their lives and also finding those random people you once associated with and blogging helps to keep in contact. I just don't put details on my pages like where I live specifically and things like that. Ya know? And it really bothers me to when I go to look at someone's blog and it says private.
For me- I think that I feel okay keeping my blog public but I have thought for the same reasons about how safe it really is...sure I don't post anything with too many specifics but if someone wanted to bad enough they could figure it out...doesn't it just stink that we have to think so much about all this junk!
Stay open Rachel!! I agree that it's very annoying to have to put in a password. I also enjoy jumping around looking at people's blogs....even if I don't know who they are. I guess I'm also a "blogstalker". Oh well....sue me!
Stay open Rachel!! I agree that it's very annoying to have to put in a password. I also enjoy jumping around looking at people's blogs....even if I don't know who they are. I guess I'm also a "blogstalker". Oh well....sue me!
I have never heard of anything bad but I've had the same problem on my mind here. (I mean really how hard would it be to find a Kahumoku in Reno if you really wanted to?)
I think what I'm going to do is make my blog a little safer by eliminating last names (a pain because now I'll have to change the address) and making sure I don't include TOO many details.
A lady in my ward tracks all of the people who look at her blog with stat counter. She showed me how to set mine up so that I can see who visits mine, or at least where they are coming from and how much time they are spending on my blog. She recently went private because she noticed a person was on her blog for THREE HOURS. Turns out it was a lady in town stuck in her hotel room looking at my friend's homeschooling tips on her blog. I almost don't want to use stat counter because to me ignorance is bliss.
She also had a lady who started working with her husband who knew everything about him. Turns out she had been looking at their blog for a year before she started working with him. I think that was the last straw with my friend, which I can understand. So I say, don't go private unless you have something happen that freaks you out.
Sorry about the novel. I hope you figure things out.
Emily =)
I agree with all those people who say keep it open. It is fun when you get a comment from someone you use to know. I have found a lot of old friends on mine through blog hopping. I hate it when I come across a private blog of someone I used to know and can't say hi or send a little note.
Given the fact that I have a password on mine, I'm sure you know where I stand.
But a couple of tips for anonymity if you want to keep it open:
* never use your last name, birthdate, address, or even the name of the town you live in (or your friends' info either), and ask that your friends who have you on their blogroll not include your last name either.
* don't blog about upcoming vacations--you can always write once you return instead.
* there are also settings in blogger for eliminating your blog from their listings and from search engines, etc.
Rachel,
Jessica's sister Becca here. I've been stalking your blog since Jess started hers. I don't have an opinion one way or the other on the blog privacy issue. Ours isn't private, but I can certainly understand why people would. I just wanted to chime in to say that if you do go private, please include me in your invitations. I love seeing your updates about cute little Reese. Thanks!
I feel the same way about private blogs - nice to know you're safe, but kind of a pain in the butt. And I don't read them as often. And I agree about finding people - it wouldn't be possible, and finding people is half the fun of blogging, right? Anyway, I agree with Emily - don't go private unless you have a good reason to. Which I don't, so I won't. :)
I enjoy stalking... I mean reading everyone's blog.
The only problem we have run across with our blogs being public is that we got TONS of random comments on Katie's blog from people in China. Damien was a little freaked about that because he did not want scammers hacking into anything, but we just changed it so you have to put password verification in to leave a comment and fixed that problem. Blogs are public when you want a wide audience, but if you feel like you want to keep it to close friends and family then change it to private and then just notify those people. I personally am glad you have had it public so I could find you again and read up on your life. Anyway, I will stop writing so you can do better things, but those are my ideas.
I like the thought of staying open. The only thing that really creeps me out is the thought of someone taking pics off my blog. I would hate to think that random people have pictures of my kids. If there is a way to prevent that without going private - I would LOVE to know!
Oh yeah, I also have a stat counter. I really like it. I think it's a good alternative to going private!
It is such a tough question...I too have pondered it...what to do? I love being open for the very same reasons - friends can find you - you can find friends! But private just seems safer. I wish there was a way to go private but have an open message board so people who would like to be invited (and don't know your email) can be. Does anyone want to invent that little step for blogger? HA HA..ANYONE?? Who knows - for now I am leaving mine open...its just easier. Good luck deciding!
My friend who went private has two blogs - a main blog and an explanation blog. She tells everyone on their blogs to link hers to the explanation blog which explains that her blog is private and that whoever wants to be invited to read her main blog should just leave her a comment on the explanation blog. I think it is such a good idea if you want to go private, but still want people to find you. If you want to see for yourself, her link on mine is "Janet and Aaron".
I use bloglines which is so similar to google reader and i love it. I don't think it's as fast as google though.
Second, I have thought about going private, but i have found so many fun friends from not being private and I'm not sure I want to switch. I won't scare you though.
Third, growing up, we had a neighbor who used to keep their christmas lights up all year. The worst part is that they used to turn them on EVERY night. Not awkward when you are trying to impress someone and tell them to drop you off at the house next to the christmas lights! Then one christmas they were changing out some bad bulbs and they stopped working all together!!
Hi Rach! I love reading your blog and I agree about being lazy and not going to the private ones as much. I've been using the google reader for several months and I love it!
I debated the same thing a few months ago but decided to keep it open because I too have found tons of old friends. Instead we just did mostly what others have suggested. Used a meter reader, took our last name (and everyone I talk about) off, changed our title, and I even edit my pictures to remove address on houses, license plates, and other important things. Good luck! Love your blog.
Oh may goodness Rachel! I just found your blog this morning! You look so great and your family is beautiful. Thanks for the advise about google reader! I am new to the blogging world and anything to make it easier for me to continue stalking my family and friends,is great and welcomed.
Heather Davis (aka Stanley)
I vote public too. Mostly because I use the Google reader thing I wouldn't know when to check your blog otherwise.
Important question - what was the ice cream flavor you ate on your birthday? It looks really good and I'm totally dying for some good ice cream right now.
I vote to stay public. I dont think you know me but Bethany Found me by blog hopping and I love it. I havent talked to here for ages. I have also found many friend of my back home by blog hopping. I think we have Tam W in common. I grew up with her in CA. Anyway sorry to crash your blog.
I ended up having to approve my comments before being posted because of getting those annoying ones that say "look here or here". Its so much nicer to just reject it then have it on your comments only to delete it later.
Your daughter is really cute. :)
Rachel,
Great observations. Very clever. I agree public blogs are great but create some interesting privacy issues. I'll have to ponder for awhile and get back with you on my thoughts.
Oh, and email me the address of anyone else you think I should invite.
M
Is that the back of your house or the front of it...it looks pretty nice. Maybe I should come out there on one of my slow few days in the salon and we can hangout. Maybe hit up Chucky Cheese with Reese and have some fun.....I might have more fun then her.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I really like the idea from Emily's friend about having a blog with an explanation page where people can leave a comment to ask to be invited. Smart. A lot of your other suggestions are great too. I've been very careful about purposefully cropping or blurring out addresses and license plates, and not telling when I'm leaving town but I've been horrible about last name things. For a while we were unlisted in the phone book and then one day were all of a sudden there. I think I'll unlist us again because who in the heck ever tries to get ahold of me that way? Okay this is getting long, but I REALLY appreciate all your comments. I'm still undecided. By the way, the thing that triggered all this was a bad dream I had a few months ago. Not sure if it was just random or somebody trying to tell me something.
The only bad thing that I have ever heard about blogging was on a TV show, Criminal Minds, and I'm pretty sure that everything on that show must be real. I mean, they wouldn't put it on tv if it wasn't real.
I have some friends who have public blogs, but use pseudonyms (a little late for that here.) but then one of them posted a picture of a birthday cake with the kid's real name on it. I agree with Becky's points on staying safe.
I also like that yours was public, because we wouldn't have reconnected if it was not, and I enjoy blog stalking you.
Ok I swear our lives are linked on some plane because I have been thinking about this exact thing and was going to write a post on it...I got some random comment yesterday from a wierd website and it got me a little worried......I feel much of the same way you do...I still don't know what to do?!?! Let me know what you decide...
Just a little FYI on checking private blogs...if you are already signed in to gmail it will automatically sign you into a private blog. Wala..no pesky typing involved. :)
I by the way, only have a private blog because my husband doesn't like the whole world reading his writing but when was the last time he blogged hmmmm????
Private blogs drive me insane. I make it a point NOT to read them on principle. Of course if more people made them private, I could get more work done ... so it's a toss-up.
Just think about what you post before you do it. Besides, if people can stalk you from the comfort of their own basement, it just means they won't be in your backyard doing it!
Speaking of using last names. I decided to google myself the other day(didn't know you could do that). My name showed up on various things for Lollipops and Roses and on Adam's and your blog. It was quite funny that it would pop up that way. I guess I'm the only "Mamoo" Sherry(name changed to protect the innocent) in the country. I think people can get too paranoid. Just enjoy what you're doing. See you soon!
Okay...so I love the conversation this is sparking. Obviously our blog is private (good to know how annoying it is...ha, ha). And I have vascillated back and forth about making it public again just for the sheer reason of being "found" by old friends.
But in the end it's whatever makes you comfortable. I got a sitemeter when we were still public and there was someone in Florida checking it at least three times a day and staying on forever. and so I really would lie in bed at night wondering who it was. At that point we had more personal information relating to where we were eating, shopping, being entertained, our last name, etc. that made me feel vulnerable about my kids being so out there. And so I agree that if you omit that stuff it makes it more anonymous.
But in the end (I'm such a huge worrier) I would seriously think at night while Bret was out of town that someone was going to come and steal us...someone who blog stalked us. I know, I know...it's totally irrational and crazy. I know! But in the end I slept better at night and didn't feel so "out there" by going private.
But I still am on the fence if that's where I want to be now that I'm chilled out about freaking myself out when Bret's gone.
So ya...my point after this totally long post is that it's whatever makes you feel most comfortable at the end of the day, I think. And whether you're public or private, hopefully your friends and family will still want to know what's up with you.
BTW--so I was scrolling down through your blogs of people you don't but love. The link to Denae is the sister of some friends of ours from Wyview. The most recent post she has is of Chad and Julie--our friends from Wyview. We have a link on our blog to theirs. How crazy is that??????? What a crazy, small world when you're LDS. Should I tell them you stalk their sister :-) (he, he). I won't. I just thought that was a crazy coincidence.
rachel, you have such a cute family! it was so fun to see your comment on my little blog. i know there are some downsides to having a public blog, but i think it is so great to be able to find old friends that way. -kathy (capizzi) gregory
i'm so bad about the last names thing, too!
I love open blogs and think it's such a nice way to keep in touch with friends and find people from long ago.
That said, when I have children I will either make a new private blog for our families/friends to visit, or make my blog private. I don't like the thought of random people from around the world (or, eek, people in our city) having access to pictures of my children. I HAVE heard scary stories about that.
There's a blog I read fairly frequently and he had pictures of his kids, but removed them after he got some questionable comments.
So . . . I'd do 2 blogs, and before privatizing the kid-picture blog I'd let people know I was doing it and allow them to contact me to gain access to the site (and yes, it's annoying to sign in, but people who really want to see pictures of your kids will sign in, and everyone else who just wants to read your awesome witty posts can stay in the open site).
I may be a bit of a worrier though.
I thought I'd make it an even 40 comments and say, I'm looking for your next post...
Post a Comment