A few days ago, this question (and the resulting commentary) popped up on Ask.Metafilter. I was considering not posting about in on here at all but a few things kept turning in my mind so I thought I’d add my two cents.
Personality-based blogging by females is nothing new. Pioneers of this movement like Heather Armstrong of dooce have been doing it for years and are very successful at it.
Personally, it was fascinating to read about a group of girls that I’m friends with from the perspective of an outsider. Most of the time, I don’t notice our similarities but after reading the commentary, it seems natural that a group of friends would share ideas and inspire one another (and that others would take notice over time).
The knuckle tattoos are so for real, people.
What I admire most about this collective group of girls is that they’re all positive, hillarious and creative. Gala is a writer, Star is an illustrator and CSS ninja, Gilda is an aspiring fashion designer, I’m a graphic designer and Marie can make you laugh so hard that wetting your pants is inevitable (and, anyone that rocks a corn suit is good in my book).
The main thing that should be stressed about these girls is their authenticity. Without authenticity (both in real life and on a blog), there really isn’t much left to stand on. Even on the internet, people can see through a facade a mile away. One of the reasons that they are inspiring is because they’re living out their dreams every day and have the courage to write about it. Being happy with your life and where you’re going is a pretty awesome feeling. Positivity coupled with strong personalities and a sense of humor is infectious and it’s no coincidence that they’ve been successful in sharing their anecdotes and advice.
Of course, this isn’t a unique phenomenon. It’s probably not a subtrend, either. There are over 110 million blogs out there. A handful of blogging friends with similar interests isn’t necessarily a movement. While I would never consider myself to be part of ‘the next big thing’ (that’s dated and gross), blogging definitely is. Blogging has come a long way since I started out in 2001. With much better platforms and plugins, it’s no wonder people are embracing it.
The interesting part of the equation is that a few of us ran personal blogs for many years on Live Journal. Five or so years ago, it was a hotbed of activity. But by 2006, the momentum and interaction on Live Journal seemed to be fizzling. Some of us began jumping ship to blogs hosted on our own domains. I still love Live Journal and keep a blog on there, but these days, it feels like a ghost town.
The similarities in design and formatting between a few of us that the original question brought up isn’t an accident either; it’s due in part to collaborative efforts. Star built both my site as well as her own and I’m in the process of working on logos for some of the other girls. It’s pretty cool to be surrounded by a group that’s always willing to help one another out.
My goal in writing this isn’t to come off as self-posturing or arrogant. In a way, I’m glad that the original question was asked because it’s generated some fantastic commentary and I’m all for girls bonding with one another and creating positive content that they’re proud of. I’m inspired by others who choose to live their lives with no regrets, follow their dreams and stay positive while doing it. We’re not the first (or only) group of girls doing this and definitely not the last. Thanks for listening.
Extra reading:
1. Raise your hand if you’re a lady blogger! by Gilda
2. We’ve Been Outed! (Or, that Metafilter Thing) by Star
3. Fight Club, Lady Blogger Style? by Marie
4. How Friendrank Will Come to Blogging by Ben Barren
