In the investment blogging world, there’s a trend of anonymous blogging. For many people, I can see how this makes complete sense. Women especially have it rough in the blogging world, as they tend to be stalked and harassed much more. For some, blogging anonymously might have impacts on their job, like Our Next Life. Others have their own reasons – based on their past, what they want to write about and what impact they hope to make.
When I started Minafi, I thought a lot about whether I wanted to do it anonymously or not. If I decided to go anonymous, I could share anything. What could I not share if I decided to use my real name? I wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing my current salary when coworkers are reading. I wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing the details of the Code School acquisition (I was an early employee before the company was acquired). For both of these, I don’t personally mind sharing all of the details, but the details don’t belong to me alone. For me to mention the details would impact others, and for that, I’d want their approval before divulging the details.
The Minimalist Persona
Keeping up with a secret persona and a public persona sounds exhausting. I’d constantly be worried about making a mistake with which channel I post to that could jeopardize my anonymity. The amount of time spent managing a secret account probably isn’t much, but the overhead in worry about co-workers, family, and others finding it would weigh on me.
The Upside
There is an upside to blogging as myself. I’ve had multiple chats with coworkers and friends about investing that I completely didn’t expect. At a recent work offsite, I mentioned the subject of my blog to multiple people and it resulted in even more conversations about their own investment fears. The thought that I can help people I know in real life is a powerful motivator.
One hope I have for this blog is to find people who aren’t currently investing, practicing minimalism or mindfulness. Any conversations I can have with people in these groups helps me better refine my message and learn how to better speak to those getting started.
I’m also looking forward to meeting people in person at FinCon! If you want to meet up and grab a beer there, let me know.
Amy @ LifeZemplified
September 13, 2017
I for one am glad you are not anonymous so I’ll be able to recognize you at FinCon! Not that it’s always easy blogging as yourself, I agree with your minimalist reasons for doing so.
Adam
September 14, 2017
Thanks! Should be fun meeting up for sure.
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Lily @ The Frugal Gene
September 13, 2017
I never thought to be anonymous (it feels like half lying to me) but now I wish I had started anonymously. A bit too late, maybe we’ll see each other next conference ????
Chester
September 13, 2017
Hey Lily;
I just wanted to give a shout out to you to let you know how I appreciated your interview at DYEB, so refreshing and authentic , you and MsFAF 🙂 learned a bunch especially when you mentioned about to not worry about traffic that much, it was so on point.
So there, I’m glad you blog as yourself too. Keep it up and more power to you and thefrugalgene.
Adam
September 14, 2017
Aw, I hope that doesn’t mean you’ve had negative experiences from blogging with your real identity?
Chester
September 13, 2017
Hey Adam:
Great post, yeah anonymity for me seemed like a no brainer in the beginning but I stumbled into Pat Flynns podcast and he mentioned about authenticity, and it resonated with me, since its it’s hard to be authentic and anonymous at the same time.
In the end people who follow you and us for that matter will do so because of our stories.
So that’s why I’m with you, it was awkward to be vulnerable in the beginning but I got used to letting everyone know how broke I was so they won’t try to sell me or hit me up for cash or something : ) more power to you and minafi and will definitely look you up on next year’s Fincon.
Cheers.
Adam
September 14, 2017
Very true! It does feel easier to connect to someone being authentic when there are names and photos of the person for me. It’s not impossible with anonymous bloggers, but it does take reading more posts, or interacting more with them on social channels. Being vulnerable and sharing your story like that will no doubt payoff.
Eric Holland
September 13, 2017
Hey Adam,
This may seem odd, but it never really crossed my mind to blog under a fake name or anonymous. I sort of felt that in todays world there is so much fake, that a mystery man behind the curtain was a dime a dozen. Using my real name and stories just lends a level of authenticity that I hope crosses over to the readers.
Like you, there are topics that I will probably not discuss due to the impact on others. However the tradeoff for me was worth it.
The Side Gig Guru
September 13, 2017
I currently blog anonymously. It makes me feel more comfortable sharing personal details about my finances, and stops me getting “Equifaxed”.
I may start including my first name. Thoughts?
Adam
September 14, 2017
That sounds like a good step! I don’t use my full name here, but it’s easily findable. What worry would you have about using it? The worry about getting doxed is a valid fear – but at least with the current Equifax breech there’s a lot less things to dox! I think the outing fear is larger when blogging anonymously, when you have more to lose by it.
Working Optional
September 13, 2017
I struggled (and still do) with the same questions, and like most of us, could probably make the case for either side. I’m still debating whether to get into net worth updates at some point in the future, and if so, would definitely like to remain anonymous. As far as FinCon, local meetups and the PF family goes, I have no issues about revealing my identity etc.
Adam
September 14, 2017
Makes sense. Doing a net worth update when you have a family and others in person people reading is opening yourself up to a lot. That’s cool about the public FinCon identify though. Look forward to seeing the faces behind you (and other) anonymous people!
Mrs. Adventure Rich
September 14, 2017
Hey! I’ll be at FinCon so look for me… oh wait, I’m anonymous 😉
Haha- I’m sure there will be a day I shed the anonymity, but for now, it is the best thing for me. I am looking forward to meeting so many bloggers in October though!
SideGains
October 14, 2019
My experience is similar to what Eric Holland commented. I never really thought about being anonymous before starting my blog… though afterwards I realized that some of the things I wanted to talk about might put me in an awkward position with some of my friends and past co-workers.
I try to be completely honest in my blog posts, however I am sensitive to how people I know might feel about them… I never call anyone out and am respectful. But it’s important to be honest: the Internet is full of false hope-givers, fake promisers and snake-oil salespeople. I refuse to be another.