I'm relatively new to blogging - a persistent illness having given me some time on my hands and a lack of energy which was only not a handicap when at a computer.

In my innocence I started by using my real name, which often led to ad hominem attacks when the topic got contentious - e.g. Israel/Palestine - when the comments and threats could become blood curdling.  Having a family to consider I started using a pseudonym.

After a while I just said "oh hell" I've never apologised for my views in real life so why should I run scared on the net.  There have been mildly embarrassing moments when tongue-in-cheek or provocative comments have been published in the MSM with my name and address (without my permission) but there haven't been any serious repercussions.

I take the view that there is so much stuff on the net now why should anyone be bothered with my take on things.  I do wonder though whether I should risk traveling to the US.  Some uber-zealous security official might google my name and take some pro-Palestinian comments out of context.  The last guy who volunteered to interpret for an accused terrorist in custody got 5 years for aiding and abetting...

Index of Frank's Diaries