Nothing Hannah can say can change anything, I am completely disgusted by her words! Someone needs to get off their high horse... in fact she needs to get off and disappear!
I take what bloggers say as much more trustworthy than professional publications.

Nope, I can't believe that you're being sincere about anything especially since you're apologizing for us feeling offended not for you saying something offensive.

You are calling for professionals to take back their field and expressing your dislike of bloggers taking up valuable space in trade shows.

It shows how threatened you feel by bloggers and instead of embracing it you're on the offensive. Learn to embrace bloggers.

Too little, too late. Disgusting.

Not impressed, damage done, and in very poor taste. You made your employer look very bad. 

Perhaps, if nail professionals were as knowledgeable about the latest trends and products as bloggers are, I'd take them more seriously. I've yet to meet one that could tell me something about the nail industry that I didn't already know or learn from a blogger. Most "professionals" are way behind.

Please remember your audience is more than the nail tech. I am still disgusted by your article and I take offense to everything you said. Oh but you're tired of us. Thanks but I am canceling my subscription to your magazine. My blogging sisters and I are not amused by you at all.

Hmmmm, I still don't see an apology from Hannah calling us "polish junkies" I think we work a hell of a lot harder on our blogs then PRO nail techs do at there job! For Hannah to come back with this lame excuse is just pathetic!!!! Have you ever thought about how many NON professionals read your magazine? Very Very sad that you have a poor excuse for an editor write for this Mag. You just lost alot of money.

Unsubscribing. This is so offensive, don't try to cover up your words. I'm sorry you're miss perfect and the world no longer revolves around you.

I'm not buying it, sorry. I'm a blogger and I know more about the nail industry than any tech I've ever been to. They know I no longer pay for their services, but they still call ME to find out what's new and on trend. Of course there is room for everyone... but it doesn't happen over night, and it surely isn't given to those undeserving.

How many of your readers/followers/friends are Bloggers? Think about that! We may not have a Nail Tech Certificate hanging on our wall, but some of us do have Degrees in Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine, Law, Advertising, Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations and other important areas that involve being able to write an intelligent blog. If I'm at a show with a Press Badge, there's a reason.

I really think you should re-read your own article, but then again, looks like you've already made up your mind twice. I'm shocked!

To be honest, I don't blog about nails personally. But I will tell you that I find a lot of the blogs to be much more informative than any nail professional that I have met. Until two years ago, I never knew about any professional brands other than OPI and Essie, as those are the brands everyone and their mothers seem to carry.

Without bloggers, I would never know about brands like Zoya, Nubar, and others, polishes I wear on a daily basis. I would never know about the upcoming collections and be able to see what colors are like before splurging on them with my hard-earned money, avoiding buyer's remorse in the process.

Not only are these bloggers you clearly show disdain for (there's really no point in trying to backtrack now) a mainstay of the cosmetics industry, companies RELY on these bloggers to help generate business in a flailing economy. With major corporations around the world relying on social media to promote their businesses, why shouldn't nail polish manufacturers get in on the act? Because honestly, in berating these blogs as much as you have, you're also taking a shot at companies like Zoya, Coty, and others for coming up with a way to connect with women in a manner that nail professionals can't.

I have been to a ton of upscale salons on both coasts of the United States and had the opportunity to try two while abroad in Europe. A lot of these pros can't even tell me the names of any collections coming out for the upcoming season, let alone give me a color recommendation by name instead of sifting through their polish racks.

There's nothing wrong with telling nail pros to up their game and expand their knowledge of their craft. But there is something VERY wrong about telling them to print out the work of others and add it to their own portfolio, while belittling the individual who created it in the first place.

So while nail pros might need a reality check... it's YOU, Hannah, who needs the biggest reality check of all.

You say I should read your words carefully. Did you write them carefully?

You are the editor of a magazine called 'Nails Magazine.' If I subscribe to a magazine called 'Indy Race Cars' I do so because I'm an Indy race car enthusiast. I don't have to drive one to enjoy it or, even ever see one in real life.

Would I have to be 'Glamour' (glamorous) to look at that magazine? Would I have to have a 'Better Homes and Garden' to read that magazine; I'm not a gardener OR a designer, for that matter.
Why would I want to subscribe to these magazines? Because I am INTERESTED in the subject. By the way, I subscribe to fitness/exercise magazines. Should I unsubscribe to them too because I'm not a professional athlete?
Your magazine has many different type of readers. And you just pissed off an entire audience of them.

What you basically said in the first article is that bloggers need to know their place & step aside, and now you are back-peddaling. You even encourage "professionals" to visit blogs and steal ideas. Bloggers have potential to reach more consumers than a pro ever would. At the very least the bloggers are educating the consumers so they can get services at the pro. Many "pros" that I encounter don't know diddly squat about what's going on with trends. I would think that you would be happy that bloggers educate. Knowledge is power.

Maybe the reason bloggers are thriving is because "pros" like Nail Magazine aren't doing a good enough job. It's funny that the tone of your original article clearly demonstrates that you feel threatened by "polish junkies looking for free handouts".

I think that what was said cannot be justified and it does not matter what is said now because nothing can rectify what was already said. You wonder why we follow the blogs of people who as you claim are not professional, but the matter is that they are real people like us and do not try and make their claims or opinions more valid with excuses like your own.

I am very passionate about being a makeup artist and I am completely self taught and have never had a lesson in makeup in my life, however that does not make me or any other makeup artist without 'professional' training or licensing less worthy of working in the industry or expressing an opinion.

It is people like beauty bloggers who are not 'professionals' who grab the attention of consumers because of the fact they are real people and consumers themselves. It is people like bloggers who are essentially advertising products for free just by doing a review and expressing their opinion.

Professional or not, if we have the passion then we have an interest and there is no license in the world that can change that.

As a Nail Professional, the fact that Hannah took the time to apologize says enough. Nails magazine is for licensed professionals, as well as most products that are being used by consumers which are available to them via eBay or however else they are being bought. If a consumer is going to blog about nails, blog about the services you've had good or bad, products that you've purchased made for the consumer (I.e. Sally Hansen products, etc.) I don't agree with blogs where consumers are using professional products, that are exclusive to us and complain about wear, application, etc. I understand that it may be more cost effective to do things at home, bxut nail technicians require a license for a reason. As for blogging, create a blog and get paid on an area that you have an expertise in. Thank you Hannah for sticking by us!

I am still extremely offended in the original article. Perhaps if nail techs were more educated on trends, brands, techniques, finishes ect... then they would not have to worry about us "polish junkies who are looking for free handouts". Last time I got my nails done by a professional they had never even heard of the brand of polish I came in with (Nubar). Not once have they been able to answer any kind of questions I have had about techniques or what colors are on trend for an upcoming season. I asked once how to help strengthen my natural nails and was told to get acrylics, what?!?

As a blogger that pays to subscribe to your magazine I am completed disgusted by Hannah's article. I don't see how any of what she said was constructive or helpful to anyone. To me it sounds like a condescending rant letter written by someone who is mad that people are trusting bloggers opinions over nail techs who only understand what OPI is.

You said what you said and there is no going back. You put it out there like there is some cold war between professional nail techs and bloggers. Your bashing us so the professional world can take back what rightfully theirs. Really? No one has taken anything away from the professionals. And last time I checked most professionals now have some kind of blog or twitter or fb page. So wth?

You need to remember that companies contact us. And there is a reason they do. This response is bs. Your saying you meant one thing when you printed words say something different. I wouldnt be surprised if your sub rate went down. And all because you put your foot too far down your throat.

I don't read this magazine and never will after this. I think it is disgusting and down right trashy to talk about bloggers like that. To be a "professional" you don't need to know everything, you just need to know the basics. To be a successful blogger you need to be passionate, hard working and knowledgeable.
I agree with Mai that you are 'apologizing for us feeling offended not for you saying something offensive.'
Have some class.

If professional companies are sending bloggers products for honest reviews then we're going to give them an honest review. Maybe just maybe there is a silent war between professionals and bloggers. Why cant I post a review on OPI? That is a polish sold in salons. Why cant my readers know if I had a bad experience? I think its funny that Misy A can tell us what to blog about. Bloggers are not the issue. It sounds more like some nail techs just need to step their game up.

And I'm sorry but please don't categorize all of us nail techs in one category! There are some of us who really take pride in our work, are knowledgeable of the products we use, knowledgeable of trends, and can answer any question you throw at us!! I don't care what type of degree one may have, just because we are licensed nail technicians doesnt mean we don't possess a degree in another field as well. My background is Electrical Engineering, and doing nails paid my way through school.

I am not a blogger, but I read TONS of them. I never knew a thing about nails, or polish or naiilcare until I started reading the blogs I follow now.

Their swatches, reviews, nail art etc are MUCH more influential to me as a consumer then staged, photoshopped, absolutely perfect magazine nails. When I'm curious about a color, I look at blogs for swatches and reviews and base my purchases off of these things. They are doing it because the LOVE IT not because a company is paying them big bucks to promote some product that may, or may not, be amazing. I'm tired of listening to the paid, advertised "beauty gurus" including nails and cosmetics. These people just want to be paid another buck. The BLOGGERS are dedicating their free time just for the pure love and satisfaction they have out of doing nails, and sharing their true thoughts and opinions with women just like them (or men!)

Your "apology" is BS, not an apology at all. It's damage control, and you are basically telling the bloggers sorry they were offended, not sorry that I said something wrong an inappropriate.

I like how you pretty much refer to them as unprofessionals, but you look pretty dang unprofessional yourself. I don't get what good you thought you'd get out of the article. Were you just looking for publicity? I struggle to believe you thought you weren't going to upset people by this, so part of me wonders if you were just looking for attention.

I doubt nail professionals out there feel the same way you do.

Never read this magazine, and for SURE will not read it now. But, I will continue to support the bloggers out there who make my nail obsession that much more fun, realistic and down to earth. They bust their rears for their readers, and care!

Oh, and I'm a proud nail polish junkie. :)

Wow you really stirred the nail polish bottle with this one. Fiesty bunch arent they!

I agree with you Hannah! Alot these bloggers are misinformed know it alls. They're just looking for freebies and attention.

Miss A... if the products are exclusive to you... please explain to me how the hell we have access to them!? OPI, for instance... they are available in TARGET... right next to Sally Hansen.

I love how she flat out steals a line from this well written article calling her out on her poorly written temper tamtrum....
http://www.body-soulbeauty.com/2011/09/bloggers-nails-magazine-theres-room.html

It's rather ironic that you have a "What We Read" list including blogs written by these so called "polish junkies looking for free handouts..."

Hopefully this backlash will teach you to think before publishing such rubbish. Running a blog requires a lot of research and knowledge about the field you're writing about, so never again doubt the intelligence of bloggers.

The sad thing is that so many of these "experts" really aren't. I can't count the number of times I've heard people complain of terrible manicures or even injuries from these so-called experts. And the fact that you advocated nail techs STEALING images from blogs and presenting it as their own work is disgusting. You want to know why people don't just up and start a blog? Because blogging is hard work. It takes time, passion, money, and dedication. Being a nail tech does not require passion or dedication. And this isn't a war between bloggers and nail techs. The original article strikes me as drama-mongering. The author knew what kind of response she would get and I think she just wanted the publicity.

FYI Miss A, First off) That was not apology what so ever from Hannah, Second) Professional products? Do you mean OPI that is avaliable at Ulta stores for us CONSUMERS to buy. I'm sorry last time I checked that was not a PRO only store. You really don't seem like you know anything, and you are a PRO...LOL

FYI Tif...I have NEVER got freebies!!! So get your facts straight.

And this is why a lot off people do NOT go to PRO's That don't know jack shit....LOL

For me...it is all about saving cash. I simply can't afford to get my nails done all the time! I don't call myself a nail blogger but if I find a nail polish that doesn't chip on me then I am going to share the word! I am speaking for myself when I say I do not blog to gain free products or getting into pressrooms at trade shows. I simply do not care about that. Makeup is something I find very fun and I love to write...so why can't I combine the two without being accused of trying to get free handouts?


I think there was a better way for you to say that nail techs should get out there more without bashing the bloggers in your path.

Wouldn't stealing someone's pics and using it as your own be illegal in a sense also if said bloggers have their pictures COPYRIGHTED?

Way to go.

Sounds to me like nail techs and these so called pros need to step up their game.... That's not the bloggers problem. If these so called polish junkies can figure out how to get in touch with companies then good for them! If someone os passionate enough about the industry you are trying to represent then you should be happy. It's called Nails Magazine.. Not nail techs magazine...

what readers???

I have not read the original article but I have read most of the comments posted after her "apology". I am a licensed nail technician and although I do take pride in what I do, I also can tell you that I learn a lot from blogs and consumers who have tried things I have not. I am in a semi-rural area with very little access to all of the new trends, colors, and application techniques. Just because I'm a "professional" in the field doesn't mean I can't learn anything from someone else. It has been my experience that fellow "professionals" are stingy and self-serving when it comes to helping out one of our own. Bloggers do what you do, some of us appreciate the knowledge we can gain and pass it on rather than squander it.

Why didn't Hannah just ask Professional Nail Tech's to step up their game and make suggestions on how to do so? Now that would have been a great article! Was it really necessary to bash bloggers like she did? And now you know why I watermark my photo's, not that I'm a professional or anything, who would want to steal them??? Right!

I also sell OPI in my salon and Target also carries Essie. For one, when I sell a polish or any retail product I am educating my client on how to use it, why they should use it and on sanitation. As I said earlier, I've seen blogs where individuals are using Shellac at home, Minx at home, and these are professional products. I just left my salon in which a new client came in whose daughter had done their pedicure and the condition of my clients feet were horrible. I took the time to speak with the daughter and provided tips on what to do. Not everyone does that.

Question: When you are being sent products from companies are you getting training videos or do you attend trade shows or classes to ensure that you are using or applying the product properly? And to clarify, I said blogging about a bad experience is something I would love to read - learning from the consumer on what they expect or what small thing wasn't done that made them unhappy with the service.

Not all nail technicians use the same products, look at the longevity of some companies and ask your nail professional why they only carry a certain line or use a certain product. There may be an ethical decision behind that.

As for nail art blogs, I find them amusing and am often impressed with what I see. However, before we go dipping newspaper in vodka or an alcoholic substance what other way can this be done without comprimising the health of our nails for a fad?

In closing, I know that some bloggers may have taken offense - but don't put all of us nail technicians in a box. And cursing surely doesn't get a point across @AMarie. Thank you.

I am still disgusted by the initial article and this follow up is nothing but damage control. There is no true apology - just more bitterness. You are telling bloggers they are beneath you and have no right to even write about nail polish it the first place. You wrote that taking (copyrighted!) content from bloggers is ok and to conquer the ground that according to your article has bern stolen from bloggers.

Also the comments from Miss A etc. So you are saying customers have no right to purchase OPI or Essie because they are salon brands. In Germany both brands are sold as consumer products since years and funnily in the US you can buy them at quite a few consumer stores too. If you are against the brands distribution policy write a letter of complaint to OPI or Essie. I am sure they will ne delighted.

Salon brands are great but no magical nail polishes which only can applied by nail techs. I know which base and top coat to use, I know how to clean my naild before application and I can very well express my opinion about the formula and wear. And.. coming back to how OPI and Essie actually are sold - their formulas are made to please consumer needs too.

And saying bloggers only want samples is just plain rude and wrong. If you would have done a little research about the content on actual blogs you would see most products are purchased. Spending hundrets of dollars on nail polishes and working a few hours a day after a fulltime job surely has only one aim: to get a few samples according to you? Definitely not. Nail polish bloggers like me blog because we are passionate about nail polishes and because we love to share our passion. We consumer bloggers have an opinion and it's an
important opinion because in the end they are consumers like us who purchase products or services. Basically telling bloggers to shut up and let you shine is nothing but telling that you are threatend by the influence of bloggers.

It's beeing said that nail polish is the new lipstick in the customer purchase behaviour so it's expected that the interest in nail polishes will increase and every brand wants a piece of this cake. Former salon brands host blogger events, are shown in beauty magazines and are available for everyone at drugstores, perfumeries or department stores. You can't stop this development and like I said if you are coping about us consumer beeing allowed to purchase OPI etc. I am sure they will love to read your suggestion to stop their extra sales especially in this economy.

It's pretty ironic that a great number of the "what we read" sidebar are "nail polish junkies who are looking for free handouts". Your comments were ignorant, insulting and unjustified. It's certainly possible to "be an advocate for your audience" without offending a great many of your readers and the ENTIRE nail blogging community.

I agree with other posters who say that your 'apology' is not a true apology. You are not sorry for what you published, you are merely sorry that you kicked the hornet's nest and now are receiving negative press for it.

Why don't you go back to the very first sentence of your article - the reason you got so many emotional reactions was that you were RUDE! Do you know how many "CONSUMER BLOGGERS" have subscriptions to your magazine? This "follow up" article in no way repairs my opinion of you, in fact is has worsened it greatly.

Shit! I didn't realize "hell" was a curse word. My apologies!

I will NEVER read Nails Magazine thanks to you Hannah. Bloggers I read most certainly do not blog just to get attention. You, I would say is trying to get attention. & it's not GOOD attention. Please do not ever write an article ever again. Usually, when someone says that, I say what they say doesn't matter. But follow my advice. You do not want more hate then you've already got. I know you've offended so many people already. & I've heard that Amarixe said that she is very disappointed in Nails Magazine. (She is a beauty youtuber that has over 100,000 subscribers & CarlyCristman is offended as well & she also has over 100,000.) I am VERY disappointed.

Before assuming which products I am referring to, you could have asked! But as professional bloggers you would know what professional products you can't buy, right? Exactly! @AMarie there is a time and place to be civilized.

Oh, honey. I pray you take your own advice.

Your article was incredibly embarrassing for you. I don't think you hurt bloggers but you just made a fool of yourself. You don't seem to understand the world we live in. In every industry the internet has changed everything. You either stay relevant or just become obsolete. You also reveal how clueless you are in thinkng that it's trivial to blog. Not all nail technicians can maintain an engaging blog!

I am not a blogger at all so I don't have a personal stake in this. I just think you made a fool of yourself and need to be aware of this before you dig yourself further.

Well Miss A, to answer your question and I could be wrong, but as long as I have been painting my nails Ive been doing it the same way. I didnt know I needed a training video for that. My reviews are 100%. If I like it I say so, if I dont, I say so. The nail art your referring too is a newspaper manicure. Simple and cheap. Maybe thats the real problem. Whoa! Ive figured it out. If people are reading our blogs and getting step by step on how WE do it, then they might learn how to do it themselves and not feel the need to pay for a manicure.

Your bashing polish blogger for showcasing our love for nails. I cant speak for every polish blog online, but I know that on my blog I have a FAQ page where I state I am not a professional just a girl who loves nail polish. Now whatever my readers take away from my blog, I have NO control of that. If they attempt a mani seen on mine or another blog, we have NO control over that. So for someone to do what they seen online and then have to come to you to get the problem fix, there is nothing we can do about that.

The only thing I can say, it that it is what it is. Dont come on here saying that we are looking for attention and freebies. Thats not that case at all. If you take the time to read some of these blogs, then you will see that there is a lot going on other then nails. So for Hannah to act like we're taking away your spotlight, bullshit. If one of my readers see a mani on my blog and then come to you to do it then it works out for everyone. Get over it. We're not going anywhere.

Miss A: there is a difference between a professional blogger (= blogging to earn money for living) and a non-professional/passion-blogger (= blogging for fun to share the passion). Most of us are passion-bloggers and have regular fulltime jobs like me.

I only rarely see true pro products on blogs and you actually mentioned OPI.
Telling us "consumers" to not dare to buy OPI and to buy Sally Hansen instead? This high horse surely isn't appropriate.

This is absolutely disgusting. As a journalist, YOU have a responsibility to show a little tact in what you write and consider your audience.

I am a journalist with a Bachelor of Journalism/Digital Design and I have a nail blog.

No, I'm not a professional nail technician. But guess what? I have people ask me on a daily basis if I'd consider doing a nail course and if I would do nails professionally because people want to PAY me for my manicures. I do manicures for friends all the time and every single time, they try to pay me. Of course, I say no, because I'm NOT a professional. But the point is that we bloggers are not amateurs.

I have a friend who IS a nail tech and I have had people come to me saying I do a better job than her. How do you explain that?

Also, I have never ONCE received a free product to review. I blog because I love it and I love the nail blogging community. We are encouraging and support each other and that is what truly matters.

Take a look at yourself and re-read what you have written through a different perspective.

I'm late to the game here, but stand by my fellow bloggers... This is disgusting. I started a blog by buying polish with MY money, taking time out of MY day to do my nails and share them with my followers that are there because they obviously like what I have to say. I learned everything I know about nails from the bloggers I have met and became friends with, after vowing NEVER to go to another "professional" when my nails were mutilated. (Yes, I said mutilated. It took MONTHS for the damage to be repaired.) Have I gotten free products to review? Of course! That's because companies have contacted ME. I've sent emails out, yes, but never "begging for hand outs". I simply ask to be placed on the press list. If I want to know about the new collections coming out, I don't run to my nearest nail salon... I google it. The internet is where it's at... welcome to the 21st century.

If you're frustrated with the amount of press information or samples given to us lowly bloggers, perhaps you should take your concern to the company? Because obviously, they need your expert advice on how horrible of an idea it is to spread their information and pictures of their new collections ALL OVER THE INTERNET by sending it to bloggers, who are not paid MONEY to give these companies great press and exposure... Obviously, they should send the information ONLY to nail salons. Then, places like Ulta and Sally's can cease to exist, and everyone would go to "professionals" to get the information that..... Wait! That's a terrible idea! Because, quite obviously, you know NOTHING about marketing.

Great job! You've made your entire magazine look bad. Way. To. Go.

In regards to this whole situation, I find the exact opposite of Ms Lee's assertions to be true all throughout the beauty industry... the employees at the Nail Salon/Beauty Counter can NEVER answer my questions, while the internet (bloggers, forums, etc.) CAN. The so called 'professionals' are 9 times out of 10 clueless when I mention anything specific, any trend, or any product that isn't OPI. It seems that that the writer of this article is 10 years too late catching onto the internet age and doesn't realize that it is THE all powerful resource right now. Perhaps she's realizing it now, as some of the most influential people in the online beauty community are now spreading the negative word of mouth about "Nails Magazine".

You can also tell how old school and just...backwards, she is by the attitude she has about a license being the be all and end all of everything. Anyone with a pulse and the money can become a licensed nail tech. A few months of a training course and a piece of paper doesn't magically grant you all the knowledge and skill in the world. That's going to come through time, experience, etc and depend on the individual. But no this writer thinks it comes on a piece of paper.

While I suppose everything I've said thus far can be argued as being a matter of opinion, let's touch upon the fact that she ENCOURAGES NAIL TECHNICIANS TO PRINT IMAGES OFF THE INTERNET AND TELL CLIENTS IT IS THEIR OWN WORK. THAT, Ms. Lee is illegal. Please educate yourself, if not on MORALS than at least on basic LAWS, because you've made your company and industry look both deceitful and incompetent. You look down on 'non professionals' but advise 'true' nail techs to just claim the work of the non-professionals is their own. If they were at all competent and had the skills that that all-powerful 'license' you speak of gives them, would they need to steal the work of the lowly bloggers? How about they show some interest in their chosen profession and create their own portfolio.

It seems to me that "Move Over Bloggers" contained a complete reversal from Nails Magazine, since less than two years ago one of the first polish enthusiast blogs seemed newsworthy:

http://www.nailsmag.com/article/927/shes-all-lacquered-up

As an enthusiast polish blogger for a few years myself, after reading both articles here your opinion is still no more to me than your opinion, but calling on nail professionals to steal our material for profit is nothing shy of irresponsible.

I can't believe you encourage "proffesionals" to steal work from bloggers and call it their own. You are despicable.... That is so beyong wrong and illegal.... I hope this whole comes back to haunt you.

I'd be careful with what you say since your probably going to end up as one of those nail junkies that just want free handouts after the backlash of your offensive behavior. I hope companies take note!

There's no high horse here. Just a true professional that read the original post, read this post and posted my opinion. If the shoe fits wear it. A true professional would not steal other peoples photos and claim it as their own. Also a portfolio is something I do possess and I show it to clients, designers when I'm working different fShion events. As for teaching consumers step by step manicures, that's great. No love lost here, as I have a consistent clientele that continues to grow based on referrals. It's not about the money, I've been doing nails over 17 years.

I keep saying the same thing: don't categorize all nail technicians in a box. I'm not a discount salon owner or employee that is out to make a quick buck. In closing, keep in mind that the internet is a huge platform open to all of us.

Shit. We love "junkies"! ManGlaze wouldn't even exist without the bloggers who do what they do, not for money, but purely out of passion.

If your point is that nail professionals should be more like nail bloggers — I'd say you're 100% right. They should be thought leaders who are innovative and interested in their industry. But I can tell you from several attempts at trying to hip professional nail techs to our stuff, we're often met with blank stares from techs who just wanted to do their job and go home. I can't blame them. They have clients to attend to and probably the boss does all the purchasing.

But I think nail bloggers deserve some respect because they are the people who are actually starting trends and I for one depend on their influence on my company completely. Whether it's inspiring new products, letting us know when we suck, helping us name the stuff or just bullshitting with us online — they kick ass!

It's also pretty damned irritating that you make a point to say that bloggers are "infiltrating" your side of the nail world and going mingling in areas with "actual journalists". There are quite a few professional bloggers who would not like to be told that their opinion/input is lesser because they're not an "actual journalist". How is a blog a lesser form of publication?

Re-read your first sentence, Hannah. Rude as all get out. Clearly you want "consumer bloggers" to go away. You are "tired of" us. I bet your superior made you put in the "I don't think consumer blogs are bad" line...alllllll the way at the end.

By the way, stealing others' work and claiming it as your own is illegal.

You can try to backpedal all you want, but the damage is done. I cannot believe you even thought about suggesting that nail techs post content from bloggers. That, to me, displays a total lack of ethics, and quite frankly, detracts a lot from whatever credibility you had before.

For the record, I just started my own nail blog recently, but I have zero expectations for "free handouts". Yes, I will freely admit to being a polish junkie, but I am an all-around art lover, and for me, nail polish is a perfectly natural extension of my love for color. I am certainly not one of the bloggers taking over "YOUR" territory, but I don't care if I get free products or endorsements or anything. I'm just a college kid. But if my blog and the swatches and reviews that I post can help other polish lovers make decisions they don't regret, then it's completely worth it.

the only reason nail techs are "pros" and get licensed is because state laws require certification to ensure techs know about disease, how to recognize different diseases, how to properly use tools and chemicals, and how to maintain a sanitary practice. that has nothing to do with knowing the latest trends. nothing.
just because you went to school for 18 months does not make you any more well-read and in-the-know than a blogger who is passionate about the same thing.
if you read up about social media marketing, you would know that 10% of consumers will trust advertising. in the same survey, more than 70% of consumers said they follow their friend's recommendations*. bloggers are like friends. ask any marketing expert. (*mashable)

Extremely interesting reading. Also of interest to me is that I (like many others I'm sure) have a multitude of lowly blogs I subscribe to yet have never heard of...whats this place called again??

What a very high horse you sit atop of Hannah. For someone touting professionalism, you display a very poor grasp of it yourself. For an editor to advise your readership to steal other peoples creative and intellectual property and purport it as their own?

I spent 20 years on a horrendous search for a 'professional' and having never found one, I discovered the generous and wonderful world of nail blogs and enthusiast forums. My nails and 'skills' (as unqualified as they are) have never been better and I'm constantly approached for service, tips, advice etc and am more then happy to provide it where I can.

I'm sure there are a number of professionals who stay abreast of trends, technique's and happily share all with their clients and so they should but I have yet to find one.

I'm not in the least interested in reading any more of this online magazine then I have already. I'd certainly not subscribe based on the bitter rant displayed by its *choke* editor *choke*.

I do my own nails. I got an infection from a salon & it's less expensive too. That being said, I totally agree with the writer. Blogs, Youtube & facebook are FULL of dimwits who are "out for the freebies & money". Anyone can now be an"expert" because theyhave a camera,computer & opinion. You know what they say about opinions...everyone's got them. It amazes me how many people get free products & $ to showcase companies. How can you trust what they say? YGG....bravo for your opinion!

As a non-professional nail artist, polish enthusiast, and blogger, I am beyond offended at the attitude and remarks made in your 'apology' and the original article. Encouraging nail techs to steal photos and pass them off as their own? This was especially offensive and irresponsible to me as a nail artist. I'm by no means a professional, but I take extreme pride in my work, and my blogging. I never expect free handouts, I'm just happy to have people following and commenting on my posts! People are always asking me to do their nails, and salons express extreme interest in hiring me if I were licensed. I was even considering getting my license, but if this is the attitude I'll encounter among other 'professionals', well.. I'll stick to being a 'polish junkie' and doing others nails for free. Thank you for reminding me of why I no longer go to salons for manicures or pedicures.

My last post, cause its apparent some people just dont get it. I DONT GET PAID TO BLOG!!!! I am not looking for freebies or anything else. I get approached by the PR companies. I have NEVER claimed to be an expert. Do you need to be to paint your nails? Talk what you know. Maybe ur jelly no one values your opinion. Sad.

Hi, my name is Jana and I am a nail polish enthusiast and blogger. I've had a nail blog for over a year and love every minute of it. I work in sports and marketing/business for my "day job" but my blog is to share my love for nail polish with other like-minded people. My personal experiences with salon manicures have been alright, nothing remarkable but I simply prefer doing my own. I do not use things like shellac or minx or have access to pro-only stores, but I have relatives in the beauty world (mainly hair and makeup product training/education)

I like see nail techs in these comments, it's very nice to see that there are techs who are very passionate and know about the trends,new colors, etc. I tip my (virtual) hat to you all. I wish I'd encountered you in my salon trips; I hope other nail techs follow your lead.

But that being said, I am very unhappy with Hannah Lee, both the original article and this follow-up. I'm glad it came out right before I actually subscribed to Nails Magazine, because I absolutely will not be subscribing in any way in the future. I have sent the article and the subsequent follow-up to other friends and family in the professional side of the beauty industry because I'm interested in their reaction. But quite frankly, Ms. Lee you've lost many subscribers through this. I hope that someday things will be different for you, but for now I'm sending my money and loyalty to other nail publications, no doubt about it.

I can't respond to everyone's comments and arguments about my article. But one thing I'd like to clear up is I would never encourage anyone to take someone else's work and call it their own. I was simply suggesting to nail techs that they could make a scrapbook/style guide or trend book they can show their clients about what's hot and what's new. It could include new products, cool styles, inspiring designs, etc. I didn't mean for them to claim someone else's designs were nails they created. I simply was urging nail techs to find ways to show their clients what's hot and what's new in their field. That was the bottom line of my article. I do apologize to all the bloggers who I have offended. The magazine is written for nail techs. So I was writing the letter to nail techs in the hopes that they would find new ways to inspire their clients.

well Hannah, you've really made a fool of yourself. you really don't know much about the nail blogging world if you think we are all in it to get free stuff. i started and maintain my blog because i enjoy sharing my nail polish, experiences, and photos. i do it because i ENJOY it. you obviously have NO IDEA how much work goes into maintaining a blog.

i got a professional manicure once when i was a teenager and it was nothing special. 'professionals' (honestly now it's a cosmetology licence, not a Ph.D.) could learn a lot from bloggers' collective experience and knowledge. bloggers try masses of techniques and products that you won't get exposed to in beauty school. i have never met a nail tech in real life who knows more about nail products than me or can do a better job at polishing my nails than i can. and they'd charge me way too much to do a worse job.

i'm really glad i watermark my images since you suggested your "professional" audience to steal bloggers' photos. you've really made your side of the industry look bad.

"It could include new products, cool styles, inspiring designs, etc. I didn't mean for them to claim someone else's designs were nails they created. I simply was urging nail techs to find ways to show their clients what's hot and what's new in their field."

you are telling nail techs to look to bloggers for inspiration and bring blogger content to salon clients. but you insult the bloggers who generate the content. you are ridiculous.

You can't unring a bell, Hannah.

Your throwing an editorial tantrum—and printing it!—certainly isn't going to endear your industry professionals to us "lowly" consumers, without whom, may I remind you, your industry (like any other) WOULD. NOT. EXIST.

I can count on one hand—with fingers to spare—the number of nail techs I've talked to in the last FIFTEEN YEARS who know as much about their own frigging industry as the average beauty blogger. I adore my aesthetician (who is also a licensed nail tech and is one of the only techs EVER who has been able to give me a pedicure without triggering a violent kick reflex in my uber-ticklish feet), and I love my hair salon (although I don't use their nail services because I prefer my aesthetician). But neither my aesthetician nor my salon nail tech know anywhere near as much about current trends and new product developments as I do…! And why is that? Because I read BEAUTY BLOGS.

You either know your stuff, or you don't, government bureaucrat-granted license be hanged. Sad fact is, in my experience, most industry professionals just don't know their stuff (other than what's required to pass the state cosmetology exam); beauty bloggers do. And as far as I can tell, the biggest difference between people who know and people who don't know—beauty blogger or not, pro nail tech or not—is primarily one thing: PASSION. You can't buy that at a professionals-only supply store, and you sure as hades can't license it.

Get off your high horse. Learn to develop partnerships WITH bloggers and encourage your readership to do the same. Yes, nail techs have a certain degree of expertise; why can't you acknowledge the expertise of beauty bloggers? Blogging requires a totally different skill set than being a nail tech. Nobody needs to shut up or move over. But you're doing your professional readers a huge disservice in the grandest traditions of the RIAA, MPAA, and USPS, who ignored or tried to bully the agents of change in their respective industries.

Three words: Adapt or die.

I really hope that the magazine is aware that due to this article they have lost multiple readers/subscribers. I would call this article bad for buisness. I have not read each and every comment, but I have read most and agree with most of what is being said. I know two nail technicians and have one that lives next door to me. Out of the three of them not one knew anything about new products that OPI was coming out with. Even my local beauty supply store doesnt have the up to the minute know about products like these AWSOME blogs do. I think that these bloggers have done more for these companies than any nail salon I have ever been to. I have purchased hundreds of dollars worth of nail products in these last 9 months than I have in the last 9 years and it is all due to a nail bloggers. They got me interested in nail polish, not a nail tech. I think you should be ashamed of your self for saying such rude things. Your point was hybrid gels and peeling nails, but you bashed nail POLISH junkies. We could give two shits less about hybrid gels.

How crazy to write something like this you will loose lot of blogger that read the magazine.Very sad for you!

To all you self-involved "nail professionals":
Without the MONETARY SUPPORT of us silly nail junkies, you wouldn't have a job.

You're threatened that we figured out how to do our nails without the snotty attitudes and nail fungus.

...and here's another "consumer blogger" who won't be visiting a "nail professional" any time soon. Move over, professionals! To the unemployment line!

My name says it all.

everything that this "hannah" person spews is just plain pathetic. the fact that you are whining about being irrelevant in PRINT in a PROFESSIONAL magazine baffles me. i hope my blog inspires people to do a better job, themselves, without giving their hard earned money to your silly kind.

ckes00521 - Commented seconds ago
I feel most nail techs are lazy and ignorant to new products. People wouldn't turn to bloggers for the latest and greatest if "your readers/the pros" actually kept up with trends (not just the super trends a la crackle) and kept a HYGENIC, well stocked salon. Never have I ever received a better manicure than one I have done on myself thanks to BLOGGERS and other women on forums. I am truly in shock that you think that professionals are more 'in the know' than, say, someone who is actually passionate about nails as a hobby, not just as a means to making a living. I love nails. I blog. I will continue to blog. I know what looks best on myself, not someone I've met for 30 mintues. Plus "professionals" cost too much. I haven't gone to nail tech school, but you know what? I can do nails better than any tech I've ever met. My manicures last longer and look better for only a fraction of the cost. Oh and peeling nails? PLEASE. Everyone is different. Most "pros" in my experience suggest OPI products...or CND, and ya know what? They don't work for me and many, MANY others! I say- move over professionals-I don't need school to do what you do.

What I don't understand is if you were writing this to inspire,encourage, motivate and empower your "audience", why did you have to take such negative jabs at bloggers? What purpose does that serve? You took a potentially positive message and turned it negative and bitter. It was insulting, and obviously not well thought out.

Yet another blogger weighing in here. I'd like to respond to a few of Hannah's statements that stuck out to me. I am surprised that she apparently feels that there's only one kind of nail blogger out there. "... a bunch of polish junkies who are looking for free handouts of the latest collections from manufacturers." Myself and plenty other bloggers have not received a single item for review. We don't ask for- nor do we expect- anything for our efforts. We blog because it's fun! "I see as many bloggers taking meetings with manufacturers and hanging out in the press room at trade shows as I do actual journalists." How is a nail blogger not a journalist? We write about polish and our experiences with it. We even help shape trends and sometimes even collaborate with nail polish companies. (See: Barielle's All Lacquered Up collection and Rescue Beauty Lounge's blogger collection.)

"In the article I urge nail techs to start their own blogs to share their knowledge about their industry." I think it would be awesome if more professionals had blogs like Sophy Robson's, where passion and creativity overflow from the page. But I am absolutely not on board with this next suggestion of Hannah's...

"Heck, put stuff you find on blogs and in consumer magazines in there too, but present it to your clients as you being their go-to source for all things nail-related." This reads like Hannah is telling nail professionals to flat out steal pictures from nail bloggers. We often copyright our pictures- they are OUR property- and they should not be passed off as someone else's work. If Hannah was trying to say that nail pros should take ideas and inspiration- not copyrighted pictures- from those who do nail art, she should have worded her sentence to reflect that. This issue really needs to be addressed by Nails Magazine and I hope that Hannah is speaking for herself, not the magazine, with her apparent suggestion to steal images.

"I’ve just been thinking that they’re taking the nail care spotlight from those who rightly deserve it — YOU." The spotlight is big enough for all of us. I personally don't think most bloggers even claim to be experts on everything involving nails. If someone comes to me and asks the difference between Shellac, Axxium and Gelish, or gels versus acrylics versus Solar Nails, I would tell them that it's not something I could really advise them on. Ditto sterilization, tools, dryers, etc. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who would admit that! Bloggers share their opinions and experiences- what's wrong with that? I don't want to speak for everyone, but I'm sure a lot of us are aware that there are fields in the nail care industry that we just don't know a lot about. And I haven't seen a single blogger insult all nail professionals, either. There are pros who are passionate about and love their work, just like there are pros who don't care about their clients or their work. We don't categorize all pros as being careless and unsafe, so why should Hannah categorize all bloggers as being greedy morons?

Bloggers are not trying to usurp the position of nail professionals. I understand that Nails Magazine caters primarily to professionals, but some of us do (or now did) read your magazine. An article about suggestions for pros on improving their internet prescence is a great idea. Or an article on rediscovering and reigniting a passion for nails when there are so many great ideas and innovations around right now. But tearing down and insulting one group of people (and we're apparently a lot more diverse than Hannah knows) to lift and praise another didn't need to be done. There was absolutely no reason for Hannah to speak negatively about bloggers. She could have written an article about nail pros taking full advantage of technology to impress and reach clients without even saying a word (negative or otherwise) about bloggers. I myself still go to professionals on occasion because I enjoy a little pampering. We can all coexist, and I hope that Hannah genuinely comes to realize this.

I'll respond to YOUR response by the sections I think need to e addressed.
"As a trade publication for nail technicians, NAILS Magazine’s main focus is to elevate nail professionals. I get kind of protective of my readership and my point is that nail techs should assert themselves as experts in the field. In the article I urge nail techs to start their own blogs to share their knowledge about their industry."

I applaud you for knowing your focus and your readership, however I'd think that in your position it would be required to keep that in mind as your job and your articles depend on that to do the articles that attract and are better adjusted to your readership. What I think I don't understand is why you feel you have to be "protective". Have you considered for a moment that some of your "readership" might actually NOT be the majority of who you think would be reading? People are inspired by those they admire for the work and professionalism they encounter day to day. I'd probably be inspired to want to be a nail professional if I was inspired by enough nail professionals I've encountered in my experiences. If you want to inspire your readers, why don't you inspire them to improve? How about challenge them to challenge themselves? Ask their customers what type stuff they think they want to see more, know more about? Want your pros to improve, tell them to aspire to do such a great job that their customers ADMIRE them, not despise them. Just like many things, it's the bad apples of your business that are what sour the minds of the customers of these pros. Sadly just because you are an editor I think you have taken on editorial that you can't undo... even professionals (like yourself) can act UN-professional from time to time. Your article was a clear example of that.


"I stand by my original point that nail professionals should present themselves as experts in all matters of nail care."
Perfect, If a nail professional knows their craft and their business well then I as a consumer WOULD expect them to be an expert. However, as with most crafts (or businesses) often if what you currently know is good enough to get by in the business, there really isn't much interest in upping your game is there?

"I apologize to those of you who are offended — but remember that I’m an advocate for my audience: professional nail techs. "
Not offended, because that would mean I actually thought you understood what you wrote to begin with. Maybe you did, maybe the intent of this article was to stir up such a cr@p storm on the internet that people would mouth your name in disgust instead of in respect and admiration. But hey, if that's how you want to be remembered, who am I, the lowly nail & beauty blogger to care about such things? Apparently I didn't quality for your blanket statement about bloggers (sorry, ain't received any neato-freebies from ANY PR company.. guess my blog really DOES suck! Thanks!), so it's less of a concern to me. After all, I certainly won't be taking YOUR advise on any purchases. I pay for all of my own items or I'm lucky enough to have friends who can get me connections to other goodies.

I encourage you to bring some CLASS to your act of PROFESSIONALISM you think you provided for us today. And when you do, I'll return to admire a person who truly deserved such admiration. Until then, one less reader (of many) you'll have.

But hey, all those companies your magazine and blog corresponds with for work? Yeah, they'll be hearing from me, as THEIR consumer too, and I'll be advising them to re-think their association with you for their business.

Nice try. The fact is that many "nail junkie bloggers" DO know their stuff better than many so-called professionals. Telling them to step down just to make the "pros" look better just shows how bitter and threatened you are. Instead of saying "I'm sorry you were offended" and making it look like OUR problem, try apologizing for the disgustingly rude and judgmental piece of drivel you put out.

wow- this has been a very interesting read that is for sure. I am a nail tech and have been for 9 years now and I don't know everything. I love reading a lot of things, from blogs to YouTube to nails magazine. I keep reading to learn- so for those of you that have never found a nail tech that knows it all, they can find out I am sure. my laptop is always at work and if i am not sure of an answer I find out.

Now you are mad at Hannah for being insensitive and yes maybe she is, but now I am a little peeved because a lot of you are saying we as nail techs don't know what we are talking about.

There is one thing you all have to remember, "Paper NEVER refused ink" .

Kim, we're not mad at Hannah for being insensitive. We're mad because she was rude, made it very clear that she disdains bloggers and thinks they should step down in the "pecking order", and now she's giving an insincere apology in hopes of trying to get out of taking responsibility for the nasty things she wrote.

Also, we aren't saying that ALL nail techs don't know what they're talking about. But many *don't* keep up with the trends, the latest treatments, and the latest colors. If you are a nail technician who does, kudos to you.

BunnyMasseuse has said it the best so far:

There was no reason to attack nail bloggers at all. An article geared solely toward showing professional nail techs how to reach their clients with even more info (WITHOUT stealing content) would have been absolutely appropriate. However, this article is not.

The nail techs that are offended by our responses should realize that we are NOT grouping ALL techs together as "non-experts." If you know your stuff, publish it on a site! JOIN the bloggers instead of ridicule them.

First of all, you really aren't even worth my time right now, but I just had to chime in considering that I am a nail art blogger and damn pround of it. How sad, pathetic and foolish do you sound? Your juvenile, childish little rant shows just how threatened you are by the amazingly talented nail bloggers out there who live, breathe, bleed for their passion of nails, not for a damn free bottle of nail polish, which is a concept you obviously are too ignorant to even comprehend. Like I said, I am a nail art blogger and I have over 5000 followers, many of them nail art bloggers themselves who also have thousands and thousands of followers. Please believe that I will be letting all my 5000+ followers know what a joke Hannah Lee and Nails Mag is to the beauty blogging community. Oh and by the way, I wouldn't even wipe my a$$ with that lame, sad excuse of an "apology", GTFOWTBS!!!!
-PrettyNailSwag-

What completely amazes me is that you say "As a trade publication for nail technicians, NAILS Magazine’s main focus is to elevate nail professionals. I get kind of protective of my readership and my point is that nail techs should assert themselves as experts in the field."

I would think that the best way to advocate for your field and your profession would be to encourage them to be as knowledgeable as possible. Knowledge IS power. And that knowledge should come from wherever they can get it. The best thing for your targeted audience to do would be to EMBRACE the bloggers and blogger world and ENCOURAGE the further merger of the two worlds. Niche brands have had popularity SORE through the blogging world. Why wouldn't you want bloggers everywhere referring to their wonderful nail tech as we bloggers refer to our sales associates? Ive never met Dustin from Le Metier De Beaute, but I certainly know his name. And how wonderful is that for him? It extends HIS power and reach within the world of beauty. Why WOULDN'T you want us to be posting all the time "for more info, or a great manicure with this fantastic new system, call jane doe at the wonderful blank salon! She is fantastic, and oh so knowledgeable!" The most successful beauty sales associates embrace that role, why don't you?

Someone needs to fire Hannah and hire a more forward thinking Editor.

As a professional nail tech and blogger I am disgusted. I'm proud to say I'm passionate about what i do and was blogging about nails before I went pro. I have a subscription to nails mag that Im not pleased with now.

Honestly all these arguments sound like a broken record. Yeah your feelings are hurt but most of you are being just as childish as her, to call most nail techs lazy and claiming that you know more is just plain petty. Fact is that they worked for that license. Yes they do actually put a lot of time and effort to get that recognition, I only know this because I went to cosmetology school and am a licensed esthetician. So to belittle someone because you think you can do their job better is sinking just as low as what most of you were upset at in the first place.
Oh yeah, I'm referring to all the remarks about nail techs and not about the article. I can see both sides of the argument even though the article itself was very untasteful.
At the end of the day...........
"Don't let the haters stop you from doin yo thang"

I understand that many of you are obviously upset over this article. However, bashing professional nail techs is uncalled for and ridiculous. While there are many in this industry who DO NOT continue their education, don't stay abreast of current trends and don't have a passion for nails, MANY of us do. And while you didn't appreciate Hannah lumping you all into one category, neither do we. There are many of us who are completely passionate about our jobs, which is why we got into the industry in the first place. I own a very successful salon. My day doesn't end when I get home. I have several more hours of work to do. Goose, you suggested that we nail techs should publish what we know on a site. Just when do you suggest we do that? I work anywhere from 75 - 90 hours a week. Many of us don't have the luxury of "posting what we know" on a blog. We are trying to keep up with our salons, employees, paperwork, laundry, taking classes to continue our education, attending every trade show that we can afford to, etc. In addition, I find it extremely difficult to believe that all of you bloggers have never found a nail tech who knew anything about any other polish than OPI. While it is true that I do carry OPI at my salon(in addition to many others), it is because our clients ask for it by name. Not because it is the only polish I know of.

Nails magazine is a publication FOR professional nail techs. It is not in stores where just any one can pick up a copy. It was designed for nail techs and the articles in it are written for nail professionals. If you are that upset about what was written, perhaps you should start your own magazine. To me, it's no different than any other trade publication, be it a plumber, contractor, cosmetologist, etc. Trade magazines are written FOR professionals and if there were something written in those magazines that a non professional got upset over, too bad. You are not their target audience. I read Nails magazine cover to cover every single month and I have for years. I am glad to have a publication that is written for the industry I have chosen to be in, that supports me, as a professional. A place I can turn to for advice, help, new ideas, trends, and more.

For those of you who stated "it's called nails magazine, not nail professional magazine" are you really that dim? It is clearly and obviously a magazine for nail techs, NOT consumers. And frankly, I appreciate the fact that Hannah supports our industry.

Sherri, HANNAH was the one that suggested that you professionals start a blog. It was her idea, read the original article. All Goose was saying was that we bloggers would welcome professionals into our community - and as you can see from the comments here, we do have a rather large community. This magazine might be for nail techs, but obviously they've reached out to bloggers before - in this month's magazine, Diana of Painted Lady Fingers, a NON PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER, has been featured. So, it's a bit ironic that in the same magazine that we're not "supposed" to subscribe to, because we're not professionals, is both featuring a non professional and an article bashing non professionals.
You know what's "too bad"? That Hannah can't be bothered to offer a sincere apology to a group she offended. This follow up is dripping with sarcasm.
Well, it's too bad that many of us will post our own thoughts on these articles on our little, lowly, non professional blogs and reach thousands of people. I have a mere 450+ active followers on my blog. However, I get more than 10,000 page views a month. Imagine the amount of page views Mary, of Body and Soul Beauty, gets with her OVER 3000 followers! Do you have that kind of reach, Hannah? Multiply that with all the "non professional bloggers" posting our reactions to your article. Imagine the impact it will have.
I would think that you might consider something a bit more drastic, like a retraction, rather than this sorry excuse of an apology.

Wow, great apology Hannah. It's just about as sincere as your first article was not condescending.

Noone for a second thinks that nail bloggers are trying to replace nail technicians anyway. Only insecure magazine editors with a slanted view of the blogosphere (yeah, Hannah, the bloggers are all just doing it for the freebies) will think that. Don't forget that as consumers, WE ARE THE ONES WHO SPEND THE CASH. I'm so sorry if your dear nail techs are thinking we are encroaching on their territory - you'd think they'd be happy that we're bringing more customers to them, and elevating their field of work (remember a time when a nail tech was thought of as a lowly menial job noone would want?).

Thanks again Hannah. For putting your foot in the mouth a second time. Despite your "Follow Up" it's clear that Nails Mag obviously doesn't get the blogosphere.

And on another note, I'd like to add that the reason why so many of us read nail blogs is because they exhibit a level of passion and interest in nail care that obviously we don't see in a significant number of professional nail techs.

Now I know not all nail techs are disinterested, and there are some truly passionate ones, but you'd think that Hannah's response should then be to ask the slackers among you to buck up, instead of dissing every blog-writing girl who is into nail polish. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot, by dissing the very customers who would be most likely to go to your nail tech.

Hi, this is Liloo here. I have been very offended by your original article. I am glad you don't wish bloggers to go away because they're not likely to go away anytime soon.

In most occasions, in most of the times, it's not the opinion of a professional in nails that I'd rather read about, it's the opinion of a noob like me, who suck at applying nail polish like me, how they got on with it, how it makes them feel when they wear it. i want personality, i want a person i can identify myself with, i want emotions, i want no so perfect swatches, i want pictures in the lounge, on hairy arms, from a girl next door. Your jealousy at bloggers and how they steal your spot in the online universe threw a bad light on your profession and this now leaves with even less desire to read publication from your profession. See what you've done.

from, liloo, a blogger who sucks at applying at nail polish and who knows jack sh*t about nail polish but who is proud of it.

I am a blogger and proud of it! This article is a slap in the face to all of us out there who are passionate about polish and want to share that passion with the world. I have 'met' so many people in the world I would never have before thru blogging. I agree that nail techs aren't as knowledgable as we are about polish and trends and brands. Every salon I've ever been to, was just a line factory doing a shoddy job in a short amount of time for too much money. I was never informed of different brands, each salon pedals their own brand, and certainly would not be allowed to discuss a product that they don't sell! I learned how to do my own nails much better than any professional. I do not get free polish, don't ever expect to. I do this because I love nail polish. It's that simple. You, miss editor, need to step down from your post and get someone else in as editor who will see that us bloggers are not going anywhere and are embraced by the masses.

Hannah you now mentioned several times that Nails Magazine and your article are made/addressed to nail techs/professionals only. After thinking more about it I am even more and more stunned how you don't see the potential risk you've set the nail techs who could follow this advice of you:

"Heck, put stuff you find on blogs and in consumer magazines in there too, but present it to your clients as you being their go-to source for all things nail-related."

So yes you DO recommend nail techs/salon owners to use COPYRIGHTED (because yes - every picture bloggers take themselves, every article of them is in fact copyrighted) pictures and present them to their clients. You recommend to use copyrighted images/"stuff you find on blogs" to use for a COMMERCIAL purpose. You've recommended what can actually harm their business if they would follow your advice and then have to face legal actions by the copyright owner and law suit.
How can the editor of a magazine whichs purpose (which you now made very clear) is to guide, inform, inspire and to give advice to professionals suggest actions that can actually harm their business/their existence?

Nothing you now say or try to say now online about how you meant the above quote can take away what has been printed and recommended to your readers.
Aren't you or Nails Magazine even legally liable/responsible for eventual copyright infringements based on your recommendation/advice?

With your article you not only completely missed the point of giving advice to nail techs on how to improve their presence online by bashing and insulting bloggers instead you even gave advice on how to harm their business by breaking copyrights by using copyrighted content for a commercial use.

Well done.

I don't think there's much point arguing with Hannah's piece.

It just demonstrates her total lack of understanding of the current business climate. Here we are in 2011, and it's really a few years too late to call nail (or style) blogging 'new'. All areas of the fashion and lifestyle industries depend on ideas 'from the street', and have done for rather a long time. Just look at the amount of money that savvy businesses and designers spend on trendhunting.

I hope people vote with their clicks. Hannah has exposed herself as a dinosaur with a very un-future-proof approach to her own 'area of expertise'. Professional nail techs of course, can be great, but can also be subject to so many restrictions... allegiance to brands, to the buyers in their workplace, to their typical clientele and to the simple fact that they are earning their rent. Some of them do have passion for the industry outside of their 9-5, and the freedom to explore the latest developments, but like anyone, others choose to have other interests outside of their work. My own 9-5 is not nail related, and I have to say I have more passion for style and nails than how I earn my salary!

It doesn't make any sense at all to slam nail bloggers' extensive knowledge and passion when they're putting it irrefutably under your nose. Just as Hannah has put her antiquated, inaccurate ideas under our noses. She is perhaps too involved in the 'nail industry' and needs to look at the wider environment that we live in. It's not enough to be an expert in what you do, you need to be a communications expert too. At which, Hannah, you have failed, spectacularly.

I hardly need to add this, but there isn't much point Hannah protesting that she was singling out her audience, when publishing to the internet.

"Journalists" (and I use that term lightly because I doubt many magazine writers earned their dues by going to school and becoming a "real journalist") are so threatened by bloggers. Why? Because we can tell it like it is. We don't have to cowtow to advertisers. We don't have deadlines and financial pressures to overcome in order to be heard. We can write what we are passionate about and click "publish" on our blogs.

My sister--who has been in the beauty and fashion industry for ages--was so impressed with my nails and passion for what I'm doing, she encouraged me to get a license. NO WAY. Not because I don't have respect for professionals, but between my chronic illnesses and the chemicals in salons, I would not enjoy it.

Spending a few hours a week doing my nails is lovely and therapeutic. It is fun and creative and sometimes it's a disaster but if that makes me a nail junkie, so be it.

Besides, this is a hobby. I'm not trying to "get free samples"--although when in discussions with a polish company recently, I did mention to them I do product reviews (I do it for several large companies, as well as medical reviews, and also book reviews for a few major publishers). I believe in their company. Would I love free polish? HELL YES. lol I mean, really? Who would turn down free things? Not in this economy!

But here's the thing--writing/reviewing is my hobby. I'm disabled. I'd rather spend $20 on a Lippmann polish than go to a salon. I can't afford the upkeep. Plus I see it as one more "craft" to work on and perfect for myself. Blogging is just a fun outlet for that creativity.

Do I depend on Bloggers for polish advice? HELL YES. If I want to know what a swatch really looks like, I turn to my ever growing blog roll. I subscribe to my favorites by mail so I never miss a thing. I can find out the latest and best from the comfort of my home any day or time. No appointment, no language barrier (well, there IS a blog I follow from a woman in Poland but she usually translates into English).

We are consumers. The ones that YOU are so quick to insult. I don't leave my intellect at the door when I go to the doctor, it's not going to stop when it comes to nail polish. If I know more about some things than some doctors encounter, I guarantee I know more than some of the 'pro nail techs'.

Step back, Nails magazine. Threatened much?

Oh and don't worry, I wouldn't dream of spending my money on your magazine like I was planning, and sullying your readership. I'll spend it on some nailpolish instead ;)

Wow .......... I missed the article ... anyone got it? Never seen so much discussion!

Everything worth saying has already been said, but I'll throw my hat in the ring in hopes that the sheer number of comments makes someone at Nails Mag take notice.

Hannah is rude, unprofessional, and needs to remember that it is 2011 and online marketing is an ENORMOUS tool that companies wisely use. If nail techs (and yes, I'm going to generalize here because I personally can't think of a single pro with an online presence, and that's the entire point of the article, other than the rudeness to bloggers) aren't taking advantage of the power of the internet to spread and gain information...then it is not the problem of the bloggers, and I certainly don't feel the need to step aside.

I personally dont see what all the fuss is about. Hannah is allowed to have her opinion as well as eeach one of us. ive read the blog and i didnt find anything that warrents all this nastyness. isnt it kinda hypocrytical of you all to call her rude what you are being far more rude yourselves? We dont always have to agree the the editors of magazines. but we should learn to express our opinion in a nicer way

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I don't care that you call us "Polish Junkies" because I proudly am one. I have never and will never have the intent to usurp anyone's professional status or business. Your words just show how you would rather criticize and point fingers rather than tell your professional readers that maybe they should up their game a little if WE know more than THEY do.

Face it, this is the age of the internet and unless you keep up, you'll fall behind. Like someone else on here said, you're also bad-mouthing the brands that have active relationships with the bloggers you're trashing--oh excuse, me, then backtracking with "just kidding haha they're fine".

You're upset by the so called foul language that your drivel has provoked? HAHAHAHA get over yourself, as what you have written is by definition FOUL.

I know my THOUSANDS of readers won't be going anywhere but there are readers/subscribers of YOUR magazine that are going to cancel immediately and won't be back. How sad for you.

For all you bloggers who claim you don't getpaid....you must not be doing it right! Your giveaways are sponsored. You have ads on your blogs to make $. You get freebies then kiss the company's behind to get more. You have YT channels(some do) & get paid per sub/view. How do you expect us to respect your opinion? I do my own nails most of the time but it's tiring & dull to read about your "outrage" at a pro's opinion. Pull up your big girl panties & move on. Hannah's right!

P. S. @ Manicured Slayer....Your massive tirade was ridiculous. "Language barrier"? Wow,racist much????

Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. How amusing that as a professional jounalist you have caused so much confusion with your ill worded, badly written and offensive article. I know a great many people who have journalism blogs, who aren't paid to be journalists as their full time jobs, who could do your job FAR better than you. Surely when writing a publication one would hope to get their point across without having to further clarify your point at least two times down the line. Surely?

How many people here alone have mentioned that from reading your article it would seem you are encouraging nail techs to steal work from bloggers? How many? All of those people who have read your article in that manner way are not wrong, more likely it is your lack of writing talent which means you are unable to express yourself coherently.

How many of your readers will miss you saying that you only wanted them to steal the images for scrapbook purposes rather than to pass off on their own? A lot, most. A great many of them may take your advice to STEAL because they have read your ill written article in the same way that myself and nearly every person who has commented here has. If someone is caught stealing they are will be subject to legal action from bloggers and you will be just as liable.

Nails Magazine is completely delusional for even letting the previous article hit the internet. I am not a nail tech nor am I a "nail polish junkie" blogger. I am, however, infatuated with nails, polishes, designs, and just the art of the craft itself. I enjoy going from salon to salon just to see what they have in their portfolios and to see how original and creative they can be with the art that they are able to produce. The art I display is on my nails for the world to see; of course I want them to be the most intriguing! Bashing the bloggers offends me because of all the salons I've been to, none of them surpass the creativity and effort that these bloggers put into their work. If ANYTHING, they should be credited with having inspired most of the "new nail art" hitting salons nationwide. Give the bloggers credit for continuing to make all types of nails still relevant, hot, exciting, and enticing enough for us fashionable ladies to want to spend a day in the salon. You should be ashamed Hannah because although they are not "professionals", they are leading in the forefront of "your" industry.

Wow. I heard something about this article and didn't care much until I actually read it. Now I'm surprised (a) by the writer's initial ignorance to have written such a shallow and offensive piece in the first place, and (b) by her choice to post a follow-up that is so devoid of any self-awareness that it does more harm than repair.

Lady, just what is it that you're so upset about? That you and "your people" don't get enough profit and attention?

It's not the bloggers' fault if "you" were slack in discovering new trends and failed to capitalize on new social media platforms.

If there was even one good point in the article, I would acknowledge it. But the whole thing stems from a place of jealousy and negativity that pits people against one another. "They", "you" and "me"? It begs the question: just who do YOU think you are?

I am surprised that a "professional" editor wrote such a poor and very unprofessional article, I am even more surprised that the magazine actually published it.

I am not a nail pro or blogger, but I do enjoy reading the nail blogs and keep up to date on the new products out there. Now, if I were to ask one of the ladies at the nail salon that I go to about new colors/products out there, they would be clueless.

I understand the point that Hannah is trying to get across, however, I can't understand how the editor of a magazine can write something so full of sarcasm, attitude, and offensive material. What's next, an article talking trash about the nail pros that aren't up to date on all the new trends? Re-read your article & so-called apology Hannah, you should NOT be the editor of a PROFESSIONAL magazine. I am ashamed for you.

Hannah, you generalize bloggers as "a bunch of polish junkies who are looking for free handouts of the latest collections from manufacturers" and now you try to eat your words. I've always thought of manicures and polish as a fun way to promote girl-bonding, among other things. If NAILS has your elitist, "us vs. them" kind of attitude that you do- well, there's many classier publications out there.

Thank you so much "nail polish fan" for generalizing "all" of us "bloggers". Not all bloggers have sponsored giveaways and even if surely not all the time and not all have ads on our blogs.

Thinking that bloggers and youtubers blog or vlog for freebies and a few bucks for ad clicks is disgusting. Do you have any idea how much work it is to maintain a blog? How many hours a week we bloggers spend every day, every week to swatch and blog? You need a lot of passion for nails, nail polish and nail art to keep beeing motivated to blog.
I simply love nail polishes and I love to share my passion. I am ad free but I also understand the need for ads. Have you also ever thought about that it also costs money to maintain a blog especially if it's self hosted? Possible ads probably even only would cover a part of these costs.

Like Jeannie just said pretty much everything that needs to be said has been.
I'm a blogger.
I just subscribed to Nails Magazine (prior to this) because of my love for nails/polish/art/etc but I will be canceling that immediately because Hannah and in turn Nails Magazine for being associated with her disgust me.

I hope Nails Magazine is listening. I hope Hannah gets what is coming to her for her actions.

If the intent of your article was merely to let nail professionals know how to compete with bloggers, the outcome would have been entirely different. An article that gave the tips you recommended (maybe minus the stealing info one), WITHOUT insulting bloggers repeatedly, would've been effective in carrying your message without alienating everyone who isn't a nail professional.

And FYI to those stating nail techs need a license for a reason - you don't need a license everywhere. In Ontario, the only thing you need to open a nail salon is a bottle of nail polish. So while I wouldn't say just anyone can pick up a brush and do great nails, it isn't at all difficult to educate oneself on the do's and don't's of manicures.

Hannah,
You must have been the insecure girl at school who thought that bullying others made you look good. It doesn't. It makes you ánd Nails Magazine look like a jealous bunch of little girls.
If you were a smart eloquent woman you should have been able to inform your readers in a constructive way on how to get their voices heard without insulting others. If only you were smart.
Sincerely, Inge

It's ironic to see one non-nailtech who writes about nails and polishes to use the "lack of relevant education"-argument to attack the skill set of other non-nailtechs who write about nails and polishes.

Your article has guaranteed that I will never visit a professional nail salon again. Customers go where they get the best information, quality and value, and if your industry can no longer provide that, it is a problem with your industry and not your customers. If you feel that you are losing business to people who decide to do their nails at home, you should re-evaluate your industry.

@Jeanette Like I said, if you're not making $ off of your blog...you're not doing it right. Especially if your claim about hours & hours of your time is correct. I'm tired of the blogging,YT community getting $ & tons of free product for reviews. It's rare to see a blogger/YT'er who actually refuses freebies/sponsorships in order to have integrity. All I see is people passing off their opinion as gospel truth when in reality it's kissing a company's behind to get more cash and/or freebies. I'll take a pro who is schooled over some greedy blogger/YT'er anyday. Rock on Hannah!

@nail polish fan

First off, I am a writer. What, did I use too many words for your mind to comprehend?

Second yes I have ads. It's a few clicks to set up, but I don't blog for money. If I make some, great. I'm disabled and the income would help. I'm actually working on promotions for authors right now--that's where I spend my energy, not on trying to earn from my polish blog.

I can also do UNBIASED reviews of products. If I love it, I will say so. If I don't, well, I give constructive criticism. I trust a polish blogger's opinion more than I do from a company whose bottom line is to sell, sell, sell. Have you ever given advice to someone? If so, you're just the pot calling the kettle black.

As for me being racist--THAT is laughable. Perhaps it is my state, but we have a very high population of people for whom English is not their first language. That includes Nail Salons. They may be bilingual but I am not. It is difficult trying to have a business discussion (after all, I'm paying, therefore it's business) with someone who isn't fluent in English. And I believe other commenters have replied with similar language issues, or been ignored by their tech completely while they chatted with other techs in a different language. I think it's rude. That's not being racist. I don't refuse to patronize a business based on someone's ethnicity, gender, looks, sexuality, or religion either.

But nice out of my "long response" that's the only thing you chose to glean from it. But oh dear! Look! Another long reply! Might best be to step away from the computer if too many words overwhelm you.

You really consider someone who can take a class for 18 months "schooled"? Why are there so many complaints about salons? How is it that if you Google about infections from salons there are thousands of hits?

I'll do my own nails, thank you very much. And...I think maybe you're jealous of the bloggers who get all the swag. No wonder you fit so nicely with this editor's mentality!

@Slayer Wow your "name" is perfect because your tirades slay me. You have no idea of who I am or what I do...because unlike you I don't feel the need to bore everyone here with my life history. Your comment wreaks of racism. Hannah stated her opinion & I agreed. People have died so that she can speak her mind...& I can agree with her. For you &all of your kind to come here & bash her is ridiculous. Few of you have responded in a classy way.......so very telling. She hit the nail on the head & now she gets threats & put downs. Real classy. Troll much???

"nail polish fan" have you ever thought about that I don't want to make money with my blog? That I just do it for fun? Because I love it and just enjoy sharing my passion for nail polish and don't depend on making money with it? That I already have a fulltime job I enjoy and which ensures me a nice life? I guess not because if you would just think a bit outside of your "bloggers/youtubers just want freebies and make $ with ads" box you wouldn't insult me like you did.

Oh and btw I already refused reviews and sponsored posts but just keep on spitting hate and generalizing bloggers and youtubers. You seem to highly enjoy it.

That you claim to haven't found a blogger/youtuber with integrity yet shows that you either don't follow enough bloggers/youtubers or you follow the wrong ones.
Like in every branch, in every profession or group there will be rotten apples. But there will be plenty of people with integrity also - you just have to make the effort to find them.

This article has an attitude problem. There are glaring problems in the nail industry. I paint my cousins nails for fun, and where she goes to have them 'professionally' done was so thrilled they wanted ME (a common lowly nail blog reader and polish junkie) to go to their establishment and TEACH. THEM. HOW. TO. DO. IT. It's mind boggling the lack of information some pros have. I get your magazine for free but guess I'll just wipe my butt with it now since I'm not qualified to read it. Thanks!

I will not lump all nail techs to one box because I have encountered brilliant nail techs who also look to nail bloggers (who aren't "professionals", as you so eloquently put it) for inspiration and advice.

Unfortunately, I have also encountered some who has no clue as to what things are. E.g. I had a manicure at David Jones (an upmarket departmental store in Australia), at the OPI counter a few months ago. A friend of mine brought a bottle of the Seche Vite top coat for our manicure session (not many salons use Seche Vite because it's not readily available in Australia). Her manicurist immediately recognised and praised the ability of the Seche Vite.

However, my manicurist had no clue what it was, and actually mocked me for using something other than OPI. I never returned for future manicures.

@Jeanette Never meant to insult you. If you do what you claim I would be honored to follow your blog. It's refreshing to hear of people like you. What's the name of your blog? You're the kind of lady I 'd love to know & read...you're one in a million.

It's ironic to me that the editor, Hannah is not a licensed nail tech herself. So what qualifies her to talk about nail trends? She is no more "educated" than the bloggers she is bashing.

"nail polish fan", you are a moron.
Here is how much money I have made off my blog: $0.
Money made off ads: $0
Free items given to me for review: 0

Like so many have said, I don't write a blog to make money from it. I have a full time job AND a part time job which keeps me more than comfortable. Blogging is something I love doing, a way to meet fellow "nail junkies" and a hobby.

You are so misinformed. I don't know where you get the idea that we're all raking it in but it is so not true.

I went to university for four years to become a journalist and this type of journalism makes me feel sick. You're giving us all a bad name, Hannah!

Fellow "nail junkies", let's just sit back and laugh at the moronic behaviour. We know why we do what we do and we know that people appreciate it, so one petty, moronic editor is not going to change that!

Miss Hannah, instead of getting so worked up, as you obviously did, I think you need to be questioning why "professionals" and nail techs are so incapable of keeping up with the trends, furthering their education, et cetera.

Let me share something with you: the quickest way for me to have my nails destroyed is to go to a salon and have a licensed tech touch them. I've gone to different techs, different salons, and watched in horror what happened to my nails during, a week later, two weeks after the visit, how unhealthy they looked, how fragile they were.

My sister went through school and only got her license a year ago, and even she has a very short list of things I will let her do *if* I let her touch my nails, because so many of the standard practices are unhealthy and destructive.

It was nail bloggers who taught me why I shouldn't file my nails with an emery board, and how to properly shape them with a glass file (by the way, it was me who passed that information on to my licensed sister). It was nail bloggers who taught me why buffing ridges out of my nails led to peeling at the free edge. And it is nail bloggers whom I will continue to get advice from.

On another note, how dare you even attempt to make this "apology" (hint: putting the blame on others is not an apology, nor is going into complete denial about what you wrote previously) after not only saying that "DIY-ers" need to back off a bit, but after more or less suggesting plagiarism with "Heck, put stuff you find on blogs and in consumer magazines in there, too, but present it to your clients as you being their go-to source for all things nail-related."

And lastly, bloggers have not "taking the nail care spotlight from those who rightly deserve it," "professionals" and techs are failing to even try to fight for that spotlight because they can't be bothered to put so much interest and/or time into their trade.

Ugh... just UGH. Like so many have said here, so many "experts" really are not. They don't know the product, don't know nails.. I'm better off doing my own nails, saving money, and I get WAY better results!

Hannah,
I support you! We as professionals should be educating our clients. Consumers who go to NSS see substandard conditions and and equate that with most Nail Techs. That's too bad because Most of the Nail tech's I know are very clean, and very up to date with their skills. I digress, The article is about how we as techs need to move forward and have a PROFESSIONAL voice and I agree with you 100%. I enjoy reading consumer blogs about polish and designs, but when it comes to professional education of nails we should step up to the plate. There is room for both out there!

Hey I like that she stood by her feelings. I respect a person who believes in something and has values based on a certain issue and sticks to it when it means a lot to them. Even if I disagree. I hate when people apologize for stuff they say just to do it. But, Hannah, maybe you should urge your readers in another way. By not attacking consumers and bloggers but by working in harmony with them. I don't even go to salons anymore because of their lack of knowledge about the industry. And the ones who do know somethings are arrogant and discredit me as a grown, intelligent woman who knows what she likes and can research on her own. It is a new day. And many of your readers are consumers and bloggers, btw.

LOLOLOL, just digging yourself deeper.

The point is, many techs are NOT 'experts in their field', they're just hack and slashers. And what exactly is it that you think bloggers have taken from you that you need to 'take back'? Dignity? Respect? Trust? 'Professionalism? Honey, the bloggers didn't take those from you, what your low quality 'techs' haven't destroyed, you stupidly threw under the bus with your back stabbing.

You fully earned the smack down you're getting here. I would suggest that instead of making excuses for the inexcusable, you offer a REAL apology and look to your own house to do some cleaning.

Ha! I found the original article quite hilarious and pathethic. Honestly I felt kinda sad for the author who felt the need to try to start a movement from nail techs against bloggers who are supposedly trying to steal their place in the industry. Jesus! The article was an obvious display of jealousy. In this life you get what you work for and if consumer bloggers are getting more privileges and more audience than most "professional" nail techs it's because they've earned it. Most do it for free you know? In fact most have to actively spend money on keeping their blogs. Are you baffled about that? Well that's the dedication that gets them what you think should only be yours. Seriously now, yours is a lost cause. If you have to work so hard to convince your fellow nail techs to work harder and have more interest in their job then there's not much hope left.

@nailpolishfan

It's "reek" not "wreak". And don't tell me it's a typo. Maybe you better letting those of us who are "professional writers" handle it here while you go sniff a few more polish fumes. And possibly invest in a dictionary.

My original comment was NOT aimed at you. And yet you seem to try and squelch my freedom of speech. This isn't your blog after all.

If you don't like what I write, you can always go to the next "polish junkie" comment and troll away :)

@Julie

I think *you* should be an editor--I find what you wrote to be very positive and proactive, not hostile and derogatory. Brava!

I think I could light another segment of the spectrum of opinions that hasn't been aired yet. I'm not a nail professional, nor a nail polish blogger, and I'm very positive towards either group. The fact is that the nail professionals I went to were really good, but I'd rather read blogs and do my nails myself for a few reasons: polishing my nails is a hobby of mine. I love creating art myself, I love the act polishing, I love having lots of nice colours at my home to choose from whenever I want to, I can polish anytime of day, and doing it myself is cheaper than getting a manicure.
Nail bloggers help me in finding nice colours and new brands, great care products, and they give me great inspiration, readily accessible from my home computer.
So I agree with an earlier comment when they say: "Bloggers found a niche." Although I don't condone the harsh language that some bloggers use over here to defend themselves, to me, the article of Ms. can certainly be understood as unnecessary harsh.
Both groups could so easily work together and complement each other in helping consumers, whether they want to do their nails at home of have them done professionally at a salon. No need to bash each other, me thinks.

First, I have to state something totally unrelated to the topic at hand. WHO designed this website? The background is horrid and needs to be set to not scroll with the rest. It's an epileptic seizure waiting to happen. Good grief.

Now, about the article. I also have to have my say here... I am a nail blogger but by hobby alone. I buy my polishes for full price, I don't attend anything meant for professionals and I don't get free items for reviews (oh I wish I would though!). I had acrylic nails for a time and I have seen both sides in regards to professionals and their professionalism.

The first time I had acrylics put on, money was tight and I chose to go to an 'Asian nail farm'. I left with aching fingers, bloody cuticles and a deep regret for ever going in the first place. I later contacted a lady who lives nearby and does nails in her home. She removed the first set and did them over. She was WONDERFUL! She communicated, knew a lot about what she was doing and was so friendly.

Still, times are tough and I had to remove them finally as I couldn't afford the upkeep. She was very kind and explained how I could remove them myself. She is a friend of mine on Facebook, she follows my blog, comments, keeps me up to date about different products and enjoys seeing me continue to do my own nails. THAT is why I will always send people to her if they ask me to refer them to a nail tech.

I think that a lot of nail techs charge outrageous prices, which leave the regular Joe (or Jane in this case) two choices. Go to a place they can afford, which usually is one of the Asian nail farms, or do it themselves. Given the experience most people have with the large, cheaper nail shops... what do you think they are going to choose?

The bloggers who are posting here are right, just because someone has a certificate doesn't mean they know everything or own the rights to all things nails.

Some of the nail techs who are posting are also right. We can't tar them all with one brush. The lady I spoke about, the 2nd nail tech I saw, is probably just one of many examples of nail techs who DO know what they are talking about and do NOT hold resentment towards those of us who do it ourselves.

The theme of this post makes me sad, because it IS sad that there are nail professionals out there who feel this way. As one other person said, I have never read this magazine and I can say after reading this I have absolutely no desire to do so in the future.

@Slayer Oh how rich. Bugger off...don't make me come down to your level.

@nails in the desert I'm a moron,eh? I just looked at your "blog".I can certainly see why no one's offering you anything.

@Slayer p.s. google "wreak havoc" miss writer

I am disturbed that Ms. Lee's essay has generated so much negativity and cattiness.

I am neither a nail technician nor a blogger. I read both Nails Magazine (online) and beauty blogs. I am offended by both of Ms. Lee's posts and many (but not all) of the comments. Both sides have valid points but name-calling and derogatory comments do nothing to enhance anyone's professionalism.

In a tough economy, many women perform manicures because of the cost savings. Anyone can purchase manicure supplies for under $50 at a drugstore or beauty supply store. How many manicures or artificial nail sets can $50 buy?

The nail industry has far more problems than the perceived threat of bloggers. I have a lot of questions. I had acrylic nails about 15 years ago. I was so turned off by my nail salon experiences that I gave up my artificial nails and now do my own manicures on my natural nails. How can a customer learn about safe salon practices? How can anyone tell if a technician has properly disinfected manicure tools? How can anyone find the conscientious nail technicians that safely perform nail services and provide good customer service? Plenty of potential salon customers need to know these things.

If Nails Magazine staff has no plans to step up their game, I can go online and find a blog. No technician ever answered any of my questions.



Both Nails Magazine and bloggers

Even though you say your article is in support of nail techs, I think the first line of the article says it all.... "I’m getting kind of tired of all these consumer bloggers online who are just infatuated with nail polish and post endlessly about polish and doing their own nails."

You went about delivering your message in a negative way, attacking consumer bloggers first, instead of starting off with positive advice to your audience.

This essay reflects poorly on "Nails Magazine".

seriously you may apologize but the truth is you dug your own grave. You have ruined the name of "nail junkies" most "nail Junkies" do this for those who don't have money to go get their nails done so we provide ideas for ladies who want to get their nails done. you really made us all look like crap and you down us in the rest of your article. AND ACTUALLY you dislike Nail bloggers otherwise you wouldn't have wrote that. We can read between the line. your apologies are not good here and now i don't think highly of you.

nail polish fan, both wreak and reek are words in the dictionary. Wreak means to inflict, or carry out, which is why "wreak havoc" makes sense, but "wreaks of racism" does not. Reek means pervades, usually a strong odor, but not always. So you did mean "Reeks of racism". Manicured Slayer knows what she's talking about.

Hannah I agree with most here, you chose negativity and ignorance instead of offering insight to your readers. That is why you are getting this backlash. You should be encouraging their (the pros) presence on the internet, but it was totally unnecessary to denigrate another segment of your readership. Yes, your main focus is the nail techs and other professionals, but in this economy, do you really want to alienate all others who might be interested in subscribing? In general, nail bloggers may have a slight overlap in "expertise" with your nail techs, but it really is slight. They show me polishes and products your techs rarely use, from drugstore to Channel. Your nail techs could easily find a niche in nail blogging by doing posts on nail and hand/foot care, their own styles of art, trends current in salons, a directory of and interviews with salons/owners around the country and the world, while leaving most of the swatching, and stamping to the current bloggers. Room for everyone in the blogosphere, no?

There's a huge difference between suggesting that nail techs create an online presence (certainly a good idea) and insulting and denigrating a group that shares their passion if not their education. You could easily have praised the bloggers and suggested that the nail techs follow their lead.

Instead you chose to disparage them as "a bunch of polish junkies who are looking for free handouts" among other unkind characterizations. In your own words you acknowledge the harshness of this, but still chose to let those words stand as your stated opinion. A "more careful" reading of your words still shows that you were rude and belittling and that you chose not to apologize for that choice.

@DonnaJ I *heart* you :)

My thoughts about the magazine, in general are that since it is an open subscription (no license # necessary) then the "polish junkies" may read it just as they peruse the blogs, polish websites, etc.

There are plenty of professional magazines that are off-limits to non-professionals (some are priced so high, only pros would get them). I can't just decide to subscribe to the New England Journal of Medicine (I think).

I truly hope that what is gained here is the understanding of where we are coming from as non-pros, and what the pros can do to improve their business.

Your response was well said.

They dedicated their time and even money to do all the reviews. Your job speaks louder than words. Consumers got their judgement to see things. It is a real nonsense to use the word "PROFESSIONAL"to define the value.

dcsurfergirl, I would be more than happy to answer your questions. Please email me at retrobeautybar@aol.com

Aren't both sides wrong here? To bash someones profession is wrong but to bash someones expertise/hobby is wrong. I see this "altercation" from both sides.

I am a little shocked with how Hannah presented herself but it is her opinion, maybe Nails Mag shouldn't have posted this, yes. When we are blogging we are expressing our own opinions, everybody has one. I am sure that there is a Nail Technician out there that doesn't agree with Hannah.

I am sure a lot of you out there are unsubbing to the magazine because of this one article. I understand but everyone has their slip ups and this one just made a lot of us turned off.

Not every technician you talk to is going to know everything about their profession, this goes for bloggers too. But not not every technician is going to not go out and learn more. I think it is a great idea for professionals to see our side, maybe set up a blog and start doing something (not saying they have to or saying they don't do anything). I wish we bloggers could see what they have to deal with.

You bloggers think that the techs want to come home and learn more after being at work having to deal with people all day? People that can have attitudes or kids or just don't listen to the tech. I personally think that this job is a hard job and you have to have the ability to be around these people all day.

Yes,I think people are more inclined to read reviews from bloggers because we have real experiences with a wide range of products rather than just Salon Grade polishes. We can test out a lot more products in a period of time, not saying technicians don't test out products they just test the products that are set in their profession.

Yes, some bloggers are in it for the money but you can't just bunch all of them in a group just like you can't bunch all the un-educated NT's together with the educated NT's. I personally am not in it for the money or the free products. I am here to inform people about certain qualities in a polish or product. If I were to ever get money for a review, (which I don't believe in it) I would speak my opinion, if it is a bad product I sure as hell am not going to be giving the product an A+, no I will give the product a grade that I believe is best suited. If the company doesn't like it they learn their lesson. It is a gamble out there and is on their hands.

I don't claim to be a expert when blogging. I know there are a few things I look for when I am testing something out but that is a personal preference. All of us have it. It comes all down to OPINIONS.

I can also say that I am not up to date with all of the new collections... Does this make me a bad blogger, NO! I blog about what makes me happy. I know about these new collections, yes. I can tell people about them if I was to ever get a question about anything.

I aspire to be a Nail Technician someday, It has always been a dream of mine. Without my dream to be a NT I wouldn't be blogging, I probably wouldn't have even thought that people where out there blogging about nails. I would know nothing without NT's.

I see both worlds. I will continue to once I become a NT. I will continue to blog and learning in both worlds. That's me personally.

I guess not everyone is going to see it like me.

XOXO
Pam <3

Wow. A magazine for "professionals" just printed a letter condoning plagiarism??
> Put your own “Hot Off the Presses” book together with color swatches, nail styles, and trends you’re seeing from your fellow nail techs or in your trade magazines. Heck, put stuff you find on blogs and in consumer magazines in there too, but present it to your clients as you being their go-to source for all things nail-related.

How exactly would one present someone else's work as Someone Else's Work and have themselves be considered the "go-to source"?
You have got to be kidding me. The best pedicure I've ever had cost sixty bucks (so it's not going to happen again unless I win the lotto), and while the technician was far and above the most competent I've ever had, she still wasn't knowledgeable in any way about new polishes or techniques past "painting the nail".
If these "professional" products weren't meant for use on the consumer level, then why do these polish companies sell at consumer based stores (yes, Sally Beauty IS consumer-based), AND send out product samples for reviews by people who blog FOR CONSUMERS?

You know I was completely planning on subscribing but thanks to that article I'm never touching Nails Magazine. If I worked at this magazine I would be mortified by what was allowed to be published. You want to talk about professionals versus bloggers, but you've forgotten the most important thing to a magazine and that's subscirbers. You want to do something helpful then maybe writing an article for nail professionals on how to create an informative blog might be a start. Not bashing half of your subscribers because we've been to helpful to our fellow consumers. Your showing us exactly how scared you are and what kind of morals you uphold. I was raised that stealing is wrong and apparently your all for it. I'm done.

What a disappointing piece for Nails Mag to publish. I am not a professional but a polish enthusiast who has read Nails Mag and thought about training to be a tech. The first piece is very insulting to bloggers and the follow up despite its claims is still pretty bad. The tone is whiny and defensive and not in line with the other enthusiastic and interesting pieces I've read here.

I respect that nail professionals have a level of training that enthusiasts don't have but I think you totally missed the fact that there is some crossover between the bloggers, their audience and your magazine. You know the article could have focused instead on the explosion of nail blogs and increased polish sales and how you can used these developments to help your business. Instead you tried to drive a wedge between "your" people and the bloggers and fans instead of treating them as a potential customer base. This suggests to me that Nails Mag is NOT where I'd look for advice on the use social media to increase sales.

The bloggers get free samples to swatch because the nail polish companies seem to be hopeless at taking their own decent photos and because they can probably sell more bottles of polish than a trade mag. Most of the salons near me have less polish than I do and it's generally a sea of red/pink OPI with a couple of other choices. They do not keep up with current collections and rarely ask me if I want help when I am at their nail polish displays. This is why I rely on the bloggers to find shades I like vs going to a salon.

This will likely be not read at this point but I'll post it anyway. I'm disappointed that so many posters are putting professional in quotes as if to diminish the fact that as Licensed Professionals we have gone to school & taken and passed a state board exam. There are many nail techs that pay for continuing education opportunities every single year. I personally am always educated on new nail trends and upcoming collections from more than OPI & Essie (thanks to bloggers such as All Lacquered Up, Scrangie, The PolishAholic, Kellie Gonzo, Vampy Varnish to name a few). I'm constantly telling the staff at CosmoProf what is coming out months down the line. They actually ask ME about new products when I walk in the store. I'm sorry that some of you have not been able to find a nail tech such as myself in your area. Now, I don't agree with this statement from Hannah ~> "Heck, put stuff you find on blogs and in consumer magazines in there too, but present it to your clients as you being their go-to source for all things nail-related." By this point, I know ALU's or Scrangie's nails on sight and I don't think that this is the way to go here. There is room for nail techs and bloggers and I think we can both learn a lot from each other. Signed, A Professional Nail Tech AND Polish Junkie. :)

One heads-up--She recommends putting stuff your find on other blogs on your blog.

That's called copyright infringement and is illegal.

Thank you for sharing this blog entry about Follow Up to Article About Consumer Beauty Bloggers. I’ve got to get cool new ideas and tips. Keep your posts coming! Will definitely read them all. ;)

Alright girls, I'm a professional and a blogger. This article was shortsighted, mean, and poorly written, I'll give everyone that point. However, the comment section here is absolutely horrible also. I understand wanting to argue back that non-professionals who blog aren't terrible and don't intend to steal our business. I think blogging is wonderful! But please don't call all professionals lazy or uninformed. Maybe some are, but surely every single professional isn't clueless. So bloggers, keep on doing what you're doing, I'll keep on reading! Don't let one person's opinion get you down or bring you to a lower level. Life is too short to be mad over one editor's letter. I agree with Jennifer (2 entries above) There is room for both of us! Working together will get us all farther than working against each other. <3 Professional polish junkie (def not an insult to me!)

Boy do bloggers have thin skin. Seeing them at a show, I noticed how they grab 4-5 freebies out of press kits and leave the paper. They often post press releases as through they wrote them. So clean up your own house, quit stealing freebies and you might get respect. Oh, many have TERRIBLE grammar, too.

What is with everyone being offended nowadays? Saying that you are offended just means that you are unable to control your emotions and you want others to do it for you.

If professional companies are sending bloggers products for honest reviews then we're going to give them an honest review. Maybe just maybe there is a silent war between professionals and bloggers. Why cant I post a review on OPI? That is a polish sold in salons. Why cant my readers know if I had a bad experience? I think its funny that Misy A can tell us what to blog about. Bloggers are not the issue. It sounds more like some nail techs just need to step their game up. Thanks for sharing Good post in your blog.

I am not a professional but a polish enthusiast who has read Nails Mag and thought about training to be a tech. The first piece is very insulting to bloggers and the follow up despite its claims is still pretty bad. The tone is whiny and defensive and not in line with the other enthusiastic and interesting pieces I've read here.

fessional companies are sending bloggers products for honest reviews then we're going to give them an honest review. Maybe just maybe there is a silent war between professionals and bloggers. Why cant I post a review on OPI? That is a polish sold in salons. Why cant my readers know if I had a bad experience? I think its funny that Misy A can tell us what to blog about. Bloggers are not the issue.

I'm a professional and a blogger. This article was shortsighted, mean, and poorly written, I'll give everyone that point. However, the comment section here is absolutely horrible also. I understand wanting to argue back that non-professionals who blog aren't terrible and don't intend to steal our business. I think blogging is wonderful! But please don't call all professionals lazy or uninformed. Maybe some are, but surely every single professional isn't clueless. I am at their nail polish displays. This is why I rely on the bloggers to find shades I like vs going to a salon.

alright women, im an expert as well as a blogger. this article was shortsighted, mean, and poorly written, ill offer everybody that purpose. though, the comment section here is absolutely horrible additionally. i perceive wanting to actually argue back that non-professionals who blog arent terrible and dont intend to actually steal our business. i believe blogging is wonderful ! however please dont decision all professionals lazy or uninformed. probably a few are, however surely every last skilled isnt clueless. therefore bloggers, keep on doing what youre doing, ill keep on reading ! dont let one persons opinion send you down or provide you with to your lower level. our life is too short to remain mad over one editors letter. i agree with jennifer ( 2 entries higher than ) there's room for each of ourselves ! operating along can get us all farther than operating against one anoher. 3 skilled polish junkie ( def not an insult to actually me ! )

So offensive Hanna.. don't be so rude.

I stand by my original point that nail professionals should present themselves as experts in all matters of nail care. I apologize to those of you who are offended — but remember that I’m an advocate for my audience: professional nail techs.