The sad case of Flea

The case of Flea has had me thinking about anonymous blogging, especially as it relates to professional life. Flea was undoubtedly foolish to blog about his malpractice trial, which makes me wonder why such an apparently intelligent and thoughtful person would do something so personally and professionally dangerous. Is the catharsis of blogging so addictive that one could lose sight of common sense -- or can an anonymous blogger feel so secure in his or her anonymity that an appropriate sense of risky behavior no longer exists?

Another favorite of mine, Fat Doctor, briefly shut down her blog after being "outed" to her boss. Fat Doctor is thankfully back blogging (and soon starting a new job), but her situation has made me determined that my blog will never contain anything that I wouldn't want my boss (or Speed Racer, or my kids) to see. And I still won't blog about work, until I know that Big Company has really figured what their approach to employee blogging will be. I am not a doctor, so I don't have to worry about patient confidentiality, but I am privy to confidential company information, and while I love Big Company (they really are a great company to work for for), I couldn't be unfailingly uncritical. So maybe not as much catharsis for me, but perhaps a little more peace of mind. I do reserve the right to comment on our industry in general!

When Second Son first had a blog, he left it up on the computer one day. I noted the URL and read it every now and then. He was furious with me -- I think he thought it was like I had been reading his diary. But he published it on the internet -- in full view of the whole world -- including his mother! So maybe I was a little sneaky for noting that URL. Sorry sweetie!

As for anonymity, I not ready to blog using my real name -- or to share my e-mail. Maybe someday, when all the spammers have realized the error of their ways...but in the mean time, although I am being at least semi-anonymous, I will write as though any reader will be able to figure out who I am.

All of this of course is basically flattering myself that anyone (other than Speed Racer and ccpdppr read this anyway!)