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01 November 2010

Do I need to be this to be that?: A study on the visual nature of the blogger

The woman who got this conversation started: CeCe of Love Brown Sugar


I have been reading a lot recently that has prompted me to write. I guess that is how blogging should work on a minimal scale. Now, I take my blog very seriously but that was not always the case. I spent a year getting my footing. Being a outfit poster wasn't my thing. It was, and still is, difficult to push myself to post a picture of myself. One reason being that I would rather focus on finishing the rest of my schooling and posting about other people that are doing amazing work. The other reason: I feel it to be a tad narcissistic to post pictures of yourself. This is completely contradictory to my role as a reader of blogs. I love and appreciate the time and effort other bloggers take posting outfits on their blog. Not only does it take a lot of time and energy it takes a great deal of creativity. But I have always been uncomfortable with taking a picture of myself for you, the reader. 
Andrea and Sandy of Paris Most Wanted
Digging a little deeper I realize there could be a third reason I don't post my face once or twice or three times a week to the blog. Will it make a difference? In a world where thin and fair skin will always be "in", where do I fit? If not in that box, then where? Often I have the pleasure of meeting a plus size model or blogger and I am instantly inspired. Why? Because they don't give a damn what you think they have a strong powerful voice. But I don't feel very convinced that their voices are the same as my own. So where am I in this microcosm of silk and lace? 

 Christina of Profresh Style
The lovely ProfreshStyle recently wrote a poignant article about why she does not post often to Lookbook.nu, Chictopia, or the other social fashion networks out there. She made a good point: if you are not thin and fair skinned you will not receive a big response. And, my friends, that is often the point of posting! Blogs and bloggers garner attention in order to attain readers. I think that is a beautiful thing because I love to engage readers and vice versa! Let's back track a bit.

Clare of Tweet
This is not a platform to slander skinny and fair skinned bloggers. They are doing their thing (and some know of this stigma and use it to their advantage).It is called business as usual. What I propose is that readers look more into the content and knowledge they receive from bloggers and less about how they look. Because someone's style is fun and exciting but I encourage you to look a little deeper. Do they have anything to say? Would they prefer you to look at their pretty face or are they also great writers with intelligent talking points? If you would like to read more about what women of curves are into check out the ladies pictured above. They have lots to say and look great doing it!

I would love to here what you have to say so please let me know via the comment section below.



Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

8 comment(s):

Sister Wolf said...

You're not going to be surprised by my opinion but I will give it anyway: The Chictopia crowd is not interested in ideas or wit or anything much beyond the latest "it" fashion item for girls between 15-25. Nothing could be more boring to me than some girl showing off her new purchase from the mall or from Chanel. Who gives a shit?

If this is the world where you're seeking a readership, you will have to downgrade your IQ and upgrade your collection of platform boots.

Another idea is to just hone your "voice" and use it, loud and clear, to address whatever issues interest you. Yuur skin tone or your dress size should not be up for judgment, period.

Ta da!

Unknown said...

I enjoy doing outfit posts, but I always feel conscious of my body, size, weight etc etc etc. For me Fvncy is all about loving, living, and being - Inspiring and getting inspired!

KeepItFvncy,
M.E.

christina of profresh style said...

You are amazing Joy for writing a response. I actually was inspired by Vahni from Grit & Glamour's original post here. If you haven't seen it, check it out. She gave a very analytical perspective which is the reason I decided to write. But Joy, I honestly what Vahni has started has been seemingly rewarding. Bloggers like yourself are writing what they feel regarding issues like size, color, etc. Isn't it amazing to know that we all feel the same way? When I was writing Christina back, the original reason why Vahni wrote the post she did, click here I told her that despite our differences, we feel similar. Seriously, there is one type that is acceptable in the market and we aren't one of them. When will it change? Who knows my love but luckily for blogs, we get to express our individual sides and come together as a community.

Keep blogging girl!

xx,
Christina
wwww.profreshstyle.com

Annushka said...

Wonderful post, very beautiful blog!!!)))
Lovely dear.

GRIT AND GLAMOUR said...

Hi Joy! This is a great post...and Christina of Profresh Style covered pretty much everything I wanted to say in her comment. Glad my post resonated with you!

♥ V
http://www.gritandglamour.com
twitter: @gritandglamour

JennyA said...

People who really care about fashion know the difference between a "hot" person wearing something trendy, and a deviant genius wearing something that looks amazing and triggers creativity in others.

And besides that, I have a feeling that the ultra skinny look is on its way out. The trend of emaciated thinness has gone as far as it can in that direction, and, as goes the rule of the universe, the pattern must eventually reverse itself.

JennyA said...

" In a world where thin and fair skin will always be "in"... "

True, that may be what mainstream media wants us to believe, but it won't be that way for long. They are loosing their power everyday bit by bit to people like you who share quality content with other people online who are looking for substance in a superficial world. You're changing things Joy, don't forget it!

christina of profresh style said...

You are amazing Joy for writing a response. I actually was inspired by Vahni from Grit & Glamour's original post here. If you haven't seen it, check it out. She gave a very analytical perspective which is the reason I decided to write. But Joy, I honestly what Vahni has started has been seemingly rewarding. Bloggers like yourself are writing what they feel regarding issues like size, color, etc. Isn't it amazing to know that we all feel the same way? When I was writing Christina back, the original reason why Vahni wrote the post she did, click here I told her that despite our differences, we feel similar. Seriously, there is one type that is acceptable in the market and we aren't one of them. When will it change? Who knows my love but luckily for blogs, we get to express our individual sides and come together as a community.

Keep blogging girl!

xx,
Christina
wwww.profreshstyle.com

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