Dainty Alice


A pretty little LUSH, Beauty & Lifestyle blog.


I Drank Coffee - Am I A REAL Blogger Yet?


If you read my post on reasons why being a lifestyle blogger sucks, you'll know I'm more geared towards a good old cuppa tea than a triple-shot double-foam low-fat whatever.

However, after seeing all the comments on the post I felt a little left out, like I wan't a proper blogger if I didn't drink coffee. There's so many blogging fads, 'rules' and bitchiness in the blogging community, it got me wondering about what is actually classed as a 'real' blogger, and how can I completely, totally and utterly debunk that status...


"You're not a real blogger if you don't post every day."


Wrong. I tried this at the beginning of February and it was killing me. I was tired all the time and constantly stressed that I hadn't written the post for the next day. Guess what? It doesn't matter. You should blog whenever you feel like it, not because you feel under pressure to do so.


"You're not a real blogger if you're not making money."



Some bloggers manage to make a tidy income from blogging, and good for them, but it doesn't mean you're not a real blogger if you don't. The aim of your blog shouldn't be to make money or get free things, you should blog because you love blogging, that's what it means to be a real blogger.



"You're not a real blogger if nobody knows who you are."



If you put your heart and soul into writing blog posts, then *duh*, you're a blogger. Just because you haven't hit the big time with your little blog doesn't mean your content is rubbish, it just means people haven't found it yet. Make them find it. Self-promotion is everything.


"You're not a real blogger if you don't have a YouTube channel."



Now I am incredibly camera shy. I hate how I look and sound in videos, so I know the one thing I will never do is become a vlogger. It just isn't me. And that's ok, I can live with that. If you feel awkward or embarrassed when making videos, then stop. Vlogging isn't a requirement by any means.




"You're not a real blogger if you don't go to blogging events."



I have yet to even be invited to a blogging event, let alone actually go. But all I can say is whatever, that doesn't make me any less of a 'real' blogger! It just means I haven't put myself 'out there' enough yet. I know that it will happen in time and if not? It's their loss.

"You're not a real blogger if you're not in your mid-twenties."



This one just annoys me. Yes, a good amount of bloggers are in the 25-30 age range and I often feel like I'm not taken seriously because I'm 'only' 18. Another blogger commented on how she felt left out because she was 31 and 'too old' to be a blogger and I thought that was actually ridiculous she was made to feel that way. Sharing your thoughts and opinions online shouldn't have an age limit, you should do what every makes you happy, at any age.


"You're not a real blogger if you don't fit in with a clique."



I'll admit it, blogging can be incredibly cliquey. Small groups of bloggers meeting up to drink wine and gossip whilst live tweeting the entire thing makes my stomach churn with anxiety, wondering why nobody wants to invite me to these things. You can be personally attacked if you don't share the same opinion as other bloggers, and some parts of the community can actually be really spiteful and childish. But I am proud to think of myself as a 'misfit' blogger and I'm happy to have some true blogging friends, not a 'clique'.

What makes you feel like you're not a 'real' blogger?
Vent below, that's what this post is here for.

44 comments

  1. Oh no no no no, you don't have to drink coffee if everyone else does :D

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    1. Woohoo! However I tried it with lots of milk and sugar and actually kinda liked it! xx

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  2. We bloggers get old! And at 33, I still look up to my 40 something blogging mentor. We don't need to be a cookie cutter image of one another, diversity is wonderful, even in the blogging community!

    That Wise Lady

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    1. What a lovely way of putting it! We are all unique little gingerbread people ;) xx

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  3. I wish the group from #misfit blogger chat could meet up in person.

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  4. This was amazing! I can relate to every single point! I used to think I'm not a real blogger just because no one knew I even have one! For me it's more like a creative output, hobby, something to do outside of 9-5. Alice, you just got yourself another follower! :)

    thisissimplyme.com

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    1. Marta, thank you so much! That means the world to me and I'm glad you enjoyed this post xx

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  5. Great post!! I actually blogged this morning a post called 'blogging advice I ignore'!! :P

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  6. great post!! agree with EVERYTHING :)

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  7. I actually love this post! It's soooo true! Haha! I'm a total misfit as well by the sounds of things (although I do like coffee)

    Lucy x- Yellowicing

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    1. I can't tell you how much better and less insecure I feel after reading this! Especially in regards to the blogosphere feeling more 'cliquey' than I ever expected. Like the first day of school scene from Mean Girls. 'Don't mind me. I'm just gonna blog in a public bathroom. I guess today's post will just have to be a Poopourri Review."

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  8. Such a good post! I personally post 5 days a week and managed to make it work for me. But I think all these "rules?" are a bit silly. A blog is something that is personal to each of it. Write what you want, when you want, I think earning money is a bonus. A bonus I don't have yet so.

    Jamie-Leigh x x x
    http://missjamie-leigh.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. I'm 25 and I often feel too old to be blogging, even though there are loads my age! I really wish I'd started sooner though x

    http://www.hollysparkle.co.uk

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    1. According to the 'rules' you are the perfect blogging age! hehe xx

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  10. I'm not a coffee fan, id rather have tea any day of the week! LOVE this post! I'm scheduling 2 posts a week, as I'm holding down a full time job and part time degree, I'm not going to kill myself to blog, I'll write them as and when I'm inspired - and if I happen to have a whole day of inspiration I'll write them and spread them out across a series of weeks or so - blogging is to be enjoyed! You're totally right! Feeling much more confident in the fact I am a blogger - even if I don't fit the sterotypes! 🍷 Here's to breaking the mould!
    Katie xo
    http://misskatief.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

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    1. YES GIRL #TeamTea. I don't blame you, life just gets in the way of blogging most of the time. xx

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  11. I can relate to a lot of these points. I have been blogging for around 4 years now and been a part of so many local PR companies/campaigns that a lot of things like going to events or being recognized as a blogger were ticked off in an automatic manner. Just like everything takes time, so does blogging. No matter if it's a small blog or a huge one, the only important thing is to present the best version of you and curate the content that you love. I hate these myths/misconceptions people seem to throwing errrrrrrrrrrywhere *eye-rolls* Plus vlogging is a lot more work than a blog. I post like 3 times a week and assume it would be a pain to post every-day.

    HIGH FIVE 18 Y/O BLOGGER! I don't see a lot of teen bloggers out there who blog on something other than Tumblr *another gesture of eye-roll*

    Noor | Noor's Place

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    1. Thank you so much! What a lovely comment, you've really made my day.

      Lol, Tumblr ;) xx

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  12. This is such a great post! I love it! I do sometimes feel left out because I'm 18 too, I agree with everything you said, you don't have to do all those things to be considered a blogger!
    Paula | www.namelessgap.blogspot.com

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  13. I LOVED this blog post so much. I can relate to most of the things you have written on here too. Although my main blog was only started in January this year, I've had many blogs before it and never really felt I fit in to the whole blogging world due to certain things about me that are so very different to most of the main bloggers that people follow. I don't like pink, I'm not into mainstream fashion and labels, but I do love beauty and writing about different things on my blog. I feel that many people feel that the majority of bloggers are the same, but this is so far from the truth. I have only been blogging as mentioned since Jan this year, so I haven't been to any blogging events, nor have I made any blogger friends, but I hope that in time I will!
    I respect you for blogging so young, and I cannot wait to read more of your posts. :)

    www.zldblog.wordpress.com

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    1. That's amazing, I'm so glad you enjoyed my post. I'm sure you'll make loads of friends soon xx

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  14. This is so perfect.

    www.adventuresofkate.co.uk

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  15. This post was perfect timing because I'm a little upset over something that happened between me another blogger tonight. She was someone I really admired and I enjoyed reading her blog, but then she goes and shades me on Twitter. Sometimes I think there are great people in the blogging community and then sometimes like this time in particular, I feel like there aren't. Very disheartened right now :(

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    1. Aww bless you babe! Feel free to DM me on Twitter if you need some love xx

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  16. Ha ha, this made me laugh. I hate coffee, not that keen on tea either to be honest but can drink some herbal ones occasionally. In addition I don't post everyday and never have, I've had a few freebies to review but haven't earned a single penny through my blog, I'm not on YouTube, in a clique and not many people know who I am in real life never mind virtual! I'm 45 (how on earth did that happen!!??) so totally too old according to the rules. About all I've done is attend blogger events. And now to add to it (& this is slightly tongue in cheek so hopefully not offending -'I've never read any of your other posts as clicked over from Joe Blogs newsletter so don't know if you"keep the rules on these) ... I don't get the point of Lush, I have never done, nor will ever do a "empties" post and feel like screaming when some of the very big bloggers who get sent every new makeup product released, enthuse about how much they love and say it's totally worth the price and they totally recommend it ...every...single...time. Without fail. Ok my rant over to :) xxx

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    1. 45 is the new 35! That's what my mum just said to me!
      I actually love LUSH, but like you I just don't see the point of empties posts xx

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  17. Great post. I'm just starting out as a beauty/skincare/haircare blogger and I did feel like I had to be posting everyday to be taken seriously. That kinda pressure sucks the fun out of writing blog posts on topics that should be fun. Nice template btw x

    Www.blackpistachio.co.uk

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  18. Great post. I'm just starting out as a beauty/skincare/haircare blogger and I did feel like I had to be posting everyday to be taken seriously. That kinda pressure sucks the fun out of writing blog posts on topics that should be fun. Nice template btw x

    Www.blackpistachio.co.uk

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  19. I only drink tea aswell, and I have a youtube channel but since I don't have a blog makes me feel excluded from being a complete vlogger/blogger

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  20. You have no idea how much I love this post!! I absolutely hate coffee, until recently I did not own a DSLR and I make zero income from my blog, posting once/twice a week... does that mean I'm not actually a blogger?! It makes me laugh!xx

    Laura | Lala London: Beauty & Lifestyle

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  21. I loved this post :) sometimes it does feel a bit cliquey and I've only just been invited to an event, mostly because someone I know was invited and told me to email the PR team. A few months ago I wouldn't have sent the email.

    Best advice is blog because you love it and don't try and be something you're not; sounds like you're doing a great job already x

    Holly ∣ Closingwinter

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  22. Oh my goodness, I love this post & can definitely relate to most of these points.

    When it comes to blogging, you should enjoy it and write about what you're passionate about. You never know who will stumble upon your blog & what they may be going through. :)

    Lauren ❤︎
    laurnmichelle.com

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  23. This is a great post! I agree with all of what you said, I use to feel so much pressure to fit in to the blogging community but it was always so cliqy, I always felt like I needed to blog every day and my content was becoming bland and rushed so I took some time out and came back with the mind that I blog because it's my way of getting my favourites, lifestyle and loves out on my blog and if people want to read then they are more than welcome to share it with me :)

    Recently started following you and love your blog!

    Pinar xo

    www.beautybakingbella.com

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  24. Love this post!! Being a 'newbie' blogger I can relate to a lot of these queries and the whole should I, shouldn't I blog that I ask myself everyday. Being 32 am I too old and kidding myself? Hell no! Thanks for the much needed boost! X

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  25. Love this post!! Being a 'newbie' blogger I can relate to a lot of these queries and the whole should I, shouldn't I blog that I ask myself everyday. Being 32 am I too old and kidding myself? Hell no! Thanks for the much needed boost! X

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  26. I love this blog post.
    Ahhh I much a good cup of tea over something you can't pronounce in Starbucks and sounds like some clingon dialogue haha!
    I couldn't agree more with you on this post ❤️❤️!!

    Happy Tuesday
    Emma X
    www.emmalouisebuckham.com

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  27. I must not be a real blogger as I think coffee is disgusting!

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  28. All hail the micro bloggers!!

    https://geotheleo.com

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Every single comment means so much to me, thanks for making me smile! :)