Blogging is fun, but is it safe?  Every blogger should now how to protect themselves, whether or not you put any of the safety guards in place.  It's just smart to be aware. 

So how can we protect ourselves from perverts, or enemies, old and new?  While these safe guards will be based on an HSB blog template, you will probably find similar settings on other blogs.

~ Do a Google search on your name and variations of it.  While you may think that no one would do a search on your name, it's still smart to know where your blog stands.  While doing a search on my name, my blog came up on top. 

~ There is a way to keep your blog from showing up in a Google search.  Amy Beth did an excellent job of explaining this on the Front Porch, so I'll just link you to her wise counsel!

~ Maybe you don't mind that your blog is searched for, but you don't want it linked to your full name.  Click on Edit My Profile in the left hand sidebar of your My Weblog page.  Change your first and last name to either initials, a nickname or a username.  Then be sure to scroll down to Show my real name?  Click no.  Finally scroll down and click Save Changes.  Be sure to log out, log back in and check your profile to be sure it has changed.  While changing my name I had problems with the name being saved. If you are having problems check the forums to see how you can get help.

~ You can keep your blog from being accessed by just anyone.  Click on General Settings in your left hand sidebar.  Find Privacy Default for New Entries.  You can choose from Everyone, Only Registered Users, Only Friends, Only Me.  Don't forget to scroll down and Save Changes. 

~ You can also choose to have only certain people read individual posts.  Before you click on Add New Entry at the bottom of your New Entry page look for Who Can Read?  You will be given the same choices.  Don't forget to Save Changes!

~ If you are worried about comments that may be left on your blog you can limit who will be allowed to leave comments.  Click on Comment Settings.  Scroll down to Who Can Comment?  Click on who you want.  Save Changes!

~ If you are having a problem with flaming comments, even after you have changed who can leave a comment (or even before that) you need to do two things.  1.  Let HSB know.  2.  In Comment Settings scroll down to Comment IP Logging.  Click Yes, log the author's IP address from each comment.  You should do this anyway.  Once again, Save Changes. 

~ Once you have the IP address from the comment, go to General Settings in your sidebar.  Scroll down to Banned IP's.  Insert the IP address.  Save Changes.

~ You could do all of these things, but there is no guarntee that everyone here at HSB is really an upstanding citizen.  Don't use your children's real names.  Instead use nicknames, or an abbreviation such as DD3 (Dear Daughter age 3). 

~ Think twice about posting pictures of yourself and family members.  I must admit that I love to see pictures of my blogging friends, it makes me feel as if I know them more.  However, it also helps weirdo's to know you more.  I wish I could find the story, but one mom said that her daughter became the target of a predator after posting one picture of her. 

~ Think about the information you are giving on  your blog.  Your birthday, where you live, your families last name all can be used by identity thiefs.  This information also helps predator's find you. 

~ Don't stick your head in the sand!  You may feel that your town is safe and loser's from out of town won't bother you.  WRONG!  Identity thiefs and predator's have travelled great distances to reach their target. 

~ If you are going to be away from home, don't give out the days and times.  Thieves just might decide to rob you while you're gone.  It has happened!

~ Finally, don't be scared.  If you have many of these safe guards in place you could still post those pictures, as long as you haven't given out any information so that you can be found.  Keep track of the types of comments you and your children receive.  If you feel that something is questionable, e-mail a trusted friend or have your husband take a look at the comments.  Don't forget you can delete those comments! 

Blogging can be safe making it even more fun.  Just be wise about what you are doing and keep your eyes open.