I’m going to use my blog today as a cyber soap box to vent some of my personal frustration. I don’t usually give any validation to haters, and I have plenty of them who leave nasty comments on this blog which you never see because I don’t post them. But this I want to address because it really made me lose a bit of faith in the human race as a whole and that makes me really sad. Yesterday’s Boston Globe 25 Most Stylish publication was a pretty decent thrill for me (and the others involved, I’m sure). I know I for one have worked really hard at creating an entrepreneurial business from the ground up and when asked by a publication such as the Globe to participate in such a story I can only be proud to get recognition for that hard work (not to mention more business, as free local press is the best kind of advertising). So when I logged onto the website to see what people thought of the spread and found 5 pages of hatred, I was appalled. Comments like “I’m sure every one of these people are stuck up snobs. I would be embarrassed and ashamed to even be brought up as a possible candidate for this list, but I’m sure these losers think it’s an honor” or “these people are privileged, self-absorbed, nothings” and “Why is the Globe giving all this attention to these self-obsessed attention whores? They’ve done nothing for society other than parade around in expensive clothes.” What’s ironic is that the people making these comments are the true self-absorbed losers that they claim we are. I’d like them to pair their photos and job titles with their comments since they are such pillars of fashion and society. I’m going to venture a bet that they wouldn’t say such things if that was required- the veil of anonymity makes us oh-so brave and free to judge, now doesn’t it?
Not every piece in a newspaper has to be hard hitting journalism and if you don’t enjoy fashion then don’t read it and move on to something that does interest you. There is no need to try to take other people down just because you think what we do is “silly”. Why don’t you take the time it took to write your vile posts to do something worthy, since you feel so morally superior to us and assume we don’t do anything but gaze in the mirror. This article wasn’t about our whole lives, just our exteriors. If you really want to judge, wait until you hear about our backgrounds, volunteer work, charity involvement, education, hobbies and beliefs. You don’t know anything about us except for this one tidbit. And pardon me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t it make YOU the stuck up snob for judging us based on our clothing? I mean, really, just LISTEN to yourselves. You sound uneducated, petty and incredibly shallow and I’m really sad that I share this great city with you. I really am.
I’m done for now, I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for listening and to the haters, you can keep hatin’ because I’m gonna keep doing what I do and doing it with pride.
xo,
Erin
Erin~I commend you for taking a stand and addressing this issue. I know it took you alot of hard work and dedication to get you this far in your career, all we have to do is read your blog to prove it! May you continue to have much success, I am sure we all look forward to reading about it every step of the way. Rock On!
It is sad that people resort to using anonymous forums to bash others in order to make themselves feel better. It is pure jealousy, and while I appreciate your comments about such folks, they are not worth your time. You are fabulous and so is your blog.
I have always been bothered by the fact that so many choose to use the veil of anonymity to take out their frustrations on others via rude and unnecessary comments. I have always been of the belief that if you don’t like what you see or hear, then don’t listen or look. The truth of the matter is, I would bet any amount of money that the very same people who routinely leave such vile comments here and elsewhere on the ‘net would never dream of expressing the same views were they face-to-face with you, thus making them true cowards. Hold your head up high secure in the knowledge that their comments are fueled not by truth, but rather by their own cowardice, jealousy, and insecurity.
One word…jealousy. Not jealousy to necessarily be interested in fashion or interior design but jealousy that you and the other 24 bostonians have been so successful at what y’all do. Just by reading your blog every day I can tell you beautiful person both inside and out. You exude class in your writing and if those haters would read the majority of your posts they would see that little fact. I commend you for having the courage to post your emotions as I’m sure it was difficult. You never know how something written on the computer is going to come across. However, you were brillant. Thank you for all of your posts about interior design, fashion, current culture, etc., and I am much looking forward to the new weekend posts about “lifestyle” things. Keep up the hard work. There are more people that enjoy reading your blog than do not.
Erin: I look forward to reading your website and love it that you steer us toward fashion, what’s current, etc. It’s always a nice surprise. Please keep writing and know that there are many of us out there who look forward to reading and are happy for your success. I agree with the previous posters about jealousy. What a shame that some people feel the need to be negative and nasty. Please continue to write for us!! Regards, Robin
Hi Erin,
I love your blog (I come here for inspiration) and I think that the work that you do is really great. It really sucks that people have to put others down just to feel good about themselves. You have a fantastic following, I love LOVE your style and I look forward to more great things from you.
XOXO
-Oliva-
wow, just wow. so very ugly.
i read through about a page of comments and was left with a sense of disgust and even a little fear… really a mob mentality here. and you are so right about anonymity enabling hatred and hurtful comments. these individuals are very sad indeed.
keep up the great work!!
That is honestly shocking….FIVE PAGES!? Well, I congratulate you;)
You rock! Just ignore those haters!! They are obviously jealous of your accomplishments and don’t have anything better to do than bash other people.
Congrats Erin on so much well-deserved success this week! It was a great spread and a wonderful acknowledgement of the hard work you have put in. I absolutely love your blog and how you bring in so many fun things, shops, places, looks and styles.
Don’t let the haters get you- if they were so morally superior one would think they would have better things to do than wasting their time to talk smack about you. Little people have to bring others down in order to feel better about themselves.
Anyway again congrats, best of luck and keep on posting!
AK
Ignore all those nasty comments, someone who actually makes the effort to post like that must not have much of a life. I adore your blog and am soexcited to read your new posts each day. Your work is truly amazing!!
There will always be haters. Ignore it, but that may be easier said than done. I’ve been a secret follower of your blog and enjoy reading it!
I am so sorry that you had to endure such comments. I understand that not everybody can like everything but really do you have to blast people for just trying? I will never get the meanness that comes with anonymous comments. If you don’t like something move along you will be sure to find something up to your standards. Please please please do not let this effect you. mb
Erin,
Your blog is one of my favourites , I absolutely love it. Keep doing exactly what you’re doing, there are so many of us who really appreciate it. As for the haters, they probably never did anything constructive in their lives.
Wishing you nothing but the best..
First off, I’m thrilled you were featured (and not at all surprised) as one of the top 25 stylish women of Boston! As someone who’s met you personally, I couldn’t agree more. But here’s what’s cool: you not only posses external beauty, but you express goodness, empathy and charisma in your spirit. You’re “real” and not the least bit snooty or selfish. In fact, you’re the opposite of snoot! Every day you share design tips and advise on how to be stylish without breaking the bank. How cool is that?!? I, for one, have benefitted greatly from many of your posts. And I know I’m not alone.
As far as the haters go, they are pathetic. Cowardly. Probably depressed. And jealous of a talented, beautiful young woman who is expressing her own style and sharing fabulous ideas with the world. Some people are so miserable in their own lives that they just can’t take seeing someone else do well and getting recognition.
Keep up the inspiration, we ALL love it!!! And love you! Thanks for sharing your talents, Erin.
Dear Erin,
Your blog simply rocks! I Just love it.
Can’t help if there are shallow losers around. Perhaps they exist to make you, us or the rest of the talented people SHINE effortlessly!
Keep on being good at doing what you do. You have got nothing to lose.
Least you got a life. A purpose. Passion. And satisfaction, of course.
So keep on ROCKING, babe! Can’t wait to see your posts!!!
You go, Erin! With our beloved Domino gone, blogs like yours are the only bright decoriting light out there.
Erin,
I’m sorry I’m only seeing this post now and therefore have been slow to comment.
Ignore the haters. Keep rocking your style! I’m a designer too… bringing beauty to this typically ugly world should be celebrated! You should be proud to be featured on that list-what an honor! These people are obviously blinded by jealousy. Don’t give them another thought!
I’d venture to guess that for every hater out there there are at least twice as many fans, followers, and supporters. Probably more!! Your blog is the first blog I check in the morning! You give me the inspiration to start my day. Thanks for sharing your talent, passions, life, and style with the rest of us. Those haters will soon learn a thing or two about karma. You keep your head high and just march away in a pair of fabulous heels! ;)
I am so sorry that these people would waste their time blasting you and the others, what sad shallow lives they must live. Better to spend their time doing good and for others and venturing into areas that interest them. Think how hard it would be to try and think of ugly things to say when they could be reading blogs to enlighten themselves in areas they have an interest and then trying to explain how creative they are in a loving and productive way. I always go back to something my daughter says when she is embarrassed by something a friend has done which is, “Who raised you?”
I enjoy each morning getting up and in the dark and quiet reading blogs that inspire and spark my creativity. I do not read any that I am not interested or feel a sense of connection to. Thank you for your inspiration and talent.
Throw those other ugly comments off the boat they are not worth your time or feelings.
EofS,
I’m pretty sure I’ve never left a comment on your blog before, although I read it every day. I think you and your blog and your business are FANTASTIC! Never once have I felt that you misrepresented yourself as the Queen Bee of fashion and style writing solely to brag to the world all that you have acquired nor have you given any reason to negatively influence others opinions of you.
I find it so irritating that so many chose to judge people and throw words out such as stuck-up or self-absorbed based on someone’s appearance or personal style. Isn’t that what these self-righteous haters are in fact doing?
We all have things that are important and interesting to us, that’s called being unique. I’m not into technology and couldn’t care less that my iPod is four or five years old and don’t plan on reading about why I need the lastest and greatest blu-ray player. I do, however, love fashion and interior design and am thrilled that you have given me a daily dose of what I love best.
Please realize that for every negative person out there you have countless supporters who find positive inspiration in your work!
Julia
Please do not let the meanies get you down. Your blog is wonderful and so are you.
People can be very ugly. Just remember you have so many fans that love and appreciate your style. Thanks for the many days of inspiration!!
As Kandi would say on Real Housewives of Atlanta “I fly above all the haters .” They are jealous. We all love the work you are doing!
I’m sorry the remarks upset you enough to make you feel it necessary to respond. Rise above it. Sometimes SILENCE is the best revenge. Most of us find your website just inspiring and fun!
Unfortunately, it seems that if you have a successful online brand, people will come out of the woodwork to spew hatred. From their comments, it’s obvious that a) they haven’t really ever read your blog before and b) they just came online to make themselves feel better by making someone they don’t know feel terrible. I hope you let these comments slide off your back and can fully revel in your hard-earned praise (and press! Woo hoo!). The funny thing is that some of their complaints about you and your site are the exact OPPOSITE of why I read Elements of Style. You provide a Domino-esque blend of inspiration. I love the expensive rooms and clothes, but it seems like you really try to provide budget options too. As someone who doesn’t live in as expensive city as Boston or have a huge income, I appreciate this SO much. And although I don’t know you personally, one thing that shines through on your blog is your down-to-earth voice. So, please try to forget the ugly things that were said and keep fighting the good fight (against ugly design).
Amazing. I can’t believe (well, yeah I can!!) that there are sooooo many jealous people who like to make hateful comments and do not leave their name! Trash, that’s all they are. Your blog is great! Your post made me really discusted with people; I’m fortunate to have great blog readers, but I’m sure my day will come. Just keep up the great work! I love your blog!
Shari
Erin,
You rock! :)
J~
Never mind the haters. Just keep doing what you’re doing and they can just wallow in their own negativity. At least you are putting positive things into the world. I just stumbled upon your blog and very much enjoy it.
Wow. What a bunch of assclowns. Why would someone devote such energy and enthusiasm to putting anyone with great fashion and interior design sense down? I’ve learned that only people who have issues with themselves dabble in hateration. Keep it coming, diva!!!
Wow. What a bunch of assclowns. Why would someone devote such energy and enthusiasm to putting anyone with great fashion and interior design sense down? I’ve learned that only people who have issues with themselves dabble in hateration. Keep it coming, diva!!!
Erin,
I wanted to let you know how inspiring your blog is to me. I am in graduate school and I spend a lot of time reading and writing and repeating those two tasks over and over. I take breaks to read blogs like yours where wonderfully creative people share their thoughts and ideas. It lets me escape to a place of creativity that gets me refocused and gives me ideas for weekend projects. There are people out there that will never understand or appreciate what you or many other people do everyday. But you know what – let them misunderstand because for every one of them there is another person like me who thinks what you do is meaningful and important. Keep on keepin’ on!
soul sister, they just want to be you. so do i. don’t fret. you have to put up with silly indignities when you’re climbing to the top. which you are. so just keep killing it.