I love having this blog. I really do. But just like any other industry: there’s a good, bad, and ugly side of it. Before we start this “how to be a better blogger” nonsense, you’re going to need a bit of a backstory…
I started blogging almost five years ago from my college dorm room. Since then, I’ve grown Pink Champagne Problems into a business. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve seen a lot of sides of the blog/influencer industry. So I’m going to preface this post by saying: It’s not going to be warm and fuzzy. After a recent experience I had with another blogger, I felt the need to speak out about it and address it and share blogging tips – because I know I’m not the only one who faces drama in this industry.
The background…
Without giving too much information, I recently experienced the “blogging drama” that I’ve never experienced before…I’ve only heard stories. Long story short: I received a “mean” comment on my blog and after some dissecting, ridiculous stories, fake identities, and calling someone out on their (pardon my French) shit…I found out it was another blogger (one that used to be a friend) who left it. There was a lot more that went into this story, but out of respect for the blogger, I’ll leave it at that.
Blogger Tips: JUST STOP WITH THE DRAMA!
I’ve heard a lot of down-right crazy situations, and after my own experience, I just need to pose the question: Why can’t we play nice?!
There are girls and guys out there working their BUTTS off to create brands. And I don’t know why people have the audacity to attack someone’s brand. Especially when they have a so-called brand of their own. Is it out of jealousy? Most likely. But no one will ever admit that.
Regardless, it really needs to stop.
The blogging industry is so new and we get criticized a lot for being part of it. People think bloggers can’t get “real jobs”, so they just start a blog. People think bloggers just put on clothes and take photos…and don’t play other roles (accountant, editor, negotiator, SEO strategist, lawyer, etc.). And now we’re getting it from OUR OWN kind? Seriously? Instead of tearing each other down…why not build each other up? We need that, don’t ya think?
If you’ve experienced the drama…
First, I want to say I’m sorry it happened to you. I’ve talked to a few people before writing this post and they’ve had drama with not only other bloggers, but also with photographers, brands, and readers. Most of us are truly just trying to make an impact on the industry and those who come to read our content every day. So, if you’ve had something happen to you that wasn’t cool, I invite you to put your blinders on and JUST IGNORE IT.
To be honest, this was the hardest part for me. Knowing what I knew, and knowing someone intentionally tried to make me and my brand look bad – I had to really bite my tongue. Real hard. In the end, I said my peace and handled the situation as best I could. I didn’t prolong the drama (although the New Yorker in me really wanted to go all out, sorry not sorry).
At the end of the day, I’m going to continue to build my brand. I’m going to continue to work my ass off doing two things I really love, and I’m going to look past the nonsense. And if people see that as a threat to them, then so be it.
Blogging Tips: What to Do Post-Drama:
TALK TO THE PEOPLE WHO CARE | This was the most important part of dealing with the craziness. I really needed people to talk me off a ledge or else I would have went all out mean girl. The best part of this one (bad) person’s actions? I found out who I could truly count on in this community. I’m so thankful for my blogger besties: LINDA, Allie, Kristyn, and Jenn – I couldn’t have asked for better ladies who understood my frustrations and helped me get through it. (And to all of those who reached out on Twitter, I SO appreciate all of you. Your positive words were so encouraging.)
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON | As I mentioned before, someone who’s been sneaky, mean, etc. is probably just jealous of what you’re doing. My biggest piece of advice (to you and to myself) is to KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING. You are obviously doing something awesome to have “haters” (Lol, I just really wanted to say haters during this post.)
LEARN FROM IT | If there was a heated exchange during the drama, just take a step back and reflect. Did you say some things you probably wouldn’t have said if you weren’t angry? Did you take the high road and handle the situation like an adult? Learning from a shitty situation can do nothing but help you in a future…and make you grow as a person.
HOW TO BE A BETTER BLOGGER | Much like learning from the situation, you can 100% come out of the drama on top. It’s easy to see how to be a better blogger when you’re dealing with some mean people. Just do the complete opposite of what they did. DUH;)
Still with me? That was a lot, I know. I really hope this post brings to light some of the drama that comes with the territory of putting yourself out there on the Internet. And I REALLY hope these blogging tips helped you if YOU’VE experienced a not-so-great experience. I’d love to hear your feedback below!
PS: I’d be SO grateful if you took my MID-YEAR READER SURVEY! Now that 2017 is halfway over (um, what?), I want to hit the refresh button and make sure I’m writing the content YOU want to see!
Girl I am so sorry that you’ve had to deal with drama- seriously the worst! 🙁 Sounds like you handled it well and kept the best perspective you could. I’m a firm believer in celebrating other ladies successes & building each other up! I hope that by setting that example together we can drown out that negativity 🙂 Keep your chin up! XO
I’m totally on the same page as you, Gentry! Thanks so much for your encouraging words, they mean so much! xx
What a great post babe! I am still so sorry you had to deal with this and go through blogger drama. It’s no fun at all and totally not necessary, as you said!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Thank you so much, my friend! So happy I have supportive ladies like YOU in my life! xx
Wow, you articulated this so well! I haven’t experienced it from another blogger yet, but I experience things like this in my everyday job all the time. It can be so hurtful! I feel you. Keep your chin up!
Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com/
It was definitely tough to put into words! And it can TOTALLY be the same way in the work place – insane how we think we become adults and the drama just goes away…but NOPE! Thank you for your sweet words, Taylor – they mean so much! xx
lol i love you so much and am so happy you got this all out! i’m sure it also feels like a breath of fresh air to call it out as it is 🙂
I definitely needed it! xx
Wow, so sorry to hear that you’ve gone through this! I know a few bloggers, myself included, that have had to deal with shade being thrown their way. It’s terribly childish and in an industry where we are all already misunderstood by family, friends and even readers, we really should all be rallying around one another! Chin up girl! xx Rox-Anne Celebrating This Life
I’m so with ya on this, girl! Thank you for your encouragement and support, I so appreciate it! xx
Love the shirt! Keep your head up and focus on your goals!
xo, Olivia
http://www.oliviajeanette.com
You’re so right, Olivia! xx Thanks for stopping by!
Keep on keepin on! That is the truth! There is SO much drama in every circle, every niche, every group. It’s virtual high school…but all we can do is try out best to ignore it like you said!
You nailed it on the head, a virtual high school!
I appreciate you stopping by, Rebecca! xx
This post ???? There has been so much drama lately but I’m so proud of you for biting your tongue! I never would have been able to do that!
Rachel / http://www.helloher.co
It’s honestly so annoying and it was so incredibly hard to do!
l’m so sensitive that I know that having drama would be so bad for me. We can find haters everywhere. And sometimes we don’t even know who those are! They just love sending bad energy. I’m happy you could see the good side of this and move on of the problem.
xx, Melissa
https://elephantontheroad.com
I’m honestly a very sensitive person too, but when this person deliberately attacked my brand – the gloves came off 😉 But thanks for stopping by, Melissa! I really appreciate it! xx
I am so grateful for friends like you and that blogging brought us into each other’s lives!! I don’t get the drama or negativity…. the internet is big enough for us all and your success does not diminish mine and vice versa. Thanks for sharing and for always keeping it 100!! LOVE YOU
THIS.
Your support always means so much to me! I love that we can go so long without texting and then randomly text each other about the latest ish;) You’re killin’ it girl, and I’m in your corner cheering you and your success on! xx LOVE YOU!!!!
this is very interesting. I think this was more an issue in like 2010 when I had my first blog and people were really competing against each other for sponsored posts etc. Now bloggers need to work together and help promote etc. but of course there will always be trolls out there!
I am so sorry that this happened Dana! I will never understand why people will go out of their way to try to bring someone down or criticize someone who is doing amazing things. I agree that it’s a little bit of jealousy, but I’m a firm believer that bringing someone down doesn’t EVER build you up! Love your tips on how to deal with the drama. Just keep killin’ it!! xo Bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
I love that you’re addressing this head-on, lady! Such a great post! Putting the blinders on to ALL of the petty stuff that goes on in this industry is tough to do, but so necessary. I couldn’t agree more about leaning on your friends when the going gets rough!