Comments on: Back With A Vengeance

By: Tristie Mangus

Tristie Mangus — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 05:39:29 +0000

Agree with Linda! I feel like I know you, Mandi. That to me is authentic. If I ran into you at the DI in St. George, I would totally be like, “Hey Mandi!” And hug you like I would my girlfriend/neighbor. It does feel like a kick in the guts when I email a blogger with a question and they don’t respond. Or when I actually, by some miracle, win a giveaway (and cry real tears!) and run to my mailbox every day for 4 months and then finally give up on ever receiving the prize. (Which I know that isn’t necessarily the blogger’s fault, but it feels like being let down by your best friend. Bloggers should try to collaborate with people/companies that can deliver, are trustworthy, and maybe follow up to see if the prizes were actually given.) That is a way specific example but I think the main message is to remember that the readers are your customers and support group. If a blog gets “too big” that the writer forgets about the individual, then they lose that authenticity and the ability to relate to them as your internet bestie is diminished.

Vintage Revivals is still my favorite blog and the reasons are your aunthenticity and unique content. I love that you are fearless, will try anything, and encourage us to do the same.

By: Tara

Tara — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 20:13:46 +0000

I think your blog is pretty authentic all around. A lot of the blogs I read are good at still being authentic when they do sponsored posts. Either because they only do ones that really go with the themes of their blog or they just happen to be fantastic writers. Too many sponsored posts makes it start to feel like the blogger is just in it to make some cash and doesn’t really care what they present. I quit reading one blog I used to love because it turned in to 2-3 sponsored posts a week, that read basically like commercials, with very rare actual blog posts thrown in. I also tend to lose interest in blogs once the writers make it a group effort and have more posts from contributors than from themselves. That also makes it feel like they are just trying to put as many new posts up to get page views without really caring about the content.

By: Mary Wilding

Mary Wilding — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 16:57:11 +0000

So much good insight from your readers! In my nursing profession as well as in life…we all have those things that are our strong points–and others areas where we may not excel but can certainly celebrate in others and even learn from them. My dad always used to say, (and it’s the premise of my blog) “We all have something to teach and something to learn!” We owe to each other, especially as women to be “real” and celebrate each other! Good luck with your presentation! Mary Wilding

By: Brooke

Brooke — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:32:13 +0000

Sponsored posts! Not a fan at all. I know they’re necessary to pay the bills, but I bail pretty quickly. There was a home blogger that had a lingerie sponsor…so not cool. Keep it real, show us your fails! Your “this will tide things over but I so don’t love this coffee table” things. And finally, I don’t love electrical/plumbing/construction posts.

By: Lara

Lara — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 10:30:53 +0000

For authenticity: show your process and talk about what went poorly and also well. Not to bash others, but when I occasionally pop over to Cupcakes & Cashmere I so often see a headline that looks interesting, but when I click through there is no process, just an end result, such as: I made cupcakes! Although we all know what cupcake batter looks like, I still want to see it being made (Pioneer Woman is great at showing process, as are you). Details make for authenticity, if we just want pretty pictures with no substance we’ll turn to Pinterest, for the story behind the end product we turn to blogs. Also, it’s so important to have creative and unique ideas, not just recycle Pins you’ve found – again, your’e so great at that! x

By: Harmony

Harmony — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 04:16:33 +0000

Non-blogger but blogger reading addict right here! I feel your blog is authentic in every way. You have a tab that reveals your biggest trials and triumphs for goodness sake. I am hating those blogs or instagram accounts where everyone comments “family goals” or “you are so perfect”. A beautiful 20 year old pushing a $300.00 stroller is not a blog I’d follow. There isn’t a 20 year old that I know that can afford $200 shoes, $300 strollers and blowouts every week. Keep it real people. Some examples of legit blogs to me are Emily Henderson, Amber Interiors, A House in the Hills. Keep up the great blog! Glad your sparkle is back:) FYI, I stopped by Durango’s last time I was in St. George. The brick wall is a.maz.ing. Cant’ wait to see the rest of the update.

By: Marsha Boes

Marsha Boes — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 04:08:25 +0000

The Pioneer Woman is the best example of an authentic blog that I have ever read. She has lots of humor, adores her family, and admits her faults to the hundreds of readers that she has. Sometimes I use her recipes her at home, but mostly I just like to read her blog. She is “real”.

By: Sheila

Sheila — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 19:10:34 +0000

Hi Mandi,
That’s such a great topic and question. I think authenticity in a blog shines through when posts are about what the author really cares about and not just a trend. I read your coverage on The Nugget awhile back but I only recently read your “Real Life Story.” I was blown away by your honesty and sincerity in sharing both your life experiences and beliefs “as is.” That’s when I bookmarked your blog. I also think how a blog handles sponsored content is key–like the ScotchBlue Retro Cabinets post (gorgeous by the way but way above my skill level!) While they aren’t design blogs, I read GirlOfACertainAge.com by founding Lucky magazine editor Kim France and SmittenKitchen.com by Deb Perelman. Both are sincere and well-written with obvious care. I also like A Beautiful Mess. None of these peoples lives look just like mine but they don’t look too posed or perfect. They make me think of new ideas and want to grab a cup a coffee with the authors–I think that’s just what a good blog should (or could!) be.

By: Jeannette

Jeannette — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 05:01:15 +0000

In reply to Jeannette. i agree about emily henderson. she is the only mjor blogger who produces a quality post almost daily.

By: Jeannette

Jeannette — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 05:00:13 +0000

In reply to Laura. i i ii agree