I put a post up here this afternoon and took it down again within the blink of an eye. Seriously, it was here for about 90 seconds and then it was whipped back into my draft pile. That Pile of Whoa – as in whoa nelly, don’t say that!
I’ve received 7 emails about that post. Man, that RSS has a lot to answer for! I hardly ever get emails from readers. Seriously, if it wasn’t for the reply function on Disqus that so many lovely bloggers use, there would be tumbleweeds tumbling weedily through maxabella@gmail.com
So, I’m writing this post to tell you why I took down that other post.
The other post (much like this post) was a post was about blogging. Right now, as you may have spotted around the Aussie blogiverse, there are debates raging about blogging and corporates and sponsorship and all that razzamatazz and I have strong opinions about it all. But I censored myself today.
I did it once before, when I called out the pretty-slash-pretty-useless girl at work and then felt bad about suggesting she was getting ahead based on her looks alone. I censored myself that day because I didn’t really know that girl’s full story and she didn’t deserve me to make assumptions about her. I censored myself today for much the same reason.
Truth is, there is a lot I want to say but probably never will. Sometimes people deserve better than my truth. They deserve their own.
Brenda @ Mira Narnie says
Bum! I reckon I got there about 2 seconds too late, coz I read some of that (now deleted post) on google reader, and wanted more…I was nodding, agreeing, shouting like a bunch of cheer leaders going “Yes bron, what’s with the blogging now adays!!!” I want the good old days back, when we blogged for bloggings sake. And yes, i censored a post…deleted it! gone…when I wrote (THAT POST) and had them all swarming in to put me back in my place. Bron….your opinions make this blog what it is…don’t censor yourself too much ok!
perhaps just give us a PG version!
xx
Squiggly Rainbow says
I have, it was about my family though… I tried to read that post earlier today, there was a snippet in my list… I am not that popular a blogger to know what is going on… but it sounds somewhat interesting… are bloggers losing their authenticity? xxx Love Rach x
Jacki says
I can’t say I’ve ever censored a post, but I’m always cautious before I hit ‘publish’ that I’d be comfortable defending any of the things I’ve said that people may take offence to or disagree with. I can understand if you don’t want backlash from people who might accuse you of being critical or judgemental but I sometimes wonder if some people are too easily offended… I like it when people have opinions (even when I don’t agree with them). Anything that gets a polite, informed and challenging conversation going sounds like a good idea to me.
Megan Blandford says
I have. People were asking me a couple of weeks ago why a post of mine was missing – I hit publish and then panicked about the way I’d written it.
I know you have strong thoughts on this stuff and I’ve always been interested to hear them, actually, so I wish I’d visited in that 90 seconds!
LionessLady says
I got it before you deleted it and saved it for commenting later once I had all my words right in my head, and now poof. Shall we pretend it never existed?!
(Btw, I totes agree with Brenda up there – dont censor yourself too much! You tend to say exactly what lots of people are thinking, except your brave enough to have an opinion and put it out there! You go girl!)
Mumma Drogi says
I wrote a post just yesterday about censoring myself, completely oblivious to the fact that this is what i was doung. Ive always written and my new find of blogging has somehow made me too scared to write what i really think. Im not so used to being heard. Ive made a conscious choice to no longer do this because in the end my blog is for me, no one else. Much like id imagine yours is for you. Dont pull back too much, people read you because they value you x
Ms Styling You says
Yep, unfortunately I saw it. It’s there in living breathing black and white on my reader.
Anonymous says
To say that you unfortunately saw the pOst strikes me as an odd choice of words. Unfortunate because bron has since removed it or unfortunate because you didn’t like the content? I also saw it and agreed with every word.
Miss Mandy says
We (bloggers) probably censor everything we write. who types and doesn’t read it back before hitting publish. Is that how I want to word it, is that what I’m trying to say?
Yes there will be sponsored posts, but fingers crossed there will still be lots of quality content, and we can always scroll through the stuff we don’t really want to read.
Sarah says
I saw the post pop up – made a mental note to go back to it (I was on my way out) but obviously missed it.
Yes, I have censored posts and I don’t think it’s always such a bad thing really. You can still be true to yourself but you dont have to blog about it unless you chose to.
I sometimes leave posts in draft for a day or two, often I may say things in the heat of the moment or facts may present themselves that alter my opinion or I may decide that actually, Im not sure I want that particular fight/discussion, whatever.
As in every day life there are somethng we want out there and some we don’t, I don’t think it devalues your integrity in anyway if you chose not to be vocal on some issues.
Dorothy Krajewski says
Ahh, it’s still there in my reader. Funny, I just wrote about this, but from a different perspective. I find it interesting that people have such strong opinions about this stuff. But I guess I have strong opinions about people having strong opinions 🙂
I pulled a post once. Maybe twice. I realised that I was just being too caught up in myself.
I republished one of those on my other, then anonymous, blog, where no-one would get hurt.
Peggy says
Nah, I don’t censor my thoughts and opinions, ever. As long as what you say is said with kindness (truthful but kind) you are entitled to your opinion. Post it again Bron; your blog, your opinion, your thoughts.
I have people close to me ask if some of my posts are about them, in fact my blog is about me. Sure some subjects relate to specific types of people but my posts are usually about my journey. If someone happens to fall in that path then yes it is about them if they want to read it that way. But I don’t ever apologise for speaking MY truth.
Col @ Hello Olive says
Well, now I REALLY want to read the original post 🙂 x
Robyn says
i went on to see your post earlier-but you had obviously already taken it down. shame you, we bloggers, feel that we have to sensor our stuff. i do to because my blog is not anonymous…otherwise i would GO FOR IT!
supermac says
Agree with Col@Hello Olive. Now I want to read the censored post so bad.
Kim H says
Yes I have but I really want to hear what you have to say. Come on, Bron! Spill your guts here – you can, it’s your darn blog! Come on, we all (who missed that post) want to know. Spill girl! 😉
Glen says
all the time – oh my goodness you can’t go about saying exactly what you think all the time!! You are a wise woman. Thinking. That’s what sets us apart from the snails.
jodi says
As you once said to me; “don’t be afraid to believe wholeheartedly in your opinions.” x
jodi says
Ps. Just to clarify I didn’t read your post and I have no idea what’s going on in blogworld. Am I living under a rock? X
trudi@maudeandme says
I always love hearing “your truths”. Agreed totally with your earlier post. Regardless though you open up discussion, and if it doesn’t cause you grief, that is good. Thanks.
katiecrackernuts says
I saw your post and was about to jump on board and make a comment, and, pfft, gone. I do understand why you might take it down but, Lordy, I deal with legal kills for a large newspaper company and, trust me, there was nothing there to be worried about.
As for corporate blogging, blogging for profit or spruiking, whatever floats your boat, I say. Like you, I suspect, I tell the PR peeps to, politely, look for someone else. And heaven knows, my poor little blog doesn’t get a lot of love from me, so why they’d bother, I never know. It’s not exactly bring in the PIs and UBs and it never will. I work in this space all day every day so it’s a little bit hard to jump onto my blog and say something more than: “Hi, still here? Yeap, me too”.
You know what though, readers are an astute bunch and they know when someone’s on the take and they’ll either follow because of what is being reviewed, or they won’t. Sometimes these little cyber spaces we carve out for ourselves better resemble the way we are than we think they do – by accident more than design.
Go the freestylin’ bloggin’, I say.
Fiona says
I’m a big believer in “picking your battles” Bron. That doesn’t mean you can’t have strong opinions, but who has time to deal with the associated angst as others’ opinions come back at you. You post as you see fit. I love your blog, it’s happy, confident and makes visitors feel comfortable and welcome.
Kymmie says
My blog loving has a paragraph of your original post. Of course, it’s your blog and I always read your blog! I’m sad you censored yourself, but who am I to talk? I hold back on pretty much everything on my blog and so it’s pretty selfish of me to expect you to spill your beans over here! Curiosity killed the cat, but I do suspect your post is exactly why I’m not blogging as much as I used to, and perhaps why my posts are lacking some passion (or always did?) so much to say about it… Perhaps I’d better stop there? Love you girl, and it’s your right to do whatever you wish here. Xx
Simoney says
Oh I want to read that post!
Any chance you’d email it to me just to satisfy my curiosity? i have an inkling we’re probably on the same page…
I HAVE censored myself before… but literally have taken the post down and chopped out the bits that were too whingey/negative and then re-posted it. Usually a comment or two has managed to sneak through in the five minutes the post was up… then because the comments now make NO SENSE I’ve had to add a P.S. and state why I changed the post… so the commenter (usually a FRIEND) doesn’t look like they’re clueless…
Oh but i really want to read that post now.
Don’t you hate that??
x
Simoney says
P.S. I agree with all the commenters who have begged you not to censor yourself too much… because as they so rightly said, your opinions are so often what we’re all thinking but don’t know how (or have the courage) to put our thoughts into words.
This is what makes you stand out for me in the blogosphere, and why even if you hadn’t become a bloggy “friend” (and made it onto my bucket list of bloggers I want to meet in person) I would still be reading, time-challenged as I am.
xx
Louisa Claire says
I have censored myself before – sometimes I just need to write it out. I saw the other post in my reader and while I see where you are coming from & feel for you, I probably think it was the right thing to take it down, simply because it would have caused more hurt that is needed at the moment and I know (or feel fairly confident) that that would not have been your goal. I love the way you make me think Bron! x
BabyMac says
It came onto my reader too…I haven’t ever censored a post – you hit publish for a reason I usually do it and then go hide! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and if you can’t say them on a place like a blog well that’s not very fun is it?
georgi says
like Jodi, I didn’t read your post and I don’t know what’s going on – but your blog, your space, your opinions. Post what you would like, and delete posts as you like too.
x
Rachel {little bits of lovely} says
I read your censored post in my RSS + clicked through because I wanted to comment. I haven’t censored a post before, but I have gone back and edited one! The great thing about blogging is that its a platform for you to express how you are feeling/thinking etc. Not everyone is going to agree with you and share the same views, but people read your blog because they like YOU. Don’t try to hide who you are + your opinions – its what makes you different + why I love your blog so much. There is a whole lot of hoopla going on in the blog world + it seems the bigger blogs get, the more hoopla surrounds it. I went through a phase of being overly concerned about what people thought about my blog + whether I fitted into a particular ‘mould’ or stereotype, but seriously it was exhausting. I’m just being myself now and if I lose followers, so what? I’m being true to me xx
Kelly Exeter says
You know what the problem with blogging is? It’s not *really* a conversation. No matter that we like to think it is.
When you have a conversation you get to qualify and clarify your opinion and you get to agree or disagree respectfully (for the most part!)
But in this blogging world, I have noticed that strong opinions garner lynch mob type comments and add a layer of sting to the post that the writer probably didn’t intend.
I always love hearing your strong opinions Bron, because they are often different to mine and I find differing opinions interesting. But maybe in this case, with all the nastiness already circulating, censorship was a good idea. You have a strong and influential voice in this blogging world and unfortunately that comes with … ‘responsibility’!!
On the subject of everything that is going on at the moment, I have to admit that I just don’t understand the angst?! Possibly it is because I witnessed a similar evolution back in my triathlon days. The good news is, triathlon survived 🙂
Katrina (capturing moments) says
What’s going on? I must be living in the dark ages…
mel @ loved handmade says
I’ve almost censored myself, sometimes i just don’t write the post because it might be too contoversial and I’m not a great one for confrontation even here in my living room behind my computer screen! But then, this is your place to say what you like, and really if people don’t like it then perhaps they should be the ones to censor and not comment..
mel @ loved handmade says
I have to add, when I put up a post thats really heartfelt, I realise that I’m putting myself in the firing line. People will comment, share their opinion and judge, so be it, it’s out there for all to see. Though, i do sometimes wonder why people feel the need to ‘diagnose’…
Life In A Pink Fibro says
I’m glad you censored it. I didn’t read it, but then, I don’t need to because I have a fair idea of what it was about. At the end of the day, people blog for different reasons. Their reasons may not be your reasons, but they’re valid reasons and they’re giving it a red-hot go.
The blogging community is meant to be a supportive place, but it’s not really. Everybody has a computer, everybody has an opinion, everybody presses publish to get their ‘truth’ out there.
It’s as important to choose what NOT to say as it is to choose what you do say.
#justsaying
Toni says
Having not seen the post (drat it) I’m holding an uninformed opinion (I know, right? when did THAT last happen *cough*)
Trust your gut.
Sometimes our right to post needs to be weighed up against the right to a peaceful life.
Unless you’re up for it, avoid the drama merchants.
x
CurlyPops says
I read it and was so thankful that I exist in the craft blogging world where all these kerfuffles seem to pass us by!
And yes I have taken down a post (but not on my craft blog) after I realised that it may hurt the feelings of someone and I would never do intentionally do that offline either.
Lipgloss Mumma says
I didn’t read your post Bron, but wish I had. I have a feeling it is along similar lines of what I wrote in one of my final posts before I shut down my blog. I got a barrage of emails saying I should keep my opinion to myself blah, blah, blah…. It wasn’t the reason I closed my blog, but it sure was a nail in the coffin.
I understand why you censored it (but would still love to read it), your blog is your space but your space is such a positive and calm space and that is what you want to retain. Although I don’t believe in censoring our opinions I get that sometimes it is the best option.
Hugs Bron x
Sarah says
Hey it is your blog! Do not censor – this bog is about you and your opinions! I noticed a post – went to look and it was gone. Shame I missed it – I like to get my teeth in challenging post – it keeps my brain moving as a my SAHM. People dont have to read it if they dont want. Also people follow you because like your opinions and thoughts!
Glowless @ Where's My Glow says
I saw the partial feed and tried to click through to the post (the words vom in my mouth got me). I’ve only deleted posts that I’ve accidentally hit publish on too soon… or, as was the case yesterday, Tricky sitting on my lap and hitting the keyboard just once and a half finished post went up!
A Farmer's Wife says
I censor a lot. I think it is important to have a look at why you censor. Some truths are important and need to be told – if there is a cause that needs advancing then don’t censor and go for it. Kristin over at Wanderlust is doing some pretty brave blogging at the moment for a very good reason.
If it is just something you (I don’t mean you in particular Bron – just all bloggers, self included) want to get off your chest but you know it will hurt and upset a lot of other people then I would rethink. Is it worth it? It may be, more often it probably isn’t.
I must admit to not reading the original post so can’t really comment about that. I do think if people want to brand their blog and are lucky enough to have the chance to make some money or even a career out of it then good for them.
Take care.
rex says
I saw the whole post, and thought that would be interesting to see the conversation it sparks. But as I clicked to the site, I was not surprised to see it gone.
In the end, I agree with exactly what Life in a pink fibro has said above.
By the way I don’t think it was that controversial, so no-ones missing out on much.
Mrs BC says
I didn’t see it which is a shame, because if it is what I think it was about, I really would like your opinion on it. I have my own thoughts on this situation, and have a post brewing away that might yet see the light of day.
I don’t always agree with you but I’m always interested in what you have to say. I think you know the difference between word vomit and a well thought (and written) opinion piece, especially on your own blog!
xx
Mrs Woog says
I read it as well, and I didn’t think there was anything wrong with your opinion x
Miriam says
Ah mystery solved it came up in my blog reader and then when i clicked it was gone. Good one you for censoring yourself – the ‘anonymity’ rather than ‘face to face’ ness of the web can make us say things we would never say in person… I didn’t read it but I am sure you won’t regret censoring yourself x
Kat @ I Saw You Dancing says
Bron, this is your blog and your voice and you are entitled to say whatever you want. And, of course, people are entitled to disagree. But they do not have the right to spoil your day… though only you have control over that.
Anyway, I reckon you’re strong enough. You can handle it. You can push back if you need to. And you can ignore the nay sayers.
I read your blog because I value your perspective and I love the way you write. Spirited is what I would call it.
Don’t play small, just to fit in to other people’s limited perceptions.
I read the blog before it was removed and, honestly, I couldn’t find anything offensive in it. It was just you, saying your thing, doing it with spirit and with style.
Do more, honey. Do more!
Sammie says
Ohh! Very curious!!!
I don’t comment much but always always always read your blog Bron! (normally sometime in the middle of the night)
I adore your blog and your writing!
Don’t censor yourself Bron! Your awesome!
flowerpress says
I saw it and came straight over to comment!
Though I’m not sure exactly what I was going to say 🙂
I don’t think its black and white but I do have my own opinions.
Anyway, it was refreshing to see someone talking about it, if only for a millisecond 😉
bigwords is... says
I’ve read it too. It’s your blog honey – you write what you want. That’s what blogging is about, everyone making their own choices to pursue whichever avenue of blogging they want to without fear of being torn down. Everyone has a right to do so and feel supported.
Emily says
Curiosity. Cat. Meow. I saw you had a post, and I clicked through… and nothing.
I censored a post just yesterday. I still posted it, but removed specific examples. There’s enough family angst about parenting decisions and the like without fanning the flames further – what I was writing wasn’t revolutionary enough to be worth it.
Miss Pink says
I think it’s a shame you removed it. I saw it, as a lot of others did I see, and I would have loved to put my two cents towards it.
As a blogger who has received money because of my blog, I can’t say I agree 100% but I think I knew what you were getting at and your frustrations.
Most of the products/brands I mention I do on my own accord, and I wouldn’t accept cash to write about a product that I wouldn’t buy myself. But I don’t see a problem with getting paid to write about something that you would use anyway. Why not? It doesn’t make you a sell out. And it doesn’t make you a sell out if you are sent a prodict you’ve never heard of/used and you write about it because you find you like it.
That’s MY opinion.
But I think there’s a way to do it too. Make it fit into your story, a story you would share otherwise. Something personal about YOU, and not just a simple “This product is great, go buy it because it does x, y & z” But the great bloggers know that anyway 😉
Mrs Clark says
Totally agreed with and loved it. It’s your opinion and when people begin telling you how & what to think, that’s when there’s a problem!
It is sad.
I always thought of a blog as an online journal.
Some of my favourite bloggers have entered the new “realm” of blogging.
It’s sad because when I see they have a new post in my feed, I don’t even read it.
Totes agree babe, don’t warp your opinions for an uncomfortable few.
xx
ally says
I think we all censor ourselves every time we write with what we choose not to say and how we say what we say.
I saw it and felt like you’d been reading my mind (AGAIN!) but I can understand not saying it too.
xx
Donna says
I saw the post in my reader but wasnt in any way offended by it. I figure in your blog space you are free to say as you please, as if it were a conversation you were having in the comfort of your living room.
I’m a “censorer” from way back and probably always will be but hell, that is me. I never write with an intention to offend and not all stories are mine to share. A recent post of mine probably only lasted online for 2 hours before I panicked and pulled it!
Andrea @ little buckles says
I wish I had seen it! I think you should be free to say what you think? Especially you. You always put a great twist on your posts 🙂 x
Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me says
I read your post, Bron, and I wasn’t offended by it. I’m sad that you feel like you have to censor yourself on your own blog. This is your space and if people are offended by your opinion, it’s a reflection on them, imho. I am quite open about monetising my blog and even I am getting sick of the hype. Blog on, chick xx
Rhonda says
I didn’t get to read the post, but I feel like many others who are sad that you are censoring yourself on your own space.
Melissa says
I’ve censored before. I hate doing it though, it goes against the grain.
But. About your post. I agreed, with every.single.word.
I don’t care who monetises. I’m happy with not doing it, but not for the reasons people think (I don’t think it has to be a sell out, or a lack of integrity. I genuinely believe to each his own). But I do care about the great divide that’s being caused over it.
And the fact that Nikki clearly didn’t like what you wrote is evidence of it. It becomes us against them, and it doesn’t have to be. She didn’t have to take it personally. You weren’t saying she shouldn’t monetise. Just that you don’t, and that you hate the crap that is going on with it at the moment. Seemed like a fair point to me.
Libby says
Ditto! Came up on reader and then it was gone! I respect your opinion, you know that. However, sometimes I feel that people ‘like us’ the loud, call afraid to call a spade a shovel are prone to being used or hidden behind by people who aren’t as forthright in their convictions….you don’t always have to take the bullet:)
Trust your gut and own your decisions – that’s what you’d tell me!
Libby says
that was meant to be ‘not afraid to call a spade a shovel’!!!!
I’m at work – fast typing = typos:)
Julie says
Hey Bron,
I didn’t get to read the snippet, but it sounds interesting.
I have written posts but never published them, they are in draft or saved on my computer. My way of censoring my posts is by not letting all my family and friends know about my blog. Because at the end of the day its an outlet for me, its not for them to read and then make judgements about me.
xJ
Rachel K says
I use to really enjoy reading a certain mummy blog but now can’t stand it due to all the advertising she has. She has many sponsored posts and includes her kids in the pics. It made me laugh when she was telling us how all her kids like to eat this particular product but her husbands big hairy hand was holding the product in front of one child. She has many recipes on her blog and now when you click on the link thinking you’re going to the recipe, you now get taken to the online book store. She makes money from this too.
Sonia LifeLoveandHiccups says
I censor my mouth all the time otherwise I could get my self into so much trouble. I hate that I am constantly questioning myself before I speak in case I offend someone. The problem is that too often people read into things and find something that is not really there and then they react, and I react and then it is all just one big kerfuffle…and so I try to censor my mouth. The end. xx
therhythmmethod says
I censor when I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, but your post is still in my reader. I just read it and it’s completely sensible and rational and I completely agree. I think people need to work on their story telling, and forget about ‘branding’. If they want to be part of a brand, they can go work in the corporate world. BUT, I think this is where the internet is heading, and part of the reason I’ve deleted my entire inbox and deactivated my Facebook account. The internet is becoming like a gigantic sea of spam. It’s getting harder and harder to find genuine, good content, without being bombarded by people trying to sell you stuff.
Kate Sins says
Hehehe, I didn’t see the post but just opened my reader so I could see it! I have no opinion on what you wrote in that post, I don’t care whether people monetise or whether people care whether people monetise or any of that jazz, but it pains me you censor your posts. This is your space. People can leave if they don’t like what you have to say.