I suppose that I keep this blog in the open because its main purpose is to give those people who want to know more about me a chance to do so. I don't open up my Facebook account because doing so opens my family and friends to a closer scrutiny as well. In a sense, I'm willing to risk my privacy, but not theirs.
Still, knowing that this blog is open to anyone also makes me a bit more cautious about what I post. In general, I try to avoid talking about other people's personal issues or activities. I also try to stay away from those topics that might be used by someone to access my personal accounts (i.e. talking about how I come up with passwords). I also try to avoid writing anything that would compromise my professional integrity as a teacher.
Mostly, I keep this blog in the open out of the reckless hope that I will draw a following. I like helping people and giving them advice (not always the same thing). I want to make the world a better place, and I like to think that my blog does that in some tiny way. I suppose, like most people, I want to be liked for who I am and what I believe.