Something not many people talk about when you begin your blog is….

The dark side of blogging and how to stay safe

We live in a world where someone can pinpoint your whereabouts on social media and locate spots you frequent

For a lone female jogging her favourite route in the park, this can have alarming consequences

From time to time I receive weird emails, but one particular one takes the trophy
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I received an email from a man, we shall call him David

David was writing from his RV in the woods

Seemed harmless right? Quaint even

But he was living in his RV because, according to him, he was a misunderstood, talented superstar.

He was so sick of having to turn up to work on time that he threw a chair at his colleague

He was in severe debt and none of it was his fault.​
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He was also furious that his family members refused to lend him anymore money
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This all led up to his conclusion that I was the lucky girl who could assist him to achieve stardom

I quote his exact words ‘ you help me and in return, I will thank you on stage when I accept awards in the future’​
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All this was a bit laughable until I realised ......

1- He sent a voice recording which was 30 minutes of him strumming the guitar moaning and then saying , aishaaaaa . Then more moaning. YUCK O_O​
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2- He said he found my details from a blogging FB group and gave alarming information about my whereabouts

‘I know you went to the Budapest hot baths, you looked so hot’

I wish I could say I was really brave and did something about this man

But the truth is, I did nothing and prayed he would go away and never email me again

Luckily he didn't. But I know many women who aren't as fortunate

At the risk of making this email really long

I want to share some safety tips for aspiring and new bloggers, in the hope you can protect yourself from potential harm

1- NEVER share your exact whereabouts especially while you are there

–If you follow my Instagram stories, you will notice that I only share the location I am in after I've left. Especially if I travelled alone
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2- I don't entertain requests to meet up in person with readers or followers unless I've known them for years and we have built up a solid relationship
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3- You can rent virtual mailboxes and Convertkit lets you use their address for emails ​
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4- Use the block button, especially if someone makes you feel uncomfortable

5- You don't owe anyone anything.

Your blog and social media are your virtual home. You wouldn't let someone walk into your home and take a shit on your couch, so don't let anyone slide into your DMs/emails/ comments and talk shit making you feel uncomfortable.

Delete, block, remove. ​
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Ultimately I remember this wise advice:

There are 3 elements to a crime:
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1. The perpetrator
2. The victim
3. The opportunity ​
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We cannot change the first 2, but we can change the opportunity

Don't give the opportunity for someone to come into your space and endanger your life

If your gut says something, LISTEN

Don't mean to scare you , but I’d rather you all go into this with eyes wide open and be savvy about what you share

I'd love to hear any other tips from the rest of you on staying safe

Reply and let me know so I can share it with the rest

Aisha xx

PS; I received an avalanche of emails asking for emails with pics, so here ya go!

Ireland is proving to be extremely beautiful! Here are some pics of my new desk, and walks near my house. I am hoping I can FINALLY shift the pandemic weight which is highly unlikely as Ive been scoffing strawberries and cream …

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