Would I Come Up And Say Hi?

There are a lot of blogs I follow, where the bloggers have their names and photos up on their blog or profile or both. Some I am friends with, some not. So what if I was walking down the street and saw one of these people? What would I do, especially if I am just a reader of their blog, maybe even a lurker?

I have read about two instances where bloggers were accosted by readers of their blog, and that took them by surprise. One did not acknowledge being the blogger, the other did, but was caught by surprise and not quite sure about how to handle the situation. Considering the fact that I blog anonymously, or atleast I like to believe I do, and I don't have my recognisable photos up on the blog, I doubt, someone I don't know would recognise me as 'goofy mumma' while I walk down the street, however, how would I feel if they do? I write my blog freely and openly, a lot of what's in the depths of my heart surfaces in this space, things that I may not sit and talk about with people I know. And then up pops someone who reads all of this, and says a hi. How would I feel? Unnerved I think, unprepared, and I would not know which way to look. A lot of compliments from the reader, might make me all blushed, and gushy and happy though. (Just a hint for anyone who spots me somewhere.) However the point is would I go and say hi to a blogger I read, who is not too aware of my existence?

Earlier, maybe a year back, my reply to this would have been a vehement yes. Of course I would. I read the blogs that I love, the bloggers I read are the ones whom I hold in high esteem, for some reason or the other, they are great writers, I enjoy their writing or their posts are inspiring, motivating, some I read because they always make me smile, but whatever the reason, I really do love those , and that is also the reason I keep updating/editing my blog roll, because I don't keep blogs which give me no joy. Seeing one of them would be like spotting a celebrity, and I would be too happy to find words for a bit, but beyond that, I don't know what I would do. Being me, with my foot-in-the-mouth issues, I would possibly still just go and jump up in front of them, but now atleast I know, that maybe it would not be a very acceptable/cool thing to my beloved blogger. But it may just not be in me to act all cool, and pretend like I don't recognise the person at all. In fact, all through my stay in Bombay, each time I ventured out, I hoped I would catch a glimpse of one of those lovely Bombay bloggers. No, did not happen, my sore luck! But, that is not the point of the post. The point is should I go and make conversation?

Prudence says I should not. And I think I will train my mind to not do that, even if I sneak in furtive, awe struck glances at them. Though our blogs are public, and for everyone to read, how many would appreciate a stranger walking down the street coming up and saying, "Hi! I know you from your blog." Not all of us, and having seen all kinds of people, I would think its better not to risk it, and lose the chance of remaining a regular interactive reader, or being stamped a stalker or a nut case, esp, since I can be very very profuse with my compliments. I think it would be better to watch from a distance, and feel happy, like having seen a celebrity. Keep the talk of blogs in the blogs, and the real world out and away from it, unless its a pre-decided meeting of friends. What would you do, if you saw one of your favourite bloggers walking down the street or in the mall or some place like that, someone you just know as a blogger, no more and no less?