Putting your thoughts out there for the world to see can be frightening enough. What happens when you make a blunder and feel like the whole world is laughing at you?
It could be that you are ashamed of just being a blogger. There are a lot of social circles that look down on blogging. You see this a lot in Digg comments. Either they think it is too nerdy or they are confused about what a blog is.
Maybe you are afraid of making a public mistake? Ask anyone who has been blogging for a while and I am sure each will have an embarrassing story to tell. It’s inevitable at some point you will do or say something you wish you hadn’t.
There is a parallel between blogging and public speaking. It’s putting your reputation on the line in a scenario where you might stumble. While you have more opportunity to edit a blog, in many cases once you hit publish your thoughts are public.
So what can we do about it?
- Feel the fear and do it anyway – There is more benefit than risk if you are sensible.
- Change your name – If you must, post under a assumed pen name.
- Don’t publish instantly – Post in draft and take some time to review and edit. Check your facts. Ask yourself if you are happy to reveal what you have written about.
- Make friends – I can’t tell you how many times my blogging friends and loyal readers have come to my aid when I have gotten into trouble with particularly vitriolic attacks. The support system you can get from fellow bloggers is wonderful.
- Don’t sweat it – Writing is a sure fire way to get knocks. It is inevitable. But this is no reflection on your writing, just that the audience is going to contain those folks who like to pull others down rather than create something of value. Expect it and do your best to ignore them.
We must overcome our fragile egos to achieve anything worthwhile. You might as well get some practice in by blogging!
Do you have any tips for a timid blogger? How have you overcome the fear of embarrassment? Please share in the comments …
