The research was fascinating - I followed fashion blogging way back to 2002 when the first blogs were just starting to emerge and covered the growing trend through the wilderness years (no Fashion Week invites back then), the Susie Bubble years and the boom years. I had some help from top bloggers Michelle, Lily and Muireann and after a few edits, I submitted my piece for publication.
All that was way back in December 2011 and I've been dying to see the finished results ever since. Happily, a printed copy of the book popped through my letterbox this week and I read it cover-to-cover.
The book features articles by, interviews with and photographs from some of the UK's biggest bloggers (and I don't include myself in that) - Mademoiselle Robot, Be Frassy, The Clothes Whisperer, Magpie Girl and Wish Wish Wish are all in there, looking fab and making sense. There's some really interesting insight into the world of fashion blogging, from working with brands to making it a business. And editor Jo's piece on working with fashion bloggers from a brand perspective is fascinating.
I'd really recommend giving this a read - not just because I'm in it, but also because it's a really insightful look 'behind-the-scenes' of fashion blogs. You can download a PDF of the eBook here or if you want a printed copy like mine, email results@icrossing.co.uk to see if there's any left. iCrossing are doing more research into blogger/brand relationships so if you'd like to get involved, complete this short survey before 27th May to share your views. There's £100 in John Lewis vouchers in it for one lucky participant!
What are your thoughts on the blogger/brand relationship? Do you have any stories to share?
This is fab, I can't wait to get my copy. I read the PDF first and your article was so interesting Jen, really found the whole book a really well-thought out piece. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellie! :) x
Deletethis is amazing! xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks so amazing, I'm downloading the pdf now :)
ReplyDeleteLucy Loves To Blog
Such an excellent idea! Congratulations!xx
ReplyDeleteOoh, this is so amazing, and I'm definitely getting it if you're in it, I'm sure your article is amazing!
ReplyDeletePip x
Wow well done for being in it! This is soo amazing! I'm going to download the PDF as we speak! Hopefully they'll be more fashion blogging books out there in the next few years! x
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.gemmasatire.blogspot.co.uk
Hi, I've just read the PDF, I'm hoping to get my own blog and online shop up and running over the next few weeks so I found it really interesting from the perspectives of both the bloggers and the brands, I need all the advice I can get! Thanks x Sophie
ReplyDeleteThanks Sophie, so glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteCongrats on being featured in the book!
ReplyDeleteThis may sound a bit negative, (bear with me as I do have a point!) but the more I read about blogger and brand relationships the more I end up asking myself the same question 'who cares?'
I mean obviously I care - because I love blogs, I love blogging and I love brands, but 99% of comments I see on my own or other people's blogs are from other bloggers, and I can't help but wonder what the stats are (or even how you'd work them out) on non-blogger engagement with blogs.
Do silent blog readers get excited when Company feature another page of bloggers in their magazine, or do they just roll their eyes and more on to the page with models/celebrities? Clearly brands think bloggers have a lot of influence, otherwise they wouldn't want to work with us, but I'm still interested to know what the actual stats are - if bloggers do influence people, and to what extent.
Very interesting point Harriet, I have been a 'silent' blog reader for many years and in January 2012 I made it my news years resolution to start my own - http://jessica-jjc.blogspot.co.uk/ . The book I was reading 'The Happiness Project' gave me a positive push in the right direction and made me realise just because I'm not a computer wizz I could still create a blog - however 'simple' it may be.
ReplyDeleteI feel very unconventional as I love beauty and fashion but also have a passion for my horses and I sometimes felt the beauty/fashion part of me wasn't let out often enough as my priorities take over and I wouldn't want this to be any other way, I'd rather don my wellies with a bare face to go a ride my gg than anything else but I have thoroughly enjoying being selfish and since starting my own blog I am overwhelmed I have 13 subscribers who want to read it too. But I must confess only since starting my own have I began commenting on other blogs and this is only because I feel part of the community now....but silent or not blogs and bloggers are fantastic and I love to see them featured in any mag/newspaper and find their reviews and insights invaluable.
x
What an interesting read. Thanks for telling us about the book!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great honour, they couldn't of chosen a better person to help.
ReplyDeleteI find your blog, thought and opinions interesting and educational especially to new bloggers like myself.
I'll be downloading the PDF this weekend.
Caroline
Very insightful read Jen! Good work :) Eleanor@Sarenza
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being featured, I'm looking forward to having a read :)
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great, going to have a read now!
ReplyDeleteCaroline x
Caroline's Catwalk
Sounds really exciting,definitely going to download it for a good read!
ReplyDeletejoanne from jimmilou.com
This book looks brilliant, downloading now!
ReplyDeleteThis is the book I've been waiting for...I seem to have stumbled upon your lovely blog at just the right time :) Have just downloaded the PDF now and can't wait to read through it...!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the book and I think it is a much needed item in an era where everyone is going Social Media crazy. I really enjoyed your piece on the evolution of blogging, Jen. To answer Harriet's comment on whether bloggers influence people I would have to say yes. Bloggers are taken seriously now because of their impartiality and honesty when writing about events and products hence the buy in by brands. Also the fact that you have created your own community who relate to you and listen to what you have to say is a really powerful tool and one that some bloggers underestimate.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I do like your blog, Harriet.
That is so amazing. No wonder they asked you to write for them- you're a great writer. I have downloaded the magazine as a PDF and so looking forward reading all of them!
ReplyDeleteKeep going!
xo
theyoungbridgetjones.blogspot.com
Really interesting and great blog....
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Thank for sharing. Its very good idea, i like that. This book is really good.
ReplyDeleteJust reading this now, absolutely fantastic. It is all really useful information and everything is so relative for all bloggers! Thanks x
ReplyDeletecracking opportunity for you, well done on getting involved. just filled out the questionnaire just now.
ReplyDeleteI work closely with icrossing as they provide Digital conslutancy for the company I work for. I was presented with this book last week as we are currently reviewing our content strategy.
ReplyDeleteI found it a great insightful read and it prompted me to start following your blog. You definitely stood out for having great tone of voice and creative flare. I look forward to reading more from you. Keep up the good work! : )
Well fashion blogging is playing a major role in acknowledging the people, the real sense of what fashion is...most of the blogs contain the new up to dated fashion stuff, the most recent designs and many more that is quite in today....I admire all the efforts of fashion bloggers in this regard... :)
ReplyDeletePeople love fashion blogging, it's a great way to lead a acknowledged life. People come to know the actual facts behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteHi! I actually added your blog to my favorites list and look forward to get the same quality content every time I visit your blog. Thanks a lot.
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ReplyDeleteThese are really a amongst the sincere efforts that have been luckily carrying out with many fashion concerned people like you...I really praise your work deeply from my heart and want to wish you all the best in your sincere efforts in this regard.. :)
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