I feel like the majority of people that read my blog (and have their own blog) focus on books or other forms of entertainment. Some of these blogs share some personal details about their life, some share a lot, and others just focus on the book/entertainment content.
Personally, I like learning about the blogger behind the blog but I understand why some people don’t feel the need or are afraid to give out too much information. I probably wouldn’t have shared as much when I first got started, but I’ve been doing this for awhile now and I’ve slowly gotten used to sharing stories or giving information about my real, everyday life.
What about you though? Do you think personal details are a no-no on your blog? Do you like learning about other people through their blogs? Do you ever follow “personal” or more real life blogs?
When it comes to the latter question, I do like blogs that focus a great deal on their life. They still might have reviews or other fun posts, but they also give you information about their everyday experiences. It’s great to see how you might have things in common, as well as how you are different.
In honor of this whole idea I thought I would share just one of the more everyday blogs that I follow.
Krysten from Why Girls are Weird: She’s a wife, a dog mom, a bookworm, and more. I love Krysten’s blog because she talks about real life issues and topics but she also shares new products and book reviews here and there. It’s a nice mix! Plus, every Friday, she posts the top 10 things that made her happy that week! Who doesn’t like that?!
If you look at my blog list on the left hand side of this page, you are sure to find some other blogs similar to Krysten…or at least similar in the fact that they are more “personal.”
So, please do share your thoughts on being personal on blogs! Don’t forget the questions above if you need help generating a thought. 🙂
OMG. I actually have this very same discussion post drafted out in my blog (but not yet published). But anyway, I'm one of those bloggers who share lots and lots of personal posts, but not too personal of course. I used to do weekly recaps wherein I'll eventually talk about what happened these past few weeks… I actually love reading personal posts because it's from those kinds of posts do I get to know more about the blogger's personality and interests. I like meeting new people, so it's always nice to learn more them through blogs as well 🙂 Only as long as they don't post too personally because it's almost going to feel like you're literally reading someone's journal then.
I'm a stickler for privacy, so I don't tend to share much about myself beyond my thoughts and randomness on twitter. What I'd feel comfortable with telling a stranger really, but nothing to identify me from the masses of other bloggers out there. Personally I'd rather share with bloggers on social media within general conversations than post it up, only because I feel that my life isn't all that exciting really. But having said that, I love to read about the blogger behind the blog. Things that have happened to them, funny quirks. I think it also helps us relate to others and brings the community closer together as well.
I've only gotten personal on my blog a few times, I don't do it often, but I do love getting to know the person behind the blog, when I've been talking to a blogger a lot, then we do talk about other things (but off the blog)
I don't mind at all if blogs get personal, in fact, I think it can be really fun. I know I have participated in a few tags that were fun and more personal. I do try to keep my family life away from my blog for safety reason because I have children but other than that, I don't mind answering questions or participating in things that might let someone get to know me more.
Hmm, interesting topic. Like you I do like to get to know a little more about the blogger behind the blog but can't say I visit any blogs that are based totally on any individual's life – all the regular sites I visit are topic based (mostly books) though some of the bloggers choose to share some personal information from time to time.
For myself, whilst I do share some personal stuff every now and then I prefer to stick to hopefully more interesting topics.
I don't really share too much myself, not because I don't want to but because nothing too interesting happens in my life. But if there's something exciting (like perhaps a trip to somewhere), then I'll definitely talk about it. 🙂 I love bloggers whether or not they share personal posts, because there are legitimate reasons for both parties. I don't follow personal blogs, though. I guess it's because I've never come across one (that I'm interested in) yet!
Fantastic post, Lauren!
Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
Absolutely! I don't see blogging as some objective, impartial form of journalism. It's personal, it's private, and it's our thoughts that count so of course I'll share bits and pieces of myself with my readers, it just makes sense. Usually I include random bits of info in my reviews.
I like knowing a bit about a person behind the blog, but when it starts being all about their illness or other very sad personal things, I feel they should find emotional support from a professional.
I'd rather learn about their work and how they deal with their stories. I'm really here to learn about books and publishing, and to also enjoy and share the journey with others.
I don't mind sharing personal tidbits about myself on the blog. I probably won't share everything with my readers but I do share quite a bit. I have updates on my store, posts about mental health, and occasionally I really try to do those cute survey memes so help remind people I'm human.
I think it all depends on the blogger. I personally am a bit wary about sharing all the details of my life on a personal level on my blog, only because I don’t consider myself as interesting person at all, but I have opened up about some difficult predicaments I’ve had to endure in the past. I’m currently sharing my fitness journey and I find that incredibly hard! Talk about vulnerability! 😛
On another note, there is nothing I enjoy more than connecting with other bloggers and making new friends; I actually tend to follow lifestyle blogs that talk about issues I’m often afraid to lend a voice to. Great post Lauren 🙂
Claudia @ My Soul Called Life
I like getting to know the blogger behind the blog as well especially if they are positive and upbeat. I try to share some personal details, and that is on Sundays, but not a lot. I am not an oversharer.
I always enjoy learning about the person behind the blog! It's fun to get to know people through blogging 🙂
I think the only reason I don't post too much personal stuff on my blog is because I don't want anyone from real life knowing I have said blog, LOL. I do love getting to know people though!
i love that you mentioned Krysten – I have been following her for years. I admire her for being so real in her posts – she doesn't hold back, and that's refreshing.
xx
What an interesting discussion! I've never really thought about it, but I don't share too much personal information on my blog. I think I'm letting my "voice" come through more often in my posts now, but that's about it. I do love learning more about my fellow bloggers, so guess it's a bit of a double standard since I'm hesitant to share too much about myself. Guess I need to work on that!
Terri @ Alexia's Books and Such…
I tend to share on the Sunday Post and my discussion posts have weaved in personal stuff, but I tend to keep it light. I love learning and connecting with other bloggers, so yes I like personal stuff.
The weird thing is that I've become friends with bloggers who don't focus on their personal life in their blogs, but something made us connect and now we know each other personally. In my blog I talk about fashion and beauty, but I think what I am comes through. Stop by some time 🙂
Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog – Valeria Arizzi
I do like blogs that are more personal and I seem to have an easier time sharing that stuff on my blog than in person. But I've grown more cautious recently. There seems to be backlash for almost anything anyone says now (& I can be opinionated) & then there are privacy/stalker issues.
I'm trying to find the balance.
Karen @For What It's Worth
I think everything depends on the blogger… I don't mind sharing things here and there but I feel rather self-conscious about writing a personal post. I much prefer just saying my opinion on whatever through the books I read. Maybe someday I will share more stuff but right now, not so much 🙂
I share a little person information but it's usually only about myself. But sometimes it just depends on what the particular topic is about and whether or not it's appropriate to share. 🙂
Yes, I agree. It's always nice to see little bits of a blogger's personality in their posts, even if they aren't posting something that is strictly personal. Makes them seem more real and like someone I'd love to be friends with in real life! But, at the same time, I can totally understand and respect those bloggers who'd rather keep their personal life out of their posts because that's not what their blog is about or maybe they're more private. And that's totally okay!
I always thought that I didn't need to share my personal life in my blog, but then I started to realize that I do love to read bloggers who share their life and I want to share a little bit more of mine. The thing is, I don't even know where/how to start. Also, is my life really interesting? XD