Blog Stalking

Do you ever wonder how good of friends you need to be before you feel ok to read someone’s blog? Is there some sort of standard in place that can validate me looking at blogs from people that I have known, but not super well. I mean, they are not strangers, but they really are more like acquaintances. Ya know, I have talked to them, but it is not like we are “Kindred Spirits”, as Anne of GG would say.

Even though they will never know that I am looking at their blog, I feel a little like a voyeur. I am looking and seeing all these pictures and personal feelings about their cats, and how much they love monster trucks, but I am unsure if I should be privy to that information when we are only friends because I knew who they were in high school.

Sometimes, I feel like I should leave a comment,
“Hey it’s me, Rob. Yes, Rob from school about 15 years ago. I said “hi” to you once after Chemistry. I just wanted you to know that I am reading your blog. Is that OK? I know I only knew you for a few years but I wasn’t sure if you would feel comfortable having me know all this stuff about you. I didn’t know if you wanted to be friends with me after I may or may not have read your blog, and that I may or may not have really enjoyed it and wanted to continue reading it. Just let me know where I stand, so I can or cannot continue reading. Warmest regards, Rob.”

Some of you, right now, reading this blog may feel the same why as I have just described. As you are reading you may want to rush out of the room screaming because you feel like you have been caught red handed reading my blog, when I have only met you at a party or bobsledding in Park City. If this is the case, don’t be afraid curious little friend, I just want you to know that I am probably reading your blog without you knowing it as well. It all balances out in the end.

My resolution is to at least to leave a comment on the people’s blog I am blog-stalking. That way I can have a clean conscience about doing it. Although, I did do that once and the next day it was restricted as a “Private Blog”, true story.

But, ya know, being more truthful runs the risk of rejection. But better have the truth out in the open, I always say, then to live in doubt of friendship. I think Socrates said a version of that…or something.

Comments

Erin said…
Oh shoots, I am such a blog stalker. I have one particular blog that I check every single day. I know all about this little families' life, and yet, they know not that I "watch" them. Eek, that sounds so creepy! But it's not, ya know?! I just like to people watch, if you will. Except with blog stalking, you know the story behind the person. Yep.
January 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Anonymous said…
I love stalking your blog, Rob. Thanks for the laughs. BUT, seriously, its my sanity. I can visit with people all over the world and not ever feel alone. How is that for scarey! My concern is that everyone is so perfect and always so happy. It really isn't a true picture....is it? I don't think so!

Love you tons....M.
January 16, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Kimi D said…
it's not really stalking if i see you every monday and tell you how funny, or disturbing, or thought provoking the previous week's entry was...right?
January 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
It's Been a Day! said…
i blog stalk many blogs. but i'm not close to admitting to some that i do. i know. i'm creepy.
January 16, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Katie Zarbock said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
January 16, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Megann said…
hi. my name is megann. i used to live in the same apartment complex with you. i think i said hello to you once and i may have waved to you at a stop sign. just wanted you to know i'm stalking your blog. phew! i'm glad i got that over with! it was litte awkward!
January 16, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Paul said…
Rob, did you blog this about me?
January 17, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Molly Bice-Jackson said…
I found your blog last week through karyn Noooo's blog and was so delighted. I stayed up late reading past entries and remembering why I've always like you so much.

In fact, I would love to meet up for lunch sometime. Maybe you and Tyra. we could make a little Toshime reunion out of it. I may even add you to my blog roll without asking...now I'm blog stalking and advertising you as a friend without your permission. (I have found SEVERAL blogs of people I don't know at all who have my blogged link on theirs...)
January 21, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Cecily said…
“Hey it’s me, Cecily. Yes, Cecily from school and the ward about 15 years ago. I just wanted you to know that I am reading your blog. Is that OK? I wasn’t sure if you would feel comfortable having me know all this stuff about you. I didn’t know if you wanted to be friends with me after I may or may not have read your blog, and that I may or may not have really enjoyed it and wanted to continue reading it. Just let me know where I stand, so I can or cannot continue reading. Warmest regards, Cecily.”
January 23, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Kendra Leigh said…
I totally stalk your blog. Although, since we shared a cubicle, I don't feel too weird about it. Anyway, if people don't want weirdos reading their innermost thoughts, then they shouldn't put it out there, right?
January 26, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Jason said…
I don't even know you (at least, I don't think I do) but I stumbled across your blog via a link from a mutual friend. I've really enjoyed reading your blog - very entertaining. I'm probably going to keep reading it because I've enjoyed it so much.

I figured I would follow the blog-stalking etiquette you laid out in your post and comment so you would know you had an unknown reader.

Cheers.
February 15, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Sandi (Tia) said…
Rob,

After reading this I had to tell you that I am reading your Blog. Krystal gave me "Young at Heart" for my Bday and I inquired as to where she had heard about this movie and it was your Blog. She said I would like it and I asked for the link. As you can see I am only in January and look forward to 2008.

Thanks so much I have really enjoyed it and a smile comes just thinking about some of your posts.
April 6, 2009 at 11:45 AM
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