It’s been an interesting week for me, blogging wise. First, I toasted myself for surviving 9 years on the interweb in one of the most challenging blogging niches I know of, and then I had an eye-opening few hours catching up on some online blogging goss. I came across across quite a few blog posts, forums and boards where people voiced their dissatisfaction and generally disparaged a few big-name beauty bloggers for selling out to advertisers. Then, I read the rebuttals by the affected bloggers I follow.
While people can be very nasty, I have to say that in a large part, I tend to agree with the general thinking that it’s very hard to actually trust anything said in blogs these days as so much of it is carefully curated and thinly veiled advertising. Yes, I’m a blogger and I say so. I see the dishonesty and lack of integrity and as a blogger, it disappoints me as much as it does you. Even more, perhaps, as that means I’m tarred with the same brush.
Yet, in some ways, I feel that as readers, we made these bloggers who they are. We MADE the “gurus”, and if they’re now enjoying commercial success of that, we shouldn’t begrudge them that success, right?
I’m not a huge blogger by comparison, and I don’t have legions of groupies. I’m not going to tell you to trust everything I say, nor am I going to get into a diatribe of disclosure to defend my position as a blogger. I’ve made that peace with myself and how I run my blog. If you believe what I say, thank you. I will try to not abuse that trust. If you don’t, well thank you for not making up stories about me making bag-loads of money otherwise LOL! 😀 (Man, I wish I did 😛 )
But I hold in high regard anyone who discloses that they receive sponsorship. It allows me to treat that post as a “commercial break”, as long as it doesn’t happen too often. If they choose not to, and I discover it later, their integrity goes to the dogs in my eyes. Product samples for review are a grey area but a disclosure is wise, so people are made aware, and can judge accordingly.
It’s just how it is, and that’s how people feel when they feel a little cheated. It’s as if a good friend you share secrets with has just turned around and stabbed you in the wallet, by recommending a crappy product, they got paid to promote. No one likes that feeling, and that I feel, is why there is so much dissatisfaction in the ranks.
It’s hard to navigate the beauty product jungle. There are billions of products out there that claim to be the best at what they do. What we, as a consumer want, is to shortcut that process. We want the BEST, and when there are people who are willing to be beauty guinea pigs to help us navigate that jungle, we implicitly give credence to what they have to say.
Yet, I also feel that this is the problem with building up people into “experts” and “gurus” and hero-worshipping them. It’s the whole reality-show celebrity culture, you know. Some people out there are famous just because they’re on TV. Not because they’ve invented a cure for cancer, or even have a skill, but because they bared their boobs or got up to some notoriety on some reality show.
Ditto the internet. Some people are famous for just being out there or because they appeal to people, and advertisers want the eye-balls. Some start out being good at what they do, and then numbers and fame get to their head. We’ve discussed this before and whether we like it or not, this phenomenon is here to stay. This happens with singers and movie stars and not unsurprisingly, it happens to celebrity bloggers to. We’re all human.
Yet, I say that this practice of hero-worship is what brings the disappointment. You big up this beauty guru to the extent that everything they say is gospel, you hang on everything they say and do, and you WANT to be her, living her glamorous lifestyle, buying all the expensive things they tell you you need. And then something doesn’t gel, or something sponsored fails, and suddenly the whole image comes crashing down. In some ways, aside from a modicum of jealousy and envy, it is this sense of disappointment that makes some people feel bitter about successful bloggers.
Yet, isn’t it our fault as followers, fans and hero-worshippers for making them the internet “guru” they are?
So dear reader, don’t be jealous or envious or hateful. If a blogger no longer rocks your boat or gains your trust, move on. Fame, like looks will not last forever. Why get so hot under the collar, whacking away at your keyboard in a fit of faceless rage to disparage and bring down a blogger? They may get pissed, or react, but ultimately, they remain famous. You aren’t.
As readers and consumers, I think part of the duty lies on us to do our homework. Don’t rely on the word of 1 person simply because you perceive them to be an expert. Even experts in various industries have differing views. Instead, what I do always, is read a wide cross section of reviews from perceived industry experts and consumers. Different products work differently for everyone, so that’s another major consideration. Also, different wallets will account for different budgets and these days, there is a blog for everyone.
We all have different ideals, perceptions and tolerances. We all read blogs for different reasons. Some, to learn something, others, for entertainment. Sometimes, we outgrow the blogs we read, because the blogger chooses not to grow up, but we do. There are people I can’t relate to anymore and I just unsubscribe. There is a space for everyone, and like it or not, social media advertising is here to stay, and it’s all about numbers.
So, if we are the ones who make the beauty gurus who they are, then I don’t think we should begrudge them from capitalising on it. Whether they choose to do it overtly or covertly will then make the difference in whether they remain famous or become infamous 😉
Do you have a beauty guru or blogger that you idolise who let you down?
I like quite a few bloggers, but I don’t think I actually idolise anyone. I kind of left that sort of thing in high school haha! Sometimes, I catch them out making conflicting statements e.g. telling you sunscreen in makeup is sufficient one day, and then insisting that you use a separate sunscreen another. It made me roll my eyes, as it came from a blogger with a huge fan (rather, worshipper) base. But I still read her views, because people who work and are immersed in the industry always have a trick to teach – you just have to learn to sift the wheat from the chaff 😉 What about you?
Paris B
Wait… you mean you don’t have gold bars in a hidden vault under your bed? Shoot! 🙂 Well-articulated post and possibly, a necessary reminder to us all. And didn’t mama ever say that if you don’t have anything nice to say then ZIP IT? 😉
I agree with ML Chan. These days people are saying that it’s just their opinion, but what happened to being responsible?! I don’t know where these people get their energy? We don’t need any negativity, there’s a lot of it already!
Right? When we go online, we want a bit of entertainment – no need to take everything so seriously. Don’t like, move on 😛
Oh dayem! Did you take a peek under my bed? 😉 Thanks, and apparently, Thumper’s advice seems lost in this day and age – no one watches Bambi anymore do they? 🙂
I started watching YouTube and reading beauty blogs about 8 years. While I’ve moved on from most of the ones I started off with it was only because I had discovered others that were better suited for me. And I never idolized any of them because they’re just people like you and me, not some all knowing, all seeing beauty demi-gods. I always tell people to just strive to be the best versions of themselves because in the end it will make you the most happy.
Well said, Tracy 🙂 I don’t get a lot of the idolization that’s going on out there, where people literally fly out the door to purchase a product the moment that 1 person says that it’s good. Good for the brands, I suppose. Like you, I don’t read many blogs that I started out reading, primarily because a lot of the older ones have gone on hiatus or just stopped altogether. At one time, I think it got heavy going for many people, due to the pressures of the “business” to conform. But I think the celebrity culture has a lot to blame for how people behave these days – the 15 seconds of fame can take you places! 🙂
Bloggers who become famous owe their fame to their readers and therefore they have a duty to be honest. If they are being paid to promote a product, they should say so.
The unsubscribe button exists for a reason. If the blogger becomes boring or appears to have broken your trust, stop reading the blog.
I agree, Evie. Which is why I don’t get those who continue reading and then go off to a corner to complain about what a blogger is doing. I agree whole heartedly about disclosure – it’s important for a person’s credibility. But I also think that it is this perception of credibility that got a lot of famous bloggers where they are in the first place, and yet, some are more willing to gamble on that than others, by virtue of their fame factor. Quite a balance they have to strike methinks!
I never really idolized anyone, even when I was young. I was a weird out of place kid. Still am, I suppose. I always believe that it’s rude and cowardly to spit poison, online or not. They find courage hiding behind the screens and I really doubt they could muster a single word when they face the so called beauty guru in person. I also think it’s important to declare if the post is sponsored or if the product is a press sample. Gives more credibility.
And if the blogger/vlogger is successful, then I’m sure he or she earned it one way or another. Sure, they owe it to the viewers, but there must be something that attracted the viewers in the first place. So, good for them 🙂
Quite often, trolls love living under the bridge. When confronted, they slink away. I’ve had a personal experience, not exactly with an online troll but someone equally unpleasant. Nothing would be said to my face, but things would be said behind my back. Funny, when I’m just standing right there. I think there is a balance for everyone. If a blogger/vlogger starts becoming bigger than their boots, I’m sure they’ll meet their downfall some day. There was no need for venom, but gosh, people can be awful!
Great post! I must admit, when I was really in watching lots of YouTube videos, I got into a number of famous British YouTubers that were heralded by many and I sort of fell in love with a few. I enjoyed a particular YT-er immensely and while I didn’t idolise her (she’s much younger than me; would be weird to idolise :P) , I did end up liking her videos and her very much. Then she started to get very popular and with fame, came a lot of opportunities and she made a lot of money. It didn’t bother me because I understood the natural progression of her blogging career. Unfortunately, due to all that fame, she rebranded and all that quirkiness I enjoyed about her was gone. Her videos, blog and social media presence no longer appealed to me so I unfollowed her. I still wish her success and am glad she made a name for herself even though her content no longer interested me.
There are many bloggers I personally know who have gotten commercial recognition as well. It’s only natural that I too am envious of their success but hate on them? Nah. Too much negative energy. 😛
Ah I am curious who that youtuber might be?
You know, the thread was primarily about most of the big British YT/bloggers! I don’t know why, but they do tend to attract negative vibes. Some of them anyway. While I understand why some of them feel the need to advance and grow, I sometimes think they forget what put them there in the first place. I don’t begrudge them their success nor their hard work, but when things start looking too slick, it does start alienating people. Problem is, some people just can’t leave without being mean. Why la right? There’s more than enough space for everyone.
I don’t following nearly as many bloggers anymore. But if there is one person I will read all posts of, it’s yours. You’re really informative with your posts.
A few I used to follow, I noticed when they had PR posts, they would be really short. Almost like a first impressions/swatch. Which doesn’t provide enough information for me.
I don’t hate them for ‘selling out’ and relying on sponsorships. I would love to be able to receive some products to try out. But the bloggers or youtubers out there who do receive products complimentary, I know they worked really hard to get to where they are.
But as you said, if I notice their reviews are lacking, I move on. I don’t have as much time on my hands, no do I care enough to go and ‘trash talk’ them. I’m past that age of just hating on someone.
Aww you’re very kind Joann, thank you 🙂 I know what you mean about the PR blurbs. I don’t mind, if that’s what the blog is about – some blogs do make it their focus to talk about new stuff in short blurbs and that’s fine. I think sometimes, people who hit out at bloggers like these (there’s a big blogger in the UK who does focus more on what’s new than to actually go in depth about products) don’t take time to understand the blog they are reading. But you’re right – if they’re not happy they should just move on. It’s one thing to give their view if someone asks, but to dedicate a whole forum to trash talking a person is just too much. As we say here “So much free time, is it?” haha 🙂
Fascinating post about something I have followed closely. If some bloggers take anything from this, it’s the need to show not tell. Readers quickly spot any disconnect between what you say and what you do. And they will call you on it.
If someone tells me how much they value their readers, posting eye rolls in response to polite questions about whether an item was a purchase or a gift tells me a lot.
It’s a shame some really valid points got lost in it all the kauffle. The whole thing has really made me think.
Ooh were people actually being tetchy about being asked to disclose? How rude! I think some of them have grown a little bigger than their boots, to be honest. It’s easy to be taken in by all the glitz and glamour of the business, but I think also that readers can understand that when there is a generous press trip or press event, the odds are high that good things will be said about the brand and product. Yet, I also think that bloggers could do with a little less fawning and gushing and with more discerning critique. Not everything is wonderful, even if the event was a glorious one, with a spa and unlimited wine, so they do owe their readers that much to actually say so e.g. It may suit X better than Y, or that it may not suit all. Not “This is a star, go and buy” as many do 🙂
You’re welcome. 🙂 If I want a serious review on something, your blog is the first place I come and search for an answer. I think I might have mentioned that many times before. hahaha sorry for the repetitions! And after checking your blog, I go to Temptalia to get an idea of swatches if it’s colour cosmetics. hehe
When you use bloglovin’, it’s not difficult to notice the same blog posts appearing at the same time, when the product is about to launch. For example, UD and Too Faced products are the obvious ones. Usually I just really quickly browse through the first post I come across and roll my eyes at the other similar ones. 😀
You are too kind, Ting! How have you been btw? 😀 But you know, you’re right. When you follow enough big time bloggers, you will notice a trend emerging. That’s why I’m not a big fan of hitting the wave along with everyone else. Your post will be drowned (as you’ve just demonstrated!) and people will just write you off for being yet another sponsored post, when it might not even be one! The only exception is for limited edition items. I’m trying to limit that too 😛