It’s been nearly one year since I officially stopped updating on DelectablyChic!. And while I recycle posts here sometimes, I’m really glad I don’t write there anymore. I felt really restricted about what I could/couldn’t (or rather, should/shouldn’t) say when writing, because I couldn’t sound TOO opinionated. Especially with sponsored posts. At least I’m no longer tied to a blog network, nor do I really want to be. In fact, writing about my own experiences, either as a guest of a friend/family or out of my own pocket just seems so much more…liberating. Of course, the latter comes with a price. Cost. And multiple wearing (which you can see in my Instagram account).
But there are no longer restrictions. I don’t mean disclosures, but more about actual restrictions – what I could/couldn’t say. Yes, I was once asked to write something just to make a company sound good. However, I was also told it was a review. Only being positive is NOT what I call a review. It is called an ad, or, in this case, an advertorial. The whole assignment left a sour taste in my mouth and I can’t believe that blog network even allowed it to happen.
I have to be honest here. I actually STILL went ahead with the assignment, but only because it was for a beauty store, and I like beauty stores. I would have turned it down if it had been for anything else (e.g. scents or a BBQ restaurant). However, it was one of the WORST experiences I ever had. First of all, the store didn’t even know I was coming. Really? I checked, double checked and even TRIPLE CHECKED the location and time. They weren’t prepared for me, either, so I just stayed for five minutes and left. I contacted the blog network, and they apologized. I really don’t know WHY I even stayed with them afterwards – I wasn’t really making much, anyway – but I did.
That wasn’t the only bad experience I had while blogging as DelectablyChic! (or its predecessor, Prospere Magazine). I once interviewed the owner of a salon who only wanted to talk about HER salon. I always ask people what makes THEM stand out from their competition, but she circled around the question, only wanting to talk about how great she was and not mentioning any differences. Yes, your’e amazing, but HOW? Her English wasn’t the best, but not bad enough that she didn’t understand the question. And if she didn’t, she could have asked me to clarify. Or get an interpreter.
I also didn’t like feeling forced to review items I would be VERY biased towards. I’m not your “typical” fashion or beauty blogger. I don’t wear A LOT of product, for example, and am very critical of any looks that are very “weird” (e.g. blue or green lipstick, hair colour that doesn’t fall in the blonde/red/black/brown/grey ranges). And it’s a fashion show or clothes are lent, I will NOT be talking about anything too avant-garde. I’m sorry, but I’m a conservative, preppy type…with MAYBE a little bit of a hipster vibe. I DON’T do that kind of thing if it’s a gift. And I will most definitely be VERY CRITICAL about it. Not because I don’t “understand,” but because I won’t think it’s practical for most people. I’m about practicality.
When I started writing, I wanted my blog in a serious manner, like a proper journalist, writing for a mainstream publication. However, that wasn’t what I felt smaller brands wanted me to do. They just wanted me to PROMOTE, rather than REVIEW. However, that wasn’t the feeling I got some of the time. Everyone needs both positive and negative feedback. And negative feedback is the only way for brands to improve and widen their customer base. And don’t they want that? The more money they make, the more successful they’ll be, right?
Image by Rafal Olechowski/ShutterStock
