And this blog might end here
There’s a good chance that I’ll take this site down within the next week. If you’ve been meaning to contact me about something or other, but haven’t gotten around to it yet, you can head over to the contact form now and do that. If you’ve got any public comments, you can leave them on this post.
I have never posted my name, initials, address, usernames, or other personal details of that nature. That’s because I don’t want that information on the web, you know? Some people value privacy and I’m one of them.
I’ve been surprised over the last year to find that I’ve been a matter of considerable curiosity to a lot of people on Gabriola, and some of you have tried to guess who I am in real life. Some of your guesses have been wildly, crazily, amusingly wrong (though they have led me to people you think are me, which has been interesting), while a few of you have indeed guessed correctly.
I figured that those who knew would be able to respect my privacy, but it turns out that’s not always the case. I was disappointed this morning to find details about myself on somebody else’s website. WTF?
Well, that’s awfully disappointing.
I’ll think about this for a week or so before I do anything, but I’m thinking of:
- killing this blog altogether
- making it for subscribers only, so that people will need a username/password in order to read content
- giving the whole damn blog to somebody else, so that the blog will continue with a different blogger.
Or maybe I’ll feel less depressed about it all a few days down the road.
I’m very sad today. I’m going to have a beer.
Update: the person who posted information about me apologised and removed that information.
Filed in assorted 20 Comments so far
20 Responses to “And this blog might end here”
Michael Mehta on 24 Feb 2010 at 7:16 pm #
Don’t close down. This blog is too informative and fun to lose.
derek on 24 Feb 2010 at 8:13 pm #
hmm, that would be disappointing. I don’t know who you are (or care, to be perfectly honest) but I enjoy reading the blog.
Bob Derksen on 24 Feb 2010 at 8:36 pm #
Hi Gabriolan,
Your blog is one of the best anywhere and I hope you’ll keep it going. Your insights into our Island’s natural wonders, events, issues and people are unique and fascinating and informative, especially combined with your wonderful writing style and your great photos. It makes me sad that you’re contemplating leaving this endeavour. I’m a fan and I’d miss your postings.
Your reaction might very well be a wake up call that privacy is important, especially in a world where it is under constant threat.
I hope you’ll consider staying on for the enrichment of all our lives.
marja-leena on 24 Feb 2010 at 8:52 pm #
Oh no, just when I’ve gotten to know and enjoy your blog! And I’ve been SO looking forward to seeing more of your petroglyph photos.
cheryl on 25 Feb 2010 at 8:16 am #
I don’t know what to say but if you go we’ll miss or at least I’ll miss your blog very much, It’s to bad there are some people out there who don’t seem to have any scruples. What ever you choose to do know that this fan enjoys your blog immensely, and hopes you continue to entertain and educate us. I’ve learned a great deal because of the variety of subjects you have brought to light here on your blog. Good luck in your struggle. Cheers!!
islandblog on 25 Feb 2010 at 8:19 am #
Sorry to hear you feel this way – your blog will be sorely missed if you do decide to close it down. I’m sure the vast majority of your readers (Q-do you know how many there are out there?) would have been none the wiser if you hadn’t posted this message, and will continue to respect your much-valued privacy.
Few blogs can claim to offer such an insight into day-to-day life on the island – and your ability to seek out the unusual, or the just plain ordinary – and explore its real meaning – is second to none! Take time to think about it, then keep it up; you know you want to…..!
John
it's a shame on 25 Feb 2010 at 10:03 am #
I enjoy reading your blog and hope that you won’t be put off by someone who is apparently unable to grasp the concept of common courtesy. It’s not all that surprising that some folks would think that discovering the identity of an anonymous blogger would be a challenge they couldn’t resist, but it’s a shame that they feel compelled to seek public recognition for their resourcefulness. There’s a history here of people being singled out and harassed for daring to create a forum for information and discussion.
qmackie on 25 Feb 2010 at 10:30 am #
A pox on the insensitive and overly curious cat who posted your name. The right thing for that fool to do is strike your name from their post and replace it with “Queen Elizabeth”, so google’s cache is overwritten as well.
Seriously, this is the most gently observant blog I know- don’t let some idiot kill the goose that lays these golden eggs. (I am all about the stretched metaphors today).
Tina on 25 Feb 2010 at 10:41 am #
I hope that you continue your blog, I enjoy reading your thoughts, sharing your perspective and the photos and good recipes. It’s a great way for people to learn more about Gabriola, even the people that live here.
Enjoy your beer and hope you keep on blogging!
specialk on 25 Feb 2010 at 10:52 am #
I am sorry that your privacy has not been respected. I look forward to reading your posts daily and would be unhappy if you had to pull the plug. I selfishly hope I can keep coming back – and that your walks, photos and thoughts still get posted.
I would be willing to offer up a box of chocolates if this could help sway you…?
Did I mention it was a beautiful sunny day. Did you see Canada win all the medals yesterday?
All the best Gabriolan!
rick on 25 Feb 2010 at 11:20 am #
Please don’t give up on the blog. It is no less entertaining and informative regardless of who you are. I am sure many people here value your input and your view on things here. You have become remarkably familiar with the woods and many of the aspects of the island in a relatively short period of time. Some folks live here for years and years and never really ‘get it’. I think you do. I can identify with your wish for privacy, but I think you can have a balance. I am learning that anonymity on the internet is virtually impossible. Please keep up the good work.
Karen on 26 Feb 2010 at 8:11 am #
I agree with all the wonderful people who are hoping you change your mind about killing the blog. There are people all over the world who check your blog every day to find out more about the wonderful island you live on. We are in Calgary, and check it every day. I understand your need for privacy, but sad to see you go. :(
MB on 26 Feb 2010 at 9:00 am #
No! Please don’t go. But if you do — thank you. It’s been an informative pleasure to read about your adventures in the Gabriolan woods and your musings on fungus.
Joan on 26 Feb 2010 at 5:57 pm #
Oh. I hope you decide to continue. You are part of my daily routine, and I love your musings and your photos, your humour and your eclectic interests. I am moving to Gabriola in a few months, and reading your blog has made me already feel quite at home – realizing that there is a community of people who have interests and outlooks I can relate to. Thanks!
Gabriolan on 27 Feb 2010 at 7:30 am #
Thanks for the supportive comments.
Mike on 27 Feb 2010 at 7:39 am #
You’re posting on a PUBLIC blog on a very PUBLIC internet about the people places and events that are PUBLIC to you and you’re surprised that someone posted information PUBLICLY about YOU?
After you give your head a much needed shake (this can be done PRIVATELY) … I hope you continue. I really enjoy your blog!
Sarah-Paige on 27 Feb 2010 at 9:15 am #
Hey there, Just a note to say your insights into Gabriola life will be very much missed by me, (and as it seems many others too).
Thank you for sharing about this wonderful place you and I call home, even though I’ve been here for 13 years I’m still learning about the people, nature, and ways of this island’s life. Your blog has made that journey all the more enjoyable :)
Moongazer on 27 Feb 2010 at 12:43 pm #
Please, please don’t let this twit silence you – I love your blog and handing it off to someone else would not be the same. You have a unique and rich perspective on our island and I’ve learned so much from you.
susan on 27 Feb 2010 at 5:40 pm #
I’ve only said hello once before but I do come by to enjoy your photographs and musings. I can understand your feelings because Gabriola is a relatively small community but I hope you don’t give up the blog.
qmackie on 28 Feb 2010 at 12:00 am #
Ignore “Mike” – it’s a public blog but your identity is private and if some busybody’s tiny mind is obsessed with finding it out, that in no way means that you should, as “Mike” suggests, have to give your “head a shake”. Common decency suggests your privacy be respected. With that in mind, as a test I googled for it today, and had zero success finding out your identity, so it might be a lot less obvious than you think.