Two-Faced Blogging

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Lisa Gerardy, Writing Center Specialist, Kaplan University

Many writing instructors, tutors, and other educational professionals have blogs.  These blogs are generally professional blogs that discuss topics relating to the writers’ professions.  According to Why You Should Blog To Get Your Next Job on Mashable, a good professional blog can actually help further your career.  That makes sense, really.  One would expect a subject matter expert to write about his or her area of expertise.   So, why would a professional choose to have a private blog?

I’m a Writing Center Specialist at Kaplan University.  So, most of my on-the job writing relates to educational topics.  Sometimes, though not nearly often enough, I contribute to this blog.  When I write for work, I put my professional hat on.  When I’m not working, though, I like to blog for fun.  Here is how I do it without it interfering with my day job.

1. I never blog during working hours.  My personal blog writing takes place in the wee hours of the morning, or in the evening.  This way I can keep work Lisa and silly Lisa separate.
2. I use my maiden name on my personal blog, and my married name at work.  So, it’s almost like there are two Lisa’s.
3. I don’t blog about my job.  I really like my job, and I would like to keep it.  So, I keep work out of my goofy blog.

Having a personal blog is like having a safe place to practice my writing.  It doesn’t have to be perfect or professional. My writing can be about any topic I choose.  For me, blogging is exercise for the brain.