Because I'm avoiding the changes to chapter one of my book and everyone is paranoid about privacy this week, I thought I'd have a look. There are a few more people tracing sites around since the last time I did it and it was interesting to see that although my Facebook is locked pretty tight a reference made by my tutor that she didn't actually link to my profile is visible, but what did make me smile was the images section. Type my name into google, hit images and then see if you can see yourself. Among my goodreads selection and random Aussie relatives almost all of you are there. Well, it amused me anyway.
But to the point. Does the privacy thing bother you? Is privacy as everyone previously understood it outdated? Would your opinion change after you were published?
I often Google my name to keep track of by book sales, and to see where I'm appearing.
A year ago, I couldn't find anything relating to me, but now, I find at least 10 pages showing 40 sites. Some is down to my endeavors, and some is down to my publisher.
I do try to keep my personal information down to a minimum, due to the scam emails I used to receive. Thankfully, since I changed to G-Mail, I don't get them any more.
MN
I suppose that was my question, Jonathan - would fame and notoriety, even on a small level, have you more worried about privacy and all that information floating about in cyberspace?
As a private citizen it really doesn't bother me. If someone wants to read through my personal information I'd tell them Nytol is probably more effective, but what if my work offends someone? What if the publication of my book leads to badgering or stalking? I think I would be the first to complain about privacy then, in defense of my family if nothing else. It's interesting because at the heart of the debate is whether we all have a right to a certain amount of privacy. Do we? Should anyone be able to collate information on people without their knowledge as the NSA has been accused of doing? It's hardly been a water-cooler moment this week. I'm not sure anyone really cares.
Promoting a book? Say goodbye to privacy.
It's unavoidable. Celebrities (and nonentities) moan about all the exposure they get, but that's what's paid their wages. Book promotion isn't quite so intense unless you scale the giddy heights of bestsellership, but getting your name known is what it's all about. So it's no good grumbling - we must just try to be sensible of what information's released.
Let's be careful out there ;)