Guidelines for Blogging Under One’s Real Name
I commented the other day on anonymous blogging (see the last three paragraphs of “Time for Chase to Make Some Cuts”). I’m much less interested in reading the thoughts and opinions of an anonymous blogger. When I read a blog, the first thing I do is look for information about the author. I want to know who’s writing, and I want to know something about the blogger’s background, occupation and credentials, which are informing what he or she has to say.
I understand the fears connected to blogging under one’s real name. Identity theft is a concern. How some wacko may respond to something you have written is another danger. Beyond that, there is the fear that you may say something, no matter how honest or factual, that you live to regret. Publishing your words with your real name attached comes with a high level of accountability. That can be scary.
However, if a blogger isn’t willing to be held accountable for what he writes, why bother reading it? It really is no different than the situation anyone else faces in a high-profile job or activity. Public officials, artists, authors, etc. must find a way to live comfortably in the public eye. Part of the solution, obviously, is to be careful about the things one says or does.
Some common sense cautions should go a long way toward minimizing the dangers of blogging under one’s real name. I asked Brian over at An Audience of One if he ever runs into any problems as a result of blogging while working as an administrator of a public school system. In response, he has provided some sensible guidelines. If you are a blogger, it’s worth reading “My Blog and My Job.”
On my blog, I offer the occasional rant, but for the most part I stick to the purpose I gave for my site which is to reflect on the teachings of Scripture and the writings of Christians past and present with the intent of building others up in the faith.
I know that men from graduate classes read my posts, people from my home congregation read them, family and friends read them, and others in the ‘blogosphere’ read as well. This keeps me accountable for my words because I know if I say something wrong I will be called on it, and in all honesty I would not want it to be any other way.
I am of the belief that if a person is unwilling to put his or her name behind the words he/she speaks or writes then it is probably better not to say or write anything at all.
Well said, James. And as you and I know, our fellow Christians can be our toughest critics. As you say,guess that’s a good thing. They force us to think twice — and they get us back on track when we start to stray.