Wow. I’m still amazed by the response to my “Why I stopped reading fashion blogs” post a few months ago – thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation! I have wanted to do a follow-up though, since I did start reading some fashion blogs again after a few weeks off, but only a small FRACTION of the blogs I was reading before. I started adding back to my daily blog reads blogs that I actually looked forward to reading everyday, blogs that always inspire me, make me laugh, or make me think. And I don’t miss any of the super-bloggers or the blogs I read only because I felt like I HAD to.
What I also decided to do as I started adding blogs back, was to read my blogs the old-fashioned way: in my browser. Crazy, I know; there are much more efficient ways to read blogs, and I loved Google reader for that, but honestly, I missed READING BLOGS. Reading an RSS feed isn’t the same. And as I thought about it, I want readers to actually come to my site every once in a while and look at the blog design, sidebars, etc. the way I mean for it to be seen, so why shouldn’t I try and read other blogs that way? I’ve also started commenting more because I’m already on the post – I don’t have to click through.
Purging all of my fashion blogs was the best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time. I love EVERY single blog I have bookmarked now, and absolutely don’t miss any of the super-bloggers, or industry darlings. I don’t feel out of touch at all, and I have more time to focus on my own work.
And speaking of blogs I love, here are a few (this is not an exhaustive list by any means, just selected blogs I love to read and you might too) I missed and added back after the big purge:
The Coveted – Jennine is a truly remarkable and inspiring person; I have learned SO MUCH from her over the years.
IFB – duh
Dramatis Personae – what can I say about Ashe that you don’t already know? She is gorgeous, and I always love her perspective on fashion, style & blogging
Into the Gloss – I’m kind of obsessed with this beauty blog, I wish they’d update 5 times a day
The Man Repeller – she kills me
Out of the Bag – I love her style, and her thoughtful posts on wardrobe-building
Les Anti-Modernes – I’ve been reading Miss Sophie’s posts forever; she’s my internet style twin. We always love the same things
Little Tin Soldier – Linda is super-sweet in person, and so are her outfit drawings…
Already Pretty – Sally’s posts always create amazing conversations
Basic Cravings – Sydney is a real-life friend, and a wardrobe stylist. She always has thoughtful tips on what to wear
If Grandma wore J Crew – Sharon is also my real-life friend, but she has impecable taste and THE BEST VINTAGE EVER
Have you purged your reader? How many blogs did you add back?
Do you read blogs online anymore? or just via RSS or email?
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
About 4 months ago, I did a dramatic cleaning out of blogs, and it’s been liberating. I felt guilty about un-following a blog because the person was nice and I wanted to support them. But I realized something- you can’t read everyone’s blog and that’s okay. You and I read a lot of similar blogs (Man Repeller is HILARIOUS!!) but of course I also read Grechen’s Closet
Thanks for the update!
.-= Cathy Benavides´s last blog ..My Monday Shopping Cart- Workout Clothes =-.
i did feel a little guilty with some blogs also, i’ll admit, but you’re absolutely right, you can’t read everything…and you can’t please everybody…
Inspired by your post, I did purge my reader. I got rid of the blogs I was scanning through simply because they were hugely popular and I felt obligated to read them. In the last few months I’ve added some blogs back, but only those that are more consistent with the message I want my own blog to send – they’re positive, written by bloggers who have something to say, and have truly inspiring personal style. I tend to read blogs solely through my reader.
Great follow-up post!
Lady, I JUST purged them. Purged them all! (Except like 10, and those mostly comprise of Zooborns & Itty Bitty Kitty Committee.) It’s really refreshing to wake up to 10 new posts and not feel like I have to rush through them.
That being said, maybe I should ween myself off of google reader. I like the ability to share posts and read what others share, but can’t I do that through my own blog too? (I already do, so I know it’s possible!)
As Cathy said, “I felt guilty about un-following a blog because the person was nice and I wanted to support them. But I realized something- you can’t read everyone’s blog and that’s okay.”
I really do think it’s possible to support other bloggers and NOT read their sites daily… which may seem the opposite, but I don’t think it is.
.-= Ashe @ Dramatis Personae´s last blog ..FOR SALE: Monif C Ruched Swimsuit =-.
PS– Did I mention I’m hella flattered to be on that list?
.-= Ashe @ Dramatis Personae´s last blog ..FOR SALE: Monif C Ruched Swimsuit =-.
GREAT post, Grechen.
I always read blogs online. I love inventions like Google Reader, but you’re so right – nothing beats experiencing a website in full, exactly as the creator intended you to!
Twitter: slowsouthstyle
July 27, 2011 at 9:33 am
I’ve definitely cut down on the amount of blogs that I read. I especially find that with blogs that only do ootd I get bored fast unless there is a good story attached to it.
Also for the best of both worlds I really like using Bloglovin’. You get the in browser feel couples with the convenience of a reader.
I wrote a whole blog post about “unsubscriber’s guilt,” because I felt bad for unsubscribing to things! However, I got over it and dumped a load of style blogs earlier this year because there’s only so many blogs I can read and so many pictures I can see before my self-esteem completely crumbles. The style bloggers that are standing out and getting all of the attention are creating a whole new thing for people to aspire to, and that can be so dangerous.
.-= Jamie Sanford´s last blog ..Lip Balm Reviews and Recommendations =-.
I m slowly deleting blogs I don’t love. I always feel like I have to read certain ones, but I really don’t!
And, super glad we are real-life friends.
I use Google Reader but always click through to the actual blog rather than reading them IN Google Reader. It’s more fun seeing the content in context!
.-= WendyB´s last blog ..What Wendy Wore: Old Uniform and New Uniform =-.
that’s a good idea…i was lazy though, and just scrolled through my reader all the time, never clicking through. the blog-reading experience is so different now!
Twitter: chatsters
July 27, 2011 at 1:41 pm
I stopped reading a lot of fashion blogs when I read your post. Mostly the ones that I didn’t enjoy their style or didn’t have anything to say. I still keep the ones who lives I feel ‘involved’ with, but there are less than twenty of them!
Thanks for including me on your list Grechen! I read Grechen’s Closet everyday, and I really love your instagram feed (especially when you’re shopping… sigh).
I was inspired by your original post to cut down on my Google reader. Now I’ve organized it into sections where I have real-life friends (like you, Sydney, Sharon, Indi, etc.) and blog friends that I feel connected to in some way (they read my blog, or I read their blog, but most importantly, their “blog” voice is genuine and not “look at me/promote me/do this for me.” Lasting friendship is much more valuable than superficial networking.
.-= Linda´s last blog ..Photo =-.
I did the whole purging process a few months ago when I took a huge break from blogging (it was a few months, I believe) and I only follower one or two bloggers. I love following bloggers but I hate the pressure of making everyone happy…
It’s like..I really want to comment and follow every blog I can because I know that the writer will appreciate it and it will make them feel their reaching someone…but at the same time I just get stuck with a feed full of blogs that don’t actually inspire me. It’s hard trying to find a balance. And there’s all the spammy bloggers that leave thoughtless comments. To me, that’s often more upsetting than no comments at all.
It’s funny, I found your blog by Googling, “How to avoid blog envy”
I’m still searching for a magical way to get rid of it (without taking another ridiculous break) but I can’t seem to find anything yet…
Yasmeen
Castle Fashion
.-= Castle Fashion´s last blog ..Toys Of Intricate Conversation =-.
Twitter: gritandglamour
July 29, 2011 at 8:09 am
Some goodies on your list!
I prefer to read blogs in their natural environment, too. I had flirted with the idea of going to a Google reader from Bloglovin’, but not seeing blog content actually IN the wrapper the blogger works so hard on is not only boring, but it keeps me from learning new things in terms of widgets and presentation.
Sometimes I have to step back because there are sooooo many blogs I follow in Bloglovin’, but I feel like it’s only fair to go out and comment and reciprocate the attention bestowed upon me. And I learn so much from others…when I feel overwhelmed, I just dial down my interaction for a week or so. And then I’m just fine!
.-= GRIT & GLAMOUR´s last blog ..WVW: The Halter Dress, Take 2* =-.
I like to use bloglovin’ to keep track of blogs because it allows me to see what’s posted and then decide whether to click over to their site. I think a lot of times people feel compelled to follow certain blogs or put them on their blogrolls simply because they are popular and not because they like them. There are a lot of blogs that are popular and I don’t really get why. That being said, it’s all about personal preference. The Man Repeller is probably my fave “popular” blog. She loves fashion but she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She’s also incredibly amusing. In the end, it’s really about being inspired. I like to hop around on blogs because I might discover something new that I do like. =)
.-= Closet Cravings´s last blog ..Because Friday is Fashionable: Return Style to Sender =-.
I’ve purged my reader many times, and I don’t even use an RSS feed. I love to visit the blog and actually READ and SEE what it is all about and what the person has to say. I don’t really read many of the “popular bloggers” blogs very often. I have the main blogs I love and check daily, whether for inspiration, style, or lifestyle. Unless I really really love the blog, I don’t even bother clicking the follow button – because I know it’s just one big waste.
xx
Marissa
Twitter: alexdrakevintge
July 30, 2011 at 6:54 am
Hi Grechen,
What a good read. Apologies now for my rambling thoughts…
My purging was in the form of unfollowing blogs that were virtually not interested in interacting with me. I had been commenting, whilst trying not to come across as a stalker, because I truly like their blogs. And yet not a single peep from them.
I’ve been blogging for 3 months now and I’m really grateful for the support of established bloggers like Vahni and Lee Oliveira. These guys were patient in replying back and answering queries when the people who should’ve just weren’t interested. Or maybe busy with something.
I understand personal preferences as we’re all different and we blog because we have something to say. It’s difficult for me to just ‘chop-off’ people because their posts have gone boring. My inner voice tells me to keep them in my list, esp the new bloggers because they’ve come to me for advice, support, etc, and sacking them I think will make them feel ‘unloved’. It felt good having people supporting me when I started. This is the reason why I spread the word about IFB and have always participated in the community.
For bloggers with multitude followers, it must be difficult to keep on top of everything and trying to reply to every single comment left on your post will seem impossible. That’s utterly understandable. And if I was the follower, I get it and I respect it.
For now, I’m very happy when people visit my blog and reward my hard work with a bit of a nod through their comments. I’m a simple girl who likes everyone to be happy and even if you can’t please everybody, I always harp about IFB because I feel it’s a great community. And it can only survive when people are contributing, caring, and looking after each other. I wouldn’t hesitate though in cutting off ties with others who just wont care. But then again, that’s just me
Hope you’re having a nice weekend.
Joy xx
What a fantastic post. It really made me think, my Google Reader is cluttered with blogs that I do not read so you have inspired me to do a deep cleanse. Life is too short.
.-= Ondo Lady´s last blog ..Modelland =-.
Okay I just read part one of this and you took so many of the words right out of my mouth. I left a short story over there so won’t add much but seriously Grechen–please come to Southern California so we can dish. I could write a thesis on this very subject. You’re awesome for spilling and saying the things we’re all thinking. Bless you girlfriend!!
xo,
c
.-= Carrie´s last blog ..The Bachelorette Final Recap: Thank God It’s Over =-.
I have three “rings” of blog readership (and I never use readers, just my browser):
1) Blogs I visit from other blogs or because of Independent Fashion Bloggers. Right now, having seen this link in the Links a la Mode group, you are in this group.
2) Blogs I visited and find that every so often I return to. This is usually because I either enjoy hearing the perspective every so often, or because I actually enjoy the possible comment byplay that may occur between those bloggers and myself. Every few months I go and add a comment to any person who has ever commented on my blog, just because I appreciate that they did it once before. V over at Grit & Glamour is a good example. I really enjoy hearing from her once every month or two, and so she’ll always get some visits and comments from me, just not every day.
3) My honest to God blogroll. There are only eleven blogs I read every day. I still don’t comment on these blogs every day, but I certainly do read them and get inspired by them. There are only two ways to get on my blogroll. The first is that I really do read a blog every day and can’t wait for more, or someone blogrolls me and doesn’t automatically expect reciprocation. If I notice I am blogrolled somewhere, I genuinely had no idea, that person goes on my blogroll, because it means the person really likes my blog and deserves the reciprocation. I ignore requests to exchange blogrolls.
This typically keeps my blog reading manageable. It is always possible for blogs to exchange positions, either because I find I really really like them, or because they’ve greatly disappointed me.
.-= Kionon´s last blog ..The Absence of Ivy: Style Failings of the American Student =-.