Today, CNN posted a story about anonymous bloggers, called, “The coming-out stories of anonymous bloggers.” The article is definitely an interesting read for any bloggers, and reveals the pros and cons of blogging with your real identity, as opposed to blogging under a pen name.
Mom Blogger Extraordinaire Heather Armstrong, better known as Dooce, is featured in the story, telling her tale of losing her job after her employer found out about her blog – on which she did publish her name. It also tells the more recent story of the forced outing of “PittGirl” – Virginia Montanez – as her readers began to unveil her identity.
We’d love to hear from the SheBlogs’ bloggers – what are your thoughts on anonymity? Perhaps just as importantly – for our bloggers who balance an outside career with their blogs – how do you manage the two? Do your bosses know about your blog? Has your blog ever created a problem in your workplace?
Please tell us all about it in the comments below, or feel free to blog on your own sites and post links here!
I blog anonymously. I do so not for fear of having to reap the personal repercussions of what I say, but to keep the identity of my children safe. I have a special needs child (3 children total) and don't want some ill-spirited teen to Google my son when he's older and exploite what I say towards him. Paranoid, possibly… truly I don't say harmful things about my children, but, you never know what a mean spirited person will think / do. I will take responsibility for my action/words, but my family shouldn't have to. That's the reason I chose to blog under a different name.
Then again, I do want to write a few books….not sure how many publishers will take an author with the name, Mia Hysteria seriously…
I blog by name. My boss knows about it. Everyone I know knows about it. I couldn't imagine keeping that a secret. How do you connect with a faceless blogger? How do you know they aren't fake? If your blog is attached to you and you do have to answer for it in real life then it not only easier to relate to that person but take them seriously as well. JMO
I use my real name when I blog. I think it helps me to establish myself as a credible journalist and writer. I've been really lucky that the purpose and content of my blog does not conflict with my work or career. Sometimes I do use "Mommy Reporter" as my name for comments, but if you go to my blog, you can see my real name and face. Nothing to hide…