Age - How old are you now?
23
When did you start your online diary?
October 12, 2004
Marital Status?
Single
Occupation - What kind of work do you do?
I work in PR representing technology companies. My former career was as a reporter and I have my masters in journalism from NYU. I still freelance articles when I can
Hobbies - What do you like to do, besides keep this diary?
I like to attend events in and around Manhattan, Yankees games, Broadway shows, concerts, advanced film screenings, parties, etc.
Location - Where are you from? Where are you now?
New York, NY --- originally from Westchester NY and Connecticut.
Why did you start writing your diary online?
My journalism professor encouraged me to start a blog to keep me writing on a daily basis and to help develop my voice, then it became highly addictive and I couldn't stop.
Do you communicate with readers of your diary?
Yes, I always answer feedback and comments and regularly email readers and other bloggers that I met through my site
How much email feedback do you recieve from your diary? Is it mainly positive or negative?
I usually receive 2-10 comments per post almost always positive or discussion like. I've only received negative when I wrote about politics, which I usually avoid doing because I'm not an expert and I hate being forced to read politics when I don't want to. The experience furthered my resolve to keep my diary politic free, well as much as any New Yorker can.
TaraMetBlog.com
Have you met any new friends because of your diary?
Yes, a few online buddies, just on email though
Has your motivation changed over time?
It goes up and down, but my blog is important to me so I keep on truckin-I mean blogging.
How has the diary changed your life?
It has allowed my writing to gain exposure and garnered me a few online writing gigs like being a staff writer at FilmSchoolRejects.com
Do your friends and family know you keep this journal/read it? If so have you had any really negative experiences as a result? If not why?
Yup they all know, some read it some don't. Others say they have no need to talk to me anymore they can just read my blog. It's a great way for my friends and family out of state to keep up with my life but it's also weird that they know so much. Most can find my blog by googling my name too so it becomes weird with work situations.
How has the diary benefited you? Your friends? Or total strangers?
Like I said I gained a few writing gigs, and actually some free gifts from sponsors and from readers through my Amazon wishlist. It's also helped me be more confident in my writing and correspondence. It's also provided me with a great outlet to voice my adventures and gives me a lot of entertainment and hopefully provides some too.
Has your diary ever gotten you in trouble? If so, how? Scenerio: If you were wronged by a person that you know reads your diary, would you bash them anyway? What about family? What about co-workers?
I never bash people on my blog, but it has caused a few uncomfortable situations. I once talked about a cute guy at work and he found out about it when reading through my archives months later.
If you had to do it over again from the beginning, what would you change?
Nothing, I'm happy where I am. Although I guess I'd change my blog host, Tripod since it's technology is not as advanced as others.
Do you have any favorite entries?
Lost cell phone -- http://awards5.tripod.com/tarasblog/index.blog?entry_id=1028683
Lucky Charms -- http://awards5.tripod.com/tarasblog/index.blog?entry_id=644260
My dance with Robert Downey -- http://awards5.tripod.com/tarasblog/index.blog?entry_id=1277375
Cell dependency -- http://awards5.tripod.com/tarasblog/index.blog?entry_id=1293088
Who should plan a date? -- http://awards5.tripod.com/tarasblog/index.blog?entry_id=1392372
My dad -- http://awards5.tripod.com/tarasblog/index.blog?entry_id=603921
What do you look for in an online journal, as a reader?
I look for a refreshing and creative voice, entertainment, fun links and
humor.
