The Dilemma of blogging about Vietnam

This post caused me to think again about the ramifications of blogging on personal life. Dr. Drezner blogged and it may have (in addition to other things) cost him tenure.

What about us who blog about Vietnam?? I posted this in the comments section:

Do we write our true feelings--that may criticize Iran, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, China, etc--or do we neuter our thoughts to protect extended family and friends still living under those regimes? Blogging by definition almost screams no censorship, yet our personal relationships censor us anyway.

In response, another "conspirator" (one who reads the Volokh Conspiracy) replied,

There's also the option of writing anonymously to reduce the likelihood that personal relationships will require self-censorship. And blogging does not at all "scream no censorship"; people who write under their real names generally feel obliged not to write about their workplaces, about their most intimate relations, etc. Anonymous bloggers quite frequently seem to be much freer to discuss their family troubles or workplace gripes, whereas those whose blogs would be easily identified with them must be more discreet.

He is most assuredly correct that blogging anonymously is an avenue out. And, he is very correct in reminding me that blogs do not scream no censorship. I was mistaken. I'm sure anonymous blogs do allow people to be more free in discussing "family troubles or workplace gripes."

However, is that optimal?? I have deliberately been "less than forthcoming" on my personal biographics because I worry that the Vietnamese government could track me down and harass my extended family in Vietnam. Is it probable? I don't think so. Maybe if I was a bigger blog. Is it possible? Definitely. I've probably already told too much on this blog. Any government with a concerted interest could probably find out who I am very easily.

However, if I was totally anonymous, to the extent that the Vietnamese government or any other could not find me, would I be able to effectively write? It seems that not only would I have to keep all biographical info off the web, but I would need to neuter all anecdotes in posts about what I do, what experience I base my views on, etc. How could I truly effectively post my views and beliefs if they were sanitized so much? And wouldn't that be what communist govenments want anyway? Sanitized views?

This has caused deep internal reflection. And I want comments from all readers, whether you directly deal with this or not. Many views are better than none. Have I taken appropriate measures, too few, or too many? Is it a lost cause or am I concerned over nothing? Do other bloggers feel like I do and struggle with these questions??