I got an interesting email the other day from a woman named Sandy who is thinking of creating a sports analysis blog that she will eventually monetize (through affiliate marketing) by reviewing and recommending sports equipment.
Sandy claims to be very knowledgeable about sports. She was an athlete in her younger days and all her kids are heavily involved in sports. Her main concern, however, is that she is a woman and most popular blogs on this topic are written by men.
She read my blog post, “Being Anonymous Can Hurt You” and agreed with my points, but was concerned about revealing her picture/identity because she didn’t think men would take her content seriously (or at least as serious) if they discover she is a woman.
What I’ve learned is that there are always going to be people who will discriminate because of something, whether it’s your sex, age, race, religion, etc.
I cannot count the numerous “N word” comments I’ve received on my YouTube channel over the years. I even had a guy tell me he would have taken my information about making money online more seriously if I wasn’t black.
However, I believe that the benefits of displaying a picture and sharing a little about about who you are outweigh the negatives by far. It gives your site personality and also helps build a degree of trust with your audience — particularly if your goal is to earn an income from your site.
Of course, there are always going to be intolerant / ignorant people in this world who judge people on their appearance, but fortunately most people are not that way. People go online searching for information, entertainment, answers to their questions, etc. So if your site can help someone and provide value, most people are not going to care what you look like.
And as far as Sandy’s situation goes, being a woman could actually help in some instances. Many men will respect and be impressed by the fact she is a woman tackling a subject that is mostly dominated by men, and this could work to her advantage.
Will there be some who won’t take her info seriously because she is a woman? Perhaps, but as I said earlier, I think the advantages of providing information about yourself usually outweigh the disadvantages by far — especially if you know your stuff and have an interesting approach to the topic.
I’d love to open up a discussion about this. What are your thoughts? Have you ever thought about staying anonymous because you fear discrimination of any kind? What do you think Sandy should do?
Stumbled onto this accidentally and hope everyone will forgive an aside. I truly feel compelled to say something about the deplorable comments Lisa has gotten on YouTube.
I’m a 70 yo white woman who grew up surrounded both by bigotry and misogyny. If it makes any difference, Lisa, I looked at your picture before I skimmed your post and all I saw was a lovely, confident young woman.
I’m so sorry those things were posted and am pleased to see your wisdom in considering the sources. Civil rights truly have improved by quantum leaps in my lifetime but nothing will ever be perfect — the world is and will always be 10% turkey.
This woman has now signed up for an RSS feed that doesn’t even pertain to me! But I have been a true techie since the early 70’s and you sound like a great bunch of people — I’m intrigued. ;-}
The woman´s righit are a great troble of our times. The own woman think that your workers are less value than mens, but it is don´t a truth in societ. The woman don´t should wirte anonymous in your blog…. Mentalidade.
Wow Lisa,
I’ve come across this so many times – people wanting to be anonymous for all sorts of reasons and whilst I’ve not “yet” been called the “N Word,” I’ve had people close to me suggest I shouldn’t use my photo because I’m black … and I might add … VERY proud! I was shocked and actually take the view, I’d prefer they knew who I was “female, black” or whatever before they try to do business with me.
I also had a VERY well known Internet Marketer who muddled me up with someone else called Trish, suggest I remove the photo I had on one of my sites and added … “it’s not that I have anything against black people, but …” I did write back and say, I have a problem because the black person in the photo is me and guess what, they never responded!
I agree, there are some ignorant people in this world and, we just have to live with them and get on with it but I get business online, I make money and in my view, Sandy should just go for it since she will attract those who do want to hear from her.
Trish
Trish Jones’s last blog post..When Outsourcing Goes Wrong …
You have got to be kidding me – you’d be taken seriously if you weren’t black? How about if you had long hair? Wore the more trendy brown slacks instead of the serious black slacks? Gah, there are some unlovely people out there.
I agree with the poster above – don’t just say it, flaunt it. The sooner people realize that people of all sizes, shapes, colors, genders, whatever have something to offer, the better! 🙂
Great post!
I am a child of the 60’s and I have to admit that I had some apprehension about putting my picture up (I am a Black man). Despite my hard work and credentials, I felt like my message would get missed if I included my face. So instead of guessing, I did a split-test (my picture, no picture, and picture of a white male) to be sure. Surprisingly, it did not matter. In fact, the picture of the white male did worse.
I simply had to get over it and get on with it. What matters most is how you feel about yourself and whether you are providing value to your readers.
Dr. J. Kyle Howard’s last blog post..May 7, There are 86,400 seconds in a day! 046
So, some idiot wouldn’t listen to you because of your skin? All things considered, maybe that’s natural selection in action. No telling how much listening to you could have changed his life. Sigh.
Anyway, I’m loving the new design!
Shaun’s last blog post..How to Save for College
I understand how Sandy feels. I started in a male-dominated business in the early 70’s (mostly dealing with construction contractors). After many, many years working hard at developing my credibility in that industry, I was fortunate enough to run my own surety bond brokerage Very successfully for over ten years.
Go for it, Sandy ~ If you have a good grasp of your niche market (as I learned to do with help from my mentors)…you should share it with others. There are a lot of women out there that know a lot about sports and its about time they feel comfortable showing you don’t fear expressing your capabilities!
Good luck….And, thank you, Lisa, for all your wonderful vids and links…I think I’m finally able to pull it all together after flailing around like a beached fish for the last 11 months!!!
Warm Regards,
Joanne
[soapbox]
Well, for race and gender issues, both, I would like to remind all that Ms. Rosa Parks had to go to jail first… but she won the day in the end FOR ALL OF US.
I say this, because I was hesitant to place a picture of myself on my blog when I first started it. I have never had a decent picture of myself taken. I had nothing I thought was presentable. How can I be taken seriously when I don’t look “professional”–was my thinking. For one thing, I’m an OLD woman and you know how everybody feels about old women! But Yaro Starak convinced me otherwise, and it turns out to have not been a problem at all. I’m a “regular person” and folks seem to appreciate that.
As for being a woman in a typically male genre–again, I refer you to Ms. Rosa. If she hadn’t made the bold move she did, how far behind would we be in the race issue?
African-American people need to come forward. Women need to come forward–even at the risk of setting themselves back a little–to help us all overcome the idiotic thinking that seems to rule our lives.
CJ’s last blog post..On Line Advertising – Zero Cost Is Always Great
I understand whole-heartily about wanting to keep your identity secret and not show a picture. When I first start putting up my sites years ago for my different businesses I would not put up my picture because I did not want to not get business because I was black. But I have learned that for the most part people do not care what you look like as long as you know what you are doing and talking about. I also realized that if someone would discriminate against me because I was a black woman then those are not the type of clients I want anyway! She should post a pic and let people know she is a woman. I think it would be to her great advantage. I love sports and would love to read about it from another women’s point of view. I think men would appreciate the knowledge also.
Go for it Don. You don’t want to be dealing with people who can not accept you for who you are. A website detailing to difficulties that you faced could well be a source of encouragement for other who find themselves in similar situations. Not so many years ago ‘being gay’ was not socially acceptable but I’d like to think that the world, for the most part, has grown up. I know I have. Although my brother waited until I was completely drunk before he told me. He’s still my brother!
OK. I just read this information about Sandy wanting to remain anonymous. I am appalled at the ignorant people in this world who have sent racist messages to Lisa! However, as a gay 59 yr. old man, I understand. I too am considering a website to include all my life stories as a young boy growing up in fear, making life decisions in fear and then after 30 yrs. of a fathful, but relatively sexless marriage (it did produce 2 wonderful children) my spouse died, and I decided it was about time I stood up for myself and told the truth to my family and anyone I thought would really listen and understand my situation.
I have been researching, doing tons of reading and refelcting on my life and the future for myself for the past 5 yrs. since my wife’s death. I feel I have something pertinent to say to other gay young men, older men, straight people, religious people and just about anybody. I am not an expert, but I have “walked in the shoes” for sure. I know what is in my heart and I feel the need to let it be known. I am not a radical or rebellious person by nature. I understand somewhat why people think the way they do about gay poeple. I used to travel in those circles with those people. They just didn’t know I was gay.
My problem is do I remain anonymous?? I have a family to be concerned about, and I have my own personal life to keep safe!! So, in a way, I am like Sandy, even though my reasons for anonimity may be different. I don’t have a website now, but feel compelled to start one. My vision is to help spread positive, and honest information about what “being gay” really is like. There are so man stereotypes out there that many people have tunnel vision about.
What do you and your readers think about such an idea? Is it a good one? Should I remain anonymous or not? How would I make money at such a website? It it too controversial?
I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks everyone,
DON
I am beginning employment in a semi-specialized field and have been looking for advice on how to be prepared as an incoming staff. Having found nothing, it has made me want to log my journey and hope to provide insight for future staff in my field.
I wanted to keep my identity hidden so that way I could be honest and frank about things I may encounter without fear of backlash from my coworkers if by some chance they happened to stumble upon it.
I have no intention of making this a center for complaints but my hope is for effective dialogue to be generated that will be an asset to future individuals like myself who are looking for a head-start and insight.
After what I have read here I am still torn on what I should do about my identity??
Thoughts would be so gratefully excepted.
Interesting topic, although rather moot since the person who posed the question goes by “Sandy”, an androgynous name. In my writings for my industry, when I tell a story, all the names I use are unisex, e.g. Terry, Dana, Chris, and so on… so readers can “relate”. Simply “being” Sandy is a perfect cover.
That said, had her name been, say, Mary: I still would “reveal” my gender and who I was (in as broad a sense as she wishes to choose) in my profile. I distrust those who hide basic info. After all a blogger is asking us to trust him/her…but without some sort of connection or even bona fides, why should I, if said blogger can’t even trust ME, the reader, with some basic human connections about her/him?
Of course, if the entire purpose of the site is to earn an income, believe me, I won’t be there anyway. I need to get VALUE out of my visits, and an anonymous blogger doesn’t offer that.
I am THRILLED top be supporting Lisa every step of the way, because A: She offers so much MORE value than my participation warrants and B: Because I feel a REAL CONNECTION with her. If SHE tells me something, I am 99% inclined to take it as gospel because I feel I KNOW her and TRUST her. If she had an old felt hat upside down on her sidewalk, I’d toss folding money into it every time I went by!
I can’t think of using anyone else identity. I disagree that women bloggers would not be taken seriously. If you are a master of your niche and have some useful content i don’t see why they would not be accepted.
Lisa I concur that it is horrible that you STILL have to deal with racism. Perhaps people also feel more free to let their racism and sexism and any other ism hang out when they are on the internet. It’s like a barrier that allows people to think of their fellow netizens as just another computer.
That said, I think it is very easy for everyone to sit around and say she MUST reveal her identity. If more women don’t take the plunge we’ll never advance, etc. However, given that this is *hopefully* this woman’s living we are talking about, and these are trying times, I really liked Yvette’s idea of running a test. And if the stats DO show that her husband or son had better numbers, don’t be anonymous… just be a ghost writer for your husband. Do I like it as a feminist? Hell no. If it was MY business though, that’s what I would do.
Hi Lisa,
there is nothing wrong about a woman blogging about sports. I think we live in a great nation people have grown in their thoughts and if you are really good and know what you are doing then being a woman or being a person of color should not matter. Our nation proved that by electing the first African American President. I am proud of our Country. 🙂
i am a young guy reading this blog and was taken back by Sandy view. It is a huge market, a woman’s view and an opinion. It could be a entertaining simple comedy of a woman growing up with kids and sports. a story and the facts about the game. i find when men talk about foot ball it goes right over my head as they get into stats, and things that i can not enjoy hear as i barely have the basics. If you have a strong knowledge it will bring debates and drama bring people back to your site to argue lol It makes me think of blogs, magazine, websites for just for woman, teen pregnancy for woman, anyways it is a focus, a target. anyways it just an opinion. i would not be offended by a woman as they play hockey, baseball and every guys sports out there. The world is changing and out of 6 billion people i am sure you will have many people from many country’s. another thing is that not all cultures accept certain sports but if a mother wants to get some education on it, she might not fear going to another woman in that culture to learn or ask a question. Just a thought
I want to make a website based on my views of religion, magic, and the like. At the same time, I am somewhat uncomfortable with having my name associated with such a taboo subject. I think it is dishonest to hide such a large part of my life from a potential audience, especially because it is something that is so important to me. I suppose it all stems from a feeling of insecurity.
Wow! You have GOT to be kidding me! Someone actually said that they wouldn’t follow your advice because you’re black!?
I guess at the end of the day, it’s their loss, right? I mean, honestly, I’ve come to trust you and your information, because you put yourself out there and you’ve done a lot of hard work giving out free information. You wanted to help this person. How rude!
I definantly agree with the majority! Post your pic Sandy! You may initially recieve some negetive feedback, but stand your ground, and believe in yourself…and in the end you’ll be respected for that!! I have feared that posting videos/pictures would generate a neg. response b/c of looks but I’ve decided to give it a shot anyway!!
I agree that Sandy should not hide her identity. I tell my kids – if you have to hide who you are to do anything – it’s not worth doing! Be real. Authentic. It will help. Look at Oprah. 🙂
I’d also like to chime in that I’m a big sports fan myself and always compete with men in Fantasy Sports leagues online. Many of my guy friends have told me they think it’s cool that I know a lot about sports. Of course there’s the occasional woman joke every now and then but they know I know my stuff (well, sometimes). lol So I agree, John that most people will respect her knowledge and as I said earlier being a woman may actually work to her advantage.
And Mohommad, yes definitely put up that photo!
Lisa honey I could care less what race or gender you are. But in one of your videos you are wearing a Cowboys shirt…that makes me question your judgement somewhat. 🙂
Kidding! Thanks for all you do and Go Texans!!
Hi Lisa,
First I want to say I am black and I started relying on your Website the moment found it. Then I realized who you are and found your information even more trustworthy. In business matters women are more realistic and trustworthy, all the major scams now are commented by whom?
I agree that Sandy should not hide her identity.
I work with a female and she loves sports and gets in on the Football fantasy league at work and she is good and all us guys know it.
Hey Lisa!
I have been using your website for a long time but this is the first time ever I am reading your blog posts and I am really finding them useful. I wish I had come here before and subscribed to your blog.
You brought a great question topic on the floor. I had the same problem as Sandy. Three months back what I started my blog I thought that I am just a 15 year old boy and no one will care for what. Now I have realized that you really need your picture in your blog. Now I understood that most people will not care if you are black, white, hispanic, pakistani or whatever if you have good information and that’s what I am working on.
Great blog Lisa!
I am looking forward to read from you.
——————————————-
Mohammad Afaq
Free Website Traffic
Wow Lisa,
Thank you sooooo much for all of the useful, and practical information. Your content is super rich. I have read a ton of information here. You obviously know your stuff, and I will be coming back to visit from time to time. Thanks again for the knowledge and keep up the great work.
Take care,
KF
Black, white, yellow or green should never matter. Lisa you a beatiful person inside and out and your advice is always top notch!!!
As for Sandy revealing herself as a woman I personally think a woman’s view of sporting goods will be a bit refreshing. As long as the information is directed towards her target, what others think does not matter!!
I think that Sandy shouldn’t worry about putting her picture up. Women are getting more and more into sports that used to be male dominated. I think it is great that she has an opinion and knowledge that she wants to share. I too think that I am athletic and so are my kids. I am the one who does the shopping for anything related to sports for our family. A womans opinion is just a valid as a mans. You go girl. Put your picture up for everyone to see !!!!!!!! I wish you the best.
I hate people who are racist, i cant believe people have said that to you.
I also think Sandy should reveal herself since it may be a good thing for any women who enjoy sports. I know a few girls who skateboard which is good for the sport. But anyway i do believe that Sandy will benifit long term from revealing herself.
Jack
Friends,
Blog is the place that we can share our ideas. its not a matter whether the blogger is male or female. so sandy may continue her blog with his original identity.
Thanks,
Ioffersearch.com Blogs – Just another Ioffersearch.com weblog
I had the same question and did not ask. I’m planning to build a new website concerning family financial issues to help survive our dire economy. Being a mixed black American I was concerned posting my picture and making videos would hinder my growth. I’m still uneasy about the whole thing but being truthful is more important to my viewers.
Sandy should not stay anonymous. She must run her blog with her actual identity. The advantages of doing so shall far out weigh the benefit of doing otherwise.
Your experience was my biggest fear when someone told me that I should use a gravatar/avatar/photo when I first stated commenting on blogs and blogging myself. Now, I rarely converse with people on Facebook Twitter, Squidoo, blogs etc who don’t have a photo up. It’s like talking to someone who is behind a wall.
I think Sandy should definitely reveal herself.
Hi Lisa
I’m not sure I’m in the best position to advise Sandy really…having just started a blog myself, I am still considering whether or not to put up my photo…however, my blog is a general one and not a niche one like Sandy’s…as such, I would imagine that in order to be taken more seriously by, and have a more personal connection to her audience, Sandy should display a photo and not go the anonymous route.
BTW, I find it absolutely ludicrous that someone, anyone, would still pass racist comments in this age and time…if u are ever in that situation again, and I hope u r not, just ask them who’s sitting in the White house…cheers Lisa
As someone who grew up having a hard time dealing with criticism, I know it is difficult not to feel hurt by negative criticism. However, when someone makes a comment like the racist view you related, the first mental response to make internally is, “Well, that comment proves only one thing and that is the poor judgment of its author. So it means nothing.”
As one old white guy who has been pretty successful himself, let me say that Lisa Irby is one smart person and anyone who ignores what she says does so at their own loss.
As to being anonymous on the web (or anywhere else), it may have value in some cases but not in most of the situations discussed so far in my opinion. On a site like the one I do for the Douglas County (Minnesota) Master Gardeners it doesn’t matter who I am. But on any site where the integrity of the author matters, your personality and character coming through to your audience is your strongest asset.
I totally believe that Sandy should just go for it and reveal her identity, thus revealing that she is in fact a woman. I don’t think that the blog will be any less succesfull. I wish you the best of luck Sandy.
As for you Lisa. I simply love what you do. You introduce people to blogging and website creating, so they aren’t just wondering in the dark.
As for the “n” comments, just ignore them. it’s simply not worth it. Apart from that. It’s your very character and something about you (maybe even the skin tone), that makes you, so pleasant to listen to.
Great work Lisa, Just keep it up.
I believe that Sandy would do well to reveal her identity… she could be just the breath of fresh air and unique voice that that niche is looking for. My vote is to go for it!
I didn’t put any personalization on my site for quite a while; I just didn’t feel comfortable with it; but I didn’t even really know why! I think part of me was happy to be hiding behind anonymity… and no one had to know that I was a stay at home mom, sitting in my pajamas in front of my laptop! 🙂
I submitted my site for review with Lisa, who sent me a kind reply in which she encouraged me to add personalization. I decided to go for it and have enjoyed a higher number of page views per visitor and some great comments and feedback on my contact form. I’m glad I took Lisa’s advice and got over my “shyness”.
I KNOW EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SAID, but personally I believe in just revealing yourself no matter what you do. Let people decide whether or not they want to follow you. It’s their loss at the end of the day…
I was under the impression that the internet was supposed to be this great leveller. Where the small ‘guy’ can compete with the big boys. What does it matter if your male or female. As long as your website brings value you will do well.
As for me I’m facing the prospect of a website about nail care & nail art, hopefully with SBI, because ‘She who must be obeyed’ wants to develop that as a business. I’m happy – sitting in front of a computer all day with the wife’s blessing and making some money at the same time.
Go for it Sandy! Good job Lisa!
I think its not necessarily a bad thing to be anonymous on a blog. Creating an identity (pen name) allows you to have a buffer against people that may not be well intentioned.
She can do a test. Since Sandy can be a woman or man’s name — she should rotate an image of her and an image of her husband or son. Watch the stats for the answer. Just a suggestion.
I have learned from the great Lisa Irby that I should, and now do use video to personalize most of my websites. They can see who I am and hear my voice so they “know” me better. I grew to trust Lisa’s opinion because I could connect via video with a real person.
Being able to judge people by tone of voice and body language and what they say via video has to be the best thing short of meeting in person. A woman with a sports Blog – Sure. Make it more well informed and factual with good insights and men will listen.
After all if sexism is the problem, it may also be an advantage.
Turn it around and do better than a man would. My grandmother bet against my grandgfather on the televised Friday night boxing of years gone by and almost always picked the winner.
I agree that YouTube is a tough crowd. Like Tips4pc said, I don’t let those people upset me because their ignorance is not my problem. They are the ones who are angry and have issues so they look to make others angry with their comments to fulfill their own unhappiness. I don’t give them the satisfaction and just hit the DELETE button.
I think she should go for it..I have the same problem in the IT area. People in general do not think a women can fix a computer. Once they see what I know and compare it to others, they forget who I am. It is your knowlegde that will make you stand out, like Lisa stands out for what she has done.
I still have a problem on Youtube though. They can be very harsh on there. But don’t let them stop you because they are the ones with the problem.
When I was younger I was a sports fanatic and I hated not being taken seriously by men I used to discuss sports with, so I understand where Sandy is coming from.
However, I think the situation of some men not taking women seriously as sports commentators will only be addressed if women like Sandy take the plunge and put themselves out there. If she writes great content, she’ll have nothing to fear.
There will always be ignorant **** out there. They are unavoidable, no matter what kind of blog you write.
I think being female will work to her advantage. Although sports commentary is dominated by men.. there are many women who love sports. We ought not to assume that her audience will be entirely male!
i am a guy (obviously), and when i watch sport i like, when i see women on it reporting they usually seem a bit dumb or uknowledgeable to me.
but.. if a woman would be good and informative, sure ! why not reveal herself ?
For Sandy’s situation I’m a perfect example of why she should not worry about revealing her identity…
If it’s just a matter of discrimination than I think she should definitely show her identity – I have a little 2 year old boy but I’m not into sports at all, never have been. So if I decide I want to get my son into sports than I’d probably find her blog very useful.
And I agree with Lisa in that it would probably work to her advantage as there is probably hardly, if not any other women doing it. – besides I’m sure a lot of moms are the ones doing the equipment buying. They’d be all over your site.
I’m going through a similar situation right now. I am an expert in my blog topic but I feel I run the risk of actually hurting my career if I reveal my identity. I’m a little concerned that others in my industry may not like what I’m saying or doing.
I agree that it is better to be honest and put your picture up – I always relate to people more when I can see a bit about them – especially on the web.
Who knows she may get a demographic of people who want to know a mother’s point of view about sports equipment – afterall all mom’s of kids in sports have to buy it anyway – she could market directly to them – as well as men.
Then that wouldn’t be an issue at all!
And yes there are idiots out there that are racist, sexist and whatever – there are everywhere – especially on the net – those are the posts etc. that the “delete” button is for.
Hi Lisa,
As Angie said, I think it is horrible that you have to listen to those racist B.S. comments from some one who is obviously a moron.
I found your site today and I must say that I am overwhelmed with all of the information. I have been a stay at home mom for fourteen years now and since September 2008 I have been trying unsuccessfully to generate an income from the internet so i can continue to stay at home with my two year old (my other two have gone off to school). To date, I have spent well over four thousand dollars trying to accomplish this.
With all of the information that you offer, I wonder if you have a step by step system for people to follow so that they can concentrate on each step as they go along(like benchmarks?) I am sure that you have provided this information on your site already(as I said I only found you today and I will be reading it over and over till I get it).Thanks for reading my message Lisa and i can’t wait to hear from you. Marina
I also want to say congratulations on your many successes.
Hello Marina, I hope you’ll find all the answers you need here! as for Sandy, I say go and achieve your dreams be it a male dominated environment or not.
It seems to me that Sandy might have hit upon a very profitable niche. Surely women buy sports equipment? And what about single women raising boys? If I were her I wouldn’t hide my gender, I’d flaunt it!
First of all I think it’s horrible you have to deal with racist comments on your YouTube channel, Lisa. We have come along way but we still have a long way to go! I personally could care less if the person was blue, purple or pink…. if they are giving me solid, honest info then I’m going to respect them. I agree though that Sandy should put her picture on her site. If she really does know her stuff like she said then most men aren’t going to care if she is a woman. I say go for it Sandy and show those men you can analyze with the best of them!!!