Wednesday, March 28, 2007

How Much Is Too Much???

So, I have been thinking. Thinking about blogging and life. An interesting mix, isn't it? Well, I need your opinion. I am wondering what you think about blogging and what you should and should not blog about. I am, by nature, a pretty open person. I hate keeping secrets. Not the kind your best friend tells you and asks you not to tell anyone but things like Christmas presents. I've never been a very good liar and if I have a feeling you see it right there on my sleeve. That is just me. I am who I am. You don't ever have to worry about me being mad at you and not telling you - I think that is unfair and I wouldn't do it to you. But that's me. When it comes to my blog I write all sorts of things about my kids, family and life. In the past, I have come under attack (yes I said attack) for things I have written. When I was going through stuff at work or after we changed churches I wrote very little about it. I kept most of it inside but I did say some. You can't believe the backlash. Someone told me if I wanted to write my personal feelings, I should write them in a private diary. Oh, it was much worse than that but I don't want to open up old wounds. Really, to tell you the truth - I am afraid to tell you all the crap that happened. As entertaining as it may be - it was hurtful to know people said and thought such mean things about me.

It is funny because when I see people I haven't seen in a while they will often say....I still read your blog and they have kept up with things like "I am having a girl" and "Jude made a huge mess". I think that is cool. But what do you think? Do you think there are things you should NEVER blog about? Do you think people (not just me) get too personal on their blogs? What exactly is TMI???? I hope you leave me comments about this. Thanks in advance.

9 comments:

Mike Thomas said...

I don't know you, but TMI is a matter of perspective. This is your 'personal' blog so whatever you want to post, post. If people don't like it then they won't read it. Then again...and description of bodily functions could push the envelope a little ;)

Anonymous said...

Its YOUR blog , you shouldn't blog in a way that only appeases certain people that obviously have issues . You said you are an open person- be who you are- not who people think you should be. If its truly TMI for individuals then they will stop reading - after all no one is forcing them to read it.
I think your blogs are great! You don't always paint the perfect picture of life - rather reality - and that lets so many of us relate to you on a personal level.

Heather said...

It is your blog and you can post whatever you want. If people don't like it, they don't have to read. If they keep reading and are offended, it's their own fault. In my opinion, those people who keep coming back for more after being offended are just reading to be nosy and they may be the type who WANT to be offended just so they have something to complain about. They are the type who are never satisfied unless there is some big, dramatic tragedy. Besides, if they think they are so much better than you, why do they attack you? You have never mentioned specific people or names in these situations and that is enough to keep it from being TMI. How do these people know it's them? *wink* They sound pretty paranoid if you ask me. ever heard the song, "You're so vain?" :o) They probably think this post is about them!

I enjoy your honesty and knowing that other people are going through similar situations. Keep true to yourself.

delilah said...

For those of you that are "in the know"....isn't it ironic???? Of all the names.........

~Jacki said...

YES it is so ironic!!! I saw the name and stopped and thought there is no way...then I read the comment. FUNNY!!

Amelia Elias said...

Heather's got such a good point--some people just aren't happy unless they're ticked off. We all know a few, don't we? Bah, not gonna live my life by their rules, and I can't see you doing that, either.

The things I personally don't blog about are:

1--Workplace happenings.
2--Identifiable things about my kids (well duh!)
3--Bodily functions
4--Fights within my family

These things, apart from #3, can all come back and bite your ass. (And #3, I figure no one wants to know about, LOL!)

Really, I have to agree with the other commentors--be yourself, while not giving out the kind of info that'd let a wacko stalker freak show up on your lawn, and ignore people who say you're not blogging "right."

Stephanie Appleton said...

Well it is your blog and you can say whatever you want, but blogs are a public forum. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between venting your frustrations and gossip (I'm talking in generalities not you specifically) You have to decide where the line is at.

Personally if I talking about someone specifically either by name, or with enough detail people know who I'm talking about, I try not to say anything I wouldn't say to their face.

You need to stick with what you feel comfortable with. If you want to vent on your blog, then vent. But if you are saying negative things(even if it is true)about people, there will be backlash. Nobody likes their dirty laundry aired even if it is the truth.

And they won't stop reading, if they think you may talk about them or someone they know they will be around to see what it is

Anonymous said...

Actually, I've thought about this a lot because of the controversies involving your blog. And because of the things I'd read about your friends, I asked you not to include me in your blog.

This is your blog, and you can say whatever you want. There are, however, Biblical principles about our speech that could be helpful guidelines. Not in an effort to change who you are, but perhaps to help shape good judgement in what is said and how it is said.
Aunt Nancy

amyd76 said...

I think you should blog what you feel comfortable blogging. I've never read anything that would make me mad. Some people just like the drama, I think. Also, I think you're pretty good about being discreet when you need to be.

ps- my WW should be up shortly. I watched House last night and then crashed. Then I was going to do it this morning, but woke up too late!