Should Blogging Be Blander?

When I wrote a post about all the beauty business world changes going on, several commenters said, ‘thank god, a post that’s not whining about PRs’ type thing. I have to say, that took me by surprise a bit – I had always thought that ‘insider’ posts were part and parcel of a blog; that the person behind the blog would be okay to talk about challenges (and, yes, a lot of them are PR related!) and a proportion of readers at least, would be interested to hear them. One comment really resonated where a reader said, ‘blogs are my happy place’. Which is amazing and wonderful and I totally understand it, but for bloggers out there, me, anyway, is it a question that we just have to shut up and get on with it? Or really, that we actually should never let readers into what really goes on behind the scenes?

I’ve always tried to make BBB less about me and more about the products (hence it’s a rare day when you get a picture of me!) and trends but the surface of a blog is such a small part of what it actually takes to make it happen. Behind this blog is literally one person (and Thom who does all the tech without whom I would quite honestly delete the lot) doing every single thing. I think it must be obvious to readers how competitive the blogosphere is now, but they’re right, I think, to not want to know about wrangling and difficulties. Blogs aren’t quite the intimate spaces they used to be but more of a service – dishing up daily portions of beauty with a slice of opinion on the side.

Lots of blogs don’t even really give opinion any more, never mind a dose of reality; there’s a lot, commercially, at stake if you give a review that’s not favourable. Which, when you think about it is absolutely perfect for people who want the above mentioned happy place. After all, you never see a magazine editor let rip in his or her pages do you? Beauty is a kind of sanctuary where you can find inspiration and browse gorgeous things and if you’re a provider of the happy place, there maybe isn’t any room for reality.

I’m constantly learning from readers – almost daily, and there is nothing that makes me happier than lots of comments whether they’re in agreement or not.. I just like it lively. I love that people feel free to drop their opinion or view onto my blog; it’s one of the biggest thrills of what I do (and especially those that say thank you – every time that happens my heart sings!). But, I’m not sure how I feel about blogging bland. It is, after all, just me back here, and sometimes I’d like to think I could reach out and express the ‘Jane’ bit of BBB without editing myself entirely out of the equation.

As always, please do let me have your views!

 

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Jane Cunningham

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109 responses to “Should Blogging Be Blander?”

  1. Nita

    I’m not alone in valuing your opinion, Jane.
    Keep up the fabulous work
    Nita

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much Nita x

      Reply
  2. Sam

    I think it partly depends on who your audience is; if other bloggers, then it would be of interest to them to hear about a peer’s experience.
    But if your reader is the product’s customer, then why would they care about how the PR agency works with bloggers? Surely all they want to know is about the product’s integrity, value for money etc., which products are coming out next etc.
    The industry, and how it affects your readers’ purchase is interesting information, such as launching an amenity with the same brand but different & cheaper ingredients, or describing the excitement of a PR event with all its gloss and glamour which adds to the fairy dust of the industry.
    But the other news would only be of interest to me if I worked in the industry.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Thanks so much for your view x

      Reply
      1. Asha

        I disagree; as a lover of all things beauty related I’m super interested in both the consumer and the industry sides, but maybe that’s just because I’m training to be a solicitor and so am used to keeping abreast of business/ PR related issues.
        I also think it’s nice to gain a personal insight into how things work behind the scenes as too many people seem to be afraid to air their views these days, just in case it stops the freebies!
        In short I love your blog Jane and think it’s great just the way it is.

        Reply
        1. Jane

          thank you 🙂

          Reply
    2. justcharlieg

      i think it depends on the blog to be honest. For someone like you, who is respected among bloggers and consumers, then posts about blogging are relevant, useful and informative. If however, your audience is more consumer based, then blogging about blogging will have no relevance to your readership. So basically, just keep doing what you are doing, its nigh on impossible to please all of the people, all of the time!

      Reply
      1. Jane

        true.. funny how you always listen to the negatives more than the positive!

        Reply
    3. Anon

      + 1 Sam

      Reply
  3. Thera

    Hello Jane,

    I read your blog BECAUSE of both your personal view and your honesty, and straight forwardness.

    If I want bland I will have a look at the countless me-too blog, but with you you get an opinion that has its feet in long time accrued knowledge and experience, priceless.

    It’s what makes you unique and makes me trust you, so if you would change that you would be throwing away your crown jewels with the bath water that was used to wash the feet of the always- grumpy-about-something crowd.

    The blogs that will stay successful in future are the ones that have something to distinguish them from the sea of sameness, and you already have that.
    You are your own winning team, never change it!

    Kind regards,
    Thera, Amsterdam

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Thank you Thera.. that’s such a lovely comment. x

      Reply
  4. Nic, Strawberry Blonde Beauty Blog

    I think the opposite actually Jane… I think people relate to bloggers as individuals and follow them for their persona as much as the info they provide. I’ve never shown a lot of ‘me’ on my blog, but think that’s something I need to change. With so many bloggers around now, I think our personality and individualism is what sets us apart from others – beyond content, design et al.

    I do feel like I’ve got to know you better since you started YouTube – and love listening to you chat about products either via video or words on the screen. 🙂

    Nic x

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Thank you so much Nic!

      Reply
  5. Lesley

    Jane, I love the fact that you give an insight into what goes on behind a product, your views, writing etc. If I didn’t I wouldn’t keep reading you avidly everyday as I do and have for a long time. I look at other bloggers occasionally but to be honest there are only three I really read – BBB, A Model Recommends and Caroline Hirons.

    Keep doing what you’re doing!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      aww..thank you Lesley xx

      Reply
  6. Lesley-Ann

    Hi Jane – long time reader, first time commenter 🙂 Just wanted to say that I love the honesty of your blog – and it doesn’t come off (to me, anyway) as complaining…more seeing the machine behind the curtain! It’s fascinating to see how the beauty business works from your side – and I think it’s a factor in what makes you unique. I like that, while there’s always a focus on the products, there’s a real sense of an actual person with actual experiences doing the reviewing, and it makes reading your blog a more intimate and enjoyable experience for me.

    Thank you for your blog and for consistently adding a pop of colour to my day 🙂

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Thank you so much! xx

      Reply
  7. Anon

    I like the insight into the PR world, however when someone who is in a priviledged position starts complaining about PRs (for example) it does come across as rather spoiled. You receive so many opportunities (free trips, products, parties etc) that most can only dream about ,and if dealing with PRs is the only downside, then it seems a fair compromise. Not really much to complain really?

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Yes, I see your point, but trips aren’t ‘holidays’ as such – they’re so far from that because they’re work and there is always a ‘strings attached’ element to it which can make it quite an uncomfortable experience. I hardly ever do them now.

      Reply
      1. Hayley

        I do agree with Jane here – these parties, trips and products are part of the job. They’re not as glam or fun as they’re perceived to be, often full on and like a longer slog than a usual day in the office (as well as the time taken in the following days to make up missed time working!) It’s lovely, don’t get me wrong, but no different to a conference that a lawyer or accountant may attend.

        Reply
    2. Anon

      Yes!

      Reply
  8. Sascha

    You’ve raised some really interesting points! It’s a tricky one as I’ve always believed that the key appeal of reading blogs is the reality – real opinions from real people – but if you stand back and assess the beauty blogging world, a lot of the massively successful bloggers are the ones who are unrealistically beautiful with unrealistically beautiful lives and I do feel they edit a lot of their ‘wide open life’ to appear as glamorous as possible, although there are, of course, plenty of exceptions.

    For me, whilst I often write negative reviews with a heavy heart, I still have to write them as I’d feel even more negative if I kept quiet. It’s all quite difficult to assess though – I personally find the whole “I don’t write negative reviews as I like to keep my blog a happy place” a bit of a cop-out, but again that’s just my opinion xx

    Reply
    1. Jane

      I think everyone is confused! It’s another aspect of working on your own a lot, I guess – just trying all the time to figure out what the balance is or should be and keeping up with changes. And totally agree – I don’t like to do a negative post but the truth is the truth.. I would like it even less if consumers went out and bought an awful product.

      Reply
      1. Hayley

        I have to say that my most popular posts are always negative reviews or opinion pieces – I think people like the honesty and it’s refreshing in a mass of cupcake pleasantries and positive viewpoints.

        Reply
    2. Rebecca

      I think both reality and negative reviews are really important. If you are thinking of buying a product and google and just find endless positive posts you aren’t getting the whole picture. As bloggers we can’t only write about the products we love, otherwise how can anyone find anything but positive reviews for every product? It makes our opinion effectively worthless.

      Rather, we need to write our negative reviews but give our reasons for why we don’t like something. The reason we hate something may, after all, be the reason someone else loves it.

      One problem is that magazines and advertising have trained us to expect a glossy, airbrushed view of the world portrayed in any kind of media. As bloggers we can help to inject a bit of reality into that, I think.

      That’s a roundabout way of saying please keep the reality and the behind the scenes stuff in, Jane. I for one really appreciate it!

      Reply
    3. Fiona Blogg

      After starting with a lot of Blogs, I’ve whittled it down pretty much to yours, Jane, Caroline Hirons and a couple of Irish bloggers.

      I don’t want to see endless “reviews” going “this is new, its pretty” or”this is 90% mineral oil but the packaging is cute” accompanied by soft focus photos and a lot of IKEA accessories.

      Some times I will check these blogs for swatches, but mostly I want actual informed opinion.

      I did laugh at the person who was shocked that Jane said the F word…

      Reply
      1. Jane

        I didn’t mean to shock them, I promise! It was just the mood of the flow! I love the Irish blogs too x

        Reply
  9. Donna

    I love reading your blog. I want honest opinions not just pretty photos of products. I do read Temptalia because she is also honest on the performance and quality of products. There was shock waves on MUA a few months back when she give a MAC collection an F. I will say most bloggers wouldn’t dare to complaint about MAC.

    Reply
  10. Sarah

    I suppose it depends on the person, I much prefer a personal opinion and it’s the reason I don’t read magazine’s for beauty info because everything is apparently ‘amazing’ when, it’s not! Keep up the good work! x

    Reply
  11. LilyM

    I am a beauty fan who turned to alternative sources because magazines were generic and bland. I want unbiased reviews, I like hearing opinions and it’s always a bonus learning about different sides to an industry I lay down a good chunk of my salary in!

    There are few blogs I continue to visit and yours is one of them; thank you for making such information accessible, because it makes me a more knowledgable consumer and I appreciate that.

    Reply
  12. AnnieA

    The stories behind the scenes make me feel like an insider. Mainly read bbb for UK product information especially since I am going for a visit in the summer. PS There can be such a thing as too much personal chat on blog post veering into narcissism. Not bbb though.

    Reply
  13. Mayet

    RE: ‘Blogs are my happy place’- fair enough, but perhaps select ones that focus on advertising instead of those that review products and give occasional snapshots into the industry?

    Reply
  14. caracbx

    I have always been a fan of BBB and as someone working behind the scenes in the beauty industry, I honestly really value your views and the honesty of the BBB blog as a whole. It’s nice to to be able to read some thoughtful insights, without all the fluffy marketing speak. Also, as an insider, with all these mergers and acquisitions, I genuinely fear for my future career daily! X

    Reply
  15. katsbeautytales

    I think this is an interesting point, personally I love hearing about your thoughts and opinions on the beauty industry and you have inspired me to change the way I think about a lot of thing, such as ageing. As a new blogger with little experience, reading about your blogging experiences behind the scenes has helped me make personal decisions and I feel more prepared if I ever where to come into a scenario where I was not happy with a PR agent etc. I can understand that if you do not have a blog it may not appeal to you as much, but at the end of the day it is your blog and you should feel free to write about what you please 😀

    http://katsbeautytales.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
  16. eve charlie

    I only post when i feel it matters so here it is. I read your blog because its a great blog and your opinion shines through in every post and i like that. Its obvious you arent pushing products and you also arent going nuts over every beauty trend out there (black/purple/rainbow coloured lipstick and all that craze)although i get a kick out of the asian products. I like reading about the other side of the page, your stuggles make you real, jane, a real person and not an advertisement of x product writes about the fact that blogging isnt just getting free stuff and giving everything a rave review. Dont worry we get u and thank you for all the hard work you put into this blog.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      you’re really kind.. thank you so, so much! I guess I was feeling rather invisible.. not anymore ! xx

      Reply
  17. lisawordbird

    I like hearing all the ins and outs of the beauty industry – you are able to tell your audience things that magazine editors would never get a chance to say for fear of offending their advertisers.

    I refer my students to your blog for your explanations of the morality of blogging and labelling what has been sent for your consideration by a PR and also for revealing some of the practices of PR companies.

    I also come to you for my happy, and I don’t like some of the posts I’ve read online (not here) that slate the PR industry – it can feel sometimes as if the blogger is having a vent, and I don’t think that ‘heat of the moment’ stuff works for me.

    However, considered thoughts on the beauty industry are very interesting, and that is what I expect from you. I love knowing who is being bought out by whom. For example, the sale of Bourgeois to Coty means they will no longer benefit from the trickle-down from Chanel’s R&D. So I’ll be interested to see what happens to their products in the future.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thanks so much Lisa.. yes I think there are some very big changes ahead for Bourjois .. and others x

      Reply
  18. RoseGold

    Oh! It was me that said blogs are my happy place and that I wasn’t a fan of the PR whingey posts. I coupled that strongly by saying I am a fan of the insider posts – because that’s about the business and affects how I spend my hard-earnt pennies.

    I stand by that, and I don’t want it altered in representation into meaning no behind-the-scenes/personal posts. I never meant that, nor do I think it should have been construed as that. Beauty blogs ARE my happy place and whilst it’s true I don’t personally want to read about the “bad bits” of running a blog as I think if you need to share, surely other bloggers are your support network. As I said, that is part and parcel of any job & should be absorbed by the blogger rather than passing it on the readers. Just my opinion! I would LOVE to get bags of freebies & jaunts away…some stress to counteract that is part of the balance of life, I think.

    Again, though, I must stress I never said that means you should be bland. Not at all! Not what I meant, now what I think.

    I hope by commenting I’m not opening myself up to criticism – naturally the vast majority of your readers will agree with you & thereby defend you, so I hope I’m not done up like a kipper here! The comment I originally made was as a compliment to an original and insightful post, so please don’t all jump on me.

    I think you’re perhaps feeling a little down and needed your audience to reassure you, so I hope you’re feeling better after reading such lovely comments.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Honestly, not any criticism of you at all – everyones opinion counts and it’s the only way to learn to do things better. I’m glad you said it because it has really made me think about how blogs are presented – and mine in particular, obviously. And you are entitled to your view! I think the idea that trips are jaunts is incorrect though – they’re work, not holidays, albeit in nicer places than the office! Product is sent to us for review – brands want us to review their products so we reach a big audience for them – they’re not really for ‘us’ as such, but for the Google search rankings and quotes they can use thereafter. On the other hand, I’m working with products I love, in and industry that I love and I know every single day how lucky I am for that. But I have really worked for this! It wouldn’t even amount to minimum wage I don’t think. And you’re right about the comments – who knew? They’re absolutely lovely and I’m thankful for them. I’m just like everyone else.. more inclined to hear the negative than the positive so I guess your comment just threw me off track for a moment.. and made me wonder if I’m doing it right!

      I don’t think you should be done up like a kipper for having your view – I was pleased to have it and it created a good conversation so thank you !

      Reply
  19. parsimoniouspenny

    Hello!! I think you’ll always have readers who’ll want different things but I honestly believe that you’re providing what you’re best at – beauty with a bit of Jane, and there’s tons of readers that are obviously wanting that that’s why we’re all here =) there’s such a wealth of blogs on the blogosphere, if it’s something else readers want perhaps they should search somewhere else for it, but in the meantime I know I (and loads of other people) really value your insider posts and treasure your opinions, this is literally one of my favouritest blogs and it’s definitely because you’re behind it!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much Penny! Honestly, I can’t believe the number of comments here.. I’m so glad of them 🙂

      Reply
  20. Jo

    Hi Jane, I really enjoy your blog because it is a bit different and I find the industry posts really interesting, I feel I’ve learnt a lot from you. Keep up the good work xx

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you Jo!

      Reply
  21. tigerbabe68

    I read your blog because it shows through how much you care about the products and the people using them. It’s refreshing to see beauty products tested and for some not to be rated as good as another brand in terms of payoff or longevity or whatever instead of the usual puff pieces about how everything is awesome! I feel I get enough information from your blog to decide whether a product might be worth testing in store or sometimes just buying it straight off.

    A case in point is the beauty boxes – not just a collection of items thrown together but a selection that you have reviewed previously and found to work. I might not love every single item but generally know which of my friends would love anything I don’t (and usually it’s more a colour doesn’t suit me than a product doesn’t work for me).

    Regarding the PR issues, although I’m not overly interested in them per se, I am pleased that you do write about these things as it proves that you aren’t saying things are good because the PR told you to/is paying you to/gives you free things in return and that any sponsored posts are easily identifiable as such. I also really enjoyed the posts where you and the PR swapped places and had to try to do the other’s job which really showed both participants how difficult the other’s job is and perhaps gives us a slightly different view of PRs and bloggers in the process.

    Thank you for doing such a great job.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Thank you so much for your considered comments. I put my heart into those boxes..and it means the more of that kind of activity I can do, the less commercial the blog needs to be which I think is better all round. It’s a risk to throw all your eggs in one basket so I try and do a variety of things outside of the blog – still a risk, but nobody could say I’m not having an adventure here.. ! It’s posts like this that elicit such a wonderful response that help me learn to do things better.

      Reply
  22. Kirsty

    As I’m just starting out as a blogger and am just finding my feet, I really do appreciate reading ‘honest’ reviews of products -I know that everyone’s mileage varies when it comes to loving/hating products but I feel that there are far too many bloggers who just say “Whoo yeah! Awesome!” about new makeup and skincare with no take on the downside (when there is one). Balanced, thoughtful reviews are what I’m after.

    Hearing that one blogger doesn’t rate a product doesn’t put me off a) the product or b) the blog as I’ll be reading loads of reviews about the same item and can make up my own mind.

    The idea that there’s a kind of Omerta on speaking one’s mind is quite distasteful and PRs should be wary of only expecting ‘good’ reviews -people aren’t dumb and will end up relying more on impartial sites like Makeupalley for honest reviews, and then where will everyone be?

    Kirsty

    Reply
    1. Jane

      It’s not always an easy call to say what you think – some brands are outraged that you don’t like their products (smaller ones, usually) and others just do a shoulder shrug (bigger brands) and focus on people who do like them.

      Reply
  23. Eva

    I love reading your posts about the behind the scenes of blogging! I don’t blog myself but I do enjoy reading them and I find it fascinating hearing about what goes on in the world of beauty that the consumer doesn’t normally see. I also appreciate that you are so up front about how PR works because even though regulations seem to be getting tighter I still don’t always feel like some bloggers, and more so youtubers, are totally upfront about the level of interaction between them and PR people, but with your blog I never feel I have to worry about that.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you .. good to know x

      Reply
  24. Natalie

    I like reading your posts about what goes on behind the scenes. I think it is one of the factors that makes your blog unique from the others. You keep it real and honest. If some don’t like those type of posts then they can skip it and look at just your beauty posts in my opinion Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much x

      Reply
  25. Leah

    I think the “Blogs are my happy place” is the reason why fakeness and bullshit is thoroughly prized in the blogging world and people who tell it like it is often are less feted. I like looking at pretty pictures as much as the next person, but above all I value people who are more true to themselves and their readers than they are the people dowsing them in free product. 😉 Life isn’t always candy floss and glitter and I appreciate bloggers who share the pretty AND the mundane.

    I personally LOVE your honesty about all matters, either behind the scenes or not. I’m a blogger myself and I really appreciate your impartiality. Long may it last.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much.. blogging is still a community so it’s always a pleasure to get feedback from blogging peers xx

      Reply
    2. RoseGold

      I actually said BEAUTY is my happy place, not blogs…!

      Reply
  26. Anita

    I love the insight you give into the behind-the-scenes world of blogging and brands, but then I work in marketing so Its probably no surprise. I guess it depends who your readers are, I personally think your blog brings something unique and I’d genuinely miss it if it solely focused on product (there’s loads of content out there already if I wanted to read that).

    Reply
  27. eve

    I think it is good to get an understanding of the nuts and bolts of the industry. It took me a long time to figure out that bloggers were getting product for free, and I had no idea that you could earn a full-time living from youtube. When I saw recent estimates of a well known bloggers income, I was flabbergasted! It’s nice to exist in “a happy place” but you also need to understand the realities of the blogging industry.I run my own business and people think it is all sweetness and light and happy times. Far from it!!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Everything has changed.. it’s such a commercial world now and I try as hard as I can to keep commercial elements away from the blog (so I do beauty boxes etc instead) – I think I’ll always be that ‘old school’ blogger with reality first and everything else second. Personally, it’s a fascinating journey.. trying to keep up all the time.. a real roller coaster ride!

      Reply
  28. Ana Maria Tatucu

    I alway look for the person behind the blog, I want to make a connection between what is written on the blog and the real person. This is why I simply adore your blog, it is like a book for me, a place where I know I find confirmation for what I like to do also as blogger. When I have doubts, I read some of your articles when you are giving more personal input…and I feel so positive. A blog should be personal… otherwise it’s not a blog anymore. Honestly I prefer less info, which anyhow can be found everywhere, even in wikipedia, but more human touch, emotion,…. I mean when I read you blog I have the feeling that I hear you talking :). Thanks, Jane, you are an inspiration for me!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much.. that connection you speak of is so important to me too.. x

      Reply
  29. ann

    I’m a regular reader and would just like to echo Lily m’s comments. While I’m a beauty junkie I also think its important to know what goes on behind the scenes and lets not forget its a business – as a Ren customer I’m concerned about the sale to Unilever. So whilst make up is my ‘happy place’ I read your blog for its warts and all approach and I your obvious integrity – please don’t change a thing.

    Reply
  30. Nicola Leadbeater

    I read your blog because it is anything but bland. You actually have an opinion and share it! I love your posts on all aspects of beauty. Please keep doing exactly what you are doing.

    Reply
  31. C.

    I think it’s about choice and what readers look for in blogs. There are many blogs out there, the selling points of which are based on a sort of “constructed” lifestyle, where more emphasis is placed on the aesthetics of the blog and the branding and persona of the individual; product reviews almost become secondary (if they even put in the effort to test the products…). I, on the other hand, look for blogs that can help me make an informed choice as a consumer, especially from the bloggers whom I can relate to as a consumer. Individuality and voice make it more authentic.

    Your honest opinion is what I love about your blog. On top of that, you are in a much better position to help the rest of us cut through all the promotional and advertising crap, given your in-depth knowledge and experience in the industry. Indeed, consumers value product and brand integrity, costs and new releases, etc. But given the recent blogging/vlogging phenomena, some bloggers/vloggers themselves have become a vehicle for brands in terms of contextual advertising. This is where your PR related posts become really helpful. It gives us the insight into the lengths the brands go to to push their products.

    A genuine positive product review may influence some readers’ decision to buy a product, but so will a not-so-genuine one. This is why I think knowing a little about what goes on behind the scenes is very beneficial and I thank you for that, Jane.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much xx

      Reply
  32. Jane

    The only thing I don’t like about the PR-type posts is that you can’t name names! I want to know which companies are downright stupid in regards to PR!

    I have stopped reading most of the blogs I used to read/the new ones I find. 94% of them are blando commando or hyper-effusive. Does anyone remember when the Simple Human mirror was every blogger’s most favorite item ever, all on the same day? It was disgusting.

    Other blogs with “good voice”: Temptalia and The Non Blonde are two of my favorites.

    Carry on with *your* voice on *your* blog. That’s what we’re here for.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you Jane!

      Reply
  33. Clbnolan

    I don’t blog, nor have I any wish to (can’t imagine the tech nightmares!), but I still find the ‘back room’ stuff really interesting to read – and if it sometimes gets a bit over my head, I just stop reading that particular post.
    I really appreciate the fact that you’re quite outspoken about the machinations that go on behind the scenes. It reassures me that you aren’t someone’s puppet, happy to trot out any old crap for a pay cheque. Of course you have to have a pay cheque & none of us live on air, but you’re always very honest about this.
    I think the main thing is, I read your blog as I’m interested in what you have to say – so whatever that is, spew forth, Jane!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you!

      Reply
  34. MARTINE

    I am not interested in how the PR’s interact with bloggers. I always think that is the gossipy side to the industry and the information is not going to play a part in determining whether I buy or do not buy a product. What I most value is very honest reviews (which you just can’t get in a printed magazine). After that I am interested in getting the scoop on new products. I am very interested in innovation and how a product works from a scientific view point – blog posts that get behind a the marketing guff and explain how the product works at a clinical level catch my eye.

    Reply
  35. Jo – Migrating Bird

    I think it’s not that we don’t want to hear about your opinions or have your personality come across. That is what people come to blogs for. I love your personality. I read your blog because I can trust your personal opinions on products, and I like to hear snippets of your life. I want to hear your take on things directly related to beauty itself. I loved your post on the constantly changing ownership of brands, or hearing about ethical issues that aren’t obvious to consumers.

    But there’s a distinction between “behind the scenes of beauty” and “behind the scenes of beauty blogging”. I just don’t think non-bloggers care about the latter. It would be one thing if it was an occasional “A Day in the Life of a Beauty Blogger” post, but most seem to be moaning about stresses everyone feels at work- being undervalued, feeling that others don’t appreciate the importance/difficulty of what you do, receiving emails that are insulting or patronising. (note: I’m talking about the blogosphere as a whole there, not you Jane- you’re one of the few bloggers who doesn’t moan) I spend most of my week days either feeling like that myself or listening to friends and colleagues vent. I don’t want to read it on blogs as well- blogs for me are entertainment and glamour.

    I’d also bear in mind that a lot of commenters on here are beauty bloggers, so they’ll have an interest in blogging but might not represent your target audience (assuming your audience is more consumers, so ignore that last point if it’s not).

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Thanks Jo.. good points – I think the thing is that when it’s your own site you have to be your own editor – human nature dictates that you’re not always going to do exactly the right thing! All of the above that you mention are part and parcel of blogging but I totally get it that it’s not necessarily what you need to hear about here. xx

      Reply
      1. Jo – Migrating Bird

        Thanks for not taking that badly, Jane, I was probably a bit harsh. I totally believe it’s your site and I just tend to skip the bits that don’t interest me, so I don’t really think you need to change. I just can’t resist voicing my opinion when someone asks!

        Reply
    2. RoseGold

      Jo – you’ve explained what I meant so much better than I did!

      And yes, absolutely, the comments here are weighted to agree as the title is so loaded – who on earth is going to say ‘Oh yes, please make your blog blander??’. That’s not it, at all!!

      Industry info – great. Honest reviews – great. Everyone will agree on that. But moans about blogging per se will be limited to other bloggers/perhaps a few others and they are creeping in more and more.

      I am loathe to criticise, as I saw on Twitter that you called somebody out for critical comments & thereby encouraged your loyal fans to disagree with them. So I’ve offered my opinion in a loaded article & will withdraw now. It’s entirely your blog & you run it as you see fit.

      Reply
      1. Jane

        Ok, thanks for your input.. sorry you feel that it’s written in a way that’s loaded in my favour – it was really only supposed to be a question on what readers really want from bloggers now. It’s such a different place now and changes rapidly – sometimes the only way to find out what people think is to ask the questions.

        Reply
  36. Marie

    Keep doing what you are doing Jane, great job

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thanks Marie!

      Reply
  37. Claire Reid

    It’s a tricky one! I love your blog Jane, and your views on the beauty industry are really interesting, so I come to your blog to get that side of it.

    Sometimes I find the “inside the blogging industry” bits interesting, but I am comparitively less interested on your interactions with PRs. Also (and this isn’t you in particular, it’s more other blogs) I find post that complain about reviewing products for free a bit grating. Whilst I do like the entrenpeneurship that has gone into making the blogoshpere more commercial, at the same time, it wasn’t a commercial area up until fairly recently, it was peoples hobbies (all be it done in a very professional manner), so the fact that people find it hard to make a living out of it isn’t huge news, and actually I’m not hugely concerned by that.

    All that being said, I do love your blog, and I really appreciate your honesty on product reviews, and your personality!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      I definitely think there’s been a shift from the origins of blogs (weblogs, or on line diaries where you record your thoughts and views) and I don’t think anyone could have guessed where they’d end up. I’m always interested to have views and opinion; it’s lovely to have supportive comments but a good mix of views is the most valuable of all.

      Reply
  38. Keala

    Your blog is perfect as is. I like that once in awhile you’re going for the Pulitzer.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much!!

      Reply
  39. Ruth Mojito

    I’ve unsubscribe from all the ‘bland’ blogs. I WANT an opinion, I want honesty and I value integrity. The more commercial blogs get, the less I trust the bloggers’ opinions.

    Reply
  40. Claire McDonnell

    I’ve been reading your fantastic blog for years – it’s great and I do think of it as my ‘happy place’. However, I no longer read those PR posts as I find them a bit depressing and not relevant to me. It’s the same when someone has a job at a place you don’t know about and they moan about it – you don’t really care! Just being honest x

    Reply
    1. Claire McDonnell

      P.S. That doesn’t mean I don’t like honest reviews – I don’t want BS

      Reply
    2. Jane

      thanks Claire – all input is welcome on the subject.. so I’m glad to have yours x

      Reply
  41. Michelle K.

    Hi Jane! I agree that “bland” blogging would be a shame. I personally really enjoy reading bloggers’ opinions and I like to hear about the reality side of things once in a while. I’m very interested in this whole world of blogging anyways so I really like finding out how women actually do this awesome job as a career! I think a mix of everything (reviews, personal tidbits, etc.) makes the perfect blog. 🙂 xx from Switzerland!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thanks Michelle!

      Reply
  42. anne marie lepretre

    Your blog is the only one I read consistently and your output is quite amazing, I don’t know how you keep it up but I always know I will get a lots of beauty news and more importantly your honest opinion. I read lots of bits and bobs but on the beauty front I think yours is one of the best – I sound like a deranged fan ! But fan I am 😉
    Keep up the good work !
    AM x
    http://annemarielepretre.com/blog/

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  43. Sue Fallon

    I’m not a blogger. I want to read posts that are honest, informative, adult, and yes, I want to hear about blogging, marketing, PR relationships, businesses that change hands, and products that do not perform well. Lots of blogs play the game of gushing obediently and effusively over the latest release they’ve received. Well done for not disappearing into the sea of bland obedience. I love your work… don’t stop!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much Sue x

      Reply
  44. jennpeters

    I find the behind the scenes stuff just as interesting as the reviews, would love to hear more actually 🙂

    Reply
  45. Alex Sturrock

    Hi Jane – I came across your blog by accident when Googling for more info on an expensive beauty purchase I was thinking of making. That was nearly four years ago and I’ve read your blog every day since. I love it that you’re impartial when reviewing products – there is so much sponsorship (unacknowledged on many occasions) these days that it’s difficult to find an honest opinion when the competition is so fierce. I also enjoy reading about the other elements to your job – dealing with the ‘business end’ so to speak, and it’s been a bit of an eye-opener. I like hearing about the difficulties because I’m a great believer in that you get back what you give out, and I would tend to avoid companies that treat people with disdain. You keep writing it, and I’ll keep reading it xx

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Thank you Alex x

      Reply
  46. greatsheelephant

    I really enjoy the behind the scenes stuff, especially the feedback about PRs and blogger outreach. it’s really interesting and thought-provoking. Perhaps people who don’t like those posts should just skip them.

    Reply
  47. Pete

    There’s a big difference between the general posts such as the blog super galaxy (very interesting) and the moany, ‘oh PR gave it to another blogger and not me, I thought we were friends!’ Type post which you often write. Those are frankly a little embarrassing and give bloggers a bad name. Moaning about money received or denied; embargoes until mags have it, not you; other bloggers getting more than you; not being invited to events; retelling a story in a cliquey way so all but a few bemused readers know who you’re calling out, in an obvious attempt to get said PR to grovel for forgiveness at your feet, etc etc – are just TMI and although amusing, it’s toe curlingly so! Hope that helps you differentiate between the two.

    Temptalia is an example of a blog which I know a million percent doesn’t sugarcoat or in any way compromise her reviews. She, as another commenter already mentioned, gave MAC an F! – Safely knowing that they’d still be sending her every collection and would respect her all the more, if anything. And she gave Lime Crime a very bad review and was exceedingly gracious when the owner Dee came and hounded and bullied her. There was no huge blog post devoted to Dee and her maniac tactics, the way yours and other blogs no doubt would have done, the way most would, truth be told. There was merely a brief exchange in the comments section, a vow to never feature LC again, and nothing more than she had to.

    As per RoseGold, I agree. To recap: moaning about product and performance: A OK. Moaning about your own personal bitterness: Annoying. Having said that, I love your blog

    Reply
    1. Jane

      There’s just nothing I can say to this long list of wrongs, Peter, other than thank you for supplying your view.

      Reply
  48. Cy

    With all due respect to the persons who voiced them, I disagree with those comments. I thought the main point of blogs were to be honest? So no you’ll never see an editor have a go in his/her magazine, but you’ll also never read in those magazines “Hey guys don’t buy this products, it’s not worth it”. If I want to read something that gives me a perfect, spotless image of beauty, I’ll buy Vogue. If I want an honest opinion & possibly a little chuckle, I’ll read a blog. And let me tell you, I can’t remember the last time I bought Vogue, but I check out your blog pretty much everyday.
    The fact that you want to sometimes have a rant only means that you’re human, and that we, your readers, matter enough that you want to share it with us. I take it as a compliment! Most of us readers don’t have a clue about PR, or even blogging to the extent that you do, and I see these (far and in between!) posts as some sort of “behind the scenes” bits. And if YOU, the blog owner/writer feel like you can’t vent your frustration then you’re just another one those blogs with pretty pictures & little content… and I’m not really interested in those. I like your blog for who you are & what you do: Jane the not-blonde, not-25 y/o, not-affiliated, no-BS blogger who uses fruit as models. And occasionally moans when someone/something is out of order/ uncalled for. I wouldn’t have you any other way 🙂

    Reply
    1. Jane

      Bless you.. what a lovely, thoughtful comment. And you have reminded me I need to re-stock my fruity model bank!

      Reply
  49. D.

    I read your blog every day and you’ve introduced me to so many new brands, both personally and professionally (i work in the beauty industry, although a far far arm of it!). I love reading the insider info because it connects me to you, and to the brands. I will take a longer look at REN now that i know they’ve been acquired by Unilever, and will follow Bourjois closely in my own sector, as most of the appeal was being part of Chanel, and Coty have massive market share already.

    Keep on doing what you do, i will still come to you first (and then Sali Hughes, and then A Model Recommends) for my blog fix.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much xx

      Reply
  50. Vivien @ The London Oil Co

    I for one love both types of post – behind the scenes, and the purely beauty ones, so keep them coming! 🙂
    I think a blog, primarily, is Your outlet as a writer, and you should always write about things that are on Your mind, that interest You. Different readers have different interests, and they probably read many different beauty blogs for various styles and content.
    I for example don’t care so much for nail polish, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t blog about it! 🙂
    As long as your blog is a happy place for You (as in, You enjoy what you do), then that’s all that matters!

    Reply
  51. Trimperley

    Definitely don’t want bland. I don’t mind the PR pieces and it’s easy to skip over them and look at the swatches and product reviews instead. I’d like more newsy/science debunking pieces. But I really enjoy reading your blog.

    The Beauty Business Post was a stand out post because it covered a topic (the business side) that you had not dealt with for possibly a couple of years. I think that when I first started reading your blog there were more pieces like that. I haven’t read any other beauty blogs that have covered the topic either so it was a refreshing read.

    Reply
  52. Gemma (@MsMakeupMagpie)

    What I love about your blog is your honesty and that you do give opinions. So many bloggers say they don’t like their blogs to be a ‘negative place’ so they don’t point out bad points or bad products but if somethings rubbish, surely your readers deserve to know?! xx

    Reply
  53. olivia

    I like to read about the entire aspect of beauty which isn’t at all glamorous or putting it mildly…fun. As a recent post I wrote about blogging behind the curtain (or something like this), I know many readers just think blogging is a fun and happy thing and some readers use the blog as their punching bag and leave insults and gossip about it on various forums.

    Whether one blogs for just pleasure or for money, what appears on the website had a journey of months, days, and hours until it is read only to become internet blogging dust.

    Should blogging be bland? NO because as readers and consumers we want to know why so many vloggers/bloggers all of the sudden push a certain product to the point of numbness at the same time. What goes on behind is really much more fun to me than what ends up in front!

    Reply
  54. donatigirl

    Used to be a PR (many moons ago) so can understand the oftentimes tiresome position of blogger/journo v PR stance. I see the two as naturally linked. Good PRs (and there are rubbish ones) should want to have conversations with media constantly about the companies/brands/individuals they work with; supply the information and detail and yes an opinion sometimes. It’s obviously entirely right that writers then say what they think off the back of that – good or bad. If a brand or client doesn’t get that then the PR isn’t advising them properly. There’s a relationship between the commercial (brand/product) and the writer (opinion former). Always has been. And yes I can understand how some PRs are irritating and in my view ‘wrong’ thinking about what writers do – so it’s entirely fair for you Jane to say what you think as well.
    Blogs should be about opinion and advice and viewpoints. That’s what makes then vibrant, interesting and also gives us a reason to be keen to find out what you’re recommending. That’s why being independent in thought is essential – even if that does mean being ‘more Jane’ sometimes (can only be a good thing surely?). It’s what makes blogs feel more ‘trusted’ where I am often sceptical about beauty editors in traditional media – personally I’m not looking for PR ‘puff’ or press release lead articles – I want to know what works and what you think. On the basis of what’s written here I try new products. Same goes for Eldridge and Hughes and a model recommends and India Knight. I write a blog (different subject entirely) and I do know what you mean about having to take a stance or have a viewpoint and being mindful of putting it into the ether but you do it very well and in a way that puts a smile on my face so keep on doing what you’re doing I’d say. Your opinion counts.

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you so much… xx

      Reply
  55. tashasface

    The reason I read your blog is that you give a little “Jane” in your posts. It’s what differentiates you from a magazine ad where everything is “the next big thing” but we know that can’t be true for everything. You keep it real – keep doing what you’re doing!

    Reply
    1. Jane

      thank you 🙂 xxx

      Reply
  56. Kelly glen

    I have never worn make up and probably never will but I still like reading about it and I know that if I ever did decide to buy something you would be the place to turn to, I would be sure of a good and honest review of a product. I like the way that you take no crap from people and are not afraid to speak your mind it is very refreshing in this day and age. I like your mix of product reviews and hearing about brands I would never have heard about otherwise. It is always interesting to hear about what goes on behind the scenes in beauty and the business side of it so please keep posts like this coming.
    Your blog stands out because you are you and not trying to be just like everyone else.
    I look forward to reading your posts everyday so please keep doing what you do best.

    Reply

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