Recently a post went up on IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) about bloggers and body image. The post has since been edited to be less offensive and an apology issued but I wanted to give my view on the whole thing.

The part of the post that annoyed a lot of people was that it said “top-tier” bloggers are popular because they have the best designed sites, consistent posting schedules and better photography. They also happen to conform with the fashion industry norms. I think it’s naive to think that these bloggers are popular just because of their blogs and it’s nothing to do with what the media says we should look like.

There are plenty of niche bloggers out there with beautiful blogs, gorgeous photography and a great writing style. Yet they haven’t been sky-rocketed to stardom.

I like aspirational blogs. I like looking at tall skinny women who wear clothes I could never afford. I understand why they are popular. However, I know “top-tier” bloggers who take rubbish photos and rarely ever post. They just have a good look and that’s what makes them BIG.

I wrote a post a while back on body image and why fat (reclaiming that word) girls didn’t get as much love on sites such as LookBook and Chictopia.

It spawned posts from amazing bloggers such as Love Brown Sugar, Grit and Glamour and A Little Bird Told Me.

I don’t think IFB meant to be offensive, I just think they’re being a little stupid. Yes, they’ve apologised and yes they’ve changed the post but the sentiment is still there.

Fat girls, black girls, plus size girls, Asian girls, etc. – your blogs aren’t good enough and that’s why you’re not popular. It has nothing to do with what the media says we should like looking at.

Other responses to “Bloggers and Body Image”

There have been some amazing responses to the IFB post. Take a look at some of them below.

Breaking The Silence: A Response To “Bloggers & Body Image” – Love Brown Sugar

Continuing the Conversation: Blogs & Beauty Standards – Nicolette Mason

IFB Says Not Enough Women Who Aren’t Thin, Beautiful Have High Quality Blogs – Get Off My Internets

Race, Body Image and the Conversation Bloggers Should Be Having – Those Graces

Removing myself from IFB – Dreafashionista

Sound Off: This Is Not How Apologies Work, IFB – Promiscuous Lola

There are so many other rebuttles out there, most of those posts go on to link to more on the topic.

Promiscuous Lola makes a good point:

If IFB is so concerned that there are no non-white/skinny/model-esque bloggers in the “top tier” (is that even a thing? I mean really…) then why don’t you FEATURE MORE OF THEM? Your blogger spotlights all feature the same type of woman. Your ads and promo images for IFB Con, and for articles are all slim, young, white women. You are actively contributing to the problem that you claim to be so concerned about. And to insinuate that minority/niche bloggers are not featured because their blogs are not up to par? Really? That’s what you’re going to go with?