Sunday, April 6, 2008

Fashion Blogging = Bad Health?

Is fashion blogging hazardous to your health? The New York Times published a story today about how technical bloggers are suffering coronaries—two out of three men died recently.

The article speaks to the massive levels of stress faced by these bloggers: sitting at a computer sometimes all night to get a current idea, eating poorly while at said computer, enjoying no or very infrequent exercise, and being spurred on by the postmodern version of piecework—the number of hits per page, which translates into salary and bonuses at some sites, such as Gawker.

While I do love reading daily updates from my cadre of blogging fashionistas, I’m also content if we take a day or two off. The concept of being a “desperate blogger” isn’t attractive, and I, for one, prefer my blog reading and writing to be a source of great pleasure, not anxiety.

I do admit to being distracted sometimes during the day as I think up a posting idea, but it’s a healthy kind of thought, something I truly enjoy rather than a dark shadow interrupting my “life.” Rather, it's a welcome part of my life. Fashion/style blogging is a wonderful outlet for all those things I’ve been thinking, seeing, and imagining. I’ll bet it even makes me a more content person.

So what impels you to blog about fashion and style?

6 comments:

Thumbelina Fashionista said...

I agree with you, and people who suffer from blogging treat it as an addiction (like some video gamers). I see blogging as a hobby, not as life itself. Plus, I find writing about fashion to be a form of healthy self-expression. I also appreciate the communication from fellow bloggers like you!

riz said...

This is bizarre! Was the article simply about male bloggers?? I will have to check it out, but I will probably have more to say about this later...

Elizabeth said...

Interesting. I feel compelled to deliver every day. I don't stress out, though, and I don't lose sleep. Probably because I'm not being paid.

Elizabeth said...

I realize I didn't really answer your specific question. I like to blog because I like the forum of readers who participate. It's like having coffee and discussing style with a bunch of friends. I don't want to miss anything!

bronwyn said...

I like fashion blogging because it's light and fun. I live in a country where there is so much serious news, politics, racism, crime etc and it's just NICE to be completely frivolous. Plus it gives me a chance to express my fantasy fashion side...all the beautiful things that I'd never actually buy or wear. I like your blog, because as well as fashion you also talk about books, films, art etc, it's really nice.

pve design said...

The article sited techno geeks that work all the time posting for money and suffer ailments. I on the other hand am inspired by a larger connectivity to a rare an inexplicable species, otherwise known as stylish blogettes. I enjoy the thrill of the post and the sharing of others thrills. Another article in the Wall Street Journal sited Mom Bloggers and how they are creating successful careers out of blogging. I do feel it has changed my life and makes me happy.