PostSecret Review

I like the PostSecret blog. I have for years. I do have criticisms of it, though. I like that people can anonymously send in their innermost, maybe dark, maybe not, secret and get it off their chest without having anyone know it's them. The postcards are beautiful, even the simple ones,it truly is a community "art project."

I think the point of sending one in is: "Oh! There I said it!" I think you send these things in anonymously for fear of being judged or social retribution. I kind of thought that was the spirit of it. Sometimes on the main page under a postcard, there will be a comment from a user in the community, or in many cases the suicide hotline or something touching or funny.

I just realized probably a month or so ago that the logo that says "PostSecret Community" is a link to message boards where you can discuss the postcards, among other things. If you send in a secret say, that you want to commit suicide, of course you get lots of support. If you get a secret posted about not being able to go to the bathroom in public, ha ha I can't either is basically the tone. But I have read the others and whoa, I must say, if you took the time to pour out your soul in an anonymous secret to get it off your chest in the hopes of reaching another, well, you did. And if you are sensitive about it, don't go read the boards.

Before I went to the chats, I kind of thought everyone was just thinking it was cool to get a window into another person's life and maybe identifying with it. That's what I did. Well, I don't need to go into detail, we've all been on the internet a while now. When you get a mix of controversial ideas and complete anonymity it never goes well.

PostSecret is beautiful, it is art, and it is special. Interpret it for yourself and let it touch you in your own way. Don't ruin the experience by going to the chats and letting others change the experience. Yes, it's art, and art is criticized. It's normally criticized by people with actual names and something constructive to contribute. I think Frank Warren is doing an excellent job on that website.

If you are on Twitter, follow @postsecret you will get a link to special Saturday Secrets only for the followers, and yes, THOSE are archived! Have fun and enjoy!