To be or not to be...private?

Okay, so I know that a number of you have made your blogs private. My husband came to me the other day and told me that I might want to consider doing the same. So, I want opinions from each and every one of you. Let me know what you think. I love that anyone I know that happens to come across my blog can access it. But, the thought of not knowing what creepy people are looking at pictures of my family also makes me nervous. If you google "is blogging safe" it comes up with a number of different articles that are actually kind of alarming! Let me know what you think!

14 comments:

Tye & Tara Thompson Family said...

Hi Renee,
I was exited to see your comment and find your blog. Your family is beautiful. Looks like you had fun in Costa Rica. About going private, I wish I could give you advice I am wondering the same thing.

Layne & Kellie said...

I went private because someone I didn't know made a comment on one of my posts. It was bad at all, very nice. It freaked me out and then I made the blog private. Later to find out (and remember) that it was a girl in my ward. Her post name is different than her actual name and I totally spaced it...I'm a nerd. But in the end I felt good about going private just for the extra comfort of knowing who sees my blog.

Layne & Kellie said...

I meant to put it "wasn't" bad... :)

Whitney Jensen said...

I'm kind of in the same battle right now - I just hate having to sign in when someone's blog is private, rather than just being able to click on it to see it! Oh well.

Maria said...

I'm considering doing the same... it's just a hassle!

Liz said...

I stumbled onto your blog a few months ago and have read it off and on since then. but you DO know me! :) I used to live around the corner from you! and so I love public blogs where I can find people like this who used to be in my ward or school or whatever. I think you just have to be smart about what you reveal. I may feel totally different if I get a scary comment someday though! In the meantime, hello!
Liz Tobler Holman

Sherian said...

You know what's sad...there are people who I would love to contact, but I can't. I see them comment on others blogs, but then their's is private. It has been so great to read other's blogs. I get so many great ideas and advise from other Mom's. I also love seeing pics of people I haven't seen in a long time. I understand the security issues, but I just feel sad that I can't give a shout out to some other people. Is there proper blogging ettiqute on how to contact someone? I just think it would really limit the social possibilities. Maybe just try to be vague about details, where you live, your last name, your kids full names...I don't know!

Rebecs said...

I have really wanted to go private, but like Sherian said, almost every post I get a comment from someone new who's blog I now get to see. If your private, they can't find you and then you can't see theirs. However, I'm guessing I will be private within the next 6 months or so......

Johnson said...

I'm with you too! I really feel like I need to go private..but yet I love finding others blogs and I love that other people have found me. I try to keep track on who reads my reguarly..(from site meter) but that really isn't that detailed. It does freak me out because my kids are so important to me and I'd hate for something to happen because I was being selfish! AHhhh, I am probably going to go private her some day!!

Jaime Stephens said...

hey Renee this is jaime (jolley)... I have to comment on this one.. I debated the same thing but it is annoying when people are private.. I found a stat counter you can't really see who exactly is reading your blog but you can find out a lot of stuff like what city and state how long they are on your blog, etc... If you are intrested in something like this email me and I can give you more details. This had made me feel more at ease though...

Unknown said...

If you do go private than make sure you invite me! I'm a blog stalker (in a nice way=) and would be sad if I couldn't check in on you every now and then. Oh - and I wish I'd checked your blog a couple days earlier- I totally would have come to your ModBe party.

Sharlynn said...

Looks like you have some thinking to do. I have loved people finding my blog and getting reconnected, but I had a couple of different things happen and that is why I chose to go private. I didn't do it the best way though because I have lost a lot of people because I didn't know everyones email address to send an invite. So if you go private first announce it and have people give you your email address so you can send them an invite. It is such a tough decision. I hate when I want to find someone and their blog is private. Anyway, I don't think that I had your email address to send you an invite and I would love to if you want it. Just email me at sharlynn@scivally.com I will then send you an invite. Good luck to deciding.

The Alands said...

Hi Renee,

It's Jenny Yeates. So, I like to look at your blog so if you go provate and want to ad us my e-mail is jenny_yeates@yahoo.com. I am also trying to decide whether or not to go private. Are you having another party anytime? I need a new swimsuit.

Lori said...

Renee,
I am super glad I found you before you went private. You have such a beautiful family!!! I haven't seen you in years and i hope all is well for your family. I saw your mom at Costco the other day and it reminded me of you. I decided to search for you and I found your blog through Sara's (I think). When I saw your mom I told her how sweet you were when I was pregnant with my first little girl. I'll never forget your kindness!
Well, my blog is private (I'm just too paranoid about my babies), so if you want an invite my e-mail is:
l.cuff@att.net. Take care!
Love,
Lori Cuff