You are here: Home » Blog Tutorials » Business & Marketing Strategy » Social Media » Wright Point of View » Blogging and anonymity
Mar
18

Blogging and anonymity

Blogging is a solo sport, while there are readers and participants of a blog, most blogs are written and controlled by one person. Normally that person is known, visible and takes credit for their work. But, there are some bloggers who choose to stay anonymous, writing like Mark Twain did, under the cover of a false name. This is done for a multitude of reasons, many of which I can only guess as I have never written under a false name. The most common assumptions are that anonymous blogging is done for protection from the press, to falsify a gender (male vs female writing), or to protect those who are being written about.

Which brings me to the questions of the day:

  • Anonymity – it can protect you from a lot but when it comes to blogging, is true anonymity really possible?
  • And if it is possible, is it possible to get the most out of your blog with no one knowing who you really are?

Thoughts?

*image courtesy of Warner Bros.*

Related posts:

  1. What is blogging really about?
  2. 12 ways to make blogging easier
  3. What are your blogging struggles?

Category: Blog Tutorials, Business & Marketing Strategy, Social Media, Wright Point of View
Topics: ,
  • http://www.artsipop.com/ daveconrey

    I used to have a blog where I used a pseudonym just because it was content that could have potentially conflicted with my work status, ala pink slip. Somehow someone did find out and I did get a lashing for it, but it blew over. More importantly though, it never felt authentic. I always felt like I was deceiving my readers a little, especially since it was an opinion/advice type of blog. I ended up shutting it down for both of these reasons.

    • kirstenwright

      Dave,

      I really appreciate that you shared your story. I think this was exactly the point I was trying to make with the post – and I am glad to know that I am not completely off base in my thoughts on it. I 100% agree that it is really hard to be authentic if no one really know who you are. Have you started blogging since this situation as yourself?

  • http://best-liferesources.com/ Rich

    Good question. Right now I am blogging under my business name. I think, though, that readers are attracted to the person who is writing especially when they know something about the writer, his background, purpose, and writing authority. So, if the goal is to attract readers and traffic, it may be important to connect on a personal level. So, I am thinking of adding an 'about me' page.

    • kirstenwright

      Rich,

      Thanks for your thoughts! I agree with you that it is much easier to connect with a writer that you know a bit about. I am interested to hear how things change on your site if you do add an about me page.

«
»