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Halloween Costumes, Blogs, and Authenticity
Halloween is coming up in a few weeks, and my kids are planning their Halloween costumes, which has me thinking about blogs and authenticity.
To be effective, you need to blog as your real self, transparently and authentically. If you try to "change" yourself for your blog, well, it just doesn't work long term. Writing in a conversational manner on a regular basis, as bloggers do, make it difficult to disguise your real self.
For example, I doubt I could pull off the "I'm a 100% serious business type with no sense of humor who confirms to established lines of thought" for very long -- it's just not me.
But can bloggers disguise their real selves for the occasional post, just like wearing a costume for Halloween or perhaps a costume party?
For example:
- Could I do a fake guest post as a female, just as I once wore a dress on Halloween(and I make an ugly woman!)?
- How about a satirical post about a topic you normally blog on?
- Maybe a mock post as Fred Flintstone? (famous cartoon character)
Well, I say why not? If it's fun and not harmful, who cares?
Just as on Halloween I might disguise myself for the fun of it, there is nothing wrong with an occasional non-authentic blog post. Even if it might be technically dishonest, as long as you are just "lying recreationally," as in a practical joke, I say it's OK.
Stand by for a string of posts by Hannah Montana next :)
Oh, and Halloween? My kids will be dressed as Jesters, and I'll either be a ghost (sheet over my head) or perhaps buy a great commercial Halloween costume.
Hmmm, maybe an un-authentic yet appropriate post on Halloween :)
Really a nice one. Thanks for posting it.
Posted by: Halloween Costumes Online | 27 August 2009 at 02:44 AM
This had some good reading and good info thanks
Posted by: Joe Grffith | 01 September 2009 at 12:14 PM
Halloween is again knocking at our door. This time it should be different from the last year. I believe that the costumes that we design for Halloween should be according to our personality.
Posted by: Pirate Costume | 02 September 2009 at 07:05 AM
I say you go for the Micheal jackson jacket. Nice post and fun to read.
Posted by: Costumes | 29 September 2009 at 03:41 AM
I just came across your blog, nice post thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas....
Posted by: Sam | 15 October 2009 at 07:04 AM
The best Halloween costumes might win prizes, or at least get the attention of other partygoers.
Posted by: Fancy Dress | 06 January 2010 at 07:50 AM