Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Help?!?

I need your help.

Ever since, I started this blog, I've been trying to decide if I would use our RL names or not. I've talked it over with Bahama Shores Mama and the Keeper of All Things but I still can't decide. They both have nicknames for their children that they've decided to use, but I don't. I'm not big on nicknames. I love their "given" names. I've read about those who have "made up" names to use on their blog but I think it would be confusing (to me). Plus, how would I pick something that "fit" them.

HELP! PLEASE!

What are your thoughts? Did you go through this, too? How did you decide? Please leave a comment and share your story..... pretty please??

22 comments:

KatBouska said...

Yep, I went through the same thing. By the time I made my blog public I had been using their real names for so long that I didn't want to go back and change them. I don't think it really makes a difference...maybe when they're older and their friends find the blog or something...that might get embarassing. But other than that I don't think knowing their first names is really going to do anything...just make sure your last name is private. And I usually make up names for family and friends...that's fun.

Insane Mama said...

I use the real names, because like you, I think I would be confused. Heck I can barely keep up with their names
I have kept our last names private though. My kids don't know about my blog, so, I don't know what they think

The Mom Jen said...

We use nicknames...but I use my real name. I'm still not sure why.

Amy Plumb said...

I use our real names but I never say our last name. I also never say our exact location of where we live.

It never crossed my mind to use nicknames or fake names.

Amy

By The Seat Of My Pants said...

I am always afraid of what freaks/weirdos might be out their scoping out our families! I, however, was not thoughtful enough to make up a nickname...I just refer to her as "the kid".
I guess it is easier since I only have the one.

Merrie said...

I've only been blogging for a few months, and have so far just referred to my kids as "my son" and "my daughter." I suppose at some point I'll go with their first names, but it feels comfortable not doing it yet. I also don't mention town or last name, and even Merrie is my nickname growing up, but not my given name.

Apparently I'm a big ball of fear about stranger danger. :)

Ann(ie) said...

I never said names until about 6 months ago or so and then I thought oh whatever. It just seemed easier. I don't put our last name or post my address, but I haven't been hit by a crazy person blog stalker either. While I adore my blog if anything weird like that happens I'll just delete the damn thing and start calling y'all. 8)

Kristi O said...

I came to your blog from Happy Meals. We use real names on our blog, I knew I would get confused, and I live in a small area, if someone wants to steal my chillin's go for it. Just kiddin! I trust God will take care of us and all this bloggin' stuff.

Sarah Mae said...

I did have my kids names up, but then someone suggested maybe I shouldn't, just because you never know...so what the heck, I just don't!

Also, congrats on winning the SITS roll call contest! :)

Finding Normal said...

I attempted cutsie nicknames for a few days, but I was so annoyed by having to go back and erase their real names that I just gave it up. I don't give our last name or an exact location. I suppose if someone really really wanted to find me, it wouldn't be too hard.

Unknown said...

I've been out there in the Internet world since about 1991, though I have only had a blog since last year. I have been posting to internet newsgroups for a long time.

I have always used my real name. I often refer to my hubby , kids and friends by their initials, but also use their first names.

I also haven't hidden my location.

In the 17 years that I have been out there on the internet, and that amounts to 1000's of posts, by me, in newsgroups, I have never been stalked or harrassed by anybody that has come across me online. That's despite being controversial at times.

In fact, I've had more problems from people in real life.

I think that you have to be aware and sensible. For example, if you start posting pictures of yourself, dressed in sexy provocative clothing, you are probably going to have problems. Just as you would have if you wandered into a bar, in real life, dressed like that. You get what you invite.

Same goes for your kids. While it might seem cute to post naked pictures of them, it really is not a good idea. I'm often surprised how many do, though. Best to password protect such posts. That way you can control who has access to them. (BTW, the 'you' above is global, I'm not meaning you personally :-) ..)

I think people do get paranoid. There are horror stories out there. However, when you consider the millions of people who blog, write newsgroup posts, etc, on a daily basis, and the small number of incidents that occur, the chances of you being a victim are pretty negligible.

Just be sensible about what you post and stay within your comfort level.

Unknown said...

Oh, congrtulations on being a winner in the SITS roll call contest :-)

trash said...

I'm afraid my childer have had seventy million nicknames since before they were born (although I too love their given names) so I'm not the one to ask.

You could always just go with nitials, I guess.

Cristin said...

I use real names for my family.. I make up names for people I talk about unless I have their permission... I'm considering going to nicknames too.. I can't decide...

Rhea said...

It never occurred to me to use false names. Then I started reading other blogs and saw others used fake names. I don't see what danger there is in using real names, honestly. WE don't use last names or say exactly where we live, but even if we did, I'm not real worried. :o)

Laurel said...

I use our real names but like some of your other commenters not our last name. If I was living in the US right now I wouldn't say my exact location but where I live is sort of the point of my blog! Or my excuse. Some creepy dude could use the information and I might rethink it but for the moment ... I don't want to go through the whole blog changing names! Bon chance!

LaQuintamomof3 said...

I use nick names for the whole family-- names that they have had since they were little. I don't use our last name either.

I am not too freaked out about others, but just in case. You never know.

I just started blogging so it isn't hard- just what I know.

I think you have to do what makes you most comfortable.

My husband was pretty leary about me putting up pics of the kids and felt a little better when he saw I was using nicknames.

LaQuintamomof3 said...

Oops, Congrats on SITS!

EmBee said...

I usually refer to mine as 'The Son' or 'The Daughter' but I only have one of each so it would be difficult to get them confused. I do try to maintain their anonymity as best I can but I sometimes use their names. I'd think as long as you don't post your last name it's fine... Wouldn't want to give their friends the opportunity to read up on their foibles and mercilessly tease them.

Sue Wilkey said...

Well despite the fact that I'm supposed to be a "mommy blogger" i usually end up talking about me, me, and more me. However, I do just say "my daughter" instead of real names, when the children happen to make my radar.

Anonymous said...

I don't think first names are a biggie! Who is gonna track down kids with a dad that big really? I sure would pick different kids, even though yours are soooooo atttractive!

Musings of a Housewife said...

I've done everything -- nicknames, real names, and now nothing. I try write like I talk. I often say "my 2-year-old" or whatever. Honestly, when people use names, I have no idea what age they're talking about, and I like to know that info, so I figure, I just write like I'd talk to someone who doesn't know my kids, and it all seems to work out.

Because I do post pix, and because my blog is fairly widely read, I don't like having their real names out there, for fear someone might try to befriend them or something nasty like that.

On the other hand, I've used a real name here and there, when telling a story and using quotes. Like you, I feel weird using a nickname.