Today, Ashe of Dramatis Personae asked a thought-provoking question to close her post:
As a blog reader, what do you prefer: a construction and escape, or someone who shares their flaws & imperfections ?
Whether it revolves around simple outfit posts or digs deep into the soul of the writer, blogging can be a unique journey to self-awareness. I remember my first IFB conference during New York Fashion Week and one of the speakers stood out from the rest. Previous panelists had been talking about using old business models to promote our blogs and this man, an executive from G-Star Raw, got up and said (and I paraphrase): “No, no, no! You have to be anti-branding; you have to be the opposite of the traditional business model. Blogging is the antithesis of all that and that’s why it’s so wonderful.”
Authenticity is the key word in blogging and you can learn much about yourself through the process. For instance, I’ve had the opportunity to make some money on this blog through advertising, affiliate marketing and brand collaborations. The reality is I’ve hardly made any money on this blog because I’m uncomfortable with almost every offer that comes my way. Something I’ve learned about myself is that money isn’t as important to me as staying true to myself. Sounds corny, but there it is.
More self-awareness that’s been revealed is that it’s incredibly difficult for me to be vulnerable. When I read entries from other bloggers who are putting their hearts out there and telling us about their struggles and their doubts, I have so much admiration for their courage. I wish I could do that, too, but then again maybe that’s not me. We all have a purpose here and maybe mine looks different.
I do know that blogging has helped me discover what I care about, what I believe in, what I like and don’t like, what I am willing to do in exchange for money, and how little I am influenced by others’ opinions of me. Before I began blogging I thought I cared a lot what people think. The realization that I really don’t came through the process of addressing controversial topics from an unpopular perspective and being criticized for it. Did I wish I never wrote the post? Absolutely not.
To answer Ashe’s question, I much prefer the warts and all approach to blogging because as the fellow from G-Star said at that IFB conference, mainstream fashion and media is in the business of creating escape and unattainable images. Blogging came around and offered something different. Although there are many male bloggers, most fashion bloggers are women. And even though the most “successful” fashion bloggers tend to be young, thin, and hip, I’d like to challenge the meaning of success here.
At another IFB conference, Mattias of Bloglovin defined a successful blog as one that makes money. OK, but if by posting outfit photos of her “perfectly imperfect” self a fashion blogger helps some other woman feel less invisible and even good about herself, isn’t that a success? To provide an antidote to the barrage of cookie cutter images that surround us every day could be seen as revolutionary.
And that brings me to the most important point I’ve learned from blogging: money is not the definition of success. Telling the truth is. (At least that’s what I’m thinking today).
Escape or reality: which do you prefer?
Bravo! I couldn’t have said it better myself. I blog to tell the truth, to be real about what I’m thinking, loving and feeling and hopefully help someone else going through the same issues.
I don’t fault anyone for the approach they take. We’re all different and blogging has truly helped me to understand and embrace that fact.
Thanks, Fajr. You are one of those bloggers I love because I really get a sense of your ideals, who you are and what you stand for. I feel empowered after reading your blog.
To add, I also don’t think telling the truth means we have to show every minute detail of ourselves. I believe in curation whether its in an outfit post or sharing a piece of ourselves. It’s really all about the experience the blogger wants their readers to have.
Yes, some of us are comfortable and better when we are wearing our hearts on the outside, others of us are a little more reserved and both have a place.
A really interesting post here! I personally think it’s nice to have a mix. I read blogs partly to distract myself from my life and physical pain. However, I think it’s really nice to be able to appreciate a blogger as a human being warts and all as you say. When I do my outfit pictures I think it’s far more fun to include a couple of really crazy ones where I don’t necessarily look my best, but I was having a good time with the person photographing me. I also always worry about sounding arrogant if I pretend everything’s peaches and cream. I don’t share all my warts though, or every blog post there’d be a paragraph on the state of my dismal health! And I don’t think everyone needs to hear about that every post. I think a healthy approach perhaps includes a mix of curation and warts.
Florrie x
Thank you! I, too, enjoy both but even the outfit/style blogs are more realistic than mainstream because they usually have more affordable fashions on a woman who is not necessarily a model.
But what happens if you do tell the truth, but at best you have a very niche audience and at worse, you’re preaching to the choir?
Like you, I have turned down ALL requests for advertising, because I value my freedom to say whatever I like. Now, you have me wondering if I read the post that was so controversial.
Oh, there have been a few, Terri. Not just one…I have lots of opinions that I can’t seem to keep to myself!
Great post! For me, much of the appeal of blogs (and social media, in general) is connecting with real people. I think the blogs that only focus on creating this ‘perfect persona’ become much like traditional brands. Sure, it’s fun to look at the pretty pictures, but we know this perfection is not attainable. Another example is Twitter, I follow very few brands. I don’t want to be bombarded with a bunch of copy-edited promotions. There are brands out there who allow multiple to tweet and communicate on their behalf. Usually about a combination of brand-related info and other topics. That is so much more appealing and human. Ultimately, I am with you, I like the real, warts and all approach!
Beautiful post Laura and interesting question. I like to see a combination of both with my favorite bloggers. It’s nice to get to know a blogger better when they share some of their imperfections or insecurities. But I also love beautiful photography and looking at gorgeous fashion. Sometimes referred to as cookie content. I try to offer it all at my blog, by mixing things up. I think what is really important is to connect with your readers and stay true to yourself as you said.
I agree that we all have many sides. I used to be afraid to address certain topics because I thought they were outside the mission statement or the “niche”. Now I just write about what I want. When I’m honest and authentic, that’s what resonates with people, no matter the topic.