Summary

The article critiques the authenticity of personal stories shared by bloggers, suggesting that many exaggerate or fabricate their experiences for brand-building and commercial success.

Abstract

The article "Here’s Why Your Favorite Blogger is Full of Crap" argues that a significant number of bloggers embellish their personal narratives to captivate readers and build their brand. It points out the implausibility of some bloggers claiming to have endured an excessive number of serious life issues simultaneously. The author, Denise Shelton, compares the blogging world to reality television, implying that both are curated and edited to create a more engaging narrative rather than presenting genuine reality. The article also criticizes the comments section, where some readers reinforce the blogger's narrative with excessive praise, often to promote their own work. Shelton concludes that while these blogs can still offer value, readers should approach them with skepticism and discernment, emphasizing that truth matters, especially in an age where misinformation is prevalent.

Opinions

The author believes that many bloggers fabricate or exaggerate personal stories to sell their brand and content more effectively.
There is skepticism about the number of bloggers who claim to have experienced a multitude of serious life issues, suggesting it's statistically improbable.
The article draws a parallel between the lack of authenticity in reality TV and personality-driven blogs, highlighting the role of editing in creating a compelling narrative.
The author criticizes the comments section as an echo chamber where readers compete to validate the blogger's narrative, often for their own benefit.
Despite the criticism, the author acknowledges that even fictionalized blog content can be entertaining and inspiring.
Shelton emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking, especially in the current landscape where misinformation is widespread.
The article encourages readers to question the authenticity of blog content and to remember timeless wisdom such as "Don't believe everything you read" and "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Here’s Why Your Favorite Blogger is Full of Crap

A lot of what passes for fearlessness is formulaic falsification

We all fall for it. That’s why it works so well. Drawn in by a provocative headline, we read on discovering a voice in the wired wilderness that speaks to us of universal frailty, suffering, and resilience.

Here is a soul sharing their most personal and profound truths to uplift and inspire readers worldwide. How generous they are! How fearless! How self-sacrificing! How abominably full of shit. Did it never occur to you that some of these people are pitching fairy tales dressed up as personal experience because that’s what sells? Well, it’s certainly occurred to me.

Too much of a bad thing

People experience rape, incest, a parent or child's death, cancer, obesity, substance abuse, addiction, and bad marriages. They might be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, autism, and schizophrenia. Many of us struggle with body image and sexual and gender identity issues.

It’s not uncommon to juggle several of these challenges at one time. I know; I’ve done it. But it beggars belief when you consider the number of bloggers who lay claim to a half-dozen or more of these issues, often simultaneously.

I’m not saying everyone with a compelling story isn’t being honest. I know people whose lives are fraught with dire circumstances, bad decisions, and worse luck. Typically though, they’re too busy surviving to build a killer brand and blogging business successfully. There are exceptions, of course, but I suspect those are fewer than we might think.

Oh, please! Get real

Reality television is big business. Be a fly on the wall in the homes of people whose lives and belief systems are wildly different from yours! Get all the inside dirt on celebrity family life! Watch the cops bust evildoers in real-time!

Of course, reality programs aren’t all that real, and neither are personality-driven blogs. They’re calculated and judiciously edited. Why? Try putting a camera on the most interesting person you know for an hour. Unless they’re a standup comedian, you’ll be lucky to get ten minutes of interesting footage.

It’s the same with bloggers. There’s a kernel of truth in there, but a kernel does not a bowl of popcorn make. To make it really tempting, you have to butter it up and sprinkle on the cheese.

The comments section as co-dependence

The most popular identity brand bloggers are supported by a sycophantic chorus of cheerleaders whose aim is not only to validate the blogger’s musings but to elevate themselves in the minds of fellow readers. You may get it, but they really get it.

Here are a few examples:

“I salute your courage. I do believe that often we need to hit rock bottom or crash to bounce higher. Losing a loved one is never easy and often is that very trigger. By sharing your experience and wisdom you are helping hundreds if not thousands of people.”

“Thank you so much for being vulnerable with us. It takes a lot of courage to share this — my belief is that you’re struggling with it, someone else is too. I appreciate your writing in that it’s a how-to article disguised as your truth.”

“Such a story — thank you for sharing the hard-won lessons and providing a fresh jolt of inspiration. Admire your courage and appreciate your generosity in sharing your experiences.”

The more enterprising of coattail-hangers also happen to be writers who thoughtfully provide links to their stories, building their own brands in the process. See how this works? Sometimes it seems like everybody’s in on the joke but us.

Ignorance is bliss

So what’s my point? Am I saying that most blogs are a pack of lies and you’re a sucker to buy into them? No. They can still provide value, even if the blogger plays fast and loose with the truth. Fiction can be just as entertaining, informative, and inspiring as real life. Consider The Karate Kid.

The problem is that sometimes, the truth really does matter. Recent events have shown that despite our massive exposure to information, people are just as gullible and undiscerning ever. Nobody can sell anything without a willing buyer. A little skepticism is not a bad thing.

I leave you with a few old sayings you might find useful. You may have heard them before, but they’re worth repeating:

“Don’t believe everything you read.”

“Question authority.”

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Limited time offer: A Haiku for You! Now through April, if you sign up for my free monthly newsletter What’s Denise Shelton Writing Now? I will send you a haiku I’ll write especially for you. You can even let me know if there’s a particular word you’d like me to include (no more than three syllables, please).