Dear Blogging Community...

Dear Bloggers,

You probably saw on Twitter that the Bloggers Blog Awards announced their shortlist and despite being one for three years myself, I had only heard of this within the past week so never understood what this was all about - apologies.



So I jumped onto my computer and had a look at it all, including who was listed. I then voted in each category and soon it dawned on me - 'I'm rubbish. Look at all these amazing blogs. Look how good their photography is. And that layout?! - wow! No wonder I don't get brand deals'.

You see, as a blogger I don't really fit into a category. I love reviewing products and talking about the most random, interesting topics I come across. I also have a passion for photography but never upload in fear of being judged. So for me its hard to fit in and get noticed - and no, I don't blame anyone for this.

Whilst there are amazing people being recognised, I also noticed the lack of diversity. I saw Gracie talking about it and thought 'Surely its down to content, right?' I was wrong.

I follow so many great blogs written by both males and POC's and they deserve it just as much as the next hard-working blogger - but of course we can't all win which is fair enough. But I have noticed it time and time again when my social media sites are filled with Bloggers being re-grammed and RT'd by companies that are all women who are slim, tall, middle-class and showing off their perfectly manicured nails. Yes I might not be seeing as much due to who I follow but that's no excuse or reason for seeing a blogging community that I feel is white-washed.

Now, whilst I respect all bloggers and don't have an issue with how they look, what they do or how they dress, it made me (as a blogger) feel as if I didn't belong, like I wasn't good enough. All Bloggers go through that feeling, right?

I myself am not a WOC, but I hate the fact that they're not being represented because I know so many people who would love to be shortlisted or even nomminated for such an award but aren't.

I want people in this community to be able to speak their minds without brands or other bloggers shutting them down because they're not 'your average blogger'.

I want this community to realise we don't all fit that description and never will.

I want this community to be diverse without fear of being judged.

What Can We Do As A Community To Spread Diversity?

Keep being you and write for you...and you only.
Have no fear of being judged 
Unfollow brands who don't want diversity or show any
Support one another by leaving a comment or sharing their post - they work hard and so do you. People tend to skip commenting nowadays.
Don't single out another blogger because you think you're better than them.
Talk about how you feel in the blogging community - we're here for you.

Love,

Sophie x

(Trafotoz)