Blogging is a business with no barriers to entry. Professional hosting is cheaper than it’s ever been, domain names are free and installing wordpress is a one click job. As long as you have something interesting to say you have everything you need to start blogging, professionally or otherwise.
Despite this, many people still don’t want to make the jump, concerned about how they will be perceived. Some may be worried about the reaction of their friends and family. Worse still, some are fearful of being Dooced.
No that’s not an error, my cat didn’t stroll across the keyboard, not this time anyway. Here’s a quick definition for anyone not familiar with the term ‘Dooced’.
Blogger Heather B. Armstrong coined the phrase in 2002, after she was fired from her web design job for writing about work and colleagues on her blog, dooce.com
Of course, the employer was short sighted and stupid. Heather makes more money from her blog than she ever could have done working for a traditional employer. She proudly proclaims that 100% of her family income comes from her blog. More proof, if any were needed, that blogging can bring fame and fortune.
But, as you will see if you visit dooce.com, Heather is totally frank, open and honest. More frank, open and honest than many people would be comfortable with.
So, what’s the solution? Bloggers have two choices. Blog under your own name or use an alter ego.
It’s up to you. If you are happy to put yourself in the spotlight, and this will probably be the best idea if you are promoting yourself as many bloggers do, blogging under your own name is the way to go. You can then choose where to draw the personal information line.
Not a fan of the glare and potential scrutiny? Make up an alter ego. Traditional authors have done it for as long as anyone can remember. And it works. As long as your audience have some kind of author figure they can focus on, even if they know it is an alter ego, your blog will still be able to connect and prosper.
There is no need to lie or deceive. Be honest and let your audience know that the face behind the blog is behind a mask. It might even make things more interesting for them.
Don’t let anything stop you from saying what you want to say online. The internet is a big place and there is plenty of room for everyone’s voice.
How well does it work for you, to include three affiliate links in the first paragraph? Many click-throughs and sign-ups?
You’ll also have to remember to use a whois protection service as well, or use a fake name and address (though that is not legal). I’ve had it happen before that some indexing sites would index the domain name + my address details. Sites like www.aboutus.org do this.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a “pen name” when it comes to blogging, or even affiliate marketing. Many big time Guru guys use pen names on their landing pages, ebooks, etc… You get the point…
I have a friend who was fired from their job for writing about their boss on facebook.. and it wasn’t even anything degrading or threatening.. a simple rant with reference to his boss, and three weeks later he was unemployed after 8 years of service at this job…
It’s a load of crap if you ask me. Free speech.