The title of this post makes me laugh a bit. First, because the questions sounds like I’m about to start selling shares of my (non-existent) company on the stock market, and secondly, because it’s the exact opposite of the question many of my “family blogger” friends ask in relation to the privacy of their blogs (Should I go private?).
Anyone who knows me knows I’m overwieght…er…obese (man, I hate that word). But, for the most part, most people I know are unaware of this blog. Those of you who’ve stayed with me over the past several months know that this isn’t the first time I’ve posed this question. I’ve asked myself the very same question after almost every post I write.
Then why don’t I do it already?
The biggest benefit I see to letting people know about the blog is accountability. Not in the sense that my professors are going to start asking me about how my weight loss is going, mind you, but in the sense that I would have then revealed the journey that I’m on. However, it’s a journey that’s mine and mine only…so the biggest measure of accountability I have is to myself.
Frankly, I have no idea who could end up reading what I have here. I only found out recently that a former crush of mine was following me on another blog for the past couple of years. Awkward…yet somewhat gratifying. Ha.
Arguments, people. That’s what I need. Tell me (if you so desire) why you think it might be beneficial to open up to others about my blog. If I’m so compelled…it might just happen.
7 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 14, 2009 at 1:58 am
AndrewE
Pros and cons either way.
I went public with mine and overall the experience has been good.
I don’t have to explain some of my food choices etc. as people know I’m trying to be healthier. I also get a lot of support from folks which is great.
I am constrained in what I say however. I sometimes can’t be quite as upfront about certain things.
I’m still not certain how happy I am about my before shot being shown to one of my classes…but such is life.
January 14, 2009 at 7:27 am
MizFit
I keep my personal blog private—but it is DULLLLSVILLE (tales of my toddler)
Id say go public as the more people cheering you on the more people CHEERING YOU ON
January 14, 2009 at 11:13 am
TB--Milwaukee
Weightloss bloggers will find you
I really don’t advertise my blog, but often hear comments about certain things I’ve written during family get-togethers, so I know they’re reading.
January 14, 2009 at 11:23 am
hillari
I am for it, Asyou say, your friends and family already know you’re overweight. Wy not have their support through your successes and failures? Plus, since I linked you on mine, don’t some of us already know?
January 14, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Matt
I would agree with the peeps above. Particularly that Weight Loss bloggers with find you. I “know” three of the 4 commenters so far. And I would guess that they know me. I have never gotten a foul comment. I have gotten the swift kick to the rear to get going, but I always appreciate that to.
I am going to be listing my blog on my facebook page. I figure like MizFit says, “The more people cheering you on………
January 14, 2009 at 4:48 pm
christy
I like the idea of anonymity but I also love the idea of accountability.
I consciously made the decision to talk to everyone I know about the races I’m training for and it’s amazing how interested and supportive everyone is about it. And more than anything it is a kick in the butt for me when they ask and if I’m still running and I’ve been a slacker. I really appreciate the support from people I know in real life.
And who doesn’t like a bigger cheering section?
January 15, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Aaron
GO PUBLIC!!!!
Sure you will have the accountability and that’s great, but what if your story from struggles to success motivates just one person to change their life for the better! John you have an incredible voice and in the cliche’ of the spiderman comic “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility” I know you may not feel you look like a superhero yet but once you see this process through the impact you will have on the lives of those who find your blog will count you no less heroic than Spiderman! Let others buoy you up when it gets tough and be that lighthouse for so many people struggling with their weight loss. If their are any cons the Pros far outweigh them.