There's been much controversy in recent months over bloggers using the images from other bloggers and the content of fashion blogs to ridicule and chastise the style choices and writing styles of said bloggers. I find myself in an uncomfortable position, as the thing that I love the most about the blogging community is just that, the community. The community which allows bloggers to express themselves and to celebrate that expression. This view, in a sense, would seem to condone the actions of those who are ridiculing, or at the very least, would seem not to condemn their actions.
The internet - and blogging, in particular - is anonymous and I think that a lot of the time it is easy for these people to hide behind their computer and express these views which they would never dream of expressing if they were to come face-to-face with the people they are commenting on.
The lovely Katy of Modly Chic who organises Friend Friday each week for us has now set up a Google Group for all of those bloggers who take part and it was thanks to a discussion in the group that led to this week's topic. It is a great way for bloggers to connect and if you would like to be a part of it too, head over to Modly Chic to find out how.
1. Do you post pictures on your blog, or would you if the opportunity came along, of people with poor fashion/beauty sense?
I decided not long after starting my blog that I would try to keep it as positive as possible. There is so much crap out there and I know that I for one use fashion to escape from when things are so great. When I’m feeling down there is nothing I like more than delving into the pages of a beautiful fashion magazine like Vogue or Elle. This does not mean to say that when I’m in the hairdressers and get my hands on a trashy glossy mag, I don’t enjoy the “badly dressed” sections but it is not something that I feel reflects the purpose of my blog. So I wouldn’t do it. Just as I am unlikely to post a negative review of something, instead I’d rather just not review it.
2. Do you read any blogs that highlight the bad? Why?
Again, not really. Over at one of my favourite blogs, Forty Not Out, Amanda has run a few posts entitled “Meh… Or Yeah” but she cleverly does a positive vs negative spin, whilst posting a not-so-flattery photo/look of a celebrity she’ll also post a fabulous photo alongside which kind of cancels out the bad.
3. Should these bloggers get permission to post the pictures from the subject in the same way the street-style blogs do?
If I am posting photos of other bloggers, I usually try to get their permission. At the very least, I credit it back to their blog and if they were to ask me to remove it, I would do so, immediately. But then, if I am posting a photo of another blogger it is probably because I like what I see and not to completely rip them to pieces. I think that if you’re taking someone’s photograph for your blog, either in the street or from their blog, you should ask for their permission and tell them what it is going to be used for.
4. As human beings we are fascinated with disasters - of all sorts - why do you think that is? How do the blogs/websites that highlight the negative thrive?
It does seem that this is the case. It’s like some sort of morbid/gross fascination where we just can’t look away. I think that maybe some of the time, these blogs are kind of saying what others are thinking. I’m pretty sure that there are a good many people out there who would like to write a satirical piece about a blogger/celebrity/Z-lister who “got it wrong” but it is difficult to make it funny and something that others will want to read without it just being another form of bullying.
5. For many, fashion is subjective. Do you think, there can be anything that is objectively bad in the fashion world?
Fashion is subjective and therefore what might be god-awful in one person’s opinion might be the epitomy of style and elegance for another. I think that there are some who are universally considered to be style icons but others who will always create a little controversy and divided opinion wherever they go and whatever they wear. That is just the nature of fashion. Besides, it would be a boring old world if we all liked the same thing and all wore the same thing. Can you imagine?! No, thank you.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these bloggers?
If you'd like to read the other contributions to this week's Friend Friday topic, or if you would like to be answering the questions next week, remember to head on over to Modly Chic.
