Cybermummy brought the blogging world to life. Despite any criticisms bloggers may have had, we all seem to agree on that point. After the bitching and nastiness of the previous weeks everyone seemed to come together and get along; there was a real sense of friendship amongst us.
But no sooner than we had all gotten back behind our computers the bitchiness was back. Some of us who had spent that day being nice to everyone were back to sniping and back-stabbing. Whilst most bloggers are fab people, and grown-ups too, the playground mentality has clearly stuck. When we’re together we all get along. The moment someone’s back is turned they’re no longer a friend.
I wrote that, amongst other things in the weeks following Cybermummy but never managed to finish it into a blog post. Now I need to because, after this weekend especially, I feel the need to say my bit.
With a few small exceptions I’ve had enough of bloggers. I’ve had enough of the infighting, the bitching and the bullying. I’ve had enough of reading posts about quitting and others about begging bloggers to carry on. There’s over seven hundred of us listed for the Tots alone. Why is it so difficult to stick to your corner and avoid those people who you don’t get along with?
I can cope with the bitching behind closed doors; we all do it, of that I’m sure, but there’s little need for it to spill into public forum. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out that there are bloggers out there who bitch about me behind my back – I don’t consider myself a particularly likable person at times – and you know what, I really couldn’t give a shit. I’m not expecting those people to hang around if you don’t like what I’ve got to say. There are people who probably consider me a whore for doing sponsored posts and reviewing so many products that I’ve had to create a breakaway review blog just to stop boring readers. So what? At least I’m not whoring my body (and I’m not suggesting that any particular bloggers may be, although I bet it would make for an interesting read).
My issue is that there are a number of bloggers out there who seem incapable of walking away from controversy. In fact, they not only invite it but seem to gravitate towards it. You wouldn’t chase after a bully in the playground so why do we chase after trouble on our blogs?
In school I never had to worry about who liked who, who could stay in the same room and who not to invite to a party for fear of upsetting someone else. We were all grown up enough, even in our young teenage years, to deal. The other day we had a barbecue and we invited bloggers. Some of the guest list was easy but it got to the point where we were saying we can’t invite X because she won’t stay in the same room with Y.
If you don’t see me around other blogs too much in the next week it’s because I’ve had enough. If you genuinely need sympathy over a blogging situation then I apologise in advance – you won’t be getting it – you have other bloggers to blame. My heart has become hardened. Maybe by the time I feel like getting back into other blogs everyone will have learnt to get along.
Now bring on the lynch mobs. I’m sure I’ve upset someone in the past few minutes.
I think you are perfectly justified to voice your own opinion and so you should. It’s your blog you should be able to say what you want. If people don’t like it they can say like an adult or ignore it. Great post. x
you will find that there are enough bloggers feeling the same way… me included…
I kinda like the idea of putting all opposing parts in a room and lock it for a few hours…
seriously.. I’ve told someone today… Live and LET live… life’s too short to worry about silly squabbles!
Glowstars Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 21:11
That’s right – lets bang heads together till we can all learn to behave!
Amen Sister although can’t believe I didn’t get an invite to your bar-b-que
You know what I think about the lynch mobs….fuck ‘em!! This is your space and you can say what you want! x
Glowstars Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 21:09
Sorry – didn’t know who I could and couldn’t put you in a room with! lol
It had to be said. I don’t know if other bloggers who get
Together ever slag me off but my blog is mine and I won’t
Let anyone bully me. Had enough of that at school.
Take care, you have spoken well, I admire you xx
Glowstars Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 21:16
I’d like to know what they’re saying about me just so I can have a good laugh about it!
I’ve never come across any of the bitching that I hear or read about people dealing with on their blogs. I just don’t get it though. Surely if you don’t like someones blog then you just don’t visit it?!? I know there are people out there who enjoy being bitchy and provoking a reaction, whatever gets your thrills I suppose. It’s just sad that it happens in this day and age and it’s coming from grown ups! I remember on yahoo chat you used to get the “iggy” button to ignore anybody you wanted to…I’d get that for life!
Gosh, what’s happened. I’m so luck that I’ve not come across any bullying personally although I did have someone comment once that I use way too many exclamation marks. Whateva!!!! I’ll admit — I don’t read review posts unless it’s something I’m looking for. Hugs. x
I must say Vic, I have NO IDEA what’s happened or what’s been going on, but from ‘snippets’ I figure there was drama before cybermummy that I missed, and then there’s been drama about this week again (about blogladesh, maybe?) and I don’t know what ground my head is stuck in, but I don’t see/hear any of it. Not that I mind, I’m not much one for playgrounds or politics.
What totally blew me away is what you said about the bbq! I would be SHOCKED if I found out I couldn’t ‘be in the same room’ with someone else. Certainly not from my side! I had such a lovely time, I’m really sorry you had such drama planning it!
Totally shocked doll, and hope none of the bitching has been directed at you!
ah well, such is life sweetie, and yep, easy to ignore posts you don’t want to read and come back and re-read the ones that you are interested in. Almost as easy as the delete button for spammy troll comments
)
xc
For what its worth I like you and I love your blog
I don’t get involved with bitching, if someone blogs something I don’t like, I don’t read it, simple!
Had to be said Vic and I like your ‘give a shit’ tone. It’s a funny old world isn’t this mummy blogging planet? Feels like school but with the added responsibility of kids and the torture of sleep depravation but without any of the school discos and snogging boys in the 6th form. Keep up the good work!
You know my thoughts and opinions on it. Life is far too precious to get caught up in the backstabbing and bitching. I will not stand by when someone is blatantly being bullied. I wouldn’t let my children and I am setting an example. But I am all for respect, diversity and love! Now will I stop blogging because of it. I am proud to call you a friend you are right it is big enough for all. There are over 1400 BMB members alone!
Meh, I just don’t take it all to heart. No one from CyberMummy comes to my blog; in fact almost all of my readers are Americans or expats.
I honestly don’t care. Read my blog, don’t read my blog- I’m not going to stop doing it.
As for reviews/giveaways, I don’t think you are a sell-out. I do them as well and I’m always honest in my opinions and that’s all that matters.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx << I think that's a rather satifactory comment!
OMG I had no idea any of this was going on. I read one disgruntled article but did not realise that was the tip of the iceberg. It all sounds very sad, and god help us if this is what Mums are really like.
I love your attitude to be open and honest!
x
Hear Hear Vic! I too try to stay away from any bitching dramas. I’m hear to blog, chat and learn from others whose blogs I enjoy. End of.
Very good points. I don’t understand the problem, if anyone has a problem with a blog, just don’t read it. As for the reviews thing it’s just daft, when L was little I would have been delighted to read what real Mum’s thought of an item – would have saved me a fortune in not buying some of the old crap I did xx
I’ve only been back a week after being off line for a month, so I’m oblivious to what’s been going on.I’m quite shocked actually that this kind of behaviour from adults.I’m not a Tottie and I don’t think I want to be if this kind of jealousy and bullying goes on.