I’ve now heard a rumour that I can blog after all, so I think I’ll keep this thing up, at least until I get some sort of official communication one way or the other. No, I’m not going rogue on you, all I’m getting from work is hearsay so it would be wrong for me to come to any conclusions just yet, especially when shutting down this blog feels like removing a big chunk of my identity. Frankly, it’s ridiculous how bad I felt yesterday.
I’ve been thinking this past week about my blog and what it means, and what it’s worth to me, all in the context of a random person who might feel that it’s bad because I use profanity here and there and often refer to things grown-ups do for the sake of metaphor. The conclusion I came to was that this blog has at times been awesome and has improved the world with its existence (even if only a little) and I can’t just dismiss it as a minor hobby even if that’s what it’s been lately.
One of my proudest accomplishments since leaving school was the fundraising I did with this blog. $5000 to the BC Cancer Foundation over three events between 2006 and 2008, just from me nagging you lot on this here website. I mean, fine, maybe I cajoled with the promise of pictures of my friends and I parading around Vancouver in our underwear, but that was what the events were about, after all. This year the event is in five cities, and my old team is still running. Go Thunder Panties!
I’ve also managed the odd post that touched people, or made them think, or other sappy stuff. Posts about sexism, and homophobia, and the difficulty of finding a good pair of jeans. One person reads my blog to help his English (though perhaps all the swear words aren’t particularly helpful there). Several people have said they were inspired to start their own blogs after reading this one, and that’s a pretty awesome compliment as far as I’m concerned.
I’ve managed to make a couple people laugh hard enough that I owe someone a new keyboard. Of course, usually the laughs come when I’m not trying to be particularly funny. I like to pretend that people are laughing with me, and not at me; since we don’t see each other I could assume the former, but then again I’d probably laugh at me too.
My good works also include the multitude of cat photos. Because the world doesn’t have quite enough of those yet.
It wasn’t that anyone was saying that my blog was bad. I just had to convince myself otherwise in the midst of turning the blog off and then suddenly feeling like I’d lost my voice. To be perfectly honest, I am really lonely and miserable in Kelowna, but I still had this blog and Facebook and plane trips home to keep me sane. Losing any of that would mean a sadder me, and I’m morose enough at my cheeriest.
Anyways, I’m hoping this was much ado about nothing and I can keep the blog after all along with a disclaimer that of course the opinions stated here are not those of my employer, you ninny. Or maybe something more polite.
We’ll see.
I am interested in what you have to say and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
that photo is so awesome. YAY hope this all works out!
Yay!! *happy dance*
I likes this little blog. I came to oggle the cute girl writing it, stayed for the cat photos and music reviews, and heck – i might have even learned a few things along the way!
I enjoy your blog. When I started blogging I did so with the intention that I may have to be anonymous except to people who know me. This has worked for me. I have a senior management position and I do not want my staff reading my blog. I don’t blog about them or work for the most part but nonetheless I want my privacy. Same thing with FB I block them all. What about doing that? Take away the identifying information and let your friends know where you are. Good luck with the decision. Your blog is one of my faves to read.
@Chris T: I don’t think I should *have to* make my blog anonymous. There’s nothing here that I believe shouldn’t be associated with my name. Besides, if I suddenly start up an anonymous blog I will lose a good number of readers and I do still care a little bit about metrics and audience.
Maybe I’ve been brought up too liberally, but this is how I feel. Also I never plan on going into management because I hate people and their drama.
Yay it’s up! You’re whole again! Not so wholesome, but whole
I’m glad that you haven’t had to delete your blog! And very sorry to hear that you aren’t having a great time in Kelowna. =/ Seeing as I also work for a big company, I don’t know if they can tell you to take down your blog, though. When I asked my last manager about what he thought about the fact that I published all sorts of things on my blog, he replied, “It’s YOUR time. Why would I try to tell you what to do on your own time?”
Phew! How dare they tell you (or even imply) that you can’t have a blog?! Have your cars (and home fridges) also been inspected for stickers with baaaad, baaaad language or opinions? Have they checked your DVRs and made sure you don’t watch any baaad content? Your podcatcher for unwanted shows?
10 to 1 that that pressuring your staff to take down their blog or facebook profile or twitter account or column in the local paper is illegal!
And in your particular case, it’s not like you ever claimed to speak on behalf of or otherwise represent your employer. I guess they could insist on a disclaimer on your site (and your car (“My driving does not reflect the values or opinions of Big Company”))?
Anonymous blogging is a trap you set for yourself. Security through obscurity does not work. Currently anonymous blogging is “only” vulnerable to the individuals who find out the connection between the real person and the pseudonym + everyone they tell about the connection + everyone who hear it from those people. I don’t think it will be long, however, before search engines become aware of identity. Search engines already include synonyms and conjugations in their search results. Next they’re going to connect pseudonyms in order to show better search results.
great! Your blog rocks… I’m one of the offspring bloggers of you, or of it.
I like your written voice very much.
M