Red and Re-read

Who am I?
Hey.  I’m SarahTheRed, SarahTheRed Aurbierre.  Yes, you can call me Sarah.  ‘Most everyone does.  I’m just another avatar with a fashion fixation.

Why blog?
I began blogging as a way to share my in-world looks.  As I blogged more, and experimented with various blogging approaches, I began to define and establish what and how I want to blog.  At this point, the blog posts combine both what I love to do, and what I’ve always wanted to see in an SL fashion blog.

What’s the blog about? Why should people read it?
Now, there are basically three types of posts I write. Whether or not you find them to be worth your time is entirely up to you.

• First is the compare-and-contrast post, which examines similar products from different designers, side-by-side, and what consumers should consider when looking at a specific type of item.  This also includes what might best be described as designer’s-progression posts, where we look at an old product and a new product side-by-side, and examine how the product and the designer’s skills have improved.
• Next are look-of-the-day type posts.  They may be cliche, but I still enjoy putting together and sharing a look.  I’ve been taking more pictures on-location, and playing with windlight, and I’m really enjoying the process.
• Finally, there will be occasional feature posts.  Most posts will fall into the first two categories, but occasionally I may spend a post focusing on a specific designer or product.  Generally, this will be an item or creator that/whom I particularly admire.

What about the ethics of blogging?

• Photo editing:  I use windlight settings, which affect the way items appear in-world.  I also occasionally digitally manipulate the background, and add borders to my images.  However, I do not alter the appearance of clothing, hair, skin, shape, etc in any way, beyond windlight.   I will not digitally alter the way the objects I feature appear to me in-world.
• Blogger samples policy:
  What readers want to know:  I accept blogger samples.  I do my best to disclose what items in a post were given to me.  I admit, if there are two comparable items on the market, and I’m given a bloggers’ sample of an item, I’m more likely to notice and thus blog the sample.  However, I will only blog items I like, and I do my best to consider and treat all items fairly, regardless of what I paid for an item.
  What designers want to know:  I accept blogger samples.   I’ll gladly accept any items you’d like me to take a look at.  I am not a timely blogger — I take my time to let things percolate until I feel like I have something to say.  I don’t promise to blog them — however, if the item is good quality, and fits my style, I’ll probably integrate it into the blog at some point.  If I receive an unrequested item sent directly to me, and I decide that I don’t care to blog it, I’ll do my best to let you know why.  It may not suit my personal style, or perhaps it may need more attention to detail.  If you would like constructive feedback, please let me know.
• Sponsorship: You may notice this blog is sponsored. In the interest of covering the expenses of maintaining a privately hosted blog and a pro flickr account, I have engaged in long-term relationships with specific sponsors, rather than fuss with short-term advertising.  I’m not interested in attempting to make a profit through advertising; I merely wish to cover my expenses.  Again, I will only blog items I like, and I do my best to consider and treat all items fairly, regardless of sponsorship.
• Friends: I am acquainted with several designers, creators, bloggers, and hecklers.  Some are just Plurk acquaintances who wave every once in a while; others are people I consider good friends.  Frankly, I’m a bit of an in-world recluse, so most fall somewhere inbetween. I will only blog items I like, and I do my best to consider and treat all items fairly, regardless of how well I know a creator.
• Blatant biases: Dove Swanson, creator of Long Awkward Poses, has been a kind and true friend.  She also makes kick-ass poses.  I freely admit that I favor her poses.  She was a fave for her talent before I got to know her, and now I’m terribly biased.

So, I think that about covers it.  I love feedback, so please feel free to comment and/or ask questions.