Did You Blog Today?
Having your private journal read feels like a violation. Not having your online diary read feels like a snub. Blogging (web logging) is, among other things, a form of exhibitionism. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world log onto sites like www.opendiary.com, www.Diaryland.com and www.Deardiary.net each day to write about their lives. In the cyber pages of a blog people purge themselves of deep, dark secrets.
An online diary is a place to confess things you wouldn`t tell your best friend. Yet you know, even expect, strangers will read, and even comment, on your life; especially those within your €ścircle.€ť
Internet diarists generally write under an alias or pen name. It is this anonymity which allows one to bare their soul. There`s no danger for a woman in California to admit she`s having an affair with her husband`s boss. Her readers in Auckland , London and Toronto won`t judge her. In fact they`ll follow the story on a daily basis and leave her notes of encouragement with more consistency than they floss their teeth.
Of course reciprocity is implied. Blog site etiquette requires you to visit the diary of each note leaver at least once. Should you find their writings to be less than interesting, typing a simple smiley face followed by your pen-name is acceptable to show you`ve been there. Chances are you`ll get hooked though. As much as the writing of a public diary is exhibitionism, reading them is voyeuristic€¦and addicting.
Most journaling sites have cliques or circles which are formed when the same people read and note each other on a regular basis. These people provide more than an audience though. In a very short period of time a diarist can develop a support system. It`s the most troubled diarist who draws the greatest readership. If you`re totally screwed up you will develop a cult following.
In the 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee, the character of Sue Charlton is explaining to Mick Dundee about psychiatrists and how people go to them to talk about their problems. Mick innocently asks, €śDon`t they have any mates?€ť
Well, s
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