I’m sure you have all noticed, but lately I’ve been asking everyone on Twitter if I should still remain anonymous. Lately I have felt the HUGE need to tell people. I told my sister about my blog last month, and her and the boy keep telling me that I should tell people.
It also doesn’t help that the boy has told a lot of his friends and family that I blog. Luckily I have told them all to not tell anyone, so no one else really knows. They also don’t know the URL (at least I don’t think), so I am safe there as well.
I do think that I am not entirely anonymous. I talk a ton about my life, I am Facebook friends with some of you, some of you have my cell phone number, and there are pictures of me out there on my blog, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. I just try not to post anything directly on my homepage of my blog.
This is mainly for my safety. I am able to talk about whatever I want without worrying if someone will find out and that I will hurt their feelings.
I also talk a ton about money, and I go into detail with our budget, income and everything else. I wouldn’t want some weirdo to know how much money I make, especially if this is a weirdo who me and the boy know. I wouldn’t want to put anything at risk.
I last made a post on my decision to be anonymous in January.
I would like to tell my friends so that I am not so private about everything. They probably are starting to wonder why I am still so busy even though I don’t have night classes anymore also.
One of the reasons that keeps holding me back is something that my friends recently said. We were all out one night and the topic of an acquaintance’s blog came up. They were saying some not so kind things and it made me nervous to say anything. However, I’m afraid that one day they’ll find out and wonder why I hid it.
I’m definitely NOT ashamed of my blog in anyway, but I do talk about a ton of personal things here on my blog.
And there are some things that Im not sure if I would want my friends to know, as it is all too personal and still upsets me.
Another reason why I want to share my blog is because I’m also starting a second blog (a site in which my sister will help run), and she wants it to not be anonymous. My friends will easily find it if she’s not anonymous and I would rather tell them now then them finding Making Sense of Cents and questioning it.
So I guess the thing is, if I were to stop being anonymous and became public with my identity, I would have to hide certain things, such as how much money I make. Or would I not? What would you do? Keep everything the same or hide some things in order to protect yourself?
If you have posts that explain why you’re anonymous or not, please leave them below in the comments. I would love to read them!
What do you think?
Were you ever anonymous and then decided to not be so private?
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thethriftyspendthrift says
I think it's all about what is comfortable to you. If you genuinely feel like revealing yourself but withholding more, then you should do it. If you like talking about the details here that you don't want completely connected to you, then feel free to remain as you are.
My husband and I are trying to start a legitimate blog/website in an industry that he already works in so in that sense, he will remain anonymous so that he doesn't get in trouble.
MakingSenseofCents says
Yeah it's a tough decision. I would prefer to keep being able to talk about everything that I want to.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Heather @ The Life Unexpected says
Hey girl, I’d be a little worried about making the entire blog open…something you could think about is sharing your URL/info with friends, but running the blog the exact same. That would be the best of both worlds in my eyes…anonomous to the public with your friends knowing and having access. Just a thought!
Heather @ The Life Unexpected says
Hey girl, I’d be a little worried about making the entire blog open…something you could think about is sharing your URL/info with friends, but running the blog the exact same. That would be the best of both worlds in my eyes…anonomous to the public with your friends knowing and having access. Just a thought/suggestion 🙂
Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence says
I just spent the last week thinking about that too! I have a post lined up next week. Google decided for me. I wanted to just have my first name, but for authorship you need to have both. I find that a lot of people come over to my site because they googled my name. I haven't gone very deep as far as sharing personal details is concerned, but I talk a lot about my money. I have been making a living as a travel writer for 4 years. My family members ask for my travel site's name, and then never actually visit it. It is not personal though. They don't know about this new blog as it is a hobby, but I know a couple of people found it anyway (people are curious!) and I don't mind. Part of growing up is accepting who you are, what you think and feel, and being out there in the open can be very good for you.
My recent post How to save money on currency exchange
MakingSenseofCents says
You are right, but since I do talk about money, it's also about being safe. Airing everything that I do (such as money and family situations) is usually a no-no in the blog and identity theft world.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Lisa @ Cents To Save says
My family knows I blog, but I don't think they read it. At least they have not made any comments that make me think they do on a regular basis. Only a couple of friends know I blog, but I have not told them the name of my blog. They never expressed an interest in reading it. So I will leave it at that.
If everybody I knew read it, I think I would feel less burdened.
My recent post If The Bra Fits……
MakingSenseofCents says
I'm not sure if my friends would even read my blog, I don't know if they would be interested.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
DC@Young Adult Money says
This is a tough one. You go into quite a bit of detail about income, spending, etc. I personally don't think you should be anonymous because being anonymous seems like it can only last so long. You've done it this long, though, so maybe there is value in staying anonymous? Not sure, tough question.
My recent post Ways to Increase Income
MakingSenseofCents says
Yeah it is tough. I wouldn't be able to talk about my income and spending as much.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Rachel says
I think your blog seems very successful, you write well, you give awesome advice- anyone in your real life who sees it should be proud and supportive! I understand the money/income issue, though. I always think that somehow people are bound to find it magically, so might as well tell them before they stumble upon it themselves! 🙂
My recent post Ms. Lumberjack
MakingSenseofCents says
You are very right! They will end up finding it.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Sam says
Hmmm that's a tough one! I feel like maybe some readers would connect better with you if they knew a bit about you, but I can totally understand why you are struggling with letting your friends know. Maybe next time the subject of blogging comes up you can mention it… or next time you are busy in the evenings & they ask what you are up to… then only go into more detail if they ask about it.
My recent post Rainy Day Pinterest Love
MakingSenseofCents says
I share everything about me, the only thing I don't do is post pictures directly on my page. However, if you follow me on twitter or Pinterest, then you can easily see what I look like.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Lance@MoneyLife&More says
I say go for it, but definitely don't tell people at work. You could throw a picture up or use your first name. Yes some people would be able to connect the dots and figure out your full name but hopefully no one would be able to find your blog by googling your full name. It sounds like this causes you a lot of stress and as long as you don't broadcast it on billboards I think you'll be fine. If your friends are true friends they'll support you. You might get some jokes but I wouldn't except any serious hating.
My recent post October 2012 Monthly Goals Update
MakingSenseofCents says
I would definitely not tell people at work. I'm pretty sure I would lose my job if I did so. And I do already use my real first and last name.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
@undefined says
I have never been anonymous in my blogging. It would be way too hard for me to separate or even seclude the public me from the online me. I am not concerned if anyone knows my income or expenses. I just want to help people with real life stories and examples. The only thing I don't disclose is the particular part of the city I live in or daily routines.
MakingSenseofCents says
I already include where I live and what I do. I do know that certain people would take advantage of us if they knew everything about our lives by reading my blog though.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Liz says
Now this is a tricky one. As you know I am not an anonymous blogger and I am deeply blessed as a lot of my friends support my blog- this is also restricting. I cannot vent as I can hut feelings of those that I care about. (technically its not ideal to vent ever but we are all human at the end of the day)
However I know personally as a blogger that you feel you can connect with a blogger more on knowing what they look like. Its a catch 22 situation…and totally up to you but if you feel you may want it to it could set you free.
Best of luck on your decision
Liz http://www.aspirationsofglam.blogspot.com
xxx
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, that is why I do have my picture out there.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Holly@ClubThrifty says
Do what works for you! I don't think you should feel weird about being anonymous at all, though, if you choose to stay that way.
We aren't anonymous but we certainly don't scream about our blog off of the rooftops. I don't really want people that I know all up in my business every day. My mom reads it every day though =)
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha I do like a little privacy, and being anonymous allows for that.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
plantingourpennies says
We're anonymous, and have addressed the fact that our readers know A LOT more about our finances than some of our family members (specifically my parents) do.
We know that if someone really wanted to figure out who we are, they wouldn't have a problem with that – but being anonymous lets us be a little more frank about income, expenses, job, and family stuff without risking anyone getting mad at us.
I think ask yourself a couple of questions – 1 – would you have to change anything about how you write if you weren't anonymous? (or delete anything from the current site?) 2 – what relationships might change (or end?) if people knew about your blog? and are you okay with that?
MakingSenseofCents says
Readers of my blog know a lot more about my life and finances than those that actually know me also! 🙂
If I weren't anonymous, I would keep everything the same (probably delete some of the things about my mom I guess). No relationships would change though.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
bluecollarworkman says
Well, I'm anonymous. I mean, my sister and mom and some family members know, but my anonymity is because I talk about work stuff and crappy work clients — I really just want to make sure that my boss and work clients don't find out is all. So that's my reason for it. It's a tough choice, whether you should come out of anonymity or not!
MakingSenseofCents says
If my work found out I would die… 🙂
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Allison says
Tough question. I think you should do whatever your heart tells you to do.
For me, I know that I would not be as open and honest if I was out there.
My recent post I don't really care what you have to say
MakingSenseofCents says
Yeah I definitely don't think I'd be as open and honest as well.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Pinky says
I think you have to go with your gut. I'm semi anonymous, people know what I look like and I post pictures of friends and family, but never use anyone's name. People that I have become friends with know my real name, but to everyone else, I'm just Pinky. I've told my family and my closest friends, but no one really reads because they already know my life. I have wanted to tell other people, but am scared of their reaction. If your friends are truly friends they will accept your blog and leave it alone. I will say that your blog is unique in the fact it has a purpose and isn't JUST about your life and a journal. People look to you for information and this is the way they get it.
Whatever you choose will be right for you! xoxo
MakingSenseofCents says
This is what I should do! I never realized that you were semi anon, but that does make sense.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
SavvyFinancialLatina says
I'm anonymous. I like the freedom it gives me to speak up. If I used my "real name," my career would most likely suffer.
It's your personal choice. I don't think you need to "come out" per say in the pf world to tell your friends about your blog.
MakingSenseofCents says
My career would suffer as well, because of the industry that I am in.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Sam says
This should be reason alone not to do it unless you are making bank from you your blog.
MakingSenseofCents says
You are right, but I'm mainly wondering in my post if I should just tell my close friends about it, and therefore being semi-anon.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
whitney says
I think you should share who you are! You'd be amazed at how much support people provide. It feels really great.
My recent post la la land
MakingSenseofCents says
You are right 🙂
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Ashlee says
You have been one of the nicest bloggers to me and it has often made me wonder what you look like. Is that weird? Yeah probably lol! If you do decide to become un-anonymous, please don't stop with the extra income updates. You are keeping me motivated 🙂
MakingSenseofCents says
Awww thanks! And haha well here's my Pinterest page. I'm the one in the middle in the blue dress 🙂 http://pinterest.com/Michelleasc/ Follow me if you have a Pinterest!
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Sean@OneSmartDollar says
A few years ago my wife and I spent a month in Europe. We could have either flown from city to city on the discount airlines or we could take the train. We opted for the train because it allowed us to see the counties we were in. We even took two overnight trains with our own rooms. It was really cool.
MakingSenseofCents says
Very true! And that's a good reason. I talk really talk about the boy enough on here so I don't have that situation.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
John S @ Frugal Rules says
It can be tough, especially when talking about money. Money mixed with friends and family can be a toxic mix, especially if they have different views and are not as disciplined. I decided not to stay anonymous although my family and I do not always see eye to eye. Pretty much anything I have or will be talked about on my blog I've discussed with my family and is nothing new to them.
My recent post Blogging Tips From a Beginner
MakingSenseofCents says
Yes I agree, it can be toxic, that's why I'm nervous.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Nancy says
This is a though one that I struggle with as well. It is getting to the point that I want to be proud of what work I am creating as a hobby, and I think you should be very proud of your blog! I understand the family issues but personally I feel as though the curiosity of family wears off and soon they won't even be reading your blog because they may not be interested in the subject.
MakingSenseofCents says
I'm definitely proud on my blog, never said I wasn't 🙂 I just know that it's not safe to talk about money as much as I do if I became public.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
christineslittleblog says
This is such a tough question! There are definitely days that I wish my blog was anonymous. Most of my family reads my blog and that can certainly limit what you talk about. HOWEVER, I've also been making a conscious decision lately to write what I want regardless of who's reading. Now I'm not being ugly to anyone or anything, but I'm not sugar coating what's going on in my life either. It's totally up to you!!!! 🙂 Good luck.
My recent post How I Accidentally Quit My Job
Leslie says
I am one of those people who just could not be anonymous on a blog! I am always impressed by those who are! The one difficult aspect for me in not being anonymous is I do not want to go into as much detail about my income as I could anonymously.
I don't tend to tell people I know about my site though. But I do share personal experiences & photos that maymake my blog feel more, well, personal.
Jilly says
It sounds like this has been a safe place to talk about your mom, who is a huge part of your financial story and decisions. Maybe that outlet is valuable enough to stay anonymous. Anonymity doesn't seem to be holding the success of your blog back!
MakingSenseofCents says
You are very right! 🙂
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Sharon says
I think it's hard decision because once you start telling more people, you may feel like you have to censor yourself when blogging. I haven't really told any of my friends about my blog, but since I have a fashion blog and my face is plastered all over it, it's very possible that any one that knows me could stumble upon on it.
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
1000 Followers Giveaway Extravaganza!
Budget & the Beach says
I'm semi anonymous. The reason why is because I used to have another blog, and I started talking about pf a little, and felt VERY uncomfortable knowing my real life friends could read it and know such personal things. It made me feel to vulnerable. I found myself editing my language and holding back. Now I know I post a lot of things that if a very motivated real life friend wanted to find it they could. I don't post anything about anyone that would hurt them or make them feel bad, and I do try to keep it as positive as possible. I do have one friend who knows the link, and did ask her to please not share with anyone. She was going to possibly help me with a vlog, so I wanted her to see (even though I've yet to use her). A couple other people know as well, but they aren't really involved in my day to day life.
If it really ever got 'out there," I would probably shut it down and start another one.
My recent post 42 Things in 42 Years
Anne @ Unique Gifter says
Toughie… sorry I don't have too much help to give on this. A university friend/acquaintance has a weight loss and travel blog, that another friend stumbled on because it was featured on a major site (msnbc I think). I said "oh hi, this is fun, I had no idea you had a blog…" and she told me she had been dreading the day the world would find out. So – what would your reaction be, were that situation to come to fruition?
AverageJoe says
I'm with Sam. The way you answered his question is the answer you're looking for. I think part of the reason I'd want to NOT be anonymous in your shoes is because it's tough to keep a secret from friends. That part will continue to suck.
My recent post Did You Miss the October Tax Filing Deadline?
Pelican on Money says
Planting Our Pennies put said it best. How would this change effect your writing? Do you really want everyone to be able to find your innermost feelings online? There's a lot to consider. Think about possibility of future employers / any sort of professional relationship. Will revealing your identity have a positive or a negative effect down the line? That's always something to consider.
My recent post 10 Cheapest Cars for 2013
MakingSenseofCents says
I would definitely have to think about how it would affect my job, which is why I can never come completely out.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
gina says
That's a tough question. I'd say since you're asking you kind of want to but since you're asking you kind of don't or you would have already.
My recent post Retail credit cards are bad! (DUH!)
laura says
I could never imagine giving so much detail about my finances if I wasn't anonymous.
My recent post Financial Freedom Goals (Updated)
MakingSenseofCents says
Yes that is how I feel.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
gina says
p.s. I mentioned you on my blog post today
My recent post Retail credit cards are bad! (DUH!)
MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks!
Mackenzie says
I understand your dilemma. I blog semi-anonymous too and I sometimes wonder about changing that. Maybe just mention the blog to your friends and see how that goes first before taking the next step. Good luck 🙂
MakingSenseofCents says
Yes I think this is exactly how I will do it!
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
frugalportland says
Since you're starting to write elsewhere, I think you're doing yourself a disservice by remaining anonymous. Think of all the big deal bloggers — we know their names and faces (sometimes pseudonyms!) — you can do what Luke Landes did and use your middle name as your first name (or last!) — that way you'll be slightly harder to Google but you can still build a personal brand.
My recent post More thoughts on buying a house
MakingSenseofCents says
I do use my real name, and I do have pictures on my blog, Pinterest, and twitter of myself. So I am not totally anonymous, I just don't post a picture of myself on my front homepage.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
@undefined says
oh boy, that's a tough one. I would just say do what's natural to you. don't force anything, because then you'll regret it.
MakingSenseofCents says
You are very right. I really do not want to regret whatever choice I do make.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
LittlePira says
I think you answered yourself when you said (on Twitter) that it would be a big release. If it would really take a huge load off your shoulders then I say go for it.
MakingSenseofCents says
You are right. Ah what a tough decision!
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Financial Samurai says
Hi Michelle,
Just gotta ask yourself what are the benefits of being 100% open? I know some people who really regret being 100% open due to privacy, limiting their job prospects, having people talk about them nonstop at work etc just so they could fulfill their vanity.
Go for it if you want to get on shows and be a guru. Could be big bucks and great opportunity!
Sam
My recent post Real Estate: My Favorite Investment Asset Class To Build Wealth
MakingSenseofCents says
I don't want to be 100% open, I just want to tell my friends about it. I pretty sure I would really regret being 100% open because of the industry that I work in.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
seedebtrun says
No way could I ever be anonymous! I have way too big of a mouth. 😉 If we had ever been anon, it would not have been for long because I tell my mom and sister everything! I mean EVERYTHING. They know all the embarrassing things, too. 🙂 I say go for it…because that's how I am. You might be a more private person, though, so keep that in mind. It might be awkward for you if you're an introvert and people who read your blog come to you and comment on something you said or did. It's not awkward for me, but I'm very extroverted. Good luck coming out so to speak! (Or not…)
-M
My recent post Shortcuts to Financial Freedom
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha thanks Michelle!
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Frugalista Married says
The way I settled this dilemma is that I have two blogs. One that is 100% anonymous under a different e mail that I can talk about anything on. Then, I have my semi anonymous one with pics and life details in which I don't use my real name. I don't share my url one the more public one with anyone but my husband. I do hold back on certain topics b/c it's meant for public consumption and there is only so much I'm willing to share online in that way. I mention that I blog to people and they mostly don't ask about it and if they do I am still kind of iffy about giving them the url. I purposeful don't put anything on there that would be bad for even people I work with to see but somehow I'm just not sure if I want to share it or not. I'm really not sure why. Maybe you could do two? But even if you do "come out" I wouldn't use your full real name. Somehow I just wouldn't like the idea that someone could google my name and find out so much about me. My 100% anonymous one is very plain so it doesn't take much to keep up as it's basically like a journal and I really don't care if anyone reads it or not but can still share and vent within a community. Good luck deciding!
My recent post Some Post Vacation Confessions
MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks! It's just such a hard decision.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
mycanuckbuck says
Wow- hot topic! I'm happy being anonymous – I feel it's easier to post details that way. No one but my hubby knows I blog.
MakingSenseofCents says
I feel it is easier as well.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
Carrie says
I'm one of those people that could never be anonymous and I don't relate very well to bloggers that are. That's just a personal thing. I openly talk about my income, how much I make, what I spend, that I was married and got a divorce and that I lost my mom to cancer at a young age. All of these things are super personal for me and somewhat painful to talk about.
But I do it any way because I want to relate to my audience on a real level. Life is messy. Crap happens. And I want to share the good with the bad. Plus, I want my readers to share both their good and bad stuff with me. If my readers reached out to me anonymously, I wouldn't be able to help them as much as I wanted. But I understand your take on it and point of view.
My recent post The One Thing to Avoid When Buying a Car
MakingSenseofCents says
I do agree with what you're saying, but I do want to protect myself on some level from thieves (such as identity theft) since I have had numerous things happen in the past. I also would hate if some people (that I know in real life) knew the background of everything that my mother did to me and my sister. I guess I'm just embarrassed and I'd hate to see or know what people would do to her if they found out. She'd at the least go to jail for some of the things that she's done and while she is a horrible person, I'd hate to do that to my own mother.
I wouldn't say that I'm completely anonymous though. I do have plenty of pictures posted of myself, I use my real name, I'm Facebook friends with many readers, and I text readers and other bloggers.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
MakingSenseofCents says
Thank you for your opinion! This is how I feel as well.
My recent post Should I still be anonymous?
momoneymohouses says
As a public blogger, I've got to say it feels free just being me, even though there are certain things and topics I can't write about because I don't want to get in trouble. I say go with your gut!
My recent post How Saving Small Amounts of Money Can Payoff Big
eemusings says
I've definitely taken steps toward coming 'out' a bit more lately. There's now a pic on my bio page, links to my portfolio and clippings on my 'work with me' page, and I recently sent a link to my blog to one of my best friends so he could read all my holiday recaps and see the pics.
That said, I've yet to put my full name in writing anywhere on my blog.
My recent post Hybrid cars: a week in the electric lane
Kim@Eyesonthedollar says
If it wouldn't affect your work situation, I'd say go for it. It's a tough call though. Anyone can find you if you look hard enough, but I understand the need to keep somethings private.
My recent post Can You Avoid Spending Money on School Fundraisers?
My Money Design says
Obviously do what works for you! I'm sticking to being anonymous even though a few select people know who I am. My impression of being anonymous is not so much that no one knows who you are, but rather how hard you would make it for people to figure its you if they tried to connect this blog and what you say back to you.
My recent post My Money Design – October 2012 Update
elle & ish says
Actually.. I was anonymous too when I first started blogging. Mainly because I posted net worth at the time and my blog was mainly PF-related. But then I started to go into more fashion/cosmetics posts and I decided hell with it I'll remove the net worth and become visible. BUT. I was comfortable with the change at that time because my real friends/family did not know about the blog even when I "came out." Then I had a home tour & interview on The Everygirl this year and I was so proud of it that I posted it to Facebook and finally revealed my blog. Not very many real life friends and family have commented about my blog even though I'm sure a few people read it. I don't post details that I'm not comfortable with: mortgage, earnings, etc. so I think that makes me more comfortable. I think it all depends on what kind of personal content you want to post after you reveal yourself.
My recent post September 2012 Budget Recap
fromshoppingtosaving says
Omg long time since I've commented, sorry! 🙁 I've been so busy, but you know I am always here for ya! I think that it totally depends on your friends..and what you want out of this blog. To me it seems like you enjoy writing in here about personal things and your writing style may change because you are aware of people reading it. It could lead to you not enjoying blogging on here any more just because you can't write about personal things…however, if you do decide to tell them, you'd have to make sure you know what you want everyone to know since they'll be able to read everything including the archives. I just want to make sure you make the right decision! Also it depends on what they were saying about the other girls' blog and what it was about. I don't think anyone would have anything bad to say about your blog unless they were just being jealous or something (but then real friends don't do that!). Anyway keep me posted!!! 🙂
Brittany says
I am semi-anonymous. I’ve always said semi because I use my first name and don’t hide what state I’m in. However I’ve never used my last name, don’t say my city, and don’t really tell people about it.
I went to a blogging conference last weekend, so I ended up having to explain to some people why. If I were you, I would keep this anonymous. You share a lot of personal info here that is really helpful. I bet if you start being more open, you will hold back more. Is it possible to explain to your sister why this is private, and ask her to not share the link here with others?
Btw I totally relate to mother issues. Ugh. But that’s one more reason I don’t want people being able to google me, find my blog and get the “gossip.”
Kristine says
I have had my blog for 3 years and last year I finally told my sister about my blog. I gave her the link to it but I don't even think she reads it. I started mentioning to people that I have a blog but I have yet to share the address with them. Sometimes I want to put the link on my facebook and let everyone know, but my blog is a place of no jugement. I am very open with my feelings and don't ever want to feel like I have to be careful with what I say. My blog is my safe place and I like it that way.
Lesley says
i definitely understand why you are anon, but i would love it if you weren't only so the blog would feel more personal and i could know you better.
My recent post diy: holiday table runner by lindsey @ sensible nonsense.
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, that's why I would love to not be an anon. Posting pictures of my actual face would feel great!
mysocalledchaos says
I don't think there is a problem so much with showing who you are, or showing pictures if you want, but I would recommend never using your full name… In fact if you give yourself a nickname or pseudonym, it may be better for you. I'm wishing I would have done that all along!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Well everyone who reads my blog knows I'm anonymous and it doesn't bother me at all but for my family and my career that trumps all when it comes to a blog. Too many implications if I potentially say or do the wrong thing although I'm always a nice bloke. Do what you feel is best but I believe Pauline had a couple questions to ask yourself. Best of luck with your decision. Mr.CBB
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Alyx says
That's a tough one – I feel like you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with, especially if it comes down to your safety.
Susan says
You seem to be thinking in your case it's an all or (mostly) nothing proposition – either you tell everyone or you tell no one. Clearly the secrecy is weighing on you because you're holding yourself back from friends. Why not try an incremental approach similar to your boyfriend's. Choose a few friends you would like to know and see how it feels to let them in, Mom issues and all. After awhile you can assess your comfort level and see if this is something you're comfortable expanding or you'd rather stay relatively anonymous.
On the Mom issue, for what it's worth I think you did and are doing the right thing. I'm sorry she took your inheritance but you sleep better at night knowing you're not arguing with her over that anymore. But giving her more of your hard earned money so she can go on vacation? No, absolutely not. I know it doesn't help the hurt but you're doing the right thing. You've made your stand. Don't back down. The hard part of making the decision is over. Wishing you all the best.
MakingSenseofCents says
Thank you Susan, I appreciate it a lot.
Christa says
I would remain anonymous and just share with those closest to you. That way, you're free to be as open as you wish. It does make writing a little stifled if you're not anonymous.
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Paige says
I am totally anonymous, and it's not really by choice. I would love to not have to hide my identity, as I feel I could share a lot more about my job and my everyday experiences. However, as a (future!) lawyer having my own personal ramblings out there for any potential client to see is a huge liability.
Makaila says
I wish I was anonymous. 🙂
Dai says
For the reasons you mentioned, I'd stay anonymous. ahhh… it's like feeling conflicted like a super hero 😉 good luck with your decision.