In Response To Friend Friday: Shameless Self Promotion

Last Friday's Friend Friday topic was all about self promotion, or rather blog promotion... what's appropriate, what's too much, what's just plain annoying? A common thread that I found particularly interesting was the notion of spammy comments.  MOST of the Friend Friday bloggers agreed that these types of comments are all of the above...inappropriate, too much, and just plain annoying.  So what is a spammy comment, you ask?  Well they some to fall into the following categories:

• irrelevant.
• disingenuous
• lacking insight or perspective 
• poorly disguised trite compliments used as a mere host for your own blog's link.

The last of these categories resonated with me the most for a few reasons:

1. When I first started my blog I always left my link in my comments on other blogs primarily because I was a new blogger and quite frankly I didn't know how else I was supposed to get the word out that I was here. That being said, I had been a loyal reader of  most of these blogs LONG before I started my own blog.  I loved running across Wordpress blogs or blogs with Disqus because they provided fields to leave all your information.  (This is also what led me to switch to Intense Debate for comment son my blog. I sincerely wanted to know who was reading my blog and if they had a blog too.)  I never even considered that it might be blogger taboo to leave a link until the topic came up at the IFB Evolving Influence conference.
2. I don't always have something particularly profound or insightful to say about every post I read, especially when it comes to outfit post blogs.  Sometimes, all I have to say is "Wow. You look super cute." or "I love those shoes" or "That is a great hat."  (you get the point).  I guess I could simply not comment, but just as I am compelled to tell complete strangers on the street how much I love what they're wearing, I am also compelled to shower compliments on my fellow bloggers.  If I'm leaving a comment at all, you can rest assured that I actually read the post, and most likely I am a frequent reader.  Any comment that I leave is sincere although it may not be insightful in the least bit.  I'd honestly rather have my real readers leave short comments or compliments, than no comment at all.  I will be the first to admit that as a blogger, comments serve as validation. My stats tell me that people are reading, but my comments tell me what people think of what they are reading and that is equally important (not that my content is going to change either way).  By the way, this is not an attempt to defend myself because I don't think that my comments have ever been considered spammy. These were just the thoughts that ran through my head as I read various posts last Friday.
3. Piggybacking on #2, there are so many new bloggers out there that would love to have any acknowledgment that people are reading their blog,  Perhaps because I am a newer blogger myself, I can totally understand where they are coming from.  Blogging is a lot of work, and as you're growing and trying to find your voice, you just want someone to acknowledge your your blog's existence and you treasure EVERY comment even the ones that just say "I love your shoes."  I guess I just feel for new bloggers.

On that note, Deon of KdrS left the comment blow on my Friend Friday post...

"I am so happy that you posted this. We at KdrS have been having a big problem with promotion. We have over 100 people view our blog each day and just this week we reached 21 followers. We have not been blogging very long but we are posting our little hearts out and NO one leaves comments and No one follows us. I am really starting to think that we are just not as interesting as we think we are... ha ha. Okay, I'm sorry I have a lot to say about this post... bear with me. I sometimes feel bad about leaving my link after my comment but I do know that it works sometimes... I guess that is where we are getting our views from but now I have a question... How do you get people to follow? We are on Twitter--- we are on Facebook.... The more that I am writing the more I think I have answered my own question... There just not that into you"

By the way, Deon has been reading my blog for a while, and she ALWAYS leaves comments!  (I really appreciate that!)  Anyway, she poses an important question in light of our last Friday Friday topic. She doesn't WANT to be a spammer, but she does want people to check out her blog.  She has tried some of the less obnoxious methods of promoting her blog -- Twitter & Facebook, but she's just not getting the readership she wants.  Sow how can she successfully promote her blog?  Well, to be perfectly honest, I don't know the answer to this one.  I am grateful that my blog seems to have grown organically with little promotion (and it's still growing).  Nonetheless,  V of Grit & Glamour and Eva of Dressful have provided some VERY great tips for promoting the growth of your blog in a more organic fashion.

• V's Baby Steps to a Better Blog
• Eva's 10 Easy Tips to Promote Your Blog and Get More Followers
• Vahni also shared this link on How to Get More Blog Comments Quickly in her last Sunday Coffee post..

In addition to checking out these articles, here are some of the promotional tools that other Friend Friday bloggers mentioned last week that stood out to me.

• Participate in collective blogging efforts like Friend Friday or Kendi's 30 for 30.
• Get business cards and post cards for your blog (or even holiday cards).
• Join the conversation and contribute IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers).
• Make it easy for readers to follow via a variety of methods (twitter, facebook, bloglovin, google, RSS)
• Just get out there an network!

So I guess the point of this post is two-fold:

1. To decipher the difference between insincere, trite, spammy comments and sincere compliments.
2. To point new bloggers in the direction of resources for how to build their blog "the right way" (if there is a right way!), or at least to build their blog without being a nuisance.  I've learned that while not much bothers me in the way of blog promotion, some things are particularly bothersome for other bloggers, ESPECIALLY more seasoned and mature bloggers.  The fact that these bloggers have been contributing to the blogger community for a long time gives them some credibility in my book and I do respect their opinions on the matter.

Does anyone else have any great tips or links to articles for new bloggers looking to promote their blogs?

Thanks for stopping by! 

(this thing is like an outline! sorry for all the bullets and numbering)

Friend Friday: Shameless Self Promotion

photo credit

Today's Friend Friday topic is an interesting one.  It is something that I actually struggle with quite a bit.  When it comes to self promotion...how much is too much? Or as it applies to bloggers, when it comes to blog promotion, how much is too much?  To be honest, I hate promoting my blog. I do it because I know that no one is every going to read it if they don't know it exists but it just feels so tacky!  Anyway, before I start rambling, let's jump into the questions.

Q. How do you promote your blog?
A.  I mainly promote my blog on Facebook & Twitter. I am linked to both so my posts are automatically published to both mediums.  On that note, I often feel guilty about bombarding my friends and family with my blog via these mediums, but this guilt is totally self-imposed.  My friends and family often "like" and comment on posts so clearly they enjoy reading them.  It's also safe to say that while they have great intentions, if I didn't make my blog easily accessible for them, they might not read it at all.  Not all of my friends are blog readers, but they all either tweet or Facebook.  

One of the things I've been meaning to do is get business cards.  I get a lot of compliments on my outfits when I'm out and about but I feel utterly dorky saying "oh thanks. I have a fashion blog, you should check it out."  If I had a card, I would feel a lot more legit.  My mom on the other hand likes to tell everyone on the streets about my blog... she is my free publicist... THANKS MOM!

Oh, and I also used to always leave my link behind when I left comments on blogs that I have never visited before.  I think this is one of those things that is highly debated in the blog world. Some bloggers feel like you're only commenting to get them to visit your blog, too.  I think there are definitely bloggers out there who blog hop and comment on every post just to get a return visit, but that is not representative of all bloggers. You can kinda tell if this is the case by the nature of the comment  When people leave sincere and insightful comments, you will automatically want to visit their blog anyway because you want to see who this insightful person is.  I personally appreciate when people leave a link so I can check out their blog.  I'm always looking for a good read!


Okay, one more (is this not the longest Friend Friday response in history!) -- GIVEAWAYS!  I sponsored my own first giveaway and it was partially to show appreciation for my readers, but also to promote my blog.  With most blog giveaways, the requirements are that you have to follow, and you have to tweet, and you have to blog about it, and you have to like it on facebook... blah blah blah.. in the end its all about blog promotion for you and advertising for the sponsor.  That being said at some point the tides turn for some of the bigger bloggers.  They no longer need to promote their blogs, but the companies still need to promote their product.  And isn't this the level that so many bloggers are trying to reach with all their shameless self promotion?

Q. In your experience, what has been the most effective form of self promotion?
A, Hmmm. Well, I'd say its a tie between Twitter and Facebook. I am always surprised when I get a random email or tweet from someone that I didn't even know read the blog.  It reassures me that these are worthwhile means of promotion.


Q. Do you think there is a wrong way to promote yourself or your blog?
A. Hmmm. Honestly, no I don't.  In my opinion, tt's all a matter of taste. If the way some one is promoting their blog is a turn off to me, then I just won't read it but there is probably someone else who will. As I've said many times before, blogging is such a personal thing.  It's totally the blogger's prerogative to promote their blog as they wish.  As the saying goes, "All publicity is good publicty."

Q. When it comes to others pushing their products, what annoys you?
A. I don't know if there is anything that really annoys me. Advertising and promotion is what it is.  I guess I will just say that I do not read blogs that are clearly contrived... where the author is clearly just on a mission to have as many readers as possible and their content is sub par.

Q. A post by one of our fellow Friend Friday bloggers was actually the inspiration behind this weeks questions. On her blog, Dressful she says "it's impossible to respect someone who wants all the attention, but brings nothing worthwhile to the conversation."  We were asked if we agreed?
A. On the surface, I'd say that I do agree; however, what is "worthwhile" is subjective.  There is a certain uber popular blog that I won't name that I  can't stand to actually read.  The written content is just horrible in my opinion, BUT I keep this blog on my reader because I like to see this bloggers outfits. I could care less about what she has to say, but I love the outfits. I've never left a comment and I don't care to engage with this blogger, but damn it, I like the outfits.  If you are looking for rich, thought provoking content this blog might not be considered "worthwhile" but if you're just looking for pretty clothes, it's right up your alley.  By the same token, my blog is very light-hearted and is primarily my fashion diary with a few affordable fashion finds sprinkled in here and there.  For those who are looking for high fashion or editorial type posts, and thought provoking fashion commentary, my blog is probably not "worthwhile" either.

So what do you guys think? If you're a blogger, how do you feel about self-promotion?  If you're not a blogger how do you feel about being bombarded with blog post on your social networking  timelines and via email?

Friday Friday was started by the fabulous Katy of Modly Chic as fun way for fashion and beauty bloggers to get to know more about each other.  It has also opened the doors for some great dialogue around a variety of topics.  Friend Friday membership is open to all fashion and beauty bloggers and we'd love to have you join the discussion! If you're interested, visit Modly Chic for more details, or just stop by the link party every Friday and see what every one has to say on the week's topic.

 

Thanks for stopping by!!!

 

Friend Friday: 10 things You May Not Know About Me

It's time for another Friend Friday! This week we are doing something a little different.  Instead of answering questions about a specific topic, we are sharing 10 fun facts about ourselves that we think might surprise you. Enjoy!!!

1. Both of my parents remarried so I am the oldest of SEVEN! I have 2 brothers and 1 sister on each side for a total of 6!

2. My favorite drink is a vodka tonic with rose's lime juice.YUM! I could go for one of those right now.

3. I mentioned this before but I am a sucker for all things related to salt and potatoes... french fries, tator tots, hash browns, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes, potato chips... ummm please feel free to name your favorite potato dishes in the comments.  I'm sure I love them, too.  Not so good for the waist line, but ehh. :)

4. Me and the fiance have a fabulous time watching documentaries and having rousing debates on a plethora of subjects including but not limited to astronomy, religion, sociology, politics, education... and anything else worth talking about.

5. On the other hand, I am also a hopeless product of pop culture and my guilty pleasure is.... yes...you guessed it... REALITY TV.  How could I possibly have the brain cells left to ponder the universe after watching a rousing (new favorite word!) episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.  Hmmm, I don't know. That's just how I roll.  Among my favorites are For the Love of Ray J. (so sad it's not coming back), Bad Girls Club, and The Real Houseives of Any City.  Don't judge me. I can't help it. These shows bring me great joy and laughter.

6. When I was in the 2nd grade I won the Miss Black Los Angeles pageant... sash, tiara, flowers, the works!  I stopped doing pageants after that! LOL!

7. I am terrified of spiders. I mean TERRIFIED to the point where I won't go near them to kill them.  I know that is very counter productive, right?

8. CONFESSION: I couldn't organize my closet if my life depended on it. At any given moment there are ALWAYS piles of clean clothes on the floor and open shoe boxes with one shoe in the box and one shoe God knows where. It drives the fiance insane.  He can't seem to understand how I can be so organized in other aspects of my life, yet so all over the place when it comes to my clothes. I have to to the conclusion that I just have too much stuff. *shrug*

9. I have never been out of the country (I think I've told you guys this before, but some of you might be new!).  Pretty sad, huh? I finally got my passport THIS YEAR! The first place I want to go??? hmmmm... good question! I'd go anywhere at this point.  Got any suggestions?  What's your favorite destination?  honeymoon recommendations?

10. (the most important fun fact about me!) I can do a mean hammer dance.  For those that don't know what that is, please see below and fast forward to 1:42 for the breakdown! (or watch the entire video and heal all your Friday woes!)

Mc Hammer - U Can't Touch This
Uploaded by mainah. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

When the fiance is having a rough day, I just bust out my "hammer dance" and it's guaranteed to make him smile laugh out loud.  I contemplated making my own demo video, but I found one on Youtube and there is no need to reinvent the wheel :) hahahaha

Did anyone else laugh hysterically at this video?  I know I did. It might have something to do with the girls sweatsuit. I think I had that exact one in 3rd grade. smh!

Friday Friday was started by the fabulous Katy of Modly Chic as fun way for fashion and beauty bloggers to get to know more about each other.  It has also opened the doors for some great dialogue around a variety of topics.  Friend Friday membership is open to all fashion and beauty bloggers and we'd love to have you join the discussion! If you're interested, visit Modly Chic for more details, or just stop by the link party every Friday and see what every one has to say on the week's topic.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!

p.s. Don't forget to enter my latest giveaway!

Friend Friday: Negativity and Blogger Bashing?

Today's Friend Friday topic is a great one! I've been blogging myself for less than a year, but I've been reading fashion blogs for a while, and was surprised to see how much of this goes on out there in the blogosphere, especially among other bloggers.  So without further ado, here we go!

Do you post pictures on your blog, or would you if the opportunity came along, of people with poor fashion/beauty taste?
Absolutely not! Blogging is something I do for my enjoyment, but it is still something that takes a lot of time an energy. I would really rather not waste my time and energy  propagating negativity. To me, there just isn't really a need for it.  While I do understand that there is a market for it, it's not the market that I want to capitalize on.

Do you read any blogs that highlight the bad? why?
I do read a couple blogs that highlight "the bad" but not as the primary focus of their blogs.  They may have weekly features, and I simply choose not to read those particular features even though I may read other types of posts. I read blogs for inspiration and looking at someone dressed poorly is not inspiring for me.  I do not read any of the blogs that are primarily focused on negative posts.

Should these Bloggers get permission to post the pictures from the subject in the same waythat some street style blogs do?
Hmmm. You know I guess I'd say it would be the polite thing to do, but I don't know enough about the legal ramifications of it to make an informed opinion.  But honestly, who is going to give permission for their picture to be plastered on the web as a fashion don't?

As human beings we are fascinated by disasters - of all sorts - why do you think that is? How do the blogs that highlight the negative thrive?
Couldn't agree more. I can't judge people who write or read negative blogs, because quite frankly they are entertaining.  This genre of blog doesn't hold my attention because they don't fulfill the role that blogs play for me; however, I will be the first to admit to watching shows like The Bad Girls Club, which clearly exploits the already dysfunctional lives on young women gone wild... and I love it! (Don't Judge Me) It's like watching a train wreck and I can't look away... and I laugh... hysterically... This is definitely no better (it's probably worse) than reading negative blogs!

For many, fashion is subjective.  Do you think there can be anything that is objectively bad in the fashion world?
hmmm, good question.  Well, I think that ill-fitting clothes are bad. I don't want to see someone's camel toe, or butt crack, etc.  But as far as taste and style go, I do think it's totally subjective.  Furthermore, as a blogger I know what it feels like to have your style judged and critiqued (gently and not so gently) and it's no fun to have your style bashed by someone, especially another blogger.  I guess I have an expectation of other bloggers to be a little bit more sensitive. I don't think so highly of my own style that I'd have the nerve to turn my nose up at someone else's style, let alone write a negative blog post about it, or even leave a negative comment for that matter.

What about you? Bloggers and non-bloggers, what are your thoughts on this topic?

Friend Friday is a fabulous group started by our friend Katy Rose of Modly Chic. We'd love to have you join the fun! If you're interested check out the details here!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

 

Friend Friday: Conspicuous Consumption

This week's topic of discussion is conspicuous consumption. Fashion bloggers have many critics, and some believe that it is socially irresponsible, especially in light of the current economy??? What do you think?

1. Do you think fashion blogs are often just conspicuous consumption? Are some?
Hmmm. Good question. I think fashion blogs have the potential to become a stage for conspicuous consumption, but to say that ALL fashion blogs fall into that category would be an exaggeration. There are many genres of fashion blogs; you’ve got your street style blogs, your editorial blogs, your frugal fashion/looks for less blogs, your DIY blogs, and of course the infamous haul blogs. Your DIY blogs are anti-consumption all the way, so they definitely don’t fall into that category, and the editorial blogs are no worse than your average magazine. The street style and looks for less types of blogs are definitely the ones that run the risk of falling prey to excessive consumption, with haul blogs being the ultimate evil (as far as conspicuous consumption is concerned). The haul blogs are ridiculous in my opinion. I love sharing a great deal with my readers, but they are a bit excessive. My blog is a “street style” blog, which is also focused on affordable fashion, so there is definitely a little bit of pressure to buy things to stay on top of the latest trends. On the other hand, I was a hell of a shopper before I started blogging, and I would argue that blogging has brought new awareness to what I already have, what I really need, and how much I am willing to pay for something. I find that I am shopping with a purpose now, whereas before I was more of an impulse shopper. So, all of that is to say that it depends on the blogger and their vision for their blog.


2. As bloggers do we have the obligation to explain our personal financial status, how we pay for the things we showcase, if we have debt, etc.
I don’t think we are obligated to share any personal or financial information. I get that with influence comes responsibility, and you’ve got bloggers out there blogging outfits that costs more than one month of my salary, but I have to take responsibility for my own finances. I look at the outfit, and I know that I can’t afford it. Period. More power to the blogger who can…how she is able to do it, isn’t really my business. If she has chosen to go into debt for fashion, that is her personal choice. Everyone chooses what they are willing to spend money on. For some of us, it’s fashion.


3. Critics often say that fashion bloggers should use their money to support more worthwhile causes than clothing themselves in a different outfit daily. What's your reaction to this? (here you can reveal charities if you'd like.) Why do critics assume that fashion bloggers wake up in the morning, put on an outfit, take a picture and do nothing else with their lives? My blog is ONE part of my life. Just because I love fashion doesn’t mean I don’t have a passion for other things. I happen to know many bloggers who not only donate money personally to worthwhile causes, but also use their influence to promote awareness for the cause.


4. Since you started blogging, do you spend more money on fashion and beauty products? No, not at all. I was always a bargain shopper (I don’t really have a choice in the matter), but as I mentioned before I am much more aware of what I am buying these days, and because I want everything I wear to be accessible for my readers, I am even more adamant about things being affordable. I wouldn’t say that I splurge any more than I would have before. Every once and I will I will treat myself to a pricey pair of shoes, or a nice handbag, but that is nothing new.




5. Life is about more than what money can buy. What are the things that top your list of what life is all about?
Love, family, children, justice, equal right (my fiancée calls me a bleeding heart liberal... what can I say, I just love people), happiness. 

If you would like to participate in Friend Friday, visit Modly Chic for more info. The more the merrier, and we'd love to have you join the discussion!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Friend Friday: Does Size Matter?

I am very excited to be participating in my first Friend Friday.  To learn more about Friend Friday, or to participate check out our friend Katy's blog, Modly Chic.  Katy came up with Friend Friday as a way to give fashion and beauty bloggers a forum to share their thoughts on a variety of topics and get to know each other a little better!

This weeks topic is... SIZE!  Katy asks...


Q. Should someone's size stop them from fashion blogging or having a voice in the community?
A. HECK NO!!! In fact, I feel strongly that there is a need for curvy, plus-sized, full figured (or whatever name they prefer) fashion bloggers. Unfortunately, plus-sized women have traditionally been ignored by the fashion industry at large when it comes to representation in magazines, on the runway, etc.. One of my favorite things about fashion blogs is the diverse group of women they represent... and inspire.

Q. In your opinion, can the term "curvy" and "plus-sized" be used interchangeably when it comes to fashion?
A. Honestly, since I am not plus-sized or curvy, I guess I don't feel qualified to answer this question.  I guess women should be called what they want to be called (that is if they like these titles at all).  I might have said yes, if you'd asked me a couple months ago; however, our friend over at Curvatude recently wrote a post after conducting a poll where she asked what description plus-sized women prefer... curvy, full-figured, large, or plus-sized.  Check out the full post to see the results, but here is what Miss Curvatude says about her preference...

"Personally I call myself Plus Size.   Why? Because I have just owned the phrase for myself for years now! My old blog was called The Plus Size Diva, so for me the phrase Plus Size has always been this really positive description that I applied to myself  It described my body AND my life!." -- Curvatude

 
Q. Many people make the argument that catering to plus sized women would promote being overweight as "okay". What do you think? Should more designers be catering to plus size women?
 A. This is just ridiculous. I could really go on and on and on this one, but I won't. Seriously, it would be like an essay.  I won't bore you... I'll just say this is bullsh*t, and designers should DEFINITELY be catering to plus-sized women.


Q. Should the mainstream fashion industry be showcasing more plus size models?
A. Absolutely! It's almost as if they assume that plus-sized women don't care about fashion, or worse that plus sized women can't be fashionable, or some other lame ridiculous assumption.  Plus-sized women should definitely be represented more in ads, and editorials, etc.  There are so many gorgeous, fabulous, fashion forward plus-sized women looking for the perfect pair of jeans for their figure, or the perfect dress to wear to that cocktail party, or whatever.



Q. For you personally, how do you view your size, the struggle with it through the years, your ideal size, etc...
A. I have always had some body image issues, but I am on the other side of the fence, or rather I was on the other side of the fence.  Growing up I was actually pretty skinny, I guess. I didn't have ANY curves whatsoever, and in black culture, curves are a must. When I got to high school, there were even some boys that said I was "cute, but I didn't have any ass" or I was too skinny.  All I ever wanted was some hips and a little booty.  After gaining weight in college, apparently the word spread back home that I went off and "got a body." Whatever that means.  Looking at my body now, I am still not the curviest girl, but I do have some hip action, and maybe a half of a booty. Lol!  The crazy part is that when I finally got some slight curves, I didn't want them anymore.  My jeans didn't fit, my teeny mini skirts now looked trashy instead of sexy, and in my mind I was now "fat" so I hit the gym hard and lost 25 pounds after college.  I got all the way back down to a size 2, and tried my hardest to replace my new found curves with muscle.  That lasted about 2 years, and I slowly started to gain the weight back.  I only recently came to terms with the fact that I am a woman, and I now have the body of a woman.

I'd love to hear your opinion on any of these questions... what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!!! (and stay tuned for Goofy Pics!)