How Much is Too Much TMI?

Does this hit home with me or what? I am baffled as to how to answer this question. How would you respond? What are your limits?

Since a couple of readers think I overshare, and possibly others who have remained silent, I want to check in on this.

“They” say if you want to have a good blog, listen to your audience. So I am heeding the advice.

Origination of TMI

“The first definition of TMI on the online internet repository Urban Dictionary was created in 2002 and reads: ‘Too Much Information — way more than you need/want to know about someone.'” https://www.howtogeek.com

Initially, it pertained to bodily functions. Just writing that sentence is TMI. TMI bears some similarity to “TIHI” — Thanks, I Hate It.

TMI is used everywhere these days — it is no longer limited just to instant messages. It’s now all over social media and in our conversations.

TMI or WTMI?

So which is it? TMI or WTMI — Way Too Much Information. I had a little chuckle when I first read this. Now we have gotten to the point of levels. Tell me it isn’t so.

WTMI is something considered particularly disgusting. I have no clue what that would be. I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know.

I guess you make this distinction yourself. Definitely subjective. No idea where this urban slang originated.

WTMI is used primarily on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tik-Tok. I am not on social media so you all may be familiar with WTMI — not intending to insult your intelligence.

Mine is a personal blog — I share things about myself. I also try to mix it up with some stories that are not so me-centric. I don’t have a niche.

If I had a niche, say travel, fashion, art, animals, cars, etc., I doubt I would be writing this post. I imagine those bloggers are not concerned with TMI.

Their only TMI is telling you more than you really want to know about their subject matter.

My Definition of TMI

I’m a person telling life experiences, stories relating thereto, observations, opinions, irritants, and some venting. I hope not too much complaining.

Now that I think about it, if I told you what I thought was TMI, I couldn’t share it because then I would have TMI on my blog. No worries, I’ll work around that.

Rest assured, I am not sharing all my stuff — then we’d all be screaming “TMI! TMI!” No, not really, I’m just playing.

I am a pretty open person. This shows in my posts. The place where things get gritty. This may be where some readers think I overshare. I get it.

I aim to be kind, respectful, considerate, and not too snarky. I don’t want to be controversial. No politics or religion. Would it be too corny to say just pure clean fun sometimes?

I am sad if I come across otherwise. It is not my intent. I want only the best for The Bruno Papers — can’t let my boy down.

You may not believe based on this blog that I can keep things to myself, but I do. A friend of mine who posts to social media says there is nothing about them that they’re trying to hide. So they freely and openly post. That’s probably not me.

What I Consider TMI on The Bruno Papers

The first thing that comes to mind is a picture of the front of our house and our vehicles!

Anything of a confidential nature of ours. No personal identification.

Recently, I took a picture of something I was going to post. I noticed I had filled out a form with personal info. It was in the background.

I deleted the photo because I don’t know how high powered some magnifying zoom devices are. You just can’t be too careful these days.

Although as I mentioned in a previous post — Privacy is No More. I am certain if someone wants to find us, it wouldn’t be a problem.

“Why” would be the question. They likely may know more about us than we do. They would be TMI culprits.

TMI on this blog is personal information about anyone I know — or pictures of that person. Full stop. I am not going to talk about others.

If someone has a story I think is neat or a picture I might want to share, I ask permission. I do that with using first names as well.

People do say, “No, thank you.” I respect that. This is why I ask permission. I obtain an okay from Paul as well.

This is not the place for being gruesome in any form or fashion. TMI is anything of a sexual nature. TMI is profanity.

TMI is saying something cruel or hurtful intentionally. As a lyric in one of Bob Dylan’s songs goes, “You can hurt someone and not even know it.”

My guiding principle is I only post what I would say to someone in person about what I post. What I have said about my parents, I would say to them person-to-person. I wish I’d had the opportunity.

Honesty and Authenticity

Not only am I a pretty open person, I believe in honesty and authenticity — kind of like John Candy’s character, Del Griffith, in Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

https://youtu.be/CFh5FzXIeBgv — “You Wanna Hurt Me” :44 clip from Planes, Trains and Automobiles. This is from my all-time favorite movie. Please accept my apologies if you encounter an ad.

My most authentic self is fairly direct. I’m not one to say I don’t have strong opinions on certain things. I am not usually neutral on subjects.

I tell the truth to the best of my ability. I had this ingrained in me with those nasty, soapy washcloths in my mouth as a child.

I know others had this experience, too. I learned only recently that wiping out a child’s mouth with soap is considered child abuse.

Responsiveness

I welcome all Comments — negative or positive. Everything is not always peachy-keen.

If I say something you think inappropriate, by all means please email me or leave a Comment. Same goes should I post inaccurate information.

Sadfishing

I am not a sadfish blogger. A sadfish is someone who frequently posts deeply emotional, personal content online in order to get attention, sympathy, or for personal gain.

I don’t want to be deemed one. I couldn’t stand it if I were thought of as a victim.

”Sadfishing is when someone uses their emotional problems to hook an audience on the internet.”

Rebecca Reid, January 2019, UK newspaper, Metro

In other words, trying to get clicks and followers by posting about being sad.

In the fall of 2019 sadfishing was spreading because of media interest. A Fall 2019 report indicated young people were being wrongfully accused of sadfishing even though they were genuinely seeking support for their personal challenges.

I don’t know how much information these young people were sharing and whether some saw it as TMI. I just want to say my heart goes out to them. If you are seeking support online for personal challenges, that is a sad story to me.

I Know I Am Not For Everyone and That’s Ok.

I appreciate the readers who like reading The Bruno Papers. I am aware not everyone on the distribution list is reading. I’m cool with that.

Just yesterday I was asked, “What is a blog anyway?” I replied, “I don’t really know myself.” Laughter ensued. I just write.

Whatever you may get out of The Bruno Papers is what’s important. I’m glad you’re here.

Comments are always welcome.

Sincerely,
Yvonne

Did You Know?
Grapes light on fire in the microwave. (haven’t tested this)
http://BestLifeOnline.com

Sources:
https://socialsci.libretexts.org
https://www.dictionary.com
https://TheConversation.com