What I’ve Learned About Blogging Since Moving to NYC

I’ve actually had this post written for a while, but it took a few weeks for me to actually get the courage to click ‘post’. It’s a scary thing putting your thoughts and opinions out on the web. That being said I have a few things I want to get off my chest. I started my blog and YouTube channel in college without any real direction or goal. I was bored and I just needed a creative outlet. When I moved to New York City a little over a year ago I was really excited about meeting other bloggers and taking my little hobby to the next level. It’s been an amazing experience so far; surprising and also eye-opening. Here are few things I’ve learned about bloggers and blogging since my big move.

1. A lot of bloggers are actually really shy! I don’t know why, but I just assumed that all bloggers were outgoing. I mean, I’m not immune to socially awkward moments and I get nervous going to events. But for the most part I consider myself comfortable in most social settings and pretty outgoing. I think a lot of that has to do with why I started my YouTube channel – clearly I like to talk 😛 But guys – a lot of bloggers are actually really shy and quiet. Not that that’s a bad thing at all. It just really surprised me! I’ve gone to my fair share of events and blogger parties since moving to NYC and many times I’ve been taken aback by how reserved, and even uncomfortable some bloggers are in a social setting. It just shows that you really can’t judge a person by their online personality. I think as a reader you just assume that if a person puts their whole lives out there on the Internet, they must be the same in real life too – definitely not true!

2. Blogging is competitive. I feel like this is kind of a DUH statement, but guys I’m so naive. When I made the goal in my 2013 New Year’s Resolutions that I was going to meet more bloggers I kinda just thought ‘oh I’m going to meet bloggers and they’re going to be my friends and I’m going to finally have a social life in NYC.’ Wronggg. Well, not completely wrong. I have made a few blogger friends that I do consider real-life friends, but for the most part a lot of the girls I’ve met I’d just consider friendly acquaintances. I think a lot of it has to do with that fact that blogging is sooo competitive (and the fact that NYC is an IMPOSSIBLE city to make friends in). I never realized it before but now that I work for a fashion PR agency I understand – the blogosphere is so over-saturated. Everyone is competing for the same partnerships, sponsorships, event gigs – it’s kinda crazy actually. I think because of the competition it makes it hard to form genuine friendships. Which is sad, because I genuinely really did/do push myself into the blogging social scene hoping to make friends :/ #foreveralone #atleastigotmyboy

I think the competition also contributes to a lot of insecurity. People don’t want to help one another for fear of contributing to that person’s possible success. Maybe I’m just cynical but I’ve definitely had a few moments where I felt like another blogger purposely didn’t tag me in an Instagram photo or link me on her blog for (what I believe) fear of giving me more followers. I just don’t get the intense competition within the blogging world. Of course competition is healthy and a normal part of life, but to me, blogging is my hobby. I don’t care about it enough to take it to a point where I’d feel the need to be an a**hole to someone else with the same love and passion as me.

3. Bloggers are smart, BOSS ladies. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about meeting other bloggers is just the inspiration I’ve gotten from being around such intelligent, entrepreneurial women. While I don’t blog full time, I’ve met many who do and I’m thoroughly impressed by how business and tech savvy so many bloggers are. It’s crazy! On the exterior blogging can look pretty frivolous but behind-the-scenes of every successful blogger there is a strategy and a business plan. I really think it’s an amazing feat what some of these women do – they manage mini empires, often all on their own! I do view my blog as a business and I’m lucky enough to make a part time income from Katie’s Bliss – but damn, my little empire is nothing compared to what some of these ladies are doing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to a brunch or dinner with a group of bloggers and walked away with my mind blown. I feel very fortunate to have a hobby and a career that allows me to meet such inspiring, creative women. It keeps me on my toes and pushes me to reach my own goals.

4. Bloggers have big egos. Not ALL bloggers, but definitely a good few. Now I’m writing this from my perspective of my day job (PR girl) and as a blogger. During my very first fashion week I was working a show for a very well-known designer. I had worked on the seating chart and every single seat was assigned – even standing room. I knew it by heart. At check-in I witnessed my first horrifying blogger with an ego experience. A blogger started screaming and yelling at one of our interns about how it was a mistake she wasn’t on the guest list (it wasn’t a mistake). She cut the check in line and made a huge embarrassing scene in the middle of Lincoln Center. It was disgusting. Ultimately she was told she wouldn’t be given entry and to please leave. Later after the show as I’m checking my Instagram feed I see that this blogger not only snuck into the show but she also had the nerve to steal a seat right behind Grace Coddington and the entire Teen Vogue and Vogue teams…and Instagram it…and flaunt the gift bag that she stole… I was SOOOO angry. I was mad not only because my agency worked so hard on that show but also as a blogger – her actions are why bloggers get a bad rep and the reason why articles like this get written.

Now for one of my experiences as a blogger. At a fashion week event a somewhat well known blogger THANKED ME for being one of her ‘loyal fans’ when I casually introduced myself to her and told her I liked her blog. Funny thing is we were both invited to the event as blogger ambassadors… I felt so degraded. It was definitely a moment that made me feel like crap.

Well… that was weird. I usually don’t get personal but sometimes you just gotta let it out. Let me know ya’lls thoughts – would love to hear your stories/opinions etc.

- Katie

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