| With all the crapola that has happened in the last year, I am pretty much expecting that classmates are reading my blog now and I’m soon to be exposed. The hits from my particular town and surrounding areas are up. And, unfortunately, with my recent absence from class it would be very, very easy for someone to tie it all together (especially after one of the three people I told shared my location with the class even after I begged her not to!). That and when I come back in the fall with a different last name, that will be yet another clue in the puzzle.
When I made the ABA Journal, I decided to tell my study partner since I couldn’t tell my parents, friends, etc. I thought she’d think it was neat. She was like, “Whatever” and as far as I know has never read. Geez. She’s just like that, though. Then there are two people at my school who I am certain know who I am (because I told them) and both of them are bloggers. One is completely eponymous and the other is anonymous to the point of fictionalizing (not like that’s a huge clue or anything). I went into this about 18 months ago with no intention of being so revealing about my life. I also intended to write more about law school. But what I realized is that 1) I can’t really be anonymous and write about what happens in class without inviting debate and criticism from classmates who recognize themselves in the post and 2) if I blog honestly about the challenges I’m facing while working, raising a child and attending school, that could help someone. That said, I never expected so many things to go wrong this year. I have censored some details and sometimes changed identifying info of people I mention but I’m at the point where it would be easy-peasy for anyone I attend class with to figure out who I am.
It would almost be easier if I was uncovered because then I *could* blog more about school, but then I don’t think I could really face people IRL and “talk” the same way I can with commenters. It’s funny. The eponymous blogger at my school and I see each other fairly regularly and I’m certain I’ve started to blush lately when I see that person because I think, “Oh shit, what did I say several posts ago that is wicked embarrassing?” Still, that person is also very busy with little time to read my blog so I can delude myself into thinking that the person is just skimming or rarely visiting. 
Not sure I could be in such denial if I actually knew for certain more people were reading. And I also delude myself into thinking this is more of a diary or Mommy/Wife blog than a Blawg. Ha! I do avoid talking specifics about work because I’m not stupid enough to delude myself into thinking I could avoid termination or sanctions if discovered. I know some people hate the whole “work club” thing but, especially in this economy, people need to cover their butts.
The whole anonymity issue has come up on many law student blogs. What do you guys think? I know that some law student blogs I read are pretty vanilla in that they skimp SO MUCH on details that it’s almost disappointing. Then others go way out there only to be busted and delete their blog. How did you decide? What do you think about the issue? And if you are one of my classmates reading this and have some thoughts, don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail. You know who I am.
P.S. One unexpected and pleasant side effect of law student blogging is that many of the MILP bloggers freely share their identities offline and many of us are networked through e-mail and networking sites. It’s helpful to be able to expand on or seek additional advice from people when you can share more details. I’ve found a lot of support and wonderful women through my blog. 
