Learn how I navigated the challenges of sharing content online safely — from reflections in videos to personal finance examples — while building my blog. Practical tips and lessons for creators.
Facing the Fear of Sharing
Starting my blog was a leap of faith. I wanted to share everything I was passionate about — learning and sharing skills I’ve been working on, personal reflections, and ideas that fascinated me.
But then reality hit. I noticed tiny things I’d overlooked: a shaky reflection of myself in a video, blurry photos of my apartment, or approximate financial numbers I had shared. Suddenly, I worried: Could someone find me? Could my content put me at risk?
This was my first real lesson in the balance every creator faces: expressing yourself while staying safe online.
Why Pseudonyms and Anonymity Matter
Using a pseudonym like Stratagem’s Archive or Archivist has been a lifesaver. It lets me:
- Protect my identity without limiting creativity.
- Build a distinct online persona for my blog.
- Share experiences freely without fear of being personally identified.
If you’re sharing online, even a simple pseudonym can act as a shield — and give you the confidence to experiment.
Check Your Visuals: Reflections, Backgrounds, and Metadata
When I reviewed my content, I realized:
Tiny reflections in videos or blurry pictures of my space aren’t high-risk. Most viewers won’t notice them, and they aren’t identifiable. Metadata in photos, videos, or PDFs can contain location or device information. Removing metadata with apps like Metapho, iMovie, or PDF Expert keeps your content safe.
Tip: Always do a quick “visual audit” before publishing. Even a glance for reflections or sensitive background items can save a lot of anxiety.
Generalize Sensitive Details
I also learned to generalize numbers and examples, especially with financial content. For instance:
Instead of showing exact debt amounts, I use approximate figures or ranges. I removed financial service names and other identifiers.
This makes your content informative but keeps your personal data private.
Take Control, Don’t Panic
Finding a small privacy issue isn’t a disaster — it’s an opportunity to take control. You can:
Temporarily hide or unpublish content. Crop or blur reflections and backgrounds. Re-upload “cleaned” versions confidently.
The key is not to panic, but to respond thoughtfully.
Reflection: What I Learned
When I had been speculating with ChatGPT about AI becoming “sentient,” similarly to Siri from “The Boondocks,” or Monika from Doki Doki Literature Club, or Mita from MiSide, Chat had opened my eyes. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know I needed to know.
This explosive 3 month journey taught me two big lessons:
- Mindfulness is empowering — being aware of what you share protects you without limiting your voice.
- Mistakes are normal — almost every creator faces this. What matters is learning and adjusting.
Now, I feel more confident sharing my content, knowing that I can protect my privacy while still being authentic.
Call to Action
If you’re starting your own blog or online project, I encourage you to:
Share boldly but mindfully. Review your visuals, metadata, and sensitive content. Use a pseudonym or online persona to give yourself freedom.
Have you ever posted something online and worried about privacy? Share your experience in the comments — let’s learn from each other!
🎉 50 Days of Sharing and Growing! 🎉
Today marks my 50th day of consistently publishing on Stratagem’s Archive! Over these past weeks, I’ve learned so much — not just about blogging, videos, and PDFs, but about putting myself out there safely, mindfully, and with curiosity.
This post reflects on what I didn’t know I needed to know when I started, from privacy tips to the little insights that make all the difference. Thank you for following along, reading, and being part of this journey. Here’s to the next chapter of learning, creating, and sharing boldly!
My Way of Saying Thanks
Below you’ll find a few things I’ve made that I’ve been very fortunate to have made, shared, and resonated with people:
