True, Angie, there have been a lot of comments controversies going on among fashion bloggers, but it has seemed to be happening more with the 'bigger name' blogs, and particularly those who are parlaying their personal blogs into money-making ventures. It's a tricky business and can stir up a lot of emotions in people, both good and bad. And to be clear, I see a huge difference between a personal blog like my own or Kari's or Marianna's, and something like YLF or Budget Babe or Corporette, which I see as more of a fashion site than a blog; I expect that sites like yours and the others make money in some way, be it ads or the store or whatever. But a personal blog is a bit fuzzier, and that can stir things up.

I will say that as my readership has been growing, I've been getting more people who will comment bluntly about my outfits sometimes, but it hasn't been anything mean or rude. You do need a thick skin for it, though, because it is your personal appearance they are commenting on, but you need to not take it, well, personally. Not easy!

But for the most part people have been extremely kind, and I have had an amazing time getting to know other bloggers and expanding my circle of online fashion friends that way too. Michelle, I strongly suspect you would be embraced by the fashion blogging community very quickly, and you would be very welcomed.

Michelle, You absolutely must. I am saving a spot on my google reader for you!

Sounds scary to me and I would never have the nerve to go there, put myself out for critcism. Do blogs have to have a comments page? Would it still be a blog if you just posted your thoughts for the day?
On reading over some suggestions for names for Michelle's blog, "Steping out into the Dark". comes to my mind. It is a bit of a twist on what some others have suggested. Another one that just came to mind is , "Dark on the outside, bright on the inside".
I would read your blog. You are so intellegent and worth reading. Do you have a train of thought for the blogs course? Will it be a fashion blog?

I would definitely read it, but I agree with others comments about potential hurtful reader feedback. Well, this is coming from someone who get no comments on her blog, LOL! I just reed a bunch of blogs and see the controversy once in a while.

I think you *can* set up a blog that doesn't allow comments, but then what is the point really? It just seems narcissistic and one-sided.

When someone challenges me or says something offensive, I can't help but respond, so I think I would just drive myself crazy. I used to be incapable of resisting a debate on political blogs and I would brood over it for ages when someone wrote something that made me angry (which was a WHOLE lot). I had to stop commenting or reading comments or I would have driven myself mad.

People will say things on the internet that they are too wussy to say to someone's face. It's easier to be rude and disrespectful when you're anonymously typing from behind the safety of a computer monitor. But it baffles me why people want to do this? Why is there even a desire to be rude and disrespectful in the first place?

Part of the success of blogging is marketing. That's where I think I would have a hard time. I have no idea how to build an audience.

Good question, Sandy. You can absolutely set up a blog for no comments. In fact a very big style blog has just switched off her comments section to avoid feedback.

You'll need to practice the art of self restraint when you start to blog and as Kristin rightfully says - not take things personally.

Angie, I'm actually curious to hear your take on the Jessica/What I Wore controversy. What do you think about her "Code of Comments" and how she handled herself?

Michele - this will be awesome and will surely expand all our views. Some name suggestions: Point of View; Now you see me

I completely agree with Angie's caution. It's just so you go into it with your eyes open. I"m in the process of launching my professional site and then blog and am terrified. So I really applaud your courage and initiative and pure guts. Go for it!

I'm not Angie, but my opinion about the WiW controversy and the others is this: everyone can and should run their blog at the comfort level that best suits them. Some people forbid anonymous comments, some lock it down to only friends, some engage and reply to all commenters, some welcome all responders, etc. Some people give more personal information out than others. Some only let RSS feeds show the first line of their entry, thus forcing readers to click through to their blog to read it (my personal pet peeve; I don't follow blogs that do that, including academichic). Some keep their circle of followers small, some go out and make their presence known and draw in new readers every day.

There isn't any wrong way to do it; like personal style, it's all a matter of preference, personality, time and energy commitment, and artistry/creativity. I don't begrudge anyone for choosing a style different from mine. I'd be begrudgin' everybody!

Ah, Marianna. I echo Kristin. I also think that Sally wrote a very good article about the comment controversy and I echo her perspective too. It’s a long read, but worth it if the debate interests you. I also commented on her post so you’ll see my opinion as well:

http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....versy.html

I really enjoy the comments on the YLF blog posts and often wish that more people would comment! There are a few handfuls of YLF’ers who comment each day and I thank them for taking the time to do so. I really, really appreciate it.

Michelle, there’s a lot of stuff to digest here. Let us know if we can guide you further. I also like the blog name: Eyes Wide Shut.

Just a quick note about the name: Make sure that it's not a name already protected. Eyes Wide Shut is the name of a 1999 American film, so that could pose a problem.

Michelle, I would be very interested in reading about fashion, cooking and lots of every-day things from your point of view.

That's true Jenny, but there are ways to get around that. Like if you pop "blogspot" at the end of the URL, or change the spelling, or end in dot net, instead of a dot com.

Thanks for the link, Angie. Sally's post and your comments were great to read. Honestly, the way Jessica handled the situation doesn't sit right with me. I hate that she resorted to use the "You're just jealous of me" cop-out. It's a bit immature, in my opinion. Obviously I don't think people should be rude, but you can't control other people's behavior, only your own. When you're in the public eye people will say some nasty things, but like you say, you have to have a thick skin. Celebrities are humiliated in tabloids and gossip blogs constantly -- but it comes with the territory! I really think she could have handled the situation differently and I think blocking all comments is going to hurt her. A system like you and Greg have seems much more practical.

Michelle-I would read your blog and look forward t it. I believe you have a lot to offer. As your blog grows and I beleive it would grow I would encourage you to moderate comments.

A blog puts you out there. You have a unique experience to share and I think you could handle the comments.

Michelle, you should absolutely do it! You definitely have a unique perspective but beyond that, I find your posts so insightful & eloquent. Moderated comments sounds like the way to go (that & developing a thick skin).

I agree with Maya on the no-comment blogs. They don't engage readers as much or give a sense of community so what's the point?

Michelle, there isn't much I can say that others haven't already said here. Except that I would LOVE to read your blog I'm really looking forward to it!

Thanks for following up, Marianna. I think it's a shame that Jessica shut down her comments section, but I guess she got really hurt. I've felt like that once on YLF and I guess if I felt like that multiple times I might think about lashing out too. Thankfully that is not the case. I do believe that we have a good comments system in place at the moment - and I am mastering the art of self restraint :0)

Angie, I think you are the MODEL of self-restraint! The number-one thing I always notice about your comments is your tactfulness; you have an amazing ability to phrase things in just the right way to move the conversation along and not hurt anyone's feelings. I am always, always, ALWAYS impressed with how you manage that even in the most delicate of circumstances.

Michelle, after reading the wise words of the bloggers what are you thinking?

WOW!! Last time I checked this thread, there were seven replies.

Thanks so much for weighing in on this, guys, as well as for generating such an interesting discussion. Thank you all for your votes of confidence in my writing abilities; they mean a lot.

That said, I do have a lot to think over. Angie, being the perceptive one that she is, as hit on my main reason for hesitancy, i.e. potential backlash and cruel comments. A few years ago I would have rejected this type of project out of hand due to my sensitive nature. My skin has thickened over the years, to be sure, but those propensities still exist and I must think this through. I may also be feeling particularly vulnerable as I work to get my body (and body image) sorted out. A blog like this could actually be a great way to help me approach the whole thing rationally, but it could backfire too. Disabling comments is not an option for me; I agree with Maya and Shana and feel such an approach would be pointless. Reader interaction would keep me motivated and would almost certainly propel discussions, provide fodder for future postings etc.

I also want to make sure I have enough content to justify doing this and to make sure it doesn't descend into a narcicistic exercise. The fact that I am blind does not in and of itself make my perspective either unique or interesting. If I'm going to roll the dice and put myself out there, I should probably have a reason beyond the fact that I love to write and enjoyed blogging in the past.

So that's where I'm at right now. Nutshell version = still into the idea, but giving it plenty of thought.

You guys are great.

Hey Michelle!
I have nothing to add but to say that I would be reading your blog if you decided to start one.
There was an article in the March issue of Glamour on cyber-bullying. It explained that because of the anonymous nature of internet (particularly forums), the comments get very nasty, very quickly! It is a shame.

This thread exploded in your absence, Michelle! I think you are wise to give this topic lots of thought. But when you start your blog, know that you’ll already have a loyal fan base.

Thank you, Kristin. It means a lot to me that you have that perception and that you shared it with me. Big kiss!

Bella, I need to read that article.

I would love to read your blog, Michelle. I've been blogging and reading blogs for nearly a decade. The thing that keeps me enthused is people's willingness to let me get a taste of what it's like to live their life. I think it's broadened my perspective and made me a better person.

One rule of thumb that I've found helpful with my own blogs is to have the same expectations that I would for my own home. Rudeness and agression get deleted instantly without a second thought, the same way I'd kick someone out of my house if they behaved that way in person.

And remember that most of the time, new visitors will follow the tone of the existing conversation. So if you start with the lovely YLF ladies as readers, you'll be setting a high standard to begin with!

Michelle,
I have been reading this for days and thinking about a comment - now I just need to write it down.
All I wanted to say really is that I would definitely read your blog. Unlike many people here, I follow only a few fashion blogs (apart from when YLF people post their links to them, of course) and the main reason for that, apart from time constraints is that I am primarily a language and not a visual person.

For that reason I would read your blog because I love the way you write. Your writing style is just gorgeous; so fluent, interesting and articulate!

Michelle, I would definitely read your blog if you decide to start one. I'd really appreciate reading your perspective.