The Challenge of Blogging – How Much of Me?
One of the biggest challenges with blogging is deciding how much of you to put out there. At the end of the day, it is a question of comfort; do you feel comfortable with your image being on your blog or your real name being used?
On the one hand, there is the question of the security.
You don’t want to create difficulties for yourself by putting information out there that could pose a safety or security concern.
In my case, for example, I never mention where my studio is located or the names of family or friends. When I do use a name, it is because that person is already out in the public virtual realm.
On the other hand, if I am trying to promote myself as an brand, it seems silly to undermine that effort by not using my name or my image. The value of social media is access: access to your art and access to yourself. If people can’t build a connection to you then why are you blogging? Blogging is like an open society. It comes with both rewards and dangers.
That being said, you must establish reasonable limits to what you make public. So, put yourself in the role of your fans and ask yourself what will built interest and support. Then ask yourself, what is not necessary to that end. In the balance between those two answers will be a place that is rewarding and safe.
This is likely not the most helpful posting, but it is something that I have struggle with for several years; the question of how much of me to put out there.
Next Week: Establishing Posting Schedule.
