Family Blog
My daughter, Reba, (I’ve never called her that before) began blogging a few months ago. She created a blog called, Reba Town. She’s living in San Francisco, working in theater, living with her boyfriend. After she began blogging I thought I might try it myself, to find out more about it. Her blog is mostly personal reflection, nothing real global. And I’m not quite sure who her audience is since I don’t recall any comments on her posts. I just left one, though, because she mentioned that she and her boyfriend were talking about getting married. And she left a little nudge with the very next sentence asking whether anyone even reads her blog. I couldn’t resist commenting.
I think this personal-journal style of blog could have a lot of value for families whose members are scattered about the world. Keeping in touch by phone and email are fine for personal communication. But there is value, I suppose, in being able to tell your dad that you’re thinking about getting married and not have to get an immediate reaction. I hope she keeps blogging. It’s fun to read what’s on her mind.
Chris L wrote,
What does the “personal” mean in a socially networked environment? What part of our self gets made public and what do we hold back? If the blog entries fall in the forest and no one is there to read them, do they make a sound?
Link | February 2nd, 2005 at 1:04 pm
Doug wrote,
Maybe it’s like the sound of one hand clapping.
Link | February 2nd, 2005 at 7:09 pm
rosie wrote,
If my father visited my website - let alone my BLOGS - i think I would simply fold in on myself and die!
However, I think it’s very kewl that you are learning from your spawn AND liking it! –ro
Link | February 3rd, 2005 at 7:32 pm
Doug wrote,
It might appear that I’m intruding into her space, but she invited me to read it. I do appreciate the desire for certain limits. And from my kid, I learned not to tell MY parents about this blog! If she wants me to stop reading it, that’s how it’ll be.
It comes back to the question that Chris asked. Your point is well-taken. Thanks.
Link | February 4th, 2005 at 8:12 am
Rebecca wrote,
So, as the spawn in question I think the whole thing is funny — I post things on my blog sometimes that I can’t quite say out loud. Ben and I haven’t really talked about it again and I haven’t talked about it with anyone (don’t really want to until something is really happening). But it’s nice that my Dad knows. That other family members know. When I first created my blog I didn’t know who I was writing it for so I made the choice to invite lots of different people (including my parents) to read it. This does affect the info I put on, but not by much — I don’t post very often and when I do I am reflecting more for a minute to make sure I exist that to share information — to record a moment. . . And even to then see that moment reflected back at me on a screen. I like that my dad checks in.
Link | February 4th, 2005 at 2:35 pm