I have officially read one too many creepy stories about people's photos getting taken from their blogs. All photos of the Ladybug have been removed from this blog and I will not be posting any going forward.
To tell the truth, I have thought a lot about whether or not I should even continue blogging anymore at this point. I started blogging for a specific purpose and now that said purpose has ended, I don't really see why I need to share myself in such a public forum anymore. While I am currently using this as a means to keep a "baby journal" and I am planning on printing all of my posts for the Ladybug to read some day when she's old enough, I am uncomfortable with the exposure I have opened myself up to here. I like getting mom advice and bouncing questions off everyone, but I often get snarky opinions and condescending anonymous comments that just make me roll my eyes. And it's my own fault! I ask for it. Most of my close blogger friends are following me on face.book now, and that feels safer somehow. I have contemplated opening up another private blog like I did in the past, but it just feels like, for me, there is no point to that.
Anyways, I am going to continue thinking on it, and this is not a post requesting anyone to "talk me down" from a ledge here. I simply just don't see the point anymore.
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34 comments:
I so understand where you are coming from on this. I freaked out about a month ago and only post pictures on my invite only blog. You have to do what you feel comfortable with. I am sure many will support your decision, no matter what it is, but if you decide to stop, you will be missed.
No matter what you decide, I'll still be emailing you and on facebook. :) What do people steal the pics for? I guess I'm naive and don't understand, but I've read on several blogs about people not posting pics anymore because of this.
Yes, I heard that family had their picture taken from their facebook and used for an ad without their consent this morning on the Early Show! It was a beautiful picture and they were flattered, and luckily it wasnt used for anything bad, but STILL without their knowledge, thats just crazy! I respect whatever decision you make...your a momma now and must protect your family, but if you do, email me so I can at least keep on with you on Facebook! :)
Dude, that email freaked me the eff out. I'm in the process of writing a similar post as we speak...err, type.
You know I love ya and I'll follow you however, as long as I can get my ladybug fix somehow. :)
You will be missed if you decide to leave! I respect whatever desicion you make though...I know you will make the right one!
I understand where you are coming from, but would be very sad to see you go. I love your blog! I did take the anonymous comments part off of mine so I don't get many rude comments anymore.
i can totally understand where you're coming from. there are way too many frightening people out there who just don't care about your privacy or the sanctity of your family.
so if you do vanish from the blogosphere, best of luck, even though you don't know me.
It would be sad but it IS understandable. I've gone back and forth so many times myself. Private blog may be a way to go if you find blogging therapeutic and want to keep "journaling" for Ladybug.
*HUGS*
Go to my blog and try to right click on the pics on my sidebar. I think I've figured out how to keep people from stealing pics.
I'm sorry to hear people have been leaving inappropriate comments. I went to comment moderation because of that. If it weren't for the fact that my family checks my blog, I would take it down too. I've thought about it so many times since I found out I was pg. We really do open ourselves and our personal lives up on here, and I'm not sure I am always comfortable with it either.
I would be very sad to see you go, but I completely understand your reason for doing so.
What have you read about people stealing pictures? What do they do with them? I haven't heard of that before, but now I'm a bit freaked out.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we'd really miss you, but you obviously need to do what is best for you. You are such a wonderful writer and story teller, and Ladybug is going to have such a wonderful gift someday when you share this online journal with her. :-D
I'm sorry to read this post. I have enjoyed reading about your journey. I comment occasionally, when I have mommy advice to offer. Whatever you decide, I do wish you and your family all the best.
Tammy
i totally understand where youc oming from! i love you blog and your honesty of mommihood but totally understand!!! you always just have to do whats best for you!!!
I HATE the snarky comments. I don't get them very often anymore because I hardly ever blog. You could just start a private blog and not share it with anyone. You know just use it like an online journal.
I understand completely. I don't have as many followers on my blog as you and as I correspond with them, just setting my blog to private is good enough for me. best of luck to you and ladybug. i've enjoyed reading your blog. It has answered some my questions I've had of my own dealing with my own newborn. Antonia
You mean facebook, where your last name is publically posted? Yeah, that's a safer environment. Maybe you *should* take some time away from posting, so you can focus on feeding your baby (on both sides!) and doing fun things with her. Maybe if you took her on walks you would lose your last three pounds AND do something fun with your daughter. If you need babysitting ideas, that is.
Signed,
ANONYMOUS
I have been lurking since you were about 4 mos. pg, and have thoroughly enjoyed your blog. You have handled adversity with so much poise, and your baby is beautiful. Of course, I respect your wishes for annonimity, but you will be missed!
Liz a grandma in GA
Wow, Mel, you should just delete that anonymous comment. That just got my hackles raised on your behalf.
That being said, BEFORE I read that comment, I have to say, I don't think I have ever heard you sound so negative or just "done" before. This is not a knock, just an observation from a friend that cares (and follows you on FB, so I get to stay in touch no matter what you decide :)). If this blog is not bringing you the peace and comfort that you need, I'd say there is nothing wrong with taking a little break. Maybe you will want to come back after, maybe not.
No matter what happens, I am sorry that people have been snarky to you. It's happened to me, too. There have been times where I wanted to stop posting because of it, but didn't want those particular people to "win."
Hugs!
i so get where u are comin from I would so miss your blog Ive read it since you first got preggers and i went back a read all ur old posts. I have thought about addin you on face book many times but have yet to do so lol. Maybe one day ill do it. I wish I would have thought before i went and posted my boys names all over the blog lol. Im srry ppl leave not nice comments, its really sad how many ppl do that.
Oh my gosh, Mel...I just read the comment from anonymous...I see now why you want to stop blogging. UNREAL. I'm sorry you've been receiving comments like that. You certainly don't deserve it. They should at least have the guts to leave their name.
((hugs))
that anonymous ccomment is way out of line but sadly enought there is one valid point in it in regards to facebook. Facebook keeps all your pictures you post on file and keeps the rights even after you delete your FB profile. I find that really disturbing. Other than that I think you need to do what feels right for you .... in any case the private blog option is a great alternative as you can pick your readers.
Kristina
I have followed you for a while, I would hate to see you go. -Kriss
It's sad to see you go. I have been a follower for a long time, but I don't comment much because I have very little advise or anything.
I completely understand where you are coming from about blogging. My blog is private now so that only people I want to read it can.
Good luck :)
Becky
i will miss you. :( i get it, it does kind of creep me out, but i guess i don't feel like people really pay that close of attentiont to my life!
i would love to still keep up somehow either email or facebook? it seems lke we have been through so much!
you can email if you feel like it - adixon28 at gmail
I understand why you are wanting to move on. I have enjoyed seeing you grow into motherhood and you have always been such an inspiration to me. I always enjoyed stopping by here when I was having a bad TTC day thinking I would never be pg. I hope you will keep your blogger account and check in on a fellow infertile every now and then. I would just love for you to see pics of our little miracle when s/he arrives. I know that you will continue to learn and grow as a mother and I can only hope that I can make the transition from infertile to Mommy as gracefully as you have.
Mel,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your support over the last two years. I have felt priveledged to follow your journey and have you along on mine. You were always the one that made me think a little more about my religion without turning me off to the thought. You wrote so many sweet, encouraging words that got me a little bit more through each day.
It is strange to now be able to walk away from our past but know that you will always hold a small space in my heart. I admire you for being a strong, persevering woman, protecting your Ladybug, for becoming an amazing mother.
Best of luck to you as I bittersweetly say goodbye,
s.e.
It's been nice knowing you as part of the Braces Bunch, and I hope you still keep touch with us BBers. I can understand your needs, and wish you the very best!
All the best to you and your family, Mel. Ladybug sure is a beautiful baby, and (IMO) has a great mom. I've appreciated your honesty and humor on your blog, and I'll miss it!
I just want to thank you for sharing your story. A few months ago, Joy led me to your blog as a source of hope, and it has provided me with so much hope, when I so desparately needed it. Thank you.
I wish you and your beautiful family a lifetime of happiness. :-D
Mel, you will surely be missed. You have been a true asset to the IF community and I thank you for sharing a piece of your world with us for a few years. I wish you and your family the very best and I hope we can keep in touch via email. XOXO
Mel, I never left a comment on your blog before this one, but since you're closing down shop, I just wanted to let you know that I read your blog faithfully and it helped me during a difficult time in my life. I found your blog after I had a miscarriage and it helped to lift my spirits and stay focused on what God was doing in my life. I was so genuinely excited to read the post when you discovered you were pregnant. And then I got pregnant again two months later! Reading your posts helped me know what to expect two months down the line.
I hate to see you go, but as I, myself, am totally paranoid about putting my actual identity out in cyberspace, I understand. I wish nothing but the best for you and your beautiful daughter as well as your husband.
Aw Mel! I'm going to miss reading your updates :) but I do understand your decision and I pray that you continue to be kept by and blessed by our Almighty Father.
HUGS
xxx
Hey Mel!
I just saw your post on Lemy's mom's blog and was happy to see you are still on here even if your not blogging. I was just thinking about you and your sweet lady bug the other day and almost e-mailed you but didn't know if I would be bothering you! I hope all is well with you in the land of lady bug! Happy 4th of July!
-Jess
babyparamore.blogspot.com
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