photo by me

I got a few e-mails and comments on social software and commenting on blogs.

By and large, there was the comment of “I’m shy” or “I’m worried about what others will think about what I’m writing.”

This is the thing, though…

There is a certain level of anonymity in blogging. Unless you tell me who you are, I won’t know. And, unless you are flaming someone in your comments, no matter how stupid you may think those comments are, they may touch someone – they may make someone else more bold and willing to reach out, as well.

I know what this feels like. I’m more shy than people realize. I used to question the value or validity of my words. I used to wonder if I said things in a stupid manner or if I was harming someone with my words or making them uncomfortable. I was stressed about commenting.

Then I realized that it was my issue. The person on the other end usually valued my comment and if it wasn’t valued, then it just didn’t matter in the long run.

I decided to start commenting more. I didn’t want to conform to someone else’s theories about what should or should not be said in a comment. I would comment on how an entry made me feel, what I was thinking, or whatever.

Sometimes they are in left field. I don’t care. That’s what I was thinking while I read the blog. If the owner of the blog doesn’t understand, I leave plenty of ways for them to contact me (e-mail/website, etc.).

But I reach out because I do want to be a part of that social network. It is a step for me. I’m shy in real life and don’t venture out to be in group settings much. This is my way of being a part of the group. Of getting my two-cents out there, sharing, learning from others, being engaged, and growing.