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Your Web Site: Don't Attract The Wrong Attention!

© Shira

Don't Encourage Ogling

Many dancers put photo galleries of themselves and their troupes on their web sites. Most of us would feel flattered to learn that a man somewhere was admiring these pictures of us. However, these photo galleries often attract a less innocent kind of attention--men who try to act on their fantasies in real life rather than restrict themselves to just admiring pictures.

Of course, photos are a valuable tool for promoting yourself. But think carefully about how and where you use them on your web site. If Internet safety is important to you, consider burying your photo gallery a couple of levels deep into your site.

For example, at the level of the home page, you might have a menu choice for "About Our Troupe" or "About Me, Maryam The Magnificent" that leads to a mostly-text page describing how long you've been dancing, your philosophy toward the dance, what your dance style is like, etc. This page might have only one or two photos. Then, far enough down on the page that it won't show unless the user scrolls down a bit, you can place your link to the photo gallery. This approach offers you a chance to show off your photos, but does so in a way that is less likely to attract ogling.

Include A Deterrent On The Site

Put an "about me" section that has some innocuous biographical information. This might include the city where you grew up (but not where you currently live), other kinds of dance you have studied over the years, how you first got started in belly dance, how many years you have been dancing, what you do for a day job, etc.

Now, spike it with a deterrent to men who may be looking for a sex object to stalk. Most people would probably agree that in this situation, it's okay to lie. It could be:

• A photo of you with your very large, very toothy German shepherd along with a comment that he's very protective of you.
• A photo of a man that you identify as your husband, significant other, or brother who lives next door.
• A discussion of your black belt in a martial art with a photo of you in your ghi. Or, your enthusiasm for target practice at the shooting range with your gun.
• Comments about how proud you are of your adult son's career in the Marine Corps and his sharpshooter medal.

The idea is to suggest, "I am not helpless. I can defend myself quite well, and I have people close to me who take care of me."