How Exposed Do I Want To Be?

I'm writing this in response to Aiz's 'Exposing myself' blog entry. When I started blogging, I'm not sure how much should I reveal about myself. I'm still not sure now. Thus, not many personal entries can be found in my blog.



Being a blog reader for several months before deciding to join the group, I've observed a lot. There are times when bloggers are insulted in their own blog just like Aiz said. I've read some colorful comments in Screenshot and VOI to name a few.



I always wonder why some people revel in insulting others. They're not exactly invited in the first place. As some insulted bloggers have said, 'if you don't like what you read, just leave'. Some would argue that it's all about free speeches, bla bla bla... but what would they achieve by insulting people in the name of free speeches? What kind of response are they expecting anyway? If they strongly feel about something, a mature discussion would be better than hurling insults. I thought everyone knows that. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. And sometimes by saying something, it only shows how ignorant and stupid you are.



I also remember a blogger calling blog readers who don't have their own blog and never say anything as stalkers. It kinda hurt being called that, even by strangers. When I visit a blog, especially the few of my favorites, I truly believe they have something interesting and insightful to say, and they have my respect for it. I wonder whether this person disregard the respect given by his/her silent readers. If it is so, probably an indication should be made somewhere so I don't wander to the place I'm not welcomed.



For personal entries, I really appreciate that they trust their readers enough to share something very personal. I'd quietly read if it's interesting enough, or read everything when I'm so bored, and then leave quietly, as quietly as I came. Sometimes I feel like I'm gate crashing, but the house owner didn't really mind me being there as long as I don't create any trouble. And sometimes I shy away when I say something but was not responded to.



Now that I have my own blog, I'm unsure of how exposed I want to be. I don't mind the few invited friends to know I have a blog. I also don't mind strangers reading my blog as I have nothing to hide... I've always ensure I did not reveal too much anyway. I don't really mind if my brothers knew about my blog but I never tell them about it. But I definitely don't want my boss to find out about my blog... ever. His concern would be how would this effect my productivity at work. The same response I get when he knew about my involvement in my high school and university alumni. Well dear boss, there is more to life than working for you. I have no problem telling him that, he can take it in good grace. But it gets tiring as I'd have to remind him of that every now and then. So this is a totally NO BOSS ZONE.



It's nice having a place where I can write things to let off steam and to share my thoughts. It's also nice to have my own place where I can say something without bothering whether my comments are welcome or not. And we'll never know if the beautiful quote or the funny cartoon we found and share in our blog can sometimes make someone's day. There are several blogs that has managed to do that for me. I'd be glad if mine can do that to others too. I'll continue writing whatever I feel comfortable sharing with the world while maintaining anonymity for now. I'm not important in this blog. What I've written is.