Do you use your real name in your diary?
I go my the letter "P", and combinations of it such
as "thatP", "happyP",
"working-avoidingP".
Do you censor yourself in your diary?
I only censor our details showing where I live. Given
some of the hate mail
I have recieved, I think it prudent to ensure my location
is not disclosed.
Do you ever use fiction techniques such
as imaginary dialogue?
I sometimes use a third person narative when talking
about myself. But
that's more of a writing style than a fiction technique.
Do you ever significantly edit/rewrite
past entries?
I changed everyone's name - the process took me a
week of solid work.
(spread over the course of a month)
Would you describe your diary as traditional, essay, novel, rant, letter to someone, a theme journal, or something different?
I don't find labels that helpful. It's a mixture of things. I don't think we can use the term "traditional diary" any more in any context. Everyone is aware that some people's diaries are found and published post death. So even a pen-and-paper diary will be written with the author being aware that it might be read by someone else. That must have some effect on the honesty of the writing. The moment you publish it, then any claims to be a traditional diary cannot be taken at face value. I see my diary as an exercise in honesty.
What is "one word" that would describe your diary's content?
Honest.
As an online diarist do you consider yourself a Web celebrity, an exhibitionist, a public figure, a writer, an innovator, or something different?
I see myself first and formost as a writer. However sometimes I do see myself a being a (very minor) role model for others. I would never call myself a celebrity.. well not yet anyway.
How do you tackle the mechanics of Web design and how do you deal with your frustrations when you can't do what you envision.
I program everything myself in HTML. I have managed to do everything I have envisioned doing... Perhaps I'm not ambitious enough.
Why do you think people are interested in what you have to say?
I think it gives people hope, and helps people realise that everyone, even someone that they look up to (hope I'm not being too arrogant here) has problems. I very visibily take control of my life - and I think people are inspired by that.
