The virtual and the real..
Yes I still insist on categorizing them as two completely different lives…and I’m going to keep it this way.
You see most of my “online/blog” friends are people I’ve never met..and I met the other few online/through the blog. My “real” friends are the people I know or met through these 23 years of my life. I chose the terms “real” and “virtual” simply because these are the terms used. But believe me…I have “virtual” friends who are to me..much more “real” friends.
Why I chose to separate both? Simply because I can’t handle merging them together..here’s why..
My blogging experience started in 20062005 with a lousy MSN live “space” that included nothing but photos and stupid diaries. I did because it integrated well with the MSN live messenger (what was I thinking :S). It was just a way to stay connected with my friends in Egypt when I left there…it was like my FaceBook page back then..
Then I met the first blogger (gr33ndata)..and throuh his blog, I got introduced to the wonderful world of blogging.. By time, I began to write a bit more seriously..I remember the first post I was ever proud of (and still) ; it was a really pissed off post about “Sexual Harrassement” where I wrote about the first time I was harrassed..the incident that NO ONE knew about ..
At this point, I knew that through the blog, I can talk about stuff I can’t talk about in the “real” world…I deleted the MSN space..and moved to blogspot; Simply because people wouldn’t understand…It might sound a stupid reason, trust me it’s not.
You see, I’m a person who’s known as the “girl-who’s-always-lauging” (or La Vache Qui Rie 
), noone ever saw me crying (I make sure they don’t). Where in my blog, I’m free, I can be sad, angry, depressed, happy, great, silly, in love…etc without worrying about silly comments or looks the other day. People here are honest (sometimes too much 
) and genuine.
It’s true that I keep a line between both worlds..but at the same time I don’t hide them..most of you guys know my real name (it’s Layal 
). I just don’t mention my blogging experience in “real” social gatherings. And most importantly, I don’t have my blog link in my FaceBook page, and I don’t have my FaceBook page link here…
The interesting thing is that I mentioned in a job interview that I own a blog(didn’t give the URL though)..and it somehow got me the job I have now 
I wrote this because I wanted to know if this is a common thing…or it’s just me..is your blog a part of your “real” life?
is your blog a part of your “real” life?
It wasn’t but it became unfortunately!
My friends somehow discovered that I have a blog !
they didn’t tell me for months that they knew and they kept reading my posts! Imagine!
Ever since then I’m not feeling comfortable writing at all but lately I started to tell my self screw it ! I am what I am
I wouldn’t say It’s a part of my life now , I used to have a blog 2 years ago where It was really my life and started to know many of my friends online ..
But since I started working I had my own diary .. Diary which represents the real life I have .. Most or all of public posts in my diary are real things in my life .. and am keeping the private things that I cannot post ..
and now It looks like Tweeting has a great part of my real life where I really met some of the great people whom I consider to be so real friends
founoon..I understand why you said “unfortunately”..and yes..just be yourself..and makes me wonder if my friends are reading without me knowing..that would be a problem
Hisham..
I agree..tweeting is great..and it’s good for you that you can manage this kind of merging..if it’s comfortable to you..
But you see..you can’t post the private issues..that’s what I don’t want to lose..
And yes I agree..the people you meet online are much better and more real..I’ve met some amazing people through this blog..
This is good, nightS. A blog is a person’s place, regardless the content presnted there (political, personal, ect). I believe in Oscar Wilde’s quote “Be yourself, because everybody else is taken” so it’s important that everybody to be himself/herself not what people want them to be.
On the other hand, I also believe in “borders” either in real life or the virtual ones (blogs/social media communities) so it’s important to keep personal stuff out of mentioning unless the author felt he/she felt like wanna sharing. Anyway it’s the person’s space in the 1st place.
i blogged my answer for you: http://sunkentreasure6.blogspot.com/2009/08/connecting-people.html
Hicham..
loved the quote
I know there are borders in both worlds…they’re just less in the virtual world
Nour..
…I totally understand why you’re considering privatizing the blog…in the end, do whatever suits you and only you..
thanks for your “connecting” post