I subscribed to Nails Magazine about 14 months ago. I wanted to learn more about the industry. I am not a licensed nail tech. I just was looking for more information about new technology and advancement in nail products. Each month when I received the magazine, I only found one or two pieces of information that was "new" to me... In the digital age the printed page simply cannot keep up. That being said, I was planning on renewing my subscription with my new Iowa address. But I forgot! Until I found out about this post that Mary from Body&Soul wrote. She was responding to an article written by Hannah, an editor at Nails Magazine, entitled "Move Over Bloggers". I have posted for you below:
I’m getting kind of tired of all these consumer bloggers online who are just infatuated with nail polish and post endlessly about polish and doing their own nails. I mean, sure, they probably help increase the awareness of nail care and new products (mostly polish), but I think it’s time for those of us on the professional side of the nail world to take back our place in the pecking order.
They’re even starting to infiltrate my side of the nail world as well — I see as many bloggers taking meetings with manufacturers and hanging out in the press room at trade shows as I do actual journalists.
As nail technicians, YOU have the influence over your clients to share the latest color trends and nail styles. Who knows better than YOU about the differences in hybrid gels and what the right treatment for peeling nails is. Don’t cede your powerful professional influence to a bunch of polish junkies who are looking for free handouts of the latest collections from manufacturers. OK, that’s a little harsh. But seriously, the professional side of our industry needs to stay at the forefront and the DIY-ers need to take a small step back.
The bloggers are the new kids on the block and everyone is fascinated with them. So how do you get your voice heard, you ask?
As an educated and licensed nail technician you can speak to clients on a level that the polish enthusiasts can’t. You know what services to recommend. You know what nail shape and length looks best on each of your clients. You know how the products work and why. You know the latest colors, the coolest appliques, and the interesting new techniques (because you read and go to shows and follow professional bloggers). I’ve got a couple ideas to help you reclaim your position as the nail expert.
> Start your own blog.
> Use your web page and Facebook page as a place where you can talk to your clients about what’s hot.
> If you’re a nail artist, create a profile on Nail Art Gallery (nailartgallery.nailsmag.com) and share it with your clients.
> Get in touch with the consumer press and offer your expertise for nail style stories.
> Put your own “Hot Off the Presses” book together with color swatches, nail styles, and trends you’re seeing from your fellow nail techs or in your trade magazines. Heck, put stuff you find on blogs and in consumer magazines in there too, but present it to your clients as you being their go-to source for all things nail-related.
If your clients are getting the information from you, they won’t have a reason to get it elsewhere. I don’t think consumer bloggers are bad, and I certainly don’t think they’re bad for our industry. I’ve just been thinking that they’re taking the nail care spotlight from those who rightly deserve it — YOU.
Mary is much more eloquent than I when it comes to writing and expressing herself, so I encourage you to read her blog post by clicking here.
I was upset. I was speechless. I could not find words to describe what I was feeling.
And then I found out about this "follow up" article.
Wow. I never thought my editor’s letter about bloggers would garner so much controversy (or foul language). Let me clarify a few things, though. A more careful reading of the article will show you that I’m not talking about censorship or keeping people from blogging about anything they are passionate about. The more blogs, the better. (I have a number of personal blogs where I write about things I’m interested in.) I did NOT say that I wish the bloggers would go away. I actually wrote, “I don’t think consumer bloggers are bad. And I certainly don’t think they’re bad for the industry.”As a trade publication for nail technicians, NAILS Magazine’s main focus is to elevate nail professionals. I get kind of protective of my readership and my point is that nail techs should assert themselves as experts in the field. In the article I urge nail techs to start their own blogs to share their knowledge about their industry.I stand by my original point that nail professionals should present themselves as experts in all matters of nail care. I apologize to those of you who are offended — but remember that I’m an advocate for my audience: professional nail techs.There’s room for everyone in the online universe. I just want to make sure my readers get their spot.— Hannah
I cannot tell you how completely offended I am.
I am still so upset I can barely for a sentence, but here is the comment I left on the "follow up" post:
YES I DO MY OWN NAILS.
YES, I BUY MY NAIL POLISH FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS, BUT NOT SALONS.
OH WAIT. "but remember that I’m an advocate for my audience: professional nail techs"
So the fact that the nail polish industry is growing rapidly, and more polishes are sold than lipsticks (for the first time in history) because woman are saving their money by doing their own nails at home isn't a GOOD THING? How do you pay for that big fancy magazine you run - oh yeah, ads! From the nail polish manufacturers! The people who are BENEFITING from NAIL POLISH DIY'ers?
As for "free handouts" I have received product from very few companies, namely FingerPaints, Cult Nails, and Zoya (once). If I was blogging for "free handouts" I would have quit about 15 months ago.
My husband will tell you, almost every single time I walk into a salon with "experts" and try to strike up a conversation about new collections or new finishes, I am met with a BLANK STARE.
Is it my fault that I care more than some nail professionals?
I think not.
And that is why I am not renewing my subscription to Nails Magazine. And I have a feeling that "Hannah" will not miss my subscription dollars, but maybe her accounting department will.
Check out these other posts written by fabulous bloggers:
# re: Follow Up to Article About Consumer Beauty Bloggers