I’ve been writing this blog, and its predecessor on the now defunct DT site for quite a long time. It is in effect my diary. I don’t write about everything I do, but anyone reading this over a period of time would definitely be able to build a picture of me. I do love the way interactions happen, and how people I don’t know, have never met, find this page and become online friends and acquaintances.
So it might seem odd, but I thinking of making this page private. Maybe details of my life have become too public. I’d appreciate your thoughts and comments. If I do take this decision you may receive an email inviting you to follow the blog.
Isobel (and Cat)'s Blog 
Don’t do it, Isobel! Stay public. The world needs you (and Cat).
Does that mean you won’t be interested in reading password protected posts?
No, I just don’t want to intrude on your privacy. I desperately want to know if you find someone to buy that creaky old boat.
So you would use the password?
Yes
You have it! Check your spam if you can’t see it.
Got it, ta.
I would like to be able to go on reading your posts!!!
I would miss your posts but understand if you need to change the privacy. Do keep us informed of your decision !
I understand what you are wrestling with. I find writing my blog to be very useful in sorting out my feelings and keeping track of who I am as I am aging. I frequently have a desire to write about personal issues that probably shouldn’t be shared on such a public forum (but so much more appropriate than Facebook). 🙂 Every time I have written about my struggles or anger it has taken a lot of courage, along with a good dose of anxiety, to make it public by clicking the publish button. On the other hand I have benefited from reading the personal stories of other’s lives as long as it doesn’t become “same song, verse 536.” I think you will figure out what you need as a forum for your writing.
We chatted about this once. You are more comfortable with being a “public person” than I will ever be. What it means to be in public is far more complicated than it was even a few short years ago. Public means more people will benefit from your journey – as I did with your stories of caring for aging relatives. Private means you can be less cautious about what you should or shouldn’t say. Not that you want a third blog but is there some way to do a public version and a “subscribers only” version? I truly appreciate what you are feeling about this and hope there is a solution that keeps you writing and us interacting and maybe new people enjoying your wonderful thoughts.
Thanks Kathy. I want to have my cake and eat it. I may experiment with password protected posts over the next few weeks and see how that works. Now to think of a password!
I have toyed with that decision, myself, as well as with taking a break and also shutting it down. Trust your heart and your gut to lead the way. Neither decision needs to be permanent. You are entitled to change your mind at any point. Good luck with whatever direction works for you! Longtime reader. Best, Babsje
Well, I think there is the option of making certain posts password protected, so I can limit access for those alone. That might work.
I understand how you feel. I often wonder when I post if I’m sharing too much. There is already so much personal information drifting around on the internet that I hesitate to add more. That said, one of the most rewarding aspects of blogging has been connecting with people whose experiences and ideas I would otherwise not share, and I would sincerely miss your posts.
Thanks Steve. If I do decide to make it private I shall be inviting you and others to follow it. Ideally I should be able to decide if a post should be private from time to time, but it doesn’t look as though that is an option.
I was beginning to worry when there was no new post from you in 11 days – I should certainly miss your posts were they to cease altogether!
I enjoy reading your posts and understand your need as I keep a fairly anonymous blog too. Hope you’ll send me a password if you do decide to take your blog private. Thank you.
I enjoy your posts too! I like to picture the places you go to. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to visit those places, though it is my wish, and your descriptions and photos help me to know what it’s like there.
Thanks KS. I shall get organised and send you the password too.
Thank you!
Done!
I just now discovered your posts, and honestly do what you feel is right for you. I started at least 5 diary blogs before settling on my current website. Make it a habit to be who you are, in secrecy or in public. At the end of the day, if you have the skill and power to turn your Journal into a mini story to help hide your identity, then do it! My blog is mostly like that anyway. I know some people that will find me by my name, and eventually expose my emotions to their social media platform. However, I accept that humiliation because, and I’m just being selfish at this point, who would want extra views and possible likes on a post or several pages that contains your emotions or what you have learned throughout your life?
For now, I love your transparency. This is the very first post I discovered that similar to mine. Please allow me some time to get used to your writing and tonality of your posts. Maybe we will be able to understand each other and kick life in the balls if necessary!