I was updating my knowledge of what is taking place in the world of media. I chose two following lectures of the weekend's programme:

#1 Liisa Jokinen from Hel Looks hosted a very vibrant panel discussion with fashion bloggers Minttu Paakkulainen from Stockholm, Vesa Silver from Stara.fi, Stella Hasarek and fashion blogger Johanna Piispa.

#2 Janne Matikainen, researcher at the University of Helsinki, Department of Communication gave a presentation about bloggers´ behavior and motives.

MY NOTES:

• 23,8 % of the world population use internet. Consequently, we should understand that blogging is a luxurious hobby. And I say hobby, because according to Janne Matikainen's research, bloggers see their behavior mostly as that. 

• In the whole media cake, the time used for blogging is taking a slice from TV viewing. Mags and blogs can much easier live hand in hand and support each other. Blogs are seen as sources for fashion journalists and vice versa. Fashion bloggers and their bibles. Like the fanatic old school graphic designers, print pros and lovers can see it: Seriously deep mag love that is epitomized in the feel and the smell of the print product.

• Traditional media tries to steal originality and style from bloggers. They are ready to do furious and massive invests attempting to be as cool, original and laid back just to reach and change people's steps and paths on the web. This just to influence consumers.  

• Fair play is not necessary on the agenda when corporations contact independent fashion bloggers and offer different kinds of deals or products. I heard a really funny (or sad) story about an electric tooth brush manufacturer who had contacted one of the fashion bloggers.  

• Blogs and blogging in general are seen as a very trendy subject for thesis. However, bloggers reminded anxious students, that blogging starts to feel more like work if they would answer all those open – explain freely in your own words – questions from graduating BAs & MAs.

• The strength of a blog lies in its humanity.

• Traditional celebrities are lost in the blog world. Being or becoming a web celeb has totally different terms compared to being a or becoming a traditional accredited celeb. 

• In the Finnish blogosphere the correct language, spelling and high quality of photos are bases for any kind of respect and success. They are the cherries on top! (My fluent Euro English. eh. So NOT way to go?)