how do you guys feel about public food diaries?

I have mine public, because it is helpful to me. I find that when I am willing to share, others are too, and I like the ideas I can glean from others...No one has ever made a negative comment, and like another member stated, when someone is under all the time, and not doing as well as they want, and ask for help, I really don't know how to help when I don't know what they are doing. Some of my friends have public, and some have private. Each person has to be comfortable with what they do......I like to think that someone checking my diary might find some helpful patterns that might benefit them. I try to incorporate the things I've learned not just into better eating habits, but exercise patterns as well......When I feel comfortable with my efforts, I am able to feel open to the examination of my choices by others....I never make all the best choices, but I do the best I can, and feel good about it...Look if you want, for whatever reason, it mattereth not to me!

If we are willing to support and share with each other and be genuine, that's good. If we feel self conscious and hesitant to share, that's fine....We are all at different stages in our journey and most definitely should be respectful of each persons feelings along their path.....None of us are all wise and know it all, but sometimes our experiences can benefit a fellow traveler! DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!!!!

I have my diary open. In my group of friends we kind of have an unspoken agreement to "do no harm". We typically try to not offend but to ask probing questions like "did you forget to log breakfast?". Many people will only comment if there is something to encourage and will say nothing at all if they see something they don't agree with. Everyone will have days that are spot on and other days you may not. I prefer to have my diary open so people can help me identify where I am weak. For instance. I know that if I stay under 1200 calories (my number) a day I should lose weight but I know for me I need to do that with fresh fruits/veggies and protein for healthy intake. Some younger members fill those 1200 caloreis with pop tarts, Diet Mountain Dew, etc and while they are under on calories for the day they have not actually consumed anything animal, vegetable, or mineral. THESE members are the ones I feel get more defensive because they don't want to be told what to eat.

I am one for taking responsibility for what I eat...if I decide to eat 4 pieces of Dove chocolate it's my choice... and Like I said... I come from the "do no harm" place...if I don't have something positive to say I just keep my comments to myself
and i understand this, but for me, when people are saying they're hesitant to 'eat a candy bar' for fear of someone seeing it in their log?! i don't live/eat like that, i try to balance my meals and i do a lot of exercise but if i want a candy bar, or cookie, 5 or 10 of them, i feel like it's no one's business but my own! plus for me i think if i knew people would see my diary i'd still eat what i want but just wouldn't log it in my diary anymore. for me it's really just to track the types of foods i'm consuming and the amount. it's not something i care to obsess over, but more of a guideline than strict sets of laws. does that makes sense? lol i feel like a rambled a bit i appreciate the feedback though, i am seeing everyone's point of view, i'm so glad we can have this dialogue