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A Thank You, From Me to You

Mar 18, 2011

I am a firm believer that when a person takes to the Interwebs to express her opinions, she makes a transition from completely private person to blogger.  This is especially true for bloggers who are not anonymous and for those who post the most intimate details of their lives on the Web. If you take that step willingly, you need to accept that not everyone will agree with you or like you.  This is also true in real life, but people express their opinions much more freely on the Interwebs, so the dislike/hatred is magnified.

Over the past two years, I have learned that what matters on the Internet is not the disagreement itself but the form that the disagreement takes. Several months ago, after some especially disturbing e-mails, I took to the blog to call a truce to some of the nasty feedback that I was receiving.  The threats of physical violence and vulgar, curse word-filled screeds went far beyond anything that I had ever experienced before.  Since that post, the number of frightening and exasperating interactions with upset readers have decreased dramatically. 

For example, a few weeks back, I wrote a post about the use of name prefixes like Miss, Ms. and Mrs.  Almost every one of my commenters disagreed with my perspective, but all of the comments were fair opinions and criticisms, and not one made me feel bad about myself.  So I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for that.  I like the Friday Discussion posts, but I was initially hesitant to post them because I didn’t want to create a negative commenter free-for-all. 

I’m incredibly grateful that my fears did not materialize.

It never ceases to amaze me how some commenters on other sites talk about the blog editors.  The comments on one blog post range from “You are so beautiful, I want to be you,” to “Bitch. You are a self-centered, retail whore. I can’t believe someone gave you a book deal.”   It’s amazing to me that anyone could feel that passionately about blog content, but I guess some people do.

I don’t really experience any of the fawning adoration or retina-searing hatred that I’ve seen other bloggers take.  And I am extremely grateful for this.  I neither want to praised to the rafters nor kicked like a dog on my site.  So I want to thank all of you for keeping the praise and the criticism well within the realm of reasonable content.

When I think about how this blog has grown and prospered, I couldn’t be prouder.  But the thing that brings me the most joy is interacting with all of you in the comments section, on the Facebook page and via Twitter.  Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

xoxo

Belle

 

COMMENTS

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  1. Stefanie says:

    Belle,
    Thank you for this fabulous blog. I love that it's a mix of fashion and everyday topics. You're never smug or condescending which is rare for blogs like this. My wardrobe has definitely improved since in the months since I discovered Capitol Hill Style. Never let anyone tell you that what you're doing with worthless or seek to tear you down. It's so easy to criticize anonymously behind a keyboard.

  2. Belle says:

    I wouldn't say never, but I try not to be. Sometimes, we all are a little ruder than we intended.

  3. Zoe says:

    I just want to say that your blog has been improving by leaps and bounds. I am so glad that you are branching out and I hope that all of us, even when we disagree with you, can embrace that!

  4. Meg says:

    I've been reading your blog for a few months now and I think it's great. Keep up the good work! On another note, I've never really understood why people read a blog and then complain about it…if you don't like it, then do read it!

  5. prosecutordc says:

    Even if I don't agree with all you post, its never personal. I would never critique the blogger and I find that sort of behavior here or on any other site shocking and inappropriate. However, I am generally impressed with people's tone in the comments section of your blog. For the most part, its a very civil discussion of whatever topic you post. Thanks for fostering such a good discussion.

  6. MidwestChic says:

    Belle, you are awesome, and I absolutely love your blog. Now and then I wonder how in the world I could afford some of the items you post, but it helps me find what is chic at my own price point!

    Without you, all of us ladies who work in the government/political sector would have absolutely no idea what to wear, how to create a better resume, etc! Case and point: I woke up this morning thinking: I am going to take casual friday to a whole new level… yoga pants and a zip up jacket. BUT I thought: What would Belle say?! And thus, I am dressed to a T!

    Keep up the good work! Even if I get jealous I cannot afford what you can, I will continue to read daily 🙂

  7. Arielle says:

    Belle,

    Your blog is great! I cannot believe that people have been so vile to you. I love how you mix fashion, life, politics and class all in one blog. You inspire me!

    Arielle

  8. Rachel says:

    Here's some praise to the rafters! Keep up the great work!

  9. Trang says:

    Ignore the haters:) you are doing a fabulous job and keep me quite entertained as I sit in my old, dusty office in government office which I shall not name…

  10. Nellie says:

    This blog is absolutely wonderful, both in terms of fashion advice as well as so many other logistically and psychologically helpful times for the fast-paced life of DC. I'm so sorry that anyone ever made you feel personally hurt you for this work, as neither you nor anyone deserves that. Keep up the good work!

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