Anyone anonyblogging?

August 4, 2005 4:49 AM

Is there a simple to use, high-quality weblog creation service that will allow me to blog with a reasonable level of anonymity? Blogger has always been okay but as far as I know doesn't seem to cater for categories, which is something I seek. I'm attracted to TypePad though a look at their privacy policy suggests they're collecting all sorts of information and are likely to pass it on to quite a few parties. Are there more anonymous blog apps out there?
posted by skylar to Computers & Internet (11 answers total)

While their privacy policy may grant them the right to collect information in exchange for blogging services, you're under no obligation to submit correct or "easy" information.

Why not create a free "dummy" gmail/hotmail/etc. account, use an anonymous credit card for any necessary payments, and fake your user information?
posted by Rothko at 5:06 AM on August 4, 2005

http://www.invisiblog.com/
posted by fire&wings at 5:16 AM on August 4, 2005

Response by poster: Rothko, those are good ideas. A lot of the anonymous credit card companies listed seem to have disappeared, unfortunately.

Just in case it's relevant, I'm in the UK... I know it's been difficult in the past me picking up temporary credit cards in the States (for the purposes of signing up to US-only internet music services and so on.)
posted by skylar at 5:27 AM on August 4, 2005

Anything you have to pay for is something to avoid if you want anonymity.
posted by smackfu at 6:10 AM on August 4, 2005

You also might want to look into anonymous domain registration. Here's an evolt thread with some pointers.
posted by kirkaracha at 6:42 AM on August 4, 2005

This question (sorta) was asked a few weeks back, if those answers will help.

Also,there is the EFF's guide to anonymous blogging
posted by misterbrandt at 7:27 AM on August 4, 2005

"I'm attracted to TypePad though a look at their privacy policy suggests they're collecting all sorts of information and are likely to pass it on to quite a few parties."

We're actually very strict about sharing data from TypePad, our privacy policy specifically mentions sharing information because some features (like text ads) require it and we wanted to err on the side of full disclosure. However, we don't disclose identity on published blogs unless you choose to do so.

There's also the option of LiveJournal, which has the added benefit of being able to control who can read any of your entries, letting you protect your privacy a little more.
posted by anildash at 11:48 AM on August 4, 2005

If you're really paranoid, you could look for what's called bulletproof hosting, aka the swiss bank accounts of the internet, and just as shady. It's mostly used to host spammers and whatnot, but the hosting will be done in another country, making extracting information very difficult.

Very expensive, though :P
posted by delmoi at 12:15 PM on August 4, 2005

I've been using Pitas for about 5 years, so I don't recall *exactly* what information Andrew collects when you sign up... but I don't recall it was much.

As for "bulletproof" hosting, the only place I *ever* see that phrase is in spam offering, (doh) spamming services. And I always wonder: how bulletproof *would* those servers be if we lined the staff up in front of them, and let loose with an M2?
posted by baylink at 2:55 PM on August 4, 2005

motime.com is virtually anonymous. Use dummy names, dummy email addresses. Make your blog private if you want. Support categories / tags.
posted by indigo4963 at 8:17 AM on August 5, 2005

LiveJournal also has the benefit of being free and big enough that if you want to be Just Another Blogger you can.
posted by mendel at 7:15 PM on August 5, 2005