Quickly, before I start — I have my second ever article posted at Quirkee.com on Thursday. It’s all about semen, green poop, and horses breeding with humans. You know you don’t want to miss it, right? Hahaha. Please show me some love in comments over there, so they’ll let me stay on! 
To go right to my article, CLICK HERE. I think you have to register to leave me a comment, but I WILL LOVE YOU LONG TIME!
Don’t forget to check out the rest of what Quirkee.com has to offer – there is some really great talent and hilarious stuff over there. I know my readers will appreciate the atmosphere. 
***
My post from the other day (I wonder about stuff… alot.) has provided what I would say is the most fun I’ve had in my own comments section in a very long time! Of course, it took a lot of time, and I wouldn’t be able to do that with every post, but I’m going to try and do it with all of the “I wonder…” Series posts.
I was very happy to see so many of you come and talk honestly, giving your thoughts and reflections on the questions I posed to you. And I greatly enjoyed responding back to each comment. I have to thank Jennifer at Playgroups Are No Place For Children for talking about the awesome WP Plugin that allows a blog author to respond to a commenter on the post and also emails the response to the original commenter. Excellent!
I wanted to talk about a couple of things related to that post. One is that it is very clear that most of us censor ourselves, to some degree, on our websites. Some of us *cough* do it very little, and there are only a few topics we won’t talk about. And it runs from that all the way to the other extreme where some of us feel they can’t talk about hardly anything they really want to on their own website.
We all need to be able to get this stuff out. We’re writers, damnit! And this is our release! Know what else? If any of us are holding back, we’re also keeping what might be a really beautiful, wonderful, hilarious, or touching post locked inside ourselves. Can I just say that sucks? I want to help release those posts into the world for other people to see. So I’m going to do another project…
I’m planning on launching a blog, an “AnonyBlog,” so to speak. I’ll set it up, advertise it, and moderate it. And everyone is invited to come to me, get registered as an author, and post about whatever they cannot post about on their own website. The only person who will ever know who you are is me, and I will give you a written agreement that I will never disclose your identity, or link it to your piece. You write under a Pseudonym, I schedule your posts for publishing. When comments come in, I moderate them. Anything truly hateful will never see the light of day. In this way, you never have to experience any negative feelings related to your emotional release. We all get to breathe a sigh of relief. And that wonderful post, or just that crazy rant! that was locked up inside of you will finally get to be read by others. And that’s a gift to them.
It will take me some time to flesh everything out and get this launched, but in the meantime, I’d like for you guys to start emailing me if you are interested in posting on this “AnonyBlog.” Let the subject line of your email be “AnonyBlog” and just tell me you’re in. This way, when I’m ready for posts to start being submitted, I can just email all of you who are interested back, and you can get to work.
What do you think? I’m thinking it’s going to be pretty interesting.
The other thing I wanted to say is that I was also very intrigued by the results to the poll from that post. The poll basically asked, Have you ever held something back in comments that you wanted to say HERE?
As of 9:30PM, CST 07/30/08:
52 said, “No, it has never happened.”
20 said, “Yes, but it’s no biggie.”
8 said, “Yes, and I was upset, but not anymore.”
4 said, “Yes, and I’m still upset.”
1 said, “You’re a lazy douche.” (Only 1? Wow!)
thelotuscarroll@gmail.com
I eagerly invite anyone who answered “Yes…” to email me and talk about it. I urge those who said, “Yes, and I was upset, but not anymore.” to email me and tell me what upset them. I would really like the opportunity to learn and grow. And I implore those who said, “Yes, and I’m still upset.” to email me, and let’s talk about what’s happening. In the end, we may have to agree to disagree. But if I’ve slighted anyone, I would really appreciate the opportunity to apologize, perhaps make things right. Clear the air. Get rid of bad feelings. Forge onward.
Can we do that? I really hope so. Because, hell, ‘you could say that I’m a dreamer.’
‘But I’m not the only one.’
#1 by LaskiGal on July 30, 2008 - 10:50 PM
Wow. Just catching up on past posts. Fantastic idea. Timely, too.
I was in the park with J and my mind was racing. I had so much on my mind and kept thinking, “Nope, can’t post that, my [insert family/IRL friend here] reads my blog.” Not that I would bash anyone (not my thing), but revealing such personal thoughts/feelings can be a challenge when you know someone who KNOWS you (or thinks they do) is reading.
And then there is my blog identity–the one I’ve established with so many new blogging friends. I feel that at times I am even trapped by that. Certain posts have had people e-mailing me saying, “Is everything OK, you aren’t your happy, go lucky self.” Really? I’m happy go lucky? Wow.
Not inside. Not all the time. I’m NOT miserable. I just have a lot more in there than butterflies, rainbows and boatloads of Swedish Fish going on in there.
Um. OK. Long comment.
In a nutshell. Love the idea. Count me in. I’ll be e-mailing you . . .
LaskiGals last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: He’s "Talking" Already
#2 by so grateful to be mormon on July 30, 2008 - 11:25 PM
awesome idea
#3 by twingly on July 30, 2008 - 11:38 PM
Great idea, I don’t blog but, it just might be a good way for me to test the water, so to speak, or type.
#4 by becky on July 31, 2008 - 12:07 AM
Long time lurker, first time poster….glad the intros are over. I think this is a great idea! I’m sure I would have a post or two to write.
beckys last blog post..The First Time
#5 by Assertagirl on July 31, 2008 - 12:39 AM
I love the idea of that plug-in but I haven’t been able to get that mofo to work on my site.
There are other anonymous blogs out there, but I think if it’s well moderated (as it will be if you’re doing it), then people will respond and use it as a resource. There are a lot of posts that go unpublished because of privacy issues.
Assertagirls last blog post..It’s a good thing Bert & Ernie weren’t there.
#6 by Lilacspecs on July 31, 2008 - 12:49 AM
Can I just say that I pink puffy heart you, you lazy douche. I have a pseudonym picked out already and I guess that string of sleep deprived emails is enough that you know I’m interested and would like to help in any way I can.
Lilacspecss last blog post..Late Night Lonely Ranting
#7 by Veronica on July 31, 2008 - 12:57 AM
I knew I should have clicked the last option! Just so the other person doesn’t feel so alone, hehe.
I like the idea of the anonyblog. I feel that I am able to talk about anything on mine, but I know that isn’t the case for alot of people.
Veronicas last blog post..Ugh
#8 by ModernSingleMomma on July 31, 2008 - 1:45 AM
Yipppeee!
I can’t wait for this…the bloggy-ity blog version of Post Secret.
Love it!
ModernSingleMommas last blog post..Paralyzing Joy, Detox Day 11, First-Encounter Anticipation
#9 by river on July 31, 2008 - 2:21 AM
I like the idea, but I don’t write well, I tend to ramble on and take off on totally unrelated tangents even when just talking. Maybe it’s because I have so much to say I can’t get it all out? Who knows. Maybe I’d submit a post. Maybe not. I have an anonymous name I’d use already picked out. Writing down my thought is the next step. NOT deleting said writings, that would be the hard part. Putting myself “out there”……….scary.
#10 by Rachael on July 31, 2008 - 3:11 AM
I am very excited about all of this. Yay!
#11 by river on July 31, 2008 - 3:40 AM
So, I went over to Quirkee and read your post there, decided to leave a comment, you know, so they’d love you and keep you, was a little annoyed that I first had to register. So I registered and I’m still waiting for the confirmation email, can’t leave a comment without it……..
Quirkee looks like a really interesting site, I think I’ll do quite a bit of reading over there.
#12 by tiff on July 31, 2008 - 5:14 AM
Lotus,
Sounds like a great idea to me.
#13 by Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children on July 31, 2008 - 6:13 AM
Very cool idea…especially the part about moderating comments. I think the potential for negative comments stops people from saying what they really want to.
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for childrens last blog post..People watching
#14 by The Laundress ~JJ! on July 31, 2008 - 6:58 AM
Great idea. You can count me in.
The Laundress ~JJ!s last blog post..For the Love of All That is Holy…Why Oh Why? But so much fun to get on camera.
#15 by Lou Lohman on July 31, 2008 - 7:42 AM
I will send the email – because I like the idea. I know I can’t always say what I would like to say on mine – because family and friends read mine and …. let’s just say there are secrets and then there are SECRETS.
Lou Lohmans last blog post..Earlier That Evening ….
#16 by MP on July 31, 2008 - 8:22 AM
I already have 947 posts that I want to submit to the new blog.. I can’t wait!
MPs last blog post..Prayer – Good Wishes Request PLEASE
#17 by The Other Dawn on July 31, 2008 - 9:22 AM
I started a blog like this a few months ago, but never had the time to really promote it like it needed to be promoted: toodefensive.wordpress.com
I wish you the BIG LUCK, and I will have lots of posts for you.
The Other Dawns last blog post..Only Funny If You’ve Met Her
#18 by Alison on July 31, 2008 - 9:49 AM
I think it’s a great idea. I don’t have anything I want to post right now, but when I do I will definitely submit it.
Alisons last blog post..Maybe I’m the One Who Needs Glasses
#19 by Amy on July 31, 2008 - 10:28 AM
I was hanging out with Imaginary Binky the other night (go ahead, be jealous) in person no less (I see the greenness starting to show in your skin) and we had this conversation about how I hold back on my blog. And it’s sad to say, but I am so tired of my 84 year old way-too-tech-savvy Grandma reading my blog and chewing my ass or starting a “lively discussion” (I prefer the term fight, lively discussion is her term) about what I’ve written. Part of me realizes that it’s these lively discussions that keep up mentally strong and agile and testing our thoughts is probably a good thing, making us think further about them, or deeper into them. So I do hold back. I regret the day I told any of my family members about my blog. I can’t in good conscious rail about my mother or MIL or my husband. It’s become limited to a “happy place” blog where everything in our world is all sunshine and butterflies. And I do think focusing on the positive is important but it has also stifled me. So, I’ve registered a new domain. I’m ready to break out, become more anonymous (are those 2 things possible? breaking out and becoming anonymous? at the same time?). And I’m only telling my imaginary internet friends about it. And maybe once I’ve built up a thicker skin through interactions with people I’m not overly likely to bump into at say my next family reunion, then I’ll be ready to take on Grandma Rose. But this is a great idea. It’s sort of like the post secret but blog style.
Amys last blog post..We Now Return You to Your Mexican Vacation
#20 by maggies mind on July 31, 2008 - 10:35 AM
I wanna be your man on this one. There are *plenty* of things I’d say over a drink that I cannot share on my blog, and this would rock. Do I need to email you separately, or does this do it?
maggies minds last blog post..Thursday Thirteen 7/31/08 – 28th Edition
#21 by Manic Mom on July 31, 2008 - 11:15 AM
I love this idea!!! Love it!
Manic Moms last blog post..Sweaty crotch
#22 by Maria on July 31, 2008 - 11:15 AM
This almost makes me feel bad that I don’t really censor myself at all. I wanna anonblog.
Marias last blog post..Tenderhearted.
#23 by Colleen - Mommy Always Wins on July 31, 2008 - 11:32 AM
You rawk, Lotus.
I’ve emailed you.
#24 by Allie on July 31, 2008 - 11:35 AM
I could write and write for days on an AnonyBlog. God, my English degree may finally become useful. Bring it!
Allies last blog post..To Quote Darth Vader…
#25 by Half-Past Kissin' Time on July 31, 2008 - 11:48 AM
You ROCK! Thanks for the link to that comment thing-I have been loving that for days now and wanted to know how to do it!! I also love your anonyblog idea; I have a great post for it, so l’ll be watching for the roll-out!
Half-Past Kissin’ Times last blog post..How I Keep My Heart in Shape
#26 by tenakim on July 31, 2008 - 12:34 PM
Awesome idea! Have you been to Postsecret.com? I just found out about it, but it is compelling!!! I think your idea has the potential to be equaly compelling with it anonimiy!
#27 by missy wiggins on July 31, 2008 - 12:41 PM
Great thoughts!
I am almost ashamed that I censor myself sometimes because I am not one to be afraid of other’s opinions about me but I guess as I get older I want to offend people less. Does that make sense?
I will consider posting on your anonymous blog. I like the whole concept.
missy wigginss last blog post..All done…
#28 by DirtyLaundryDiva on July 31, 2008 - 1:43 PM
That is the exact concept of my blog, but just a little nastier. I want people to come on over to my blog and rant, only rants (hopefully snort-worthy ones), problem is not too many people have registered and posted… So I am posting the majority of the time but others are encouraged to register and post. It is really a great idea, we do censor ourselves way too much!
#29 by Stacey @Real World Mom on July 31, 2008 - 2:04 PM
One word: Perfect!
Stacey @Real World Moms last blog post..At the Boardwalk
#30 by Tara R on July 31, 2008 - 2:10 PM
brilliant idea. brilliant. thanks.
#31 by Elisa on July 31, 2008 - 2:43 PM
Didn’t I leave a comment here? Didn’t you answer it, too? Was it a dream?
Elisas last blog post..Multi-event Alert!!!
#32 by Kateanon on July 31, 2008 - 3:14 PM
Great idea! I love having my anon. status so I can do exactly what I want & say what I want. I know others need that same release – kudos to you.
#33 by Kat on July 31, 2008 - 3:18 PM
I like the idea and would love an opportunity to spew my censored stuff in an AnonyBlog. bring it on!!
Kats last blog post..the random quirkiness that is moi!
#34 by Sarcastic Mom, aka Lotus on July 31, 2008 - 3:28 PM
Maggie,
Send me an email, just so I can have a “list” of authors ready in one place, so I can call for mass submissions when I’m about ready to launch.
#35 by Tara R on July 31, 2008 - 3:36 PM
I linked to you today.
Tara Rs last blog post..Happy Anniversary to us
#36 by Kerry on July 31, 2008 - 4:07 PM
Thanks for the link to the new plug-in. I installed it today and I am so happy about it
Kerrys last blog post..New Plug-In
#37 by HappyCampers on July 31, 2008 - 5:19 PM
LOVE the idea of anyona-blog. I’ve got a HUGE anonymous post I thought about putting on a Post Secret card, but I haven’t ever gotten the nerve. I love your blog, so I’ll save it for your site
HappyCamperss last blog post..I Now Know The Secret…It’s PrtSc
#38 by Nutmeg on July 31, 2008 - 5:41 PM
Wow, great post! I do have a podcast for two years now, and I used to have a momming blog as well — called “Juggling Jello”. It wasn’t as big as yours but it was fun and helpful for me as I was bed bound after some leg surgery, helped me get through my youngest child (who was three at the time) in the ICU in the hospital. My mom found my blog, and while I never wrote anything ‘bad’ in it, I did have one post where I said it was hard to have my parents run the house when I was laid up post surgery, that we are all getting older. Well she was really upset not that I felt that way but that I posted it on the Internets where anyone could find it.
I took my blog down that day. I don’t ever want to hurt my mom like that again, justified or not. I kept all the posts though, downloaded them to my computer.
A year later I’m back to blogging. I’ll be more careful, no semen jokes or my regular bawdy humor if you knew me IRL. Lightness, happiness and humor. But I’d love to be a part of this blog too. I don’t just blog about sewing LOL
Nutmeg
materialmama.com
Nutmegs last blog post..40 on 40
#39 by Cassandra Rae on July 31, 2008 - 8:18 PM
So yeah, I think what you did in the “I wonder” post was amazing! Initiating such a real and much-needed dialogue, plus replying to everyone. You rock! I’m definitely in on the anony-blog and I’ll send ya en email.
Cassandra Raes last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: she melts my heart!
#40 by Kate from Atlanta burbs on July 31, 2008 - 10:41 PM
Just found your blog–hilarious. Can’t believe your bad luck with neighors. Felt better about being asked for drugs during the first week of my new house in “one of the safest suburbs of Atlanta”….
#41 by Marye~ on July 31, 2008 - 11:05 PM
I started blogging so my family and friends could keep up with us. We’ve lived in 4 states over the past 5 years.
Now that I’ve gotten to where I enjoy getting things out there, so to speak, I don’t feel I can say everything because people I know might read what I’ve written and well, we just cant have that… I absolutely love your idea. I will e-mail you and tell you, Hell yes I’m in!
#42 by celticbuffy on August 1, 2008 - 12:01 AM
You can completely count me in! Even though I use a pseudonym there are still a couple of family members that know of my blog (even though I trust them completely) & I do censor myself some because of it.
Truly inspirational idea!
celticbuffys last blog post..Definitely Serving It Up & Doing Nothing Else
#43 by Zoeyjane on August 1, 2008 - 12:43 AM
First of all, what Maria said.
Second of all: What about creating it in WP, with a Guest user account added on. Throw the log in info on the sidebar and then just mod the posts as they come in. That way people could be 100% anon, y’know?
Whatcha think?
Zoeyjanes last blog post..Oh, shirt, how you mock me
#44 by Angie on August 1, 2008 - 1:38 AM
Boy, you are brave, girl. Either that or just a glutton for punishment – INVITING people to tell you they are mad? Brave!
The new website sounds great and I would love to be included.
Thanks!
Angies last blog post..I hate it when my kids are smarter than me, which is most of the time
#45 by Patsy Bain on August 1, 2008 - 7:56 AM
The idea of an anonymous post is intriguing and I had even concidered creating another blog that family and close friends wouldn’t know about after reading this post. By the way, after reading I posted a blog that was just me rambling about some emotion/thoughts I had at the time — stuff that is usually kept inside and haven’t had comment back, but wonder now if said FF will judge me a little differently or if they already had it figured out — I think I might need some feed back — good or bad as long as it isn’t hurtful.
Patsy Bains last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #5
#46 by imaginary binky on August 4, 2008 - 2:22 PM
But I’ve already told my secrets to you at 3 in the morning. Wah! Wah!
Bhoooooooooooooot!
imaginary binkys last blog post..Making love in the butt
#47 by seven on August 5, 2008 - 10:34 PM
Thanks for the link to that comment responder thing… I added it to my blog too, and I love it!