I got a really interesting comment on my post about how Jessica of What I Wore brought me to understand the importance that is respecting your ability and creativity. The reason why I recently reached out to her was that I was “trying out” to contribute to a new, exciting blog that would basically be covering everything I “tried” to do on my own blog. Now, I’m going to be perfectly honest, I thought that if Iaccepted the position, it would be an AMAZING opportunity… something that would:
- Keep me motivated since I’d have deadlines
- Let me work with other bloggers who shared my interest
- Meet other bloggers
- Drive traffic to my Tumblr from readers who liked my posts there (and wanted to know more)
- Provide the same GOOD content to my Tumblr audience who didn’t want to go look at the other blog
So honestly, it was a win-win situation. I could use the resources (!!! ie, free products to review and take what I liked onto my Tumblr) from that blog and, I guess, garner a more “serious” approach to blogging. (Fuck, I’m going to use that word so many times, please shoot me now.)
But what Jessica frankly said (and I do value her opinion—despite most of you guys who seem to hate her??) was that I shouldn’t be contributing to a blog without getting paid. Personal opinion aside, I do think she’s managed to create a good blog, one where readers comment, she provides new content, and she has obviously built momentum with it… as she’s currently writing a book. (Please don’t hate me?)
Reader Jennifer comments:
I don’t necessarily think that having a blog gives you fashion credibility. In Jessica’s case, I am turned off if I see a brand advertised on her blog. At this point, I am wary of fashion bloggers who endorse products because I don’t think it allows for their own identity to shine through; in many cases, they’ve just become a different media for advertising, one that still is under the hold of the PR/Ad agency. I’m one of those fashion people who, while I agree that social media has a part in the industry, don’t think that blogs merits being compared to more legitimate sources.
I was the same way. The problem that I have with “fashion bloggers” is that when they’re getting free stuff and they do incorporate the pieces into their wardrobe, I just want to ask, “WOULD YOU BUY THIS IN REAL LIFE?” Some of the stuff people are getting sent are $200+ shoes or purses and I mean, fuck yeah, I’d accept free gifts but I probably won’t go out buying a $200 pair of Coach heels. I know it’s about the whole package, the looks, the personality, the wit (especially on YouTube) but does tactfully accepting free products ruin your credibility?
For example: You’ve heard great things about SO AND SO. Should you just go out and buy it or do you contact the PR firm to have them send a free one to you? Most likely, it’s the later one that’s happening now.
I’ve always said that fashion blogging shouldn’t be about the money? It’s always been fun for me since I don’t have any commitments to anyone but myself AKA I can write about Lindsay Lohan and talk about how doing online applications for jobs SUCK. But, I never thought I could in reality make “side money” from doing it… yet, people seem to respect you more (or my friends joke about it) if you’re getting paid.
Bottom line is, unless you’re Sea of Shoes or the other already loaded fashion bloggers, can you actually make a living through fashion blogging?
Please email me at jesksa@gmail.com, comment below or just Tumblr reply! I really want to here your opinions.
