I don't think any of us could have predicted the success that Zoë has reached today, but I can't say I'm surprised - she has the likability, the charm and the integrity to reach YouTube stardom, something that didn't even exist when she started this as a hobby. Her hobby is now her job - I really wanted to make that into a rhyme with 'jobby' then! - and she has over 6.6 million subscribers on her main channel, an almost incomprehensible number.
There are plenty of other people, I'm sure, who can remember Zoë starting her blog in 2009 and 'zoella280390' - which was 'the beginning'. As someone who feels like they've been there since 'the beginning', it has truly been an absolute pleasure to watch her grow and I feel so, so incredibly proud of everything that she has achieved and built for herself. I feel that she always puts her audience first whenever possible and has remained grounded and 'real', despite being one of the most influential and popular young people in the UK today.
I scribbled the title of this blog post down in a notebook after my 'lightbulb moment' in the shower a month or so ago, but after recent events have come to light I felt it even more important that I sit down and write this. Today I saw a newspaper headline that began with, "Zoella quits the internet" - and I felt shocked. It turned out that it was just the newspaper sensationalising the story, undoubtedly in an unashamed fish for more hits, but for a few seconds I was so sad at the prospect of Zoë not being able to do what she loves because of the amount of negativity directed at her.
What is with the internet these days and trying to bring people down? I don't want this to become the focus of this post as I think Zoë radiates positivity and joy and I'd hate to detract from that, but I do want to touch on it as it's one of the main reasons why I feel so proud of her. The volume of comments that she receives every day, both positive and negative, must be absolutely overwhelming. It might feel endless, suffocating, surreal.
I'm possibly one of Zoë's 'quieter' viewers - I watch and 'thumbs up' every video but don't always comment unless I have something worthwhile to say, I follow her on Twitter but don't see, favourite or reply to every tweet she sends. I still read her blog, the same as I did five years ago - to me, fame hasn't changed her and she's still the same girl. I'm subscribed to her brother Joe (Thatcher Joe), as I think he's hilarious and a successful YouTuber in his own right. I support her and am a fan, but I don't invest a lot of my time thinking about her life and I don't judge her or any decisions that she makes. I imagine many of Zoë's viewers are like me, and it concerns me that we may be drowned out by those who do judge, who do obsess, who do criticise.
I would hate for this to happen, and I urge you to think before you type. As Zoë said recently in her blog post entitled 'Why I Stopped Daily Vlogging - Hate On the Internet', "every time you post something online, you have a choice. You can make people happy or you can take away their happiness".
As I mentioned I don't want to focus on the negativity aimed at Zoë as it's something that I try to avoid reading myself and not what I want this post to be about, but I am proud of her. For facing it all, every day, and not giving up. Sadly there are a lot of sad and cruel-hearted people in the world who would love to see her fall, but I'd like to think that there are a lot more supportive and kind-hearted people in the world who would love to see her succeed.
I'm writing this because I want to add another voice to 'Team Zoë', and to the large group of people who want YouTube to be a happy place. A place where a young woman won't be hated on, picked apart and essentially bullied in the comments of her own video by people who are choosing to watch her content - content that's totally free. I'm sure that 99% of Zoë's subscribers are wholeheartedly supportive, and I so wish that the 1% of people who think it's okay to over-analyse someone's relationship, illness, looks and character just because they're a YouTuber would take a step back and focus more on their own lives.
This is getting very long and wordy, but the bottom line is that I feel unbelievably proud of Zoë. She's paving a path for young people in social media in a way that I've never seen before, and I'm so glad that she has her family, partner and friends to support her through all of this craziness. Holding a product created by someone who I've followed for so many years feels monumental, and I think that's why Zoë is so popular - you feel as if she's your friend. She's an ordinary girl with an extraordinary job, and I couldn't be prouder. PROUD!
In 2012 I was watching SBTRKT play at Reading Festival with my friends, when Zoë and Joe walked past me. I knew that Zoë suffered badly with anxiety and panic attacks - the tent was quite busy and she looked slightly stressed, so I just smiled and didn't stop her to tell her that I'd been reading her blog and watching her YouTube videos for over three years. I don't regret it as I've got a feeling she needed to get out of that tent without being stopped, but if I could time-travel back to that moment I might've said hello, given her a hug and told her - "you got this".
I just wanted to express my proudness - did I mention that I feel proud? - for someone who I feel deserves a round of applause as well as every good thing that life has to offer. If you've got something positive to add however, please feel free leave a comment!
Meg
I think what you said is right, it's important not to attack Zoe for the hell of it as, at the end of the day, she is just a person on the internet who happens to have 6 million people watching her. When people are needlessly cruel it isn't right at all but saying all that, with what has happened recently, there is a time when you need to constructively criticise as just being widely admired doesn't entitle you to be adored unconditionally even if you do something wrong.
ReplyDeleteMegan x
London Callings
Thanks for reading and commenting, Megan! My heart goes out to her, I've seen some truly disgusting comments and at the end of the day she didn't start YouTube to become an Internet sensation, this wasn't something she asked for but I think she's dealing with her success so well and making the most of the opportunities she's presented with, as anyone would x
ReplyDeleteIt feels like a personal to you and thank yoou for sharing it. It make me so happy to see when people are proud of success of others or glad - whatever positive emotions it could be. Your words are beautiful and though there are people who think itsnormal to offend others, I'm pretty sure that much more people are openhearted and kind.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate you reading and commenting, thanks Anne! I was going to write this post anyway but with the recent backlash she's had I felt even more compelled to show some support for her. People forget that she's still young and doing something she's never done before, YouTubers get criticised in a way that no other 'career' does. I feel the same way x
ReplyDeleteMe too, I feel that we should lift others up so it's sad to see people trying to bring others down, nobody is perfect and being under such scrutiny from millions of people must be absolutely draining. Thank you, that's so kind of you to say :) I'm sure there are too, there's a lot of bad in the world but I'd like to think that the good overcomes it x
ReplyDeleteI don't really watch many of Zoe's videos yet I'm still incredibly proud of her! I don't know her or know much about her but it's always amazing to see people do well. Some of the things I've seen tweeted about her is pretty disgusting really, it's not even about girl power or bloggers sticking together it's just like don't be such a horrible human to another human! The thing is that's the trouble with the internet, people get brave and say mean things that they wouldn't dare say in real life. I understand people are entitled to opinions but if it's something nasty about someone else there's no point in sharing it because it's not useful to anyone apart from making the person saying it feel better about themselves for about 5 minutes. So thank you for writing this, it's like a little ray of sunshine amongst the nastiness! You are a gem x
ReplyDeleteJosie’s Journal
Well said! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm one of her quieter fans too - I find so many are so obsessed, it's quite sad :(
www.stylesunrise.co.uk
x
I feel terrible for her at the moment as all people are talking about is that she had a ghostwriter and lied about it, which wasn't the best idea in the world (why would you have a ghost writer for a novel, I don't get why she didn't do a beauty guide or something that could have had a ghost writer without all the backlash). Woah - those brackets got out of hand!
ReplyDeleteThing is, nobody know what went on behind the scene and if her hands were tied regarding it all.
I wish she would start vlogmas again because she comes across as a really sweet, bubbly girl and I enjoy watching her.
There are a lot of people really out to get here though, it's a little sad how much people can hate somebody they've never met and want to bring her down so much!
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I've just written something similar today about ignorance online, but I'm Team Internet - youtubers, bloggers, vloggers, all online content people who have worked on their brand for years and generated an audience should be applauded, not shamed in the media.
ReplyDeleteThis is the future of information and entertainment, and some people can't stand to see that's where their viewers and readers are heading - sad but I'd rather read Zoe, Tanya, Anna, Lily, or anyone else rather than a biased paper. If you like reading that media then that's okay, if not, then that's okay - we all need to be A-OKAY with how the world is changing
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Fashion Beauty - www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk
I feel awful for her, too. As I mentioned in the post I'm not talking about the ghostwriting controversy, but I will just say that I don't personally think she lied and I'll still buy the book as I don't feel like the 'wool has been pulled over my eyes' at all. That's my personal opinion though, everyone is entitled to their own - I do wish the people who are angered by it would just rise above it though, nobody is forcing them to read, review or buy the book. A LOT of 'authors' use ghostwriters - if people are going to damn Zoella for it, they should damn them all and not single her out just because she's a YouTuber - would they care if she wasn't an Internet sensation? Who knows. Exactly, nobody apart from her and her publishers know the full story.
ReplyDeleteMe too, I love her vlogs and it's sad that she feels she can't share her day because of how people pick her apart - she doesn't deserve it at all! Wish I could give her a big hug. I'm sure the people around her are doing that though, so that's good :) thank you for reading and commenting, I really appreciate your input! x
This is a great post, and I love the points you made. I do feel sorry for Zoe as no one deserves that much hate especially as she's such a lovely lady. Kate x
ReplyDeletewww.vanillainnovember.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for reading and commenting Karen, I love your blog :) hope you have a lovely Christmas! x
ReplyDeleteReally lovely post. Truly sincere and heartfelt, she's very luck to have supporters like you! It's so so important to support one another, and when we're not fans, we can still continue to champion other people's success. It's so important.
ReplyDeleteDrea xo
Drea's Junkyard
She's awesome! x
ReplyDeletewww.eatlovemerry.com
Aw you too sweet! Love your blog too - keep up the fab posts :) X
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely Post Meg! It's nice to have a thoughtful response to Zoella & her work! :)
ReplyDeleteSerene xoxo
http://www.imserenel.wordpress.com
Thank you Serene, I wanted to put a little more positivity out there for her :) she deserves it! x
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree :) x
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I don't really watch any of Zoella's videos but I do love her blog :)
ReplyDeleteBeyond the Velvet | Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blog
Thanks Jane, that's lovely of you to say :) I try not to read the comments anymore - she has done so incredibly well for herself to get this many subscribers and followers, the pressure must be overwhelming at times as you simply can't please everyone and there's always going to be someone with a nasty word to say. That's why I felt it was important to put a bit more love out there for her :) me neither, I've got my own life and relationships to focus on instead of obsessing over someone else's! x
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I believe that too, the internet is a mostly wonderful place but I do think it's scary how quickly things can turn nasty and get out of hand. It's the reason why I wanted to write this, to spread a little more 'Team Internet' love :) thanks for reading and commenting! x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kate! I do too, not in a patronising pitying way but just in the sense that she has come so far and to me, she's still the same kind person that she was when she started her blog and channel and it's never nice to see someone who's genuinely lovely getting such an awful backlash. Sending lots of positivity and love to her! Thanks for commenting :) x
ReplyDeleteOoh, I must read it! Would love to hear your thoughts. I agree, I've seen lots of negative comments about YouTubers recently and I think it's such a shame - it's AMAZING that this is now a career for some people, and since working in social media I've been able to understand a little better how hard it can be - obviously every case is different and I worked just as hard when I was a waitress, but online work is more stressful as it feels never-ending - you never think 'right, my shift is over now' as there's always tweets flooding in constantly and there's always more writing or promoting or planning that you could do. I don't think it's a 'lazy person's job' in the slightest.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely would too, I prefer YouTube to TV as I simply just enjoy it more, I still watch television and Netflix etc, but I fell in love with YouTube years and years ago and it's something I'm so interested in. I love the points you've made, can't wait to read your post! Lots of love x
That's so kind of you, thank you! x
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely to hear :) I don't think you necessarily need to be a 'fan' of someone to appreciate and applaud their work, as you say. I totally agree, I thought I might get some negative comments on this but it's absolutely lovely that every comment is thoughtful. Negative comments might be 'thoughtful' too in the sense that they've got an opinion behind them and might've been well-thought out, but sometimes people forget that there's a human being with feelings on the receiving end of those comments. I absolutely agree, I'm 100% behind free speech but I'm also 100% behind anti-bullying policies - it goes back to the whole 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all' thing. I appreciate constructive criticism but outright rude and nasty comments intended to hurt someone are plain wrong and don't help anyone. Aww, that's so lovely! Here's to more rays of sunshine :) you're a gem too, hope you're feeling as well as possible at the moment x
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love her blog too, she's a fantastic writer and so relatable :) x
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this post. I don't watch Zoella but I think what she has achieved is amazing and I'm currently reading her book. It seems to me there's not a successful youtuber out there who hasn't been the victim of hate on some level and I think that's really sad. x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
I've not really since much hate towards here apart from with the book thing! I may have been living under a rock though ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad world we live in where people want to pull others down. It happens all the time in human nature. I think that's why the 'popular' girl in movies is usually portrayed as a bitch. People just can't imagine that a genuinely nice person has some sort of success. With cliches such as 'nice guys finish last' there's no wonder where half of it comes from. That, and jealousy. I'm jealous of her, but I don't dislike her!
I'm not really interested in the book, but if she had written some form of auto-biography type book I would have wanted to read it - I'm just not into chick flick type books!
Corinne x
While I don't subscribe to Zoella, I have the same sentiments about a lot of the YouTubers and bloggers I follow. They work hard and deserve to have that hard work pay off! Hopefully the Internet culture will grow to be more supportive and less hateful.
ReplyDeletehttp://heyprettything.com
I am so glad you wrote this post!! There is so much hate and criticism going around on the internet, and I really don't see why people feel the need to put others down. I've read numerous hate blog posts about her the past few weeks and it just makes me so angry, claiming she is 'ungrateful' and should 'grow up'. I can't imagine how overwhelming and frustrating it is to be in Zoe's position sometimes! x
ReplyDeleteAngela | The Sunday Chapter
Aww, I'm so happy to hear that Kate! Ooh I can't wait to read her book, are you enjoying it? I know, it is sad - some people say 'well, they put themselves on YouTube so they should get a tougher skin' but I don't agree with that, constructive helpful criticism is fine but it's definitely not okay to say horrible things to someone and think, 'it's acceptable because they're a YouTuber' x
ReplyDeleteI agree, I follow tons of other YouTubers and bloggers and I know that 99.9% of them have worked extremely hard to get to where they are today - you definitely don't get million of subscribers overnight. I totally agree, thank you for commenting with such a lovely sentiment Carolyn :) x
ReplyDeleteWoohoo, me too! Me neither, there are always going to be people who don't like you as a person or what you're doing but online it's so easy just to type it without any repercussions so people are more bold and probably say things that they'd never say to the person's face if they saw them in 'real life'. I really hope that the positive, kind people can overcome the negativity - we can do it :) x
ReplyDeleteAh I have, which is why I wanted to write this post even before her book came out, it's not nice to see! It's big of you to admit jealousy, not a lot of people will be secure enough in themselves to do that! I imagine that a lot of the hate Zoe gets stems from jealousy, I really hope that people can use that jealousy in future to better themselves and work on their own dream instead of piling negativity onto Zoe because they aspire to be like her. Ah I don't think I agree with the 'nice guys finish last' thing, I'm a big supporter of the nice guy - my boyfriend is one! - and I'd like to hope that being nice gets you further in life than being selfish. That's cool, each to their own :) hope you have a lovely Christmas and that 2015 brings all of the best things your way! x
ReplyDeleteI think jealousy accounts for a lot of it, which is such a shame. Yes I'm enjoying the book so far - it's sweet and easy to read and I think anyone who blogs or anyone who's ever felt like an awkward teenager can relate to it. X
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I agree with you wholeheartedly in every aspect of this post. I have been reading her blog since 2010 (I am rather mature for my age and always have been) and when she made her YouTube I was thrilled. I really don't understand why people obsess over her; commenting on every tweet/video, favouriting all her tweets and retweeting them, writing hundreds of the same tweets to get 'noticed' and so on and so forth. I find it quite odd that people don't realise that she is just a regular person but just happens to be well known. Why can't her viewers act more civil? Anyways thanks again for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! This morning I woke up to a tweet from her saying that she read it and it was lovely to read - how crazy? I never thought she'd see it but I'm SO happy she did, I hope it brightened her day a little :) I get that people love her and that's a lovely thing, I just think it goes a bit too far sometimes. I wouldn't like to have every action I made or word I spoke analysed by millions, it must be very hard to deal with that amount of pressure. She does beautifully though, and deserves all the credit in the world :) no problem at all, thank you for reading and leaving such a great response! Take care x
ReplyDeletefinally someone writes the truth about Zoe and I'm so happy she's noticed this aswell xx
ReplyDeleteHey Meg :)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, naaaailed it. You could not have written that post better if you tried! It's so weird for me because I think I started reading Zoe's blog in 2011 and even though she had a good following then, obviously it's nothing compared to what she has achieved to date. I now walk through the London trains stations and Zoe's face is on the big poster boards and I feel the same as you, I'm so proud of her! I can't believe how far she's come and it's so amazing to watch her grow. I also just saw your instagram post that she replied to you on Twitter. You must have been stoked :D (Not jealous at all............!)
Anyway, it was really lovely reading this post, perked up my very hungover filled afternoon I'm currently suffering from. Have a great Christmas!
Jessie xx
Perfectly written from another quiet long time subscriber.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, you've communicated so many of my own thoughts so eloquently! I say I'm one of Zoe's quieter supporters too and often want to give my opinion but end up not doing so because I know it'll just get lost in the noise. I'm so glad you've written this and Zoe has read it, well done lovely
ReplyDeleteSara x
Studs-on-Saturday.blogspot.co.uk
Wow! So well written thank you for saying this!! X
ReplyDelete