Friend Friday: Authenticity

As I mentioned earlier in the week… I met with a researcher who is studying fashion blogs. She mentioned to me that one of the things bloggers value the most is authenticity in another blog, but that the definition of what makes a blog authentic varies.

Bloggers, well and really people in general, would like to come across as real and genuine, I think most of us strive for that – right?! But if that definition varies from person to person it is a little difficult to determine what needs to be worked on. What an interesting conundrum. So I put it to the FBFF bloggers and asked them to spill on what they think authenticity is all about.

Leave a comment below and let me know how I can be more authentic in my blogging.

1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity? Blogger authenticity, to me, is when a person is the same way online as they are in real life. No premises or disguises. If a blogger is authentic you get the feeling just by reading his/her words and looking at the post pictures that this is him/her in reality. I want to feel that real human connection.

2. When it comes to your blog how do you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling? I don’t think it’s any one thing a blogger does that can give a blog that authentic feeling. It has to be an all encompassing thing. For ModlyChic, I tend to write like I talk, conversationally but to the point. I post on things I’m interested in so that my passion can shine through and I’m not sugar coating my words. I admit a poor outfit choice and show it anyway and I talk about what I’ve been up to. All of that, I think, I hope, helps readers find me an authentic blogger.

3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest? Sure, a number of blogs. Two things get to me lately… one – bloggers that post a bazillion pictures of themselves in one outfit posing in a hundred different ways. Enough already. I’m bored. two – bloggers that don’t make an effort to connect with readers and the blogging community. The second reason is linked a little to authenticity, because to me, if a blogger was really interested in what they are doing they would realize that blogging and all social media is about the community that surrounds it.

4. We can’t communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don’t live in real life… what are some ways you try to live an authentic life? I suppose, like I mentioned in #2 – I’m pretty much the same person online as I am in person. I’m a little shy and reserved, but I love gathering people together and getting them to interact. I’m the perpetual camp counselor and event planner, which could be how FBFF first came to mind. I try too, to be honest and open with the people around me, because living and speaking the truth helps you communicate that in little ways to others.

5. Give a shout-out… Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why? Thanks to FBFF I know so many bloggers and have dealt with many of them one-on-one. But, if I had to name a few that come to mind immediately… Kendi Everyday, Adored Austin, Already Pretty, A Pretty Penny, Miss Vinyl Ahoy, Style Underdog and The New Professional.

Related posts:

1. Friend Friday: Work Vs. Blog Wear
2. Friend Friday: Blogger Jealousy
3. Friend Friday: Are you connected?
4. Friend Friday: New Year’s Resolutions