Does your personality shine through on your blog? Or online in general? I was thinking about this recently since so many bloggers (myself included) often say that we blog partly because there aren't people in our life to talk books with. So we blog or connect with like-minded people online, and one of the really cool things about it is connecting with people not just in our immediate area, but with people all over the world. That's a topic for another time, though- here I want to discuss how we present ourselves online.
I think sometimes I'm more enthusiastic online than I am in real life, because let's face it- I love books and I love talking about books. Or films, or you know, whatever. Most of my friends are scattered so we don't get together much, but we do talk about all things geekish when we do. I have one friend in particular where whenever we get together or talk it seems invariably that we discuss favorite books or movies, old jokes from our childhood, and even favorite lines from movies. To someone listening it must sound totally nonsensical.
I think some of that enthusiasm, that sheer joy, of having shared interests also bleeds into my blog interactions a bit. Or even social media. I've noticed I use a lot explanation marks and laugh emoticons and stuff like that, and I think it's because I'm having fun when I'm online commiserating about a favorite book or TV show. I mean the world is pretty mundane, let's face it- work, school, whatever- but in the books or films we love, we can live other lives, even if it's only vicarious. That's why when I think about how long I'll blog- honestly, I don't see stopping anytime soon, because I enjoy it too much. And many of my regular visitors I consider friends. Why give those up?
So what do you think? Do you let loose a little online, where people understand or share your passions? And even if your significant other or whoever shares those passions, do you still get excited to geek out online? I'd love to know what you think!
I like to think my personality and enthusiasm shine through on my blog. I mean, I've always been a very enthusiastic, excitable person in general, but I guess I didn't really have a chance to be excited about books/reading in particular since middle school until I started my blog. But I feel like I'd prob still be excited to geek out online even if I had someone IRL who shared my bookish passion because I like being excited about things, and the more people I can share the excitement with, the better!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point, I think a lot of us have so much enthusiasm online because it's like hey, we've found our tribe! lol or at least like- minded people. But there are lots of people too who seem to have SO's or friends who share their passions, and still geek out online, so I think maybe it's just the fact that we can share it all that works! And your enthusiasm does show on your blog I think!
DeleteI have never used exclamation marks more than I have online! EVER! It doesn't feel wrong though bc in my head I am excited about what I'm saying and even mor eexcited that the people who interact with me on my blog are just as excitable as I am and appreciate an extra ! or two. I hope my personality shines through in my blog and reviews, though I admit I do feel a little bit more free on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteSame!! I agree with everything you just said. :) I feel like your enthusiasm does shine through on your blog, I always enjoy reading your reviews and posts. And yes Twitter can freeing. :)
DeleteAw Greg, thank you!!!
DeleteYou are welcome!! :)
DeleteMy online persona is a much livelier, friendlier and enthusiastic version of myself but I loved both parts of me equivalently. I guess it does goes back to the reason why I started blogging. I haven't met any friends who read as much as I do (only until I started bookstagramming last year) so the online blogging community has always been my book loving family. I love that I could be myself and go crazy over books and have like minded people fangirl along with me, haha!
ReplyDeleteExactly! Same here. I do have friends that read as much (well, maybe not AS much) but yeah- and still I geek out online! So I think you're right- it's finding this community of like- minded book lovers that seems to really generate the enthusiasm!
DeleteI'm definitely a lot happier sounding online than in reality as I don't want to be constantly talking about problems. I like talking about my books which make me happy, rather than the battle with depression and anxiety that I often struggle with. I talk to my dad about that and I think that lets my happier side emerge online. I use a lot of !!!! too...!
ReplyDeleteHa ha !!!!! But yes that makes a lot of sense. I've noticed that as well, since on my blog I'm usually talking about things that make me happy, I tend to geek out or be very enthusiastic.
DeleteWhat a great topic, Greg. I like to think my personality comes across when I blog. Actually, it's probably even a bit amplified. Since blogging online with like-minded people feels like a safe space, it's easier to let the real excitement show and basically geek out over things. I probably temper that excitement (and geekiness) IRL, but on the blog with people who love books and reading as much as I do? Yeah, that's where I can let it show.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think I'm definitely amplified. And exactly right- well said! It does feel safe to let that part of ourself go online, since we know in the book blogging community everyone feels the same way too! We're really blessed when you think about it, to have the community.
DeleteI'd like to think my personality comes through in my blog but sometimes I'm not so sure it does, I think I'd probably need to write a few more personal pieces in order for that to happy. That being said I think the comments are interaction are where I really have fun and what makes blogging worthwhile because even though this is all electronic I do consider my blogging friends to be really important - especially as most of my family and friends don't share the same interest in books - or more particularly speculative fiction.
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
That's a good point. Sharing personal stuff can definitely help us to relate to others, and helps others get to know us. And I totally agree- the commenting and interaction are important, and blogging friends are just like real friends. I don't see a distinction there really, especially with bloggers who we really get to know over time. And same here- although I have geekish friends no one in my family has much interest in spec fic, so I get that!
DeleteI don't know that I really "Let loose" but I do have fun with my blog and online. It's fun to share things with like-minded people and I agree, not a lot of people in my "real" life share my love of books. I think my blog is very personal without being "wide open." People know I love my pups and it's fun to incorporate and yes, people do associate me with them. I would never do that with "human kids" but feel it's pretty safe with my furbabies. Great discussion Greg!
ReplyDeleteThanks! And I agree, it's nice to have a happy medium. I'm not super comfortable sharing really personal stuff, but I hopefully share enough that people can get to know me. And since reading and talking about books is such an important part of my life, it does feel like I'm sharing! Personal without being wide open- that's a great way to put it!
DeleteI think I'm more outgoing online and on my blog than I am in real life. If we met on the street or you saw me at a party, you'd think I was super-quiet and shy. I think the blog lets me be the person I want to be in real life sometimes, without the fear.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point, and I often think how lucky I am to be able to meet people all over the world. That just wouldn't happen without blogging! And I agree, I think I'm more outgoing online too. :)
DeleteI try to be myself on my blog, I also use ALL CAPS and exclamation points when I get really excited! But I never use gifs, like many bloggers do. I see gifs as a great visual way to show your personality, but they just aren't my style.
ReplyDeleteI use an occasional GIF but I tend to agree, I don't use 'em much. And sometimes I wonder with exclamation points or emojis if I'm overdoing it, but I can't help it- I just love talking about books!
DeleteI’m so awkward in real life. It’s awful. I think I’m more “me” on the blog than I am in real life. On the blog, I get to be silly and talk about things I’m passionate about. The silliness sometimes happens in real life, but I don’t know anyone IRL who reads or likes the same things I do. I don’t have a lot in common with the people I know in the real world.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
I think a lot of us are. If I'm at a party or whatever where I don't know very many people, it's just uncomfortable. But online once you get to know some bloggers it just feels so easy and comfortable. I think a lot of people feel the same way you do, I know I do!
DeleteI have no idea? There are some things I say in my blog that I might not word quite the same IRL, but probably mainly because I dont talk books at all IRL, so I have no idea what I would say.
ReplyDeleteHa ha I know, I don't talk books much IRL either. Unless like I said my friends are around, but we don't get together that often!
DeleteI think people are more open on their blogs than with people in real life, I know I am. it really is nice to know other people share your passion however odd or not.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if my personality shows through my blog but I am always honest so perhaps it does show.
have a lovely day.
Exactly. And I'm sure it does. :)
DeleteOh definitely, I've been on social media for far longer than I've been a blogger and I've made great friends too, in real life and online, and generally I'm more myself online. My blog has been reflecting that a lot lately, apart from my reviews I've been doing oter posts as well like movie reviews and my favorites - also the sunday posts help add a bit more personal stuff to it which is great!
ReplyDeleteI think I am too sometimes. Online friends are some of the best- yeah we might not seem 'em all the time or have coffee but the shared love of books (and movies, and fandoms) is definitely a real friendship! I love movie reviews too. And other posts that just share passions.
DeleteI'm totally different online. It's not fake at all but it's a version of me that I think I'm too shy or reserved to be in real life. I'm way more open about my life on my blog & SM. In fact my MIL often checks my Twitter to find out what we've been up to lol
ReplyDeleteMost people think I'm super outgoing & active and then they meet me and I'm terrified lol
There's something about that invisible shield that the computer allows you to be a little bolder.
Having said that, I have met a lot of my blogger friends in real life and have made *real* friends out of them.
I'm the same. I'm enthusiasitc about my fandoms and interests in RL but online is where I can share 'em, and discuss with like minded people. In RL people just aren't interested! That's funny about your MIL!
DeleteHa ha I'm probably quieter in RL too.
And it is nice to meet blogger friends in person!
I met you IRL Karen! You're just as beautiful in person as you are online! I'm still shocked someone went out of their way to throw a lightbulb at you. The nerve! ;)
DeleteA lightbulb???
DeleteHaha! I'll let you ask Karen!!
DeleteL and I have been to a few of the same book cons and at one of them she kept bopping me in the head to get my attention in lines with a soft lightbulb - those stress things that you're supposed to squeeze lol
DeleteI still have it!
Ha ha that's funny!!!
DeleteI know mine does. I write exactly the way I talk!
ReplyDeleteCool!!
DeleteI hope my personality comes out but I think I’m pretty dull lately. My older blog posts are way more personality filled.
ReplyDeleteI don't think your dull. I've noticed the tenor of my blog posts changes from time to time too, I think a lot of us have that. :)
DeleteI tend to be more bouncy online - but that's because I'm talking about one of my main passions in life - BOOKS. It's an interesting discussion, Greg. I'm also very aware that I in a public forum and am quite careful what I say, too... But I don't go around saying things I don't mean, or lie. There's no point and I'm too old for such mindgames, anyway.
ReplyDeleteHope it's not too cold where you are and you're having a great week:)
Bouncy- I like that! I think I'm bouncy too sometimes, especially if I see a review or post for something I love. I get all excited! You're right though, it is a VERY public forum and you have to be careful. After all, you don't really know WHO'S reading. But yes I feel like I'm genuine even if I am geeking out a bit. :)
DeleteThanks, it's in the upper 20's today but I keep thinking spring!
This is such an interesting question! I don't really know, I guess I probably am pretty similar online, maybe a little more likely to talk to folks than I ever would in real life but as a whole I like to think I'm the same. I really want to ask folks what impression they get from me now and see if compares to folks who know me.
ReplyDeleteHa ha right? I think we all wonder how we come across sometimes? But I think I'm similar too, just way more likely to geek out! It is easier to get to know blog friends I think sometimes, since that shared interest is a definite icebreaker.
DeleteI like to think that my blog is an extension of my personality. I write about things that I like as I talk about things that I like, and I think that's a good thing because it shows that's me in every aspect. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. My enthusiasm bleeds through into the blog and it's genuine, and the blog is where I can express it!
DeleteWhen I started blogging a few years ago, it was like I'd FINALLY found my people. I was able to talk about books and whatever else I wanted. It was crazy exciting whenever I got to meet these people in person, and our online friendships easily transferred over into "real life." I'm still friends with most of those people today. Those relationships have lasted longer than any of the friendships I made in high school.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I can actually be myself without being judged. So what if I like to stay home and read a book all day? I have three children, so may days are CRAZY, and it's bliss whenever I'm able to lose myself in a book at night. In high school, you're expected to act a certain way, and you're labeled "weird" or "different" if you don't. It was a hard life--can't be yourself without offending half the population, and at that age you care. Now I give zero f***s. I am myself on my blog and in life. I've made amazing friends through blogging, and it's why I came back after having kids. (I was silly and gave up blogging because I had no time, but now I make time. It's my ME TIME, and I need it like air.) My bookish friends have helped me more times than I can count. They're reliable, great listeners, and truly wonderful people.
I met you a few months ago, and now were Jen's problem children. It's an easy friendship. I don't *know* you, but I like to believe I know your truest self, because online and blogging you can be everything you want and more.
I hope this makes sense and wasn't just me rambling about random thoughts! Love the question!
Do You Dog-ear?
Yes- the same! I was amazed there were people who loved books as much, and all in a community. The closest thing I came to it pre- blogging was going to a convention and meeting al kinds of like- minded people. It's like finding your tibe. :)
DeleteAnd yes. Here we're all just book nerds! In RL no one really gets the book thing, not the way bloggers do. So true about high school- I didn't have it BAD but it's just a social nightmare. I know what you mean about being over it an adult, and not caring anymore. That's very liberating. :) And the friends I've made throug blogging are the best!
Yes lol! That cracked me up. But it's true- I DO feel like my true personality shows on my blog, since books are one of my main passions, so the friendships I make with bloggers DO seem real and very genuine. So I think you're right!
This might be one of my favorite comments ever! Thanks for sharing!!!
They are real and genuine! I've made friends through blogging that I now text almost daily! I've never met them in person, but they're still some of the BEST friends I've ever had. I also hope to meet them one day! Others I've had the privilege of meeting and it's wonderful--like coming home. I don't have to pretend or make fluffy conversation. They're people that already know and "get" me. Plus, we're at a book convention...
DeleteYes!! Same here :)
DeleteI hope so. I find it easier to elaborate through the written word than the spoken word.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I do too sometimes!!
DeleteI'm probably more enthusiastic on my blog or fb than I am in person. I'm a quiet person in real life but the internet has given me an avenue to be more outgoing than I am in real life. It's also easier to get excited about something when you have others who are also excited about that something and have someone to talk to about it. But I think my personality does shine through on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI think the same! Blogging allows me to get excited about books or whatever and you're right, in real l ife it's a little harder to do that (or no one cares lol).
DeleteThanks for commenting!
Yes and no. Humans aren't one dimensional people so you get a version of me. No different than if I interact with someone or a group of people in different social situations IRL. Interesting discussion!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. We are so complex. And you're right, it's no different than interactions in RL I guess!
DeleteI’m pretty sarcastic in general and probably come off as more serious in real life around people who don’t know me because I’m an introvert and shy around strangers. I think my true personality does cone thru on my blog and in my reviews. I don’t have that real life filter going thru my head when I write and I find that very freeing.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably the same way- a little more serious in RL, I mean you can't geek out ovr books in any old social situation right? :) And it is nice to be real online about books or whatever!
DeleteLove this topic! So, I will say that I started blogging because of the same reason- there weren't many people who cared much about the same stuff close by. I think most people probably are a bit more enthusiastic online than in actual social situations, that's probably true.
ReplyDeleteExcept... I don't think I am hahah. I feel like I am just as ridiculous and excitable in life as I am online? I have asked people who met me, because your post made me curious, and yes, yes I was right. Just as random in person :D Though I kind of have always considered that a blogging strength- being able to just be... me. I mean, everyone IS themselves, but I mean, full-strength me hah. Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing, well, who knows bwhaha.
Yes isn't it funny that all the book people are online?? What did we do before? Didn't talk books I guess... :)
DeleteAnd hey you're true to yourself! And it is nice to be ourselves and unfiltered :):):)
I think I use more exclamation points and am a little more gushy in blog format because I don't have tone of voice to make my point. I'm very sarcastic in regular life but try to limit it a little more when writing because I'm not always sure how it'll come off. I'm not sure how much my personality comes through but I hope it does! Great topic!
ReplyDeleteYup, I'm the same. Gushy is a good word. Oh my if I get started on a book or movie i like- watch out! :) And I tend to be a little sarcastic too, and sometimes have t otone it down.
DeleteI think I might be a little more positive online than I am in person. My husband always says that I'm a pessimist. I always think the worst is going to happen. But my online persona is usually pretty positive. Go figure!
ReplyDeletePessimism is sometimes warranted in real life! Ha I'm kidding, but I know what you mean. I think with likeminded people and bloggers online it's so easy to be postive and happy since we're talking about shared interests.
DeleteThis is such an interesting topic---I actually think I might be a little less gregarious online than I am in real life. Sometimes in real life social situations (especially those I'm not completely comfortable in) I feel like I talk too much or get too loud or say the wrong thing, and I don't have to worry about most of that online (I guess I could still say the wrong thing, but I can monitor how I say it and it's not out there till I actually publish it.) And when I'm with people who know me well, I'm just out-and-out goofy! (My kids will totally back me up on that one.) So, I think I'm a less intense version of me online. LOL!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
That's true, and I hear you- in RL social situations can be awkward, and online we have a little more control of how we put ourselves out there! And I think a lot of us do that- talk fast or feel awkward. I've been to parties or whatever where you know a few people, but everyone else- unless you're an extrovert and love that kinda thing, it can be difficult/ not fun.
DeleteSame with some of my friends too- we can get pretty goofy :)
I'm a LOT more outgoing online than if you'd meet me offline. The fact is that unless I'm 100% comfortable with a person, I'm quiet - some might even say, standoffish. (What I'm definitely not online.) Added to that is the fact that I'm a major introvert and would usually rather be reading, playing a video game, or watching tv than talking to ANYONE. Or talking to people about said entertainment and no one that I know IRL gets as excited as I do about the same things I do.
ReplyDeleteI think my personality does shine through, especially when I'm in a good mood - because my default when I'm in a bad mood is sarcasm. And sarcasm doesn't work so well online. I think I'm usually happier online than I am otherwise, but if I don't like someone online, (or they annoy me) I can avoid them without a problem and offline it's a bit more difficult, which probably contributes to my general better mood.
There definitely is a tribe aspect, where bookish people and/ or introverts seem to find a lack of people in RL who love the same things- or at least as much as we do- and the book blog community definitely seems to fill that! So many people say that! Thank goodness the community is here, really! I totally get what you're saying. I'm more comfortable in quiet situations or reading/ playing video games too. We're not weird, we just recharge differently. :)
DeleteGood point. We can kinda choose who we associate with online. And I'm happy online too, maybe because I'm discussing my favorite things!
I was once told my blog suffered from "personality leakage", so I guess that says it all. XD
ReplyDeleteIt's GOOD personality leakage though. :):)
DeleteLove this! I think I take it down a notch, because I am afraid that something written will not come across the same way it would if I said it aloud. You don't have the facials, body language, or intonation to paint the full picture.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic and it's funny because I've been working on a discussion post of my own about finding your blogging voice and keeping it real. I think my blog mirrors my personality pretty well: low key, not too many frills, no drama, and a little awkward at times, lol.
ReplyDeleteOoh I can't wait for your post. I love this topic because it seems so relevant to so many of us? And blogging voice- it's the one thing we have that's unique, irrespective of blog design or whatever- and it's amazing to find so many blogs, and each one has that unique voice!
DeleteI love sharing book passion, and I love when people are excited to share. I find myself deleting exclamation points all of the time. Haha. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, and I tend to overuse exclamation points as well lol.
DeleteI loved reading this post and all the comments. It gave me that warm and fuzzy blog buddy feeling :)
ReplyDeleteI'm totally different in my blog than online - I work in a sometimes overly serious 9-5 job and coming home and blogging is my way to let loose and feel back to normal. You can totally see some of my formal business writting/style come through in my reviews, which is why I like writing Top-10-Tuesdays and Sunday Posts so I can be a little more outgoing!
I have fun being over dramatic about things that I love, and I genuinely like giving compliments to people when I like something they've said or done... I feel like that's sometimes more acceptable in blog-world vs. real life :P I mean, why do people get so weird about other people saying nice things?
I'm glad you enjoyed it! And glad your blog is a way to relax- I feel that way too. I like the sunday Posts for that reason too!
DeleteBeing dramatic about book sand stuff is fun, for sure! Why not? We get to geek out about stuff we love. :)
That's a good question. Sometimes I think I'm a little too stiff in my writing because I used to be a technical writer. I've loosened up a lot over the years, but I still don't think my personality shines through as much as it could. I used emojis to help, which I love. But, I'm not sure how else to do it. I could use gifs, but I'm not the best gif finder, lol. This is something I need to ponder more.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a mixed bag, and maybe even varies with our mood or blogging cycles? I think I've loosened up too, I look at some old reviews and they seem so stiff, so formal! And I wrote one today that was super informal. I think I like the new way better!
DeleteThis is a great post. I am an open book (no pun intended) What you see is what you get. I am quirky and have a twisted sense of humor on and off the blog. I love making people laugh and I try to do that on the blog too. It's so hard to find people that enjoy the same stuff as you so it's nice to find people that do. It helps me want to be myself instead of something I am not! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your sense of humor, your posts are always fun. :)
DeleteHmm, you made me stop and think about real life me and virtual me. I think it's sort of true that my personality comes through on line because like you, there is the bond of shared interests with the people I engage in chat/discussion. But! I'm not exactly transparent, either. You and others see, mostly, what I let you see of me (LOL, and this is a good thing). I do think its important to let personality shine forth online so people can get to know each other along with enthusiastically exchanging thoughts on shared interest. You do great at this, by the way, Greg. :)
ReplyDeleteYes that shared bond is huge! I do think it's true though, we do hold SOME things back, because let's face it, we don't want to share EVERYTHING online- but the important stuff (books, fandoms) are all good!
DeleteThank you!!
I'm not late to the 'party', am I? ;) I actually meant to leave a comment on your very interesting post earlier, but I had some unpleasant restless days . . . Anyway, it seems to be better now and I'm here to tell you that this is me, plain and simple. Well, I like to think I'm not THAT plain, but you get what I mean :P The truth is that I'm incapable of being anything else than myself, I can't fake for the life of me, and I honestly think a blog (and social media as well) should definitely reflect your own personality. I've been told many times that my reviews have a personal touch that is appreciated, but I assure you I don't struggle to do that, and that's because I'm simply expressing myself and it all comes natural. It's your space, your world, you invite others to see what's in it and who's running it, so everyone should see just that. I read someone mentioned friends online are the best ones and I couldn't agree more! When it comes to relationships, lots of people think because we are interacting online it means less than those who have conversations face to face, but they are wrong on so many levels. Tons are shy in real life, so this kind of interaction actually make them feel free to open with no (or less) fear, allowing them to have the most genuine conversations while building friendships all over the world. And isn't that great? Also, if we are super lucky, we get to meet some of them for coffee and that, my friend, is the cherry on top ;)
ReplyDeleteNope, you're right on time! And yes, a blog should reflect our personality, or what's the point? We're all unique, so why not share it? Trying to be someone else get us nowhere!
DeleteI do think friends online can be the best ones. Heck I have a few blogger friends that I would probably tell things I wouldn't tell RL friends- and I've known them forever! Why is that? I don't know, but I think in spite of the online thing we still get to know each other, at a certain level, and those friendships can be amazing! Genuine convos- that a great way to put it. And yes all over the world- that's HUGE. How else would we make friends in countries half a world away? That in itself is amazing.
And each person's personal touch is why we go to their blog, totally agree! Thanks for a fabulous comment!!!
great post Greg! I think I'm definitely not as ashy as I am in RL online but I'm still hesitant to show a lot of me :) I'm getting better though!
ReplyDeleteI think I am much more comfortable online than I am in my offline life--at least in terms of social situations. I am rather quiet offline and more awkward. I think some of my online confidence comes from talking about books, which I love to do. I don't do a lot of that in my offline life. I am not aiming to be anyone other than I am though. I've just always been better at expressing myself in writing than verbally. I do tend to be more private though online. I am an open book to a point, but there are certain aspects I don't let spill over.
ReplyDeleteI like to think that my better self comes through in my blogging and online activities. When writing, I can think about what I'm going to say before I write it, whereas offline and when speaking, we don't have that same opportunity to express ourselves as we might like.
ReplyDeleteSharing our thoughts can bring out our enthusiasm and love of the topics...and knowing that other bloggers might read and comment validates our expressions.
I love blogging and cannot imagine giving up even one of my six blogs...LOL.
Thanks for the great post!
Thanks for commenting! That's a great point, writing gives us a chance to measure our words more, maybe even avoid a faux pas lol. And yes sharing and commenting w/ other bloggers definitely makes it worthwhile!
DeleteI would have a hard time not blogging. :)
I agree, when online I'm more enthusiastic than in real life, but it might also be because I tend to be shy and get anxiety when in groups of people. So, being online sort of takes away that sheet and allows me (and probably a lot of other people) to be more of themselves. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah I am too. I agree, it's easier to be ourselves online, without all the stress of groups, and plus having a likeminded community helps to. I was always amazed there were so many book people online- like where are they in RL???
DeleteYou're absolutely right, in our real-world lives, we don't really get to meet too many people with the same interests. So I don't have a lot of bookish friends. I have friends who read, but they don't read in such quantities, even if they do enjoy the books just as much. Blogger problems :D
ReplyDeleteStrangely enough I think I am more enthusiastic about books in real life and more subdued online! I don't think that was the case when I started out though.
ReplyDeleteAre you? You know I can be pretty enthusiastic in RL too, now that I think about it, especially with the right people. Like if they're into the same kinds a things.
DeleteInitially, when I started the log, I'm not sure I was sharing my authentic self, but over the years, that changed and I put myself out there a little more. There are still some instances that I don't give all Social Media, but as you mentioned, there is a camaraderie with like minded people on books, movies, food and trivia, and I pretty much feel at home. Great topic! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteExactly. Something about book love and sharing it seems to bring out the best in bloggers? And I agree- it can be hard to open up, to share! It takes time sometimes. There's still personal stuff I don't share, like close family stuff, but occasionally I'll talk personal.
DeleteI don't know nearly as many people in real life that are as fond of books in real life as I do - or at least similar tastes. So, yes, definitely!
ReplyDeleteI hope my personality shines online. Sometimes I think it depends on who I’m chatting with. I don’t know about on my blog, but I notice if I’m more comfortable with an online book friend I use more exclamation points and emojis, which is more like me IRL once I get to know someone. It seems online or IRL I’m always very shy till I people well enough.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I do sometimes geek out and just mention my favorite books in discussion posts. It's been a lot rarer but when I do love a book I write like I'm jumping up and down. But, yeah my personality is there. I always complain to myself how my writing sounds so like me but that's because I compare myself to more energetic popular reviewers. I go more into my full on geeky side on Goodreads when I'm reading books for teams or buddy reading.
ReplyDeleteI definitely try to keep my image as being as innocent as possible! Spoiler alert I am not.
ReplyDeleteBut I think I am definitely more fun online? Which I guess it DOES match my real life personality, though I am more quiet in real life :P It's because I'm too lazy to raise my voice.
THIS IS SUCH A COOL DISCUSSION!! It's hard to answer - I feel like sometimes I'm *less* enthusiastic online in certain scenarios. For example, I might tone down the exclamation marks and shouting when writing a review for the blog, because I don't want to sound annoying. I'm trying to change this, though! I love bloggers who fangirl, scream and use all the exclamation marks, so IDEK why I tried to put that side of me away while blogging.
ReplyDeleteVeronika @ The Regal Critiques
Well, I can't really tell if my personality is evident through my blog. I do hope that it is possible for others to get to know a little about me (aside from my Sunday Posts).
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how our personalities evolve over time too. But I like to think you get to see my personality. Although, most of my blogs are story blogs..so I like to include those I meet along the way. True, a lot of the characters have a lot of what I have seen and heard, but still they stand on their own too. Me..well, I have been known to talk too much..so I can't say I'm an introvert yet the older I get I feel I am probably more introverted. Still, I like to write about food (most I can't eat like I used to...just occasionally). Music and possibly keep a little bit of the past in what I see in the present. And of course, new adventures in writing..hopefully.
ReplyDeleteI am sure if my personality shine through in my blogging. In real life I have become more stoic due to some abuse. I guess my exactment show through when I talk about something on my blog.
ReplyDeleteReview: The Black Unicorn