Hi Catherine,

I knew you would like this title.

I feel an about page can me anything you want it to be, but personnally, I like to know about the blogger and a little (or a lot) why they blog about their topic(s). I usually read about pages on blogs I visit, and if they don’t exist or say nothing, I wonder how credible the information is. By looking at the blog, it’s usually obvious what the blog is about, so I would rather read more about the author.

Granted some could lie, but in the end, that could catch up with them.

I normally won’t comment on a blog if the information doesn’t appear credible, or the author is being mysterious.

And yes, user names can be confusing. Like you, I make assumptions and sometimes am wrong on their gender.

Barbara’s last blog post..Blogger Exposes Herself - Traffic Soars

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Barbara,

Do we all wear different hats? And when we’re in front a screen with a keyboard and mouse, how does that affect our behaviour?

Would we say the same things to people face-to-face that we say with a few or even thousands of miles of cable separating us from the people receiving our message?

I think we can all take on a complete different persona than in most forms of communication. I find email very dangerous for conveying an unintended tone of voice.

I feel as though I can “act out” different roles with a blog as a barrier - I’m naturally quite shy and quiet.

However with those I know, I use humour (humor sorry) quite a bit.

I try wherever I can to switch off that tendency to project a corporate image in most things I do. But I don’t think it really captures who I am when I read back some of the blog posts I write.

I’m trying to be a little more serious at times because I think that suits the tone of those who are struggling in business and need to find answers.

But thinking about it, I’m probably wrong.

In fact thnking about it - and I do this constantly with blogs! - I’ve probably got the tone wrong in the latest re-design.

Arugably, people don’t want to be hearing that I’ve tasted success from a failure. That may seem completely out of reach. Maybe if they saw more of the struggle it would help them feel closer to the situation they are in?

I’m my own biggest critic, so maybe a bit more self-deprecation and fun would be in order?

Maybe not as risque as my last one on left-handed people. But then again, why not? Most people saw the joke and how ridiculous it was.

But maybe people struggling in business or failing need to see a lighter tone and a bit more fun?

In reality, I need to find out where struggling business people hand out online.

Ian Denny’s last blog post..The Best Bloggers Are Left Handed

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Well, I’ll admit it. Nez is a pseudonym.

I chose it because it’s an anagram of Zen. Zen Habits was one of my inspirations, plus I find a lot of Zen Buddhism philosophy fascinating, although I’ve yet to explore anything in real depth.

I also decided on a pseudonym because I wish to preserve my privacy. And I was inspired by Ender’s Game, where the main character’s siblings created online personas that changed the world (I even posted on this idea as applied to political blogs - the Locke and Demosthenes post).

I also noticed a lot of blogs’ comment template would have *name* Says, followed by the comment, and so that’s how I came up with the idea of NezSez — something easy to remember, easy to (hopefully) spell.

Well, there ya go.

Hope everyone will still come visit
Nez’s last blog post..Dungeons and Dragons in Real Life

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Hi Nez,

In a effort to preserve your privacy, I do understand why you chose a pseudonym, and I respect that. With that being said, yours is not a blog I would put into the category of the “types” of blogs I spoke of in the post. Even before I named you as the NBOTW, I was impressed with the accuracy of the information you posted, so whether Nez was your real name, or not, was not an issue.

I do like how you are sharing a glimpse into your personal life, i.e sharing discipline/childrearing tips.

One question though, am I correct in assuming you are a male? Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Have no fear, using a pseudonym. will not stop me from visiting your blog. I enjoy your posts too much to let that get in the way.

Barbara’s last blog post..Blogger Exposes Herself - Traffic Soars

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Yes, I’m a guy — couldn’t you tell by my constant geeky references?
Nez’s last blog post..Dungeons and Dragons in Real Life

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Hi Barbara. I’ve been traveling and excited to finally catch up on my favorite blogs. Love the title & photo. I can’t even imagine the types of photos you found while searching for it..hee hee.

I totally agree with your article. My favorite blogs are transparent so you can feel a personal connection to the author. I try to be transparent and share personal info. Next step is to come up with a more interesting About Me page.

sterling | bizlift’s last blog post..Fishing With David Lynch: Creating Value From Nothing

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Do you use your real name in your blog? Well I don’t use my birth name the most, but I use a name that people call me. I don’t know if I even like my birth name. I have used it though, people know my name, first name and last because that’s the name of my website. My blog is an extension of ME, so I guess I do.

Do you frequent blogs if the author remains mysterious? Yeah I will visit blogs if the author remains mysterious, as long as the information is valuable or useful to me, they can call themselves Buddah. I do understand that you have to be careful what you put on your blog or on the web in general because it can follow you forever. If you don’t blog for a living, then you might want to be careful at how you represent yourself and ask if what I’m doing is going to come back and bite me in the behind.

Do you think a blog can become successful if the author does not expose themselves to their audience? Well sure, it depends on what you are writing about. I do look at about me pages, but I don’t need to know you too personally…a little blurb is fine and I get to know people through their writing. I like to draw my own picture and conclusion. I like to wonder sometimes instead of just having it put out there for me to read. It makes the “relationship” more interesting.

Is it time to write/rewrite your “About Me” page? Nope, not gonna do it. My about me page on my website is revealing enough. I have a 5 things about me meme scheduled for tomorrow, stop by and learn 5 more things about me if you like. Keep up the great work Barbara!

Natural Woman’s last blog post..The Results Are In!

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I ‘m finally getting around to reading your post and responding. Yesterday was a NIGHTMARE Monday!

I use my first name but not my last. I like to keep a little anonymity. But I share where I live, because I like know where people are. It helps me relate to what they are saying somehow. I keep my family’s names private because I don’t think it’s fair to them. I chose to start a blog, not them. Since my blog is a “mom blog” it’s kind of hard not to give personal information. That’s what it’s all about!

I will read a blog that is anonymous, but being nosy, I’m always curious for more information. I think that as you become more popular the ability to remain anonymous becomes more difficult. I like to be approachable and have no problem sharing my e-mail address. I have shared information privately with some people through e-mail even if I don’t post it on my blog. I think that’s the big issue: Do you appear to be approachable? If not, I think others will get bored with you and move on. I know even some of my favorite blogs I am losing some interest in these days because they NEVER visit and say hi. I don’t expect a daily comment, but once in a while a “Hey, how are you doing?” is nice. Otherwise I get the feeling they are just too busy for me. I’m not exactly sitting around eating bon bons and I may decide to spend my time somewhere else.

Deb’s last blog post..Peanut Revisited

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Hi Deb,

Hopefully today is going better for you.

Approachability is very important in a blog. I read some, and based on the “feel” of the blog, didn’t feel welcome, so won’t stick around.

I like how you said you’re the one who started the blog, not your family, thus you don’t share their names. That’s a good point.

Barbara’s last blog post..Help For Life Issues From The NBOTW

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Hi Natural Woman,

I just saw that story on the news.

I would guess anyone who is running for public office is often “googled” and like the story, even if the information is old, it’s still “dug up”, and can be used against a person.

I also agree, prospective employers may do the same thing. It’s one thing to have a glowing resume, but if research proves different, you can kiss that great job goodbye.

Haha…I can see anyone reading this saying “Have I said anything online that could harm me?

P.S. I don’t swear on my blogs, and don’t allow it on my blogs either.
The most I’ll allow is a few **** (bleeped) words.

Barbara’s last blog post..Blogging? Watch Your Language

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Hi J2r,

Thank you for the compliment. It’s good to see you here again.

If I ever become a big name, I’ll never forget my first supporters and commenters, you included.
Barbara’s last blog post..How Links Increase Visits And Earnings

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Hi Davidya,

Welcome to the BWAB community.

I just left your science/tech blog. I’ll be back later and dig a little deeper into your archives. It does look fascinating.

I do find it interesting that you have two blogs but don’t reveal yourself on the second one, and it gets more traffic. Apparently it’s the subject matter? Or have you promoted that one more?

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Hi David,

3D TV? Good thing we haven’t replaced all of the TVs with HDs

You’re the first blogger who has “exposed themselves” as NOT caring (?) if you get found, and haven’t been using the “leave a comment link” so others can read your writings.

I will check out your other blog too. I’ll be dropping a comment so you’ll know I was there.

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Hi Davidya,

Ah ha, a man of many talents. A book author too.

We do have to remember we also have a life, but unfortunately, blogs can easily become addictive too. It’s a fine line we walk, hey?

A living room with multiple TV sets? Yikes. I can’t imagine that, plus all of the cords, cables and plugins. Not to mention more screens to dust.

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Hi Patricia,

That is so true, we wouldn’t be who we are today, if it wasn’t for out past. If we had different parents, or had taken a different fork in the road, we would be someplace totally different.

I like that you’re sharing and helping others who are survivors of childhood incest. Who better to learn it from, than someone who has been there. I imagine your blog is helping many, and probably more than you’re even aware of.

Kudos to you for taking your story public.

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Hi Tom B,

Steve Pavlina is a great long time blogger to “emulate”. He has done so much to educate others on blogging and on life issues.

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Hi Zenobia,

It’s great to see you here again. It’s been a long time, and you’ve changed your blog. Or is that a new one?

Don’t be a stranger. I missed hearing from you.

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Hi again Zenobia,

I like your new site. I’ll change my feed so I can follow you. Thanks for letting me know.

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