I hardly think it's my place to tell anyone what to do, but seeing as I've been around for awhile, & have experience with blogging from a designer, writer, & editor's point of view, (& frankly I think projects I'm involved in don't do too badly) I think I have a pretty good Idea when I talk about this that I know what I'm talking about. And I've had it up to here (raises av hand) with some of the crap that's going on in SL & *some* blogs. So I offer you this rant.

SL journalism isn't exactly the ‘New York Times’, I agree. It's people who write for fun, for free, & for people who want to read their opinion. But the the lack of responsibility & professionalism some people show in what they present as professional blogs/magazines/papers is atrocious.

I'm friends with people who make clothes, skins, hair etc. & I know a lot of people who want to revoke their "review copies" policy because of how they were treated by bloggers! Unprofessional people (from popular papers) that think they're entitled to a free copy because they blog fashion, & once they get one, they don't say thank you, & they don't blog. They scored a freebie, bully for them. Hell some people even ask for refunds for stuff they bought because they blogged it!! That's so rude & out of line I can't even comprehend what they're thinking. This is someone's business, & that sort of lack of respect is no less than insulting.

Personally, I never feel right asking for a review copy. I felt akward accepting them even from people I GAVE free copies to. I don't IM people & ask them for review copies, & If I did I'd NEVER ask & not review them! Don’t get me wrong I think review copies are a great way to get your name & product out there. But I also think if you got something for free, you can show some appreciation! Cos frankly nothing’s stopping you from actually BUYING the product like a lot of bloggers do.

I get that scoring freebs is a universal pleasure. I love it as much as anyone else but this is bordering on deceitful. Not only that, but bloggers who "milk" designers for "review copies" give themselves & their blog a bad name. Already some blogs have that kind of reputation, & as if it's not bad enough they damage their own image, they make the rest of us look bad too. Thanks, I'd rather not look like a greedy moocher because you can't spare 200L.

There are some blogs I used to really enjoy reading and seeing what they had to offer, but I will no longer waste my time on them.

Comments

[Alayna M]

I'm no designer, but I love *most* of them. I agree with you and I think this stupid review copy hoopla business is dumb. Who was it that started this whole thing, they blogged about it or something? Are they really that self-important that they have to set up a freebie giving policy? For what reason? Why? Why not just pass your free shit privately? Now it's created this "Oh me oh me I blog can I have some too." Its also encouraged people who seriously blog fashion or who dabble in it or even are just thinking about it to get free shit while the rest of us who are just as fashion savvy and love fashion like the bloggers do, still pay money for the goods. Why not pass me some free loot, I won't blog about it but I'll appreciate it much more and tell all my friends.

I think this whole "look at me, look at me" mentality some of these designers are so desperate to have by obsessing about being blogged is so damn ridiculous. Who cares if you're blogged or not? Is that what the design community has come to? Like that horrible comment that Aleri Darkes posted on the old Pixel Pinup about "people not ignoring" her anymore and crying that Garbage was blogged and not her. It just sickens me. I'm sure she's on the front lines passing out free crap to anyone who will hit their accept button just so they can blog her. For what? Your stuff is still mediocre at best.

It's ridiculous that some of these designers think that these blogs and these self-proclaimed fashionistas are what make or break their business. Look at the established designers, they're not popular because of some stupid blog but popular because they're good at what they do, they've stuck with it, they've perfected their skill over the *YEARS* that they've been doing it, and they're always trying to do something new.

I have to give a big thank you to Canimal for saying what everyone else is thinking. Down with review copies! Buy your shit like the rest of us and if you don't buy it, all the more reason not to blog it. *DUH*

[JellyBean Madison]

Adding my two pink cents here :p

I spend a lot of L on my shopping trips daily. In estimating the cost I would say anywhere from 1k-3k is spent weekly. I refuse to ask for review copies. I just won't do it. I have had some designers who have dropped review packs on me and sometimes I just don't like what I was given. I review only what I like and I would say that 98% of buy what I review. Isn't that the point? I mean I became a a reviewer because I love to shop, not for freebies. I think in most cases that's the reason why reviewers are reviewers. I haven't heard about people abusing review packs til now. Mayhapsibly it's time to call them out or just let the designers handle it at their discretion. Just my two cents for what it's worth. :)
~Jell~

[StephaniaMarx]

Alayna M., I understand that you have your own personal opinions about Aleri Darkes of Diversity Hair. What I don't understand is why you have to bring her up in every post. If the post was titled, "I love blue hair!"..one of your comments would be that Aleri hates Garbage's blue hair or something.

In addition, this is very old news. I mean, Willow was still blogging constantly on PXP when that happened.

If you really do have a problem with Aleri, why don't you just settle it out with her instead of just badmouthing her all over the fashion blogs?

[Foxy Dumont]

OK...ALAYNA M, you think what Aleri had to say makes you sick? Ironically, the fact that you enjoy bitching about it every friggin day makes everyone else sick, so heres the number of a good Psychologist, 1-800-get-OVER IT!!!!!

[Luth Brodie]

It'd be nice if there was a way to get the names of such places without ending up a witch hunt.

As for review copies in of itself, a lot of people have varrying opinions on the topic. The problem is that it's never going to be cut and dry with the reasons for who's blogged and who's not.

Granted there are going to be greedy people on both sides of the fence. Creators that refuse to give out review copies and bloggers just out to score some swag. The problem is how does a person know who is legit and who is not?

Personally, I send out review copies. I don't do it for bribing or whatever some people think it is, but because every other industry that has reviewers has review copies. I just can't see the reasoning for making the blogger pay for my advertising. That just makes me feel dirty and not in a good way.

One thing that does annoy me with certain sites is listing whether or not a review copy had been sent. Obviously not because I'm ashamed but because of the implication that something is more noteworthy if they didn't recieve a freebie. I don't know about anyone else, but I send out the review copies before I've set it up in the shop.

Alayna M:
Trashing creators for knowing full well the impact of the blogs has on their sales is a good sign you don't know what you are talking about with that one. While some bloggers have more integrity then others, they are quite powerful with getting your name out there.

I know this from personal experience. I've been making poses and animations since june 04 and it wasn't until Willow (<3) wrote up a pose set that a LOT more people noticed. Granted the quality has gone up over the years, but not drastically at that moment in time.

Grr this is getting long and I have a set to complete... So, while the integrity of some bloggers and/or sites is questionable, it's still better then the old system of how it used to be based on who people know. Especially for those of us who hide out in their studios.

[Talon Lardner]

I too would love to know which blogs are accused of this (In IM format, of course) just out of curiosity's sake. I don't plan to boycot them or anything, this all just curiosity's sake.

As for review copies, they are a mixed blessing. Heck, I've been debating making a Furry Avatar blog in the hopes that I would get sent review copies. I would never ASK for a review copy, though, for if I am interested enough to blog it, I'd buy it.

[Elika]

Hmmm, wow. When did this go from review copies to having anything to do with a specific designer??

Alayna, obviously you have some opinions (I've refrained from publishing some of those on my blog) but there is a more effective way than bashing someone.

Anyway, while I have never personally given out review copies and probably never will....I do find this all interesting. I think requesting a review copy from a designer would mean that you'd review it right? And write about it...positive or not. What I have a problem with is requesting a review copy and then saying "I don't have time to review it....kthxbai.". Why even ask then? I dunno I'm not a fashion blogger, but I think if I really wanted to review something and write about it....I'd buy it. Afterall, that's part of the fun of fashion and shopping.

[CronoCloud Creeggan]

Here's my thoughts as a "second string ocassional blogger lately". I'd like to know which bloggers are supposedly abusing review copies. The "big four" these days are appearance mode, style disorder, second style, and linden lifestyles. Personally I was reluctant to ask, even more so now that PXP is gone and I don't have a big time visible blogging gig. I did so only twice, once for yummy skins, which I didn't get a response and once for a Faerydae from Nicky Ree (but she asked if I wanted one first) I still intend to review the Faerydae on my personal blog. RL sometimes gets in the way of blogging so that can be an issue of things not getting reviewed, and another reason why I didn't ask. Because if I ask, I feel that implies a review. Not asking is different. If someone had plopped something on me I wouldn't feel as obligated. There's also the issue of funds, some people seem to have limitless amounts of $L, I don't. And I try to keep any Lindex buying under a limit. So I'm picky about what I buy, (and blog) Also I have certain likes and dislikes. I would never ask for a review copy of something that is not normally my taste, just to get a freebie, and when I received things that weren't normally up my alley I'd tell the designer that and say it was okay if they picked someone else. I've not reviewed/blogged Cani's stuff, for example. Not because it itsn't good stuff, but because it's not me. And because it's not me I wouldn't ask for review copies of Cani's stuff, (course she knows I don't wear her stuff on a regular basis) Also reviewing Cani is Willow's gig. That's part of the reason I posted my own review policy thingy back on PXP. It's why I said that designers should chose which blogger they give any copies to, to select the right blogger for the items. Bloggers are influential, though by how much can be debated. It was bloggers that led me to Luth Brodie's poses. We have to remember that with all the newcomers coming in who aren't familiar with who the big names are or were, that word of mouth and bloggers is how the new people find out about stuff. I constanly refer new people to the blogs. I must also mention that in RL, the fashion magazines get their swag for free. that's just how it works. But there are differences from the RL fashion press and the SL fashion press. For example some of the review style SL fashion press/bloggers are backed/associated with a designer or group of designers a la PXP with Lo Jacobs, Second Style with HeatherDawn, Appearance mode with Six and Garbage. And although Sabrina/Salome aren't fashion designers, they do have their own business. There aren't many big time SL fashion bloggers for whom blogging is their only gig. Anyway, I think it's good we have these discussions, in fact I think Sabrina Dollittle is going to sponsor some kind of "blogger meeting/convention" sometime. CC

[Pukk Abel]

This is a tough subject which is why I'm so glad that many review blogs and designers have stated thier policy.

Personally, I do not have a problem with giving review copies to fashion bloggers on request and will often drop a box on writers whom I think may like my clothing style. That doesn't mean I expect a review. Well, if it's a request then i either expect a review or a good excuse. Even if it's that they don't like it after all.

As a new designer, I'm glad that I was encouraged by a blogger to contact and pass review copies on to one of the big fashion sites. Many reviewers are so busy it's easy to miss the little person while they shop at thier favorite stores.

So what does it all mean? I don't know. I guess its whatever you prefer. Although I really don't think you should discourage review copies completely. You never know what great new item you may have missed.

[Lucas Lameth]

Thanks Canimal! Your statement and opinion has been one floating on mine and many others minds and itching on many peopels toungues.

The relationship between a fashion reviewers and content creators is sensitive and daresay "sacred". Especially for budding designers.

I personally will send out samples to all prospective fashionistas with no expectation of a blog. It is strictly complimentary to promote products. I suffer no inventory loss like an iRL business would, so I see it as a win-win situation.

I offered a Store Survey and have recieved over 100 entries and according to the polls most visitors discovered my store through a fashion blog and would later become my cherished customers and friends.

But its true, like everything else there should be ettiquete between designers and bloggers.

I also agree with Luth about the the "Seen in World, Review Copy and Friends List". For me its the FRIENDS LIST. I mean, sending my stuff to fashionistas ... sometimes, we end up being amazing friends. That shouldnt mean anything other than were FRIENDS. I keep my content creating work seperate from my social life. If my fashionista friends were to tell me, "Your new piece is fugly" Id say "THANK YOU, my friend! Let me improve it."

[Canimal]

I don't mind if someone asks for a review copy, I think blogs are a very effective way of getting your name out there. If someone wants to blog me I think it's a huge compliment & by all means they can get a copy. But if they ASK & then don't blog it I think it's rude as hell. Like elika said for good or bad. Some people ASK for a review copy, don't say ty & then will or will not blog it depending on their consideration. THAT's out of line IMO. I also don't think you HAVE to have a review copy to review something! When did that start?? The whole point of reviews is raving about something YOU'D BUY. not get for free then wear lol.
& no I'm not gonna say who it is here or in private i'm not looking to just start shit up. & No it's no one in this blog what kind of passive agressive person do you take me for? hehe.

I wrote this hoping some people will see that that sort of behaviour doesn't go unnoticed & catch themselves before something that started out positive turns to shit like so much stuff in SL does eventualy.

Getting free swag & getting a mention are positive NICE things. I hate that their becoming some kind of "I wont blog you unless you give me stuff" to some people.

[Willow]

Ok, i'm sober now!

I would say as much as I *love* review copies, I am 110% more than happy to buy what I blog, always have been! I don't like asking for review copies as I don't know, I just feel cheeky lol, sooooo I would more than likely buy it if I wanted to blog it and not bat an eyelid!

THAT IS ALL!

[Vanessa]

If I read a blog where I know they're getting review copies, I personally have a little nagging doubt if the review copies aren't tainting the review somehow to not upset any relation with the designer.

Very closely related, my biggest petpeeve with all the fashion blogs is that I never see any less than stellar reviews. Even things that are noticeably of lesser quality, or have obvious flaws still get raved about.

I like knowing whether a reviewer found something worthwhile enough to buy it for themselves, or if it was simply given to them for free; or whether they stumbled onto it, or whether the designer is a personal friend.

I'm not attacking anyone's integrity, and I really don't think anyone is dishonest, but it would be nice to read "stunning dress, but the prim textures are alpha, so don't wear this in front of anything else that's alpha" so I don't feel like the review I read isn't merely advertising after buying something based on a post.

[Lizardbeth Lulu]

I think this a very facinating topic, and more than anything should be just "I'm going to be watchful for this kind of behavior" as opposed to "omg all bloggers are greedy bitches!!". IMO, the idea of handing out review copies, accepting them, or even asking for them, should be up to the specific blogger & designer. If one feels like the other is abusing the professional relationship in some way, they pull the plug.

One thing I like to add is the idea that "I sent something to X blogger for free, so they have to review it!" is quite silly. If everyone that sent a review copy to a blogger expected a glowing review, simply because they sent it for free... well, then ever 5-day old designer creating things that looked like it was popped out in MS paint in 10 minutes would just send freebies to every blogger and just wait for sales to roll on. That's silly! If any designer is complaining about sending UNSOLICITED (if they ask for it and then don't review it, that's another thing entirely) review copies that end up not being reviewed can only hold themselves accountable. You chose to send your stuff to the reviewer, so whether or not it recieves a glowing review - or even a review at all - shouldn't be based on the reviewer being SO happy they got something for free that they are now OBLIGATED to say how wonderful your stuff is! You took the risk sending free stuff.

Vanessa - I have read numerous blogs where the items reviewed - usually new skins - had less than glowing reviews. A lot of "well this I don't like, and this needs to be fixed, and I wish they had done X and Y". In general though, I think the main reason there aren't any "Wow, that SUCKED" reviews is because that's really not all that helpful, and frankly it's just a little mean. If I were a blogger, I would want to focus on pointing out gems and great finds I'd picked up so other people could see them too, and not neccessarily going "I found this terrible stuff today that I just HAD to spend all this time blogging about so you all know to avoid these items & this designer like the plague!" Besides, could a negative review be just as skewed, if the blogger in question had some personal disagreement with said designer?

[Katie C.]

One of the biggest issues my friends and I have with the fashion blogs is that while we don't make anything for SL, we certainly buy a lot of what is made. Most of the review blogs have advertising that people pay for. SecondStyle has a PDF that makes plenty of linden dollars. To see the bloggers get the volume of free items that they do kind of sends the message to us that hey we're not quite as good because we're not receiving freebies and we're spending our hard earned money. We're spending just as much money as the bloggers even. I understand that people feel a need to get their name out but the top designers in SL might receive some attention on the blogs but it's the quality of their products and builds that people notice. Take a look at the traffic for some of the crapshoot businesses that seem to get a lot of attention. Designers should remember that even if they do get blogged it doesn't mean WE the customers will respond. Concentrate on your work. Blogged or not the improvement and effort will get noticed. And I'll gladly spend my stipend and the portion of each paycheck I devote to lindens in your shops. I find the idea that some of the designers believe blogs and bloggers will improve their sales to be ridiculous. Sure SecondStyle and Linden Lifestyles might have a lot of page hits or readers. But if you look at those statistics compared to the percentage readership that comparable real world fashion magazines have with regard to the populations of the countries where fashion is a daily part of life? The percentage of readers compared to the in world population doesn't begin to compare in terms of circulation. So this brings up two important issues. One, SL media still isn't where it should be to make that much of a difference to designers, builders, or anyone else. Disagree if you will but I will give you examples of designers that the blogs praised whose businesses still tank compared to the "major labels." Two, the blogs aren't as important as they think they are in influencing customer response to design. With an obvious lack of quality control in the products they show us, quality of commentary and review, most of us don't take them seriously. We enjoy them and their hard work YES. But we only ever visit the shops that continuously produce high quality items in styles that we enjoy. So I came full circle. As customers we enjoy the blogs a lot. But I hope the designers stop kidding themselves that their appearances in those blogs are more important than concentrating on the best products possible. And as much as Alayna's issues with Aleri are annoying to read over and over in her comments I have to give her props for mentioning the very annoying designer who posted her review policy in her blog. As if her customers gave a flip. Here's a clue designers. We don't care about the politics. We don't care who you like. We don't care who likes you or doesn't like you. We care about your products and the quality of them. We care about the effort you put into what you're giving us. And the reward? It's our patronage. It's our money. It's the fact that no matter what stupid drama you have with each other or the blogs or the thieves that we come back to you regardless of it all. Because of your product. So get back to work doing what you do best. Making beautiful things.

Thanks, Style Disorder, for a great post on an interesting topic. I hope to see more of these kinds of articles where you give customers and designers both a forum in which to voice their opinions.

[Sasy]

For some reason my previous post didnt hit the page but oh well, having your work blogged out of no where is an awesome thing and I know a few designers in SL who have been overjoyed at this, yes I agree that blogging as a normal thing which is sharing information with many or just friends has always been an awesome medium, unfortunatly the blogs arent considered live journals anymore but actual online magazines so to speak and I think that is where the confusion lies, but its a hard line to draw and I woudnt want to be for the most part the one doing it I blog I blog my life in SL and it often includes what Im wearing and where I have been and if I do blog someone I let them know because well thats just manners and as much as I want to make that freebie box I dont think a manners box would be as popular as free hair :P ..and in regards to Alyna M 'virtual restraining order anyone ?'

Sasy

[Gianni Broda]

This topic is very interesting so let me add my two cents LOL.Like Luth I had been making clothes in SL that were for sale and I was minimaly successful.Then I took time to perfect my craft and came back and noticed that there were blogs that could not only do the searching for the hidden treasures for me but could help me in my venture to make something of myself in SL.It wasn't until Canimal posted me that people took notice of my designes and the lindens started pouring in and for that I am extremely greatful.So I think it's absolutely fair to send review copies.Why not it only costs you 10L to upload the clothes and you have limitless copies.I always send a notecard with my review copies letting the designer know if they don't like my product that they don't have to post it and I won't be offended.Sure enough I don't always get posted and I don't care.All it really takes is one post on a major blog to get your name out there.Damn I only meant to say a little HEHE.In conclusion like RL,SL is a give take industry.These blogs are the best thing that could happen to the fashion industry in SL.And although i agree that people shouldn't abuse others to get free shit,it's just a risk you take.You risk giving free stuff to bloggers in hopes that they'll help you be succesful.

[Kalia Meiklejohn]

Well here goes my view on all this: I think review copies are a nice sentiment, but leads to people abusing them like any other free thing. Free samples in RL get abused every day, so it's no surprise it would happen in SL. I mean if a designer offers, and you like the product, nothing wrong with that. Like sampling at Ben and Jerry's. It's quite another to go asking for something that you really have no RIGHT to. I think that's wrong with some of the self-named "fashionistas" and bloggers, they feel entitled to a free copy. Honestly, no one blog will make or break a designer. It's rediculous.
Personally, I have never once asked for a review copy because I think it's rude and I don't feel like I should be given some special treatment. Also, like 5 people read my blog, LMAO.

[Starley]

I don't want to speak for Canimal, but I want to reiterate that this post was not really about the policy of review copies in general. As Luth mentioned above, review copies can certainly serve a purpose. I think they'd be especially useful to new designers trying to get their product noticed.

What Canimal (and quite a few other designers, myself included) are upset about is the corruption of certain indivuduals, not the entire system. Whether or not the system itself is corrupt is a whole other debate. What spurred this post in the first place was when a fashion blogger requested specific items from a designer for review and after the designer sent the items requested, they received a response to the tune of "Thank you, I doubt I'll have time to review these. Best of luck though!" Which is an awfully damn shady thing to do, in my opinion.

So, to sum up: the rant is not about the practice of giving or receiving review copies. Nor is it about the fashion media in Second Life as a whole. It's merely the behavior of certain individuals involved in both that is disturbing.

[Donovan Brennen]

Well, I guess its the designers choice on who they give out their creations to. If they think its a quality item and think it could gain their store expossure... well more power to them for being pro active.

Of course, bloggers who recieve these review copies ultimately have their final say on if it actually gets blogged. Of course, it has to be something they like. They shouldnt feel shy about saying no.

I have no problem with these issues. But like what Canimal has mentioned, and from what Ive experienced with friends...its that some bloggers will ASK for items to be blogged. I find that down right rude. I remember this happening to Arbel and Posy a little while back now... I thought its really presumptuous that they think they should be entitled to these, and have the cheek to ask straight off.

I think lesser bloggers (StyleDisorder writers excluded) arnt actually posting for the love of fashion, or the idea of introducing something new and exciting. But I think its more a case of raising their own profile. To be honest, I dont want to read about your dog in fashion blogs, I dont care that you went jogging in the morning...get over yourself, I want to know about the clothes/accessories. I think its this mentality that could spawn bloggers who feel they are 'special' and should get these items.

And from what Lizz mentioned about designers, fair point. Their own personal drama or designer politics is irrelevant. - Designs and technical ability first.

But, I hope you understand this goes for bloggers too. We also dont want to hear some LESSER bloggers tired pathetic graspings for some kind of popularity. - writing and fresh found items should always be a priority.

[Gillian Waldman]

This kind of confuses me: "We also dont want to hear some LESSER bloggers tired pathetic graspings for some kind of popularity."

I have no idea what "lesser bloggers" means or who decides what's of value in their own blogs.

Also, and I can only speak for myself here, I keep a small blog mostly focused on highlighting the things I like in Second Life fashion or similar shopping-related activities. I don't claim to maintain anything other than what essentially amounts to a diary of stuff I like and that my friends like.

I will post something I think is really great in SL, and I may (or may not) also mention my real dog, my real horses and hell, even my fake husband and fake wedding if I want to :P

Now, should all of us lesser bloggers delete our little pieces of cyberspace because we aren't (and don't claim to be) more useful, SL fashion bloggers?

I don't mean to show my crankypants but seriously, should apparently lesser bloggers like me who enjoy cataloguing things we appreciate in SL fashion for our friends get all paranoid that the "real bloggers" or designers think we're trying to get free stuff? Because that would really suck. Not everyone is out to be popular (what does that even mean in Second Life?) or get something for free.

Take care.

[Donovan Brennen]

okay, I think you misunderstood me.
Im not talking about personal blogs that people keep. And if other people understood this as what I meant from my post then Im sorry, that wasnt my intention.

Im talking specifally about FASHION BLOGS here. When I say lesser bloggers - I used the term to describe specific people at other blogs that I have experienced to be rude. I made the connection that their rambled posts on these fashion blogs werent so much about finding new stuff as they were about advertising themselves. I just thought that when your writing in a fashion blog, the focus should be on the things your writing about... not yourself. It was my observation that these writers were the ones that were tactless and insulting when asking for 'review copies' for a review piece that may or maynot appear.

Okay, I hope that made more sense. And stopped me from looking like some sort of dictator. ^^;

[Rowan Carroll]

Ok.. now.. Am I a lesser blogger? I haven't been blogging long and you prolly don't even know what my URL is.. Rowancarroll.blogspot.com. I started my blog because I saw a need for smaller stores to be talked about. There are alot of great deals out there that don't get posted about, and I thought that I could fill that need AND finally have an excuse to go shopping. I specifically ASK for NO review copies. I would rather go to the store and buy the stuff I like.. and surprise the designer with a late night IM "You've been blogged!" and a link to the blog. I've had a little bit of success with this. My blog was mentioned by The SS Fashionistas' blog, and I've got a few other GREAT blogs that link to me (Thanks Swirly and Tat, Etc!)
Does this make me a lesser blogger? Should I stop? Should we only let the mighty blog? If ya don't like the blog.. don't read it.. it's that easy..
As for review copies.. I don't like. I don't like really giving them because it really puts a lot of hope in the heart of the designer, I know.. I've been there.. was asked for review copies and never even got a thanks! I don't like taking review copies, because then I feel guilty, that I must blog them. And what if what you think is your best work.. isn't what I like? You could be shorting yourself in the end.

[Noam]

whoa nelly.
I read Don's thing and he doesn't mean every non Style Disorder blog that doesn't get the uber hits is a "lesser blog."

What he means is if you have a blog about "SL" where you post about everything from what you ate that morning, memes, pictures of silly cats and then throw in some SL fashion into the mix, that doesn't make one's blog a "fashion blog" and therefore a writer of such a blog shouldn't be running around asking for review items.

I know, as I myself am a lesser blogger.

I as a designer can't take a blogger seriously if they are posting silly cat pictures between reviews, no matter how damn silly the cats are and how much I want a box of them.

Unless of course said blog does get uber hits.. >_>

Anyways, Review copies. My policy which I stole from Nex (I think) is "give away one to sell three." These are businesses, you want to make a profit. If people don't blog you then you just got hosed for the amount of $L the item cost. Uncool. Don't do business with them again.

[Donovan Brennen]

Wow, your taking this really personally. I dont know about what I wrote that your taking paticular offence to. Is it that I used 'lesser bloggers' as a term?

From the way you talk about your blog it sounds very courteous of designers. But what Im worried more about now is that your considering what I wrote as a DIRECT attack on you or your blog. Seriously, way to be pro active and doing your own thing.

I dont know how many times I have to REITERATE what I meant so you can understand my point. But I was talking about some individual bloggers on other fashionistas in situations that involved two of my friends. Im talking about the way they treat some designers...how they present themselves. Please read my initial post and my reply to Gillian Waldman carefully.
If you say your willing to go buy items and your wanting to blog items that arnt getting the attention that they need then keep doing it. I dont know about what Ive written that seems to have you feeling guilty.

oh, way to be subtle about plugging your blog.