As you all know, I have been talking to bloggers, publishers, and public relations agents alike to find out what really happens in the world of blogging. Recently, I had a chance to chat with Charu Suri, the editor-in-chief and founder of Butterfly Diary, a “beauty blog for social butterflies.” Charu keeps busy in the beauty world, writing also for BeautyStat.com, Beauty Handbook Magazine, Simply the Best Magazine, and www.examiner.com.
Q. What made you want to become a blogger?
Charu: I’ve always loved writing and the incisive way bloggers cut to the heart of the matter in real time. This stirred a passion in me to start my own blog.
Q. How long have you been blogging?
Charu: I have been blogging for over a year and a half now.
Q. What is the best thing about being a blogger?
Charu: The best thing about being a blogger is all the people you get to meet and interview. It truly is a privileged perk. I have met some of the most influential people in the world — industry mavens who have contributed significantly to the field.
Q. What about the worst?
Charu: The worst is that you have to do it 24/7. Blogging knows no vacation days!
Q. What is your ‘routine’ for researching and testing products?
Charu: I put everything on a table and test it thoroughly. If it’s foundation, I give at least a whole day to see if it will stand the test of time. For other products like makeup, they need to stand an evening out on the town.
Q. Will this routine change now that the FTC’s Blogging Rules are in effect?
Charu: Not at all. This will have no effect.
Q. How do you feel about this ruling? Do you think it’s a necessary measure?
Charu: Well, I think it is silly to slap an arbitrary fine without having steps and measures of regulation in place for the entire industry. As we all know, beauty editors have received gratis product for years and they are not penalized. However I do understand that since blogging became such a phenomenon, the penchant for people starting blogs just to get free product has increased, much to my chagrin. I think the FTC is trying to regulate blogs who have unethical principles. It’s okay in my books; I have no qualms about it.
Q. What do you think the overall effect of this ruling on blogging will be?
Charu: I don’t think it will be material at all. People will put a disclaimer at the bottom of their posts and that’s that. I can’t see it being a mover and shaker of a ruling.
Q. Where do you see your site going from here? Will there be any new features for us to look forward to?
Charu: My site will undergo a redesign and I’ll be featuring cartoons more regularly. People love the idea of humor on a beauty site and the cartoons have been met with warm responses. Stay tuned for a new site to be unveiled in a few months!
Stay tuned for more interviews – and as always, feel free to send your questions to productpasha@gmail.com.
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