Dear Readers,
I didn’t address this apology specifically to the IFB community, because many more people have been affected by this post than just our members. The following was written on my own, without pressure or demand from anyone at IFB.
In the course of the last week, I have been called a twat, an elitist, a fat-shamer, a ditz, a terrible writer and a disappointment – just to name a few. Some of these comments were left here, some elsewhere. From all corners of the Internet, I hear you.
Do I feel like a terrible person? Yes. Is that the point? No. That post was never intended to be about me, or what I think or how I feel. That post was intended to learn about you. How you feel, what you think, what you want. So it’s because of you that I’m writing this, not because of me.
To say that the post accomplished that “conversation starting” goal would be an understatement, but the way that I went about beginning it was flawed. This was not the intended result of my post – to leave members of IFB feeling betrayed, saddened, angered, bewildered, and disappointed. I think my apology in the comments of the post has been lost amongst the conversation, so I’ll reiterate what I want so badly to make clear to you: I am sorry.
I made a mistake in the way I attempted to broach this subject on IFB. I should have presented more facts and evidence, giving my words validation and value. I should have chosen my words more carefully. In bringing up the issues of body image and beauty in the world of fashion blogging, I wanted to hear the thoughts of every demographic of the community. It has been interpreted that myself and IFB do not believe that success in blogging can be achieved if you do not meet a certain physical, racial or beauty standard. Let me say again that this was not my intent nor is it what I think or know to be true. I will repeat, though, that I understand how this conclusion was reached, and I know that intention does not excuse actions.
What I will admit is that I think I’d become a bit too comfortable in my role at IFB. I felt welcomed and very much at home as I posted, interviewed bloggers, helped plan the conferences and took an important role in the direction of IFB’s content. Suffice to say, I’ve been quite abruptly thrown from my comfort zone out into the unfamiliar.
IFB has allowed me a platform to be both a teacher and a student, and I feel like I really failed you all in both regards last week. My post did not reflect all that I have learned and all that I love about the IFB community.
I truly believe that no one can grow or learn if they don’t make any mistakes. Making a big mistake in a public forum with your company on the line and an entire community at stake? I’d say that’s a start.
Again, I am profoundly sorry for how we arrived where we are right now. Though, after reading the response posts and hundreds of comments, I feel awakened and inspired by the passion of the independent bloggers who have spoken out. I can only hope to channel some that into my future endeavors here.
As long as I hold this roll, I will strive to improve myself and to empower you. I’m not asking for forgiveness, only requesting a chance to make amends, to improve and to advance the voice of IFB with the help and guidance of you all, as well as our whole team.
Please know that my email inbox, like that proverbial door, is always open. To continue this conversation, to further our understanding of each other on this matter, to say anything at all, please email me at taylor.ifb@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Taylor Davies
Thank you Taylor…
Thank you for hearing the concerns and the outcry of those who were offended. I truly appreciate you stepping up and apologizing. I too, see this as an opportunity for all of us to learn and address the issues here.
I am sorry for those who did call you out of your name… not cool… BUT I THANK YOU for sharing your concerns and owning it here… THAT, takes courage…
Thank you