Over the past few weeks, several dear blogging friends have contacted me and expressed concerns over troubling Sitemeter and Statcounter stats. Some of these stats revealed “visitors” who had used pornographic search terms and managed to link to a Catholic mom’s blog. These so-called “visitors” are auto-bots or spammers, not actual people. Nonetheless, it is disconcerting to see some of the search terms which are used.
A more troubling issue, and one which I have had to address as well, is the “unwanted visitor.” This “visitor” is an actual person who, for whatever reason, has become attached to a particular blog or blogger and is perceived as a possible threat. Sometimes, it’s simply a troubling search term from a regular IP address, other times it’s a visitor (usually of the opposite sex) who is spending a disproportionate amount of time on a blog site. Regardless of the impetus, there are means of addressing this issue. The following is a list, which is by no means comprehensive, but it’s a start. Blogging Moms: feel free to submit suggestions!!
1. It is imperative to use a stat tool such as Sitemeter and Statcounter. These tools allow the blogger to track visitors by IP address, helps to determine topics of interest and gives the exact amount of time that is spent at the blog site.
2. When a troubling entry is discovered, copy the IP address and paste it here: Geobytes
3. Note the longitude and latitude that is displayed. Copy and paste the numbers here: MapQuest Map by Longitude and Latitude
4. This will give you a fairly exact picture of where your visitor is. Including aerial satellite imaging. I had one of these “troubling” visitors who turned out to be a local college student who was looking for my older daughter. These tools helped alleviate my anxiety and solve a mystery. Make sure that visitors are aware that you have these tools installed. Unfortunately, some situations are not quite so easily resolved. Which leads us to the persistent visitor…
5. Block the IP address. It works, but is limited in its effectiveness. The persistent visitor can simply use a computer in another location (public library, work, etc.). It is still an excellent tool and will at least cut down on the accessibility of the blog site. You can find this tool here: Peer Guardian 2 (this one does not support Vista, at present) and here: Toolator
6. Consider a “move.” Change URLs. You’ll lose a bit of traffic, but will gain peace of mind. Transferring a blog is a fairly simple process…I did it just recently, though not for security issues.
7. Use pseudonyms and avoid the giving specific information. This is a tough one…most of us “Mom bloggers” have family and friends that we like to keep up to date on the happenings within our happy homes. Never reveal addresses, exact locations, times of trips and appointments, etc.
8. Trust your instincts. If you feel a little weird about something you see in your stats…CHECK IT OUT! Don’t overlook it. It is almost always nothing. The key word is almost.
9. Make sure your husband is aware of EVERYTHING that is happening with your blog. He is the guardian of your home. Trust his judgment.
10. Pray the St. Michael Prayer before blogging. Ask for protection and wisdom. The blogosphere can be a wonderful place of support and encouragement. But, like all good things, it is not without risks. Think and pray before you post…
Well…like I said…not a comprehensive list, but I hope it’s helpful. Feel free to comment, add suggestions or even correct, if necessary!
Blessings!!!
I am a traditional Catholic homeschooling mother of 9 children, married for 27 years to the most patient and sainted man. As converts to Catholicism in 1991, our family has only recently discovered the beauty and full expression of our beliefs in the timeless liturgy of antiquity, the Extraordinary Form also commonly referred to as the Traditional Latin Mass. An avid knitter, I also enjoy gardening, reading and immersing myself in the everyday graces of my vocation.
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Thanks so much for posting this! So often, I’d rather bury my head in the sand than worry about things like this …. thanks for making me stand tall and accept responsibility for protecting my hearth and home!
The links and overall post are extremely helpful and I’m saving it to my hard-drive now … just in case.
A lot of great tips! Thanks for posting them.
Thanks for the tips — I’ll be using several of them.
Kimberly, these are fantastic suggestions. I plan on implementing a few of them at this very moment. Thank you!!
I hadn’t worried too much about this until recently myself…but I will be sure to be careful from now on!
I am going to keep your Blog bookmarked as well ~ you have a lovely family (we have eight children ourselves) ~ and I plan to use the tips you list here…others have mentioned some of these tools, so I think it’s about time I checked them out!
Thanks for posting this…God bless!
Thanks for the info. For someone like me who is new to the blogsphere, the advice is invaluable. I will pass along to others who have got questions and/or concerns.
As you know Kimberly, you have my thanks for your help and info.
Kristen above seems to have moved to an invite only status and I am sorry not to be able to get onto her blog anymore!
I was just about to email her to make a dress for my little girl with some beautiful rosary fabric….
Friends:
Thanks for all the comments. It is my sincere hope that the information in this post serves to lessen fear, rather than elicit it. There are many ways to blog safely, and as Allison pointed out in her comment box, some bloggers may feel the need to have a private or invitation only blog. Don’t be shy about requesting an invitation…most private bloggers are only too happy to have old and familiar faces show up for a visit. It’s the unknown or persistent visitor that many are trying to deter. We all want the same thing…safety for our families.
God bless you all and safe blogging!
This is excellent advice Kimberly. I just now had a chance to read the troubling thread in the Moms Who Blog group. Thanks for sharing.
I just wanted to say thank you for the tips. I just stumbled across your blog this morning when doing a blog search for “Catholic family”. I hope you don’t mind me reading. As a to be Catholic wife (and God willing a Catholic mom sometime after marriage), I am just poking around for all the help I can get.
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