As
I write this, it is past midnight and I am eating Lean Cuisine. I know, it’s an
awful habit, I must admit, but I’ve managed to go to bed around a reasonable
hour these days: 1 am as opposed to 3 or 4. I also enjoy getting up early,
which is a conflict and often results in me getting very little rest.
While
perusing fashion forums and watching Youtube clips, I came across a forum
called Guru Gossip. It is a forum dedicated to gossiping (more often negative
than positive) about well-known Youtube makeup and fashion “gurus”.
“I almost feel ill watching her
with new clothing, shoes, and jewelry all the time. She used to be poor and now
she's totally greedy! Her spending habits are out of this world.”
As
fashion bloggers, and especially personal style bloggers, we can all relate to
being victimized by these hateful comments. After all, the subject of our posts
can often be seen as materialistic, narcissistic, and downright show-off
sessions. We often put ourselves in a vulnerable position, displaying our
clothes and bodies in high-res pics, out for the world to judge. We’re often
called out for overspending, fat thighs, weird hair…blah blah blah…
“she looks so damn short in this
outfit. and so boxy. and too much of that ugly ass 1990s mauve couch color.”
What
people don’t understand is that most fashion bloggers are not bloggers by
profession, and blogging is usually a part-time hobby or stress-reliever.
Analogous to driving fast cars or travelling, us bloggers find joy in the
construction of a lovely handbag, or finding ways to make an old dress new
again.
“Ewh, I just can't get over how old he looks
compared to her. In some pictures he looks thirty or something. I think _____
is actually a very pretty girl, she's not drop dead gorgeous or anything but
she could do better. I just can't see how anyone can find him attractive eh to
each his own I guess.”
It’s unfortunate people jump to conclusions and write
terrible comments behind computer screens. Personally, I appreciate
constructive feedback and criticism, but comments meant to put someone down is
uncalled for. When that happens, I think it is best if a blogger doesn’t make a
big fuss about it, because that gives the online bully what she or he wants –
attention. You also give them the satisfaction of knowing you are emotionally
affected by their trolling. Being in the public eye, bloggettes should
understand they are putting themselves out there to be judged – that’s a price
we must pay. However, we should keep in mind that criticism – good and bad –
happens to everybody, and it should
be expected, not feared.
How do you deal with online haters?
Xoxo Cat
