Being a blogger can come with an automatic “bad influencer reputation”—whether you deserve it or not. Even just introducing yourself as an influencer can get you a judgemental stare, a lingering once-over or flat-out distaste. I’m not saying that all influencers have bad reputations or give one another a bad rep. However, there are certain reasons why I introduce myself as a writer—not a blogger, Instagrammer or influencer. (It also helps that I’m actually a writer.) Plus, I really don’t want to be grouped in with the “Instagram Influencers” of the world. You know, the ones who don’t have blogs and had total tantrums during #InstagramDown?

Lady Gaga recently called social media “the toilet of the internet” and I would have to agree. Not always, but a lot of the time. It seems like more & more people every day are fighting for the chance to influence you into drinking skinny teas, popping hair vitamins or wearing their identical outfits. The influencer lifestyle is scary, creepy and not something that I want to be a part of—and here’s why.

A Bad Influencer Reputation Can Stay with You
for a Long Time & I Don’t Want It

1. Everyone thinks they’re an “influencer”

If everyone & their dog are calling themselves influencers nowadays, does it even mean anything? If your blog and social media look the exact same as everyone else, why should people follow you? The crazy thing is: people will. And they do! I see girls on social media who post literally the same photo in a different café every day of the week and they have thousands of likes. It baffles me. My goal is to break away from the stereotypical idea of what an “influencer” is and does.

2. I’m not a sales person

Not to diss anyone, but I left retail for a reason: I no longer wanted to cram purchases down customer’s throats when they clearly weren’t interested. I’m all for advertising a brand you love or a restaurant you find outstandingly delicious, but, let’s say, regular household items? No, thanks. I can see how advertising a bottle of air freshener could be good for someone who has an interior design blog or something. However, it would be completely weird if one day I posted a fierce leopard look and the next day I’m promoting dish soap. Which brings me to my third point…

3. It can be very disingenuous

I want to avoid a bad influencer reputation at all costs. The last thing I want to be known for is advertising products I don’t care about or telling people to invest in any kind of purchase that I don’t feel passionate about—just for a pay cheque. If I post something on my blog and social media, you can be damn sure that I love it. Even if I’m not getting paid.

Ultimately, no offence or hard feelings towards anyone who proudly calls themselves an influencer. It’s just not for me and that’s okay. You do you girlfriend, and I’ll continue to stay fierce in my own way.

All “Bad Influencer Reputation” photos by Evangeline Davis.