Let's call this Blogger Mistake #29: Talking to another blogger like a kid (Or talking down to another blogger) - I am a grown woman!
I've recently gotten some backlash in a blogger group (I won't say which group because I'm quite fond of this group) for recommending my "blog designer" who does layouts for $75. Look, not everyone can afford $2500 blog designs. And if you are one of those bloggers that takes out a loan to pay for a new layout, something may be wrong with you. I shouldn't have to hear a lecture about how I overpaid for my layout or how designers like her are hurting your industry. Let's be real, it's you designers that hurt your own industry if your cookie cutter designs suck and you don't pick up jobs. Boring.
It makes me question why blog designers that are also bloggers would want to charge a fellow blogger that much money? Those rates should be for businesses!
The way I see it, as with life, there's different tiers of services and products. Am I going to bankrupt myself like Teresa Giudice just to make myself look good? NO. I refuse to fake the funk.
And to counter a comment like "You get what you pay for". That makes me laugh. Seriously. I'm a huge thrifter and have found pieces for .98 that's worth hundreds of dollars. I guess you don't watch Antiques Roadshow either. In most cases, just cause you pay more doesn't mean something is better. I happen to like my design. A LOT. I gave my ideas and she executed well.
I could give you example after example of how uber successful bloggers had some FUGLY designs when they started out. Use Wayback Machine to see The Pioneer Woman's first layout. Oy, it was terrible! Or how simple the original blog for Julie & Julia project was. It's the writing and authenticity that captures an audience. The design is just makeup. Makeup only lasts so long. It's the content that will make an impression and keep 'em coming back for more.
It's a learning process. Blogging should be fun. Let's keep it that way, eh?
P.S.
My designer Tasha is awesome! And she only charges $75. Have I mentioned that she's awesome?
Labels: Common Blogger Mistakes, Rant