Leisa writes:

So, today I did my first ever podcast and shipped it off to Anne for the Office 2.0 Podcast Jam.

I’ve shied away from podcasting for as long as I’ve known about it for a few reasons.

Before this blog I had a few short lived experiments with websites and blogging, but none of them really stuck. Partly, I think, because they were so inauthentic. Firstly, I didn’t know what I wanted to write about, but more importantly, I didn’t really want people to know who I was for security reasons. The idea of someone hunting me down somehow from my website was something that was a real fear for me at the time.

I'm seeing a trend towards being more open online, especially when it comes to professionals who work in the space. My only fear is that it opens people up to unsavory types. Recently someone I was writing to turned out to be one and that has made me think twice about what information I reveal to others online and to second guess those who aren't willing to be open and honest about themselves. Comments too on one of my blogs in the past has had me questioning being completely open. I think our tools are in dire need of identity, reputation and privacy evolution to facilitate proper personal expression.

Saying that, I think people are learning the value of openly marketing themselves and forming relationships with those like-minded and open individuals and companies, because often that can present new and interesting opportunities in areas of ones interest. I know for example, that when I read Leisa I'll get good UX commentry, links, etc. I actually went searching for others in the area and came up short for quality on the specific topic.
I'm finding I don't have the time to troll everywhere to keep updated on my interests and as a result experts in their fields are becoming more valuable to me. Something I've noticed about experts is that they mingle and mix in them, openly share and market themselves doing what they love - and do it often enough to build reputation.

It can be scary being open about yourself online though. I'm still not fully. Because of some of the content of what I write about I still like to keep certain aspects of myself semi-private. For a long time though I've wanted to register my name and start writing there. I've just been lazy… I think I'm going to do that soon and invest in myself…

Leisa talks about her podcasting experience too. Podcasting and more so Videocasting is something I keep meaning to give a real go too. Scares me. I'm not used to talking much. I always end up chickening out when I try, drawing a blank, having little to say. Still… doing things like it can be a good confidence booster I believe. And that makes it worthwhile in the end.

I look forward to hearing hers evolve.