I know it is. What I write and share about myself online is only a small slice of my life. And it's only what I chose to share. People who read my blog think they may know me, but I admit, I am different in real life.
"How so?" I was asked. I really do try to be open and honest in my scribblings on my blog. I try to be careful with my words and not put something out there that really isn't me. I don't want to mis-represent myself either, so I've been giving this a lot of thought.
When I write my blog I usually put a lot of effort into an entry. I write, read, edit, re-read, edit again, then check punctuation and spelling. I proof-read again because sometimes my brain works faster then my fingers.
My real life isn't filtered in this way. It's Jim in real time.
I have a bit of a stutter if I'm nervous. I've been told I don't have a good poker face, people can immediately read my reaction to something. My body language is part of who I am in real life too, even a slight arch of my eyebrow shows what I'm really feeling without me even saying anything.
I know I am soft-spoken and on the quiet side when in a large group. I never want attention from too many people at once. But all of this doesn't come across in writings on this blog.
Many times I use the blog for getting ideas out that have been rumbling through my brain and would sound stupid if I tried to express it in words.
Both are me; these words are from me and the guy you meet in person is me too. These words my stay around longer than I will. Centuries from now will someone be reading this and try to understand who this man was? I presume they will; but so do I, I sometimes wonder who I am.
One thing for sure, both are also changing; evolving into, hopefully, a better person.
How do my blogger buddies feel about this? Have you thought about it and expressed it before? Write a blog entry or leave me a comment; "How are you different in person from your blog persona"?
9 comments:
If I knew you in person I could draw my own conclusion. Maybe someday.
I'm very protective of my online self, mostly because once something gets online it's online forever. Who knows when a future prospective client or employer will "look me up" on the internet and see things they don't like.
I'm not talking about sex things. I don't care if everyone knows I'm a bottom virgin and am attracted to "ugly" men. I'm talking about personality points which may affect me professionally. For instance, I would never state online that I'm missing scheduled work for any reason (sickness or hookey) because that looks bad professionally, and 10 years from now it may be used against me in a hiring decision.
I started writing a response and it got so long I made it a blog post. :-) http://pacspad.blogspot.com/2011/04/alter-ego.html
People can't expect bloggers to expose all things. We have our rights what to write and share online.
I have diarreah of the mouth and I'm not afraid to expose any part of me (sometimes to my detriment). My blog is used for venting and expressing myself and working through things. Sort of a therapy session where the reader gets to sit in. I don't hold back.. and some of the things that I've talked about have helped people get through their issues, or so they say... so it feels productive.
I assume I'm a little different in real life as compared to what I am online, but I hope not by much. There are some things I haven't blogged about that I would probably talk about IRL. But as I get older, I find that gap between the two shrinking.
I originally started "blogging" as more of an online diary, which has obviously evolved into more of just random bits of fluff and stuff that I think make up my persona. I kind of think of it like if scientists in the future were trying to recreate my personality, all the data would be there to create what I hope would be an accurate representation.
Great post, Jim! Whether it's your written blog or Jim-in-real-life, somehow, I'm sure it's all you!
MY QUALITIES WHICH (I think) COME OUT IN MY BLOG:
I can be very funny and even outrageous in real life, particularly with my work colleagues. I am normally very positive and optimistic with the strength to persevere through extremely difficult life situations; friends and work colleagues comment on this all the time. (However, my coming-out, the breakup of my marriage and its effect on my family, at times, cause me great despair and anxiety.)
THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE: I've become a major online exhibitionist, constantly posting undie pics of myself. While I am extremely comfortable with nudity in private, I am NOT an exhibitionist in my real life!
Thanks for sharing Jim...My blog usually shows me out with friends having a good time! Whilst I'm extremely social, I'm also quite introvert and I like just chilling by myself! My reason is that sometimes I can't be openly gay with all my friends.....everyone's sharing thoughts about their relationship and I can't be that open, mainly for fear of judgement!
Here's http://nicetoseestevieb.blogspot.com/2011/04/dear-diary.html
Word Verification: swallo
Since I do know you in person, I would have to say that you are exactly who you are both live and on the interweb. You're a good guy and although we sometimes have our differences, we always find a way to get past them and it makes our friendship stronger. For this, I am grateful. You are my bestie, Jimmy!
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