My friend Isabelle made her own Ted talk about being a Blogger & Vlogger a while back which made me think about the direction of my own blog and how I seem to have drifted off course.
She talked about how some bloggers get paid and others don’t and no-one (except those getting paid) know who is. There seems to be some kind of culture here that isn’t very palatable. Big brands want bloggers to have high numbers of followers (1 Thousand Flickr followers seems to be a standard requirement on applications, despite it not actually being a blogging platform) before they’ll accept you as an official Blogger. This makes sense from their point of view, they want maximum exposure. The way these follower stats work in reality though, it certainly doesn’t mean that many people will see it. It’s a false measurement to base a decision on.
But this post isn’t about money,it’s about appreciation, or sometimes lack of it. The first and only time (so far) I have been accepted as an official blogger was for Fantasy Faire last year and I was very appreciative of the opportunity.
It would appear given how hard it is to be accepted by shopping events or stores, that we are expected to be just as appreciative, all the time. To work, because that’s what it is, for free to help them sell stuff. I have tried applying to stores and events, but now I’ve stopped to wonder why. This blog isn’t one of the huge number of fashion blogs around, I’m just telling the story of some parts of my SecondLife experience.
What I have experienced at Fantasy Faire was different in the best way. I had several “Thank you” messages directly from creators for featuring their work, particularly smaller designers.
Those two words make all the difference when you’re doing something for just the joy of it. They’re not expected, but are nice to hear occasionally.
Perhaps people are more gracious at the Faire because it is a charity event, with a buzzing happy vibe of enthusiasm of a community come together to raise money for a good cause.
Fantasy Faire this year will take place between 21st April and 8th May 2022. I’ll be putting my blogger application as soon as they open, obviously!
- Read the official Fantasy Faire Press Release.
- Read my other previous thoughts on follower culture: Avatars,Brands and Personas
- Watch Isabelle’s TED talk video
Outfit Credits:
- Top: @Ava@ – Who TF Alice Top
- Tattoos: Rambling Roses
- Jewellery: PIXEL BOX– Necklace and Bracelet Shadows (b)
- Body: Maitreya 5.1
- Head: Genus Project– Strong Face
- Skin: Anjelica – Natural (Alabaster by -{The Attic}-
- Hair: Montana-Reds by Truth
I like your blog. Reading about your exploration of SL is worthy in itself as far as I’m concerned. I hope you get to blog the Faire again, one of the more creative events in the annual calendar. Be well Ava, and thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of us.
That’s why I love the Faire, it features so much creativity and inspires even more from others. The fact it raises money for charity too is a great bonus. I forgot to mention I’ll be -*sellimg* stuff this year too!
Excellent isn’t it when you are appreciated. I’m loving my work now as it’s only with people who are smaller and do appreciate my work. One of the events was quite shocked when I said why I stopped. Didn’t refute it but just accepted and sad to see me go. Another only started following me that week and had never before followed me !!! Shocking really .
I said you would (love your work again) once you weren’t beholden to sponsors and event post criteria. I read the application requirements of some events and think it’s far too much hassle. The Faire organisers are way more chilled on such things. The number of posts I produced last year was through choice not requirement. Another reason to love it.