So once in awhile, I will "Google" the term "J.Crew Aficionada" and see what comes up in the search. Well I ran across a post/ article (click here) where the author, a summer associate from a law firm, may have wanted to check with me first before making the following (albeit humorous) claim:The Word of Mouth Marketing Debate is as Entertaining as Sony’s Awesome New Bravia LCD Digital Color TV"
By Anna Bielejec
August 24, 2009
According to the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (not-so-shockingly nicknamed “WOMMA”), word of mouth marketing is a legitimate marketing avenue that “empowers people to share their experiences, by harnessing the voice of the customer for the good of the brand.” So what is it exactly? According to the WOMMA website, it’s a type of marketing that focuses on consumer-generated and social media platforms involving buzz, viral, community, and influencer marketing techniques, as well as brand blogging. Visit http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com and you’ll quickly recognize what this means. Is it really, as the WOMMA describes, “the only marketing that… pushes marketers to create better products and provide genuine satisfaction?” Or does it raise a red flag by blurring the division between legitimate transparent marketing and deceptive stealth marketing? After all, J.Crew’s attempt to make the blog appear like the work of a devoted J.Crew fan that lovingly maintains her blog as the “place to discuss all aspects of J.Crew,” is completely unconvincing. [Click here for the rest of her post.]
I have mentioned it before (refer here), but it's worth mentioning it again... I have no contact with J.Crew. [Except for the one time I emailed Mickey Drexler in this post. And even then, I didn't give him my last name.] In fact, I have never revealed myself to J.Crew. The associates working at the local stores I visit, also do not know who I am, let alone that I run this blog. Even my friends and family (except for my mom, brother, & husband) don't know I run this blog. [If they did, they would immidiately harp on me to finish my work already. Which honestly, I really should. ;) ]
I would love for J.Crew to share with the blog. However, that is not the case. The truth is that most (if not all) the information discussed on the blog comes from the wonderful members themselves. Which is why I always "thank!" them for their contributions. Without the help of you, all the J.Crew Aficionadas and Aficionados, this blog would be nothing special.
So why even bother with this post? Well, I thought I should address this since some JCAs might be wondering the same thing.
At the end of the day, I am just an obsessed fan of the retailer who is avoiding work. :)
Alexis we love you keep on blogging!
ReplyDeleteThanks maryamjan!!! I really appreciate it. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, well, that was interesting. Did she bother to click on any of the other blogs listed on yours, and see our complaints too? (like mine on the tissue sequin tees?) haha.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alexis, for all you do for us!
haha...so funny! I've said it before, but I'll say it again...THANKS for all you do, Alexis! I can barely keep up with one post a week on my blog. I don't know how you do it with a dissertation looming :)
ReplyDelete[i can't believe this blog has been up over a whole year now! crazy! seems like just yesterday i happily stumbled upon it and got hooked :)]
Alexis, good to know you're one of us. I truly appreciate all your time and effort to keep all of us 'connected' with this common interest.
ReplyDeleteIf you really were working for J.Crew would the negative posts and complaints about things like shipping costs or poor quality cashmere be allowed?
Suzy: Good point! :) This blog, and the other blogs on the Roll Call, all provide honest reviews- which are not all glowing.
ReplyDeleteAppGal: Sometimes I can't believe a whole year has passed too. Time does fly! :)
jcrew guy in Canada: Thank you! And also you made another good point about the shipping/quality comments- so true! :)
Thank you Alexis! I know how difficult it is to keep a blog.
ReplyDeleteYour picture from the "Paris" catalog reminded me of a question I've been meaning to ask -- Is there an online copy of that catalog somewhere? I (of course) recycled the catalog and now I want to look at it again :).
Thank you again.
That was too fuuny! It's amazing how people make such assumptions. I love your blog, Alexis. Without it, I wouldn't be as obsessed as I am with JCrew...which would be a bad thing for my closet ^_~
ReplyDeleteMrs. Jenner: Thank you! As for the Paris catalog... I know! I want it too!!! I had it, but when I moved last year, all my 2007 catalogs got lost. (I think I accidentally threw them away. Ugh!) On a bright note, dinagideon runs a great blog and posted several images from the Paris catalog My Obsession...The Paris Catalog...September 2007. It's definitely worth a visit. :)
ReplyDeleteMomoberry Thank you for the nice words! :) (Love your screen name too!)
Alexis, obviously the overwhelming success of your blog is too much for some to believe as an independent venture. It's quite an accomplishment and you should be very proud of how you manage your blog. You consistently have a larger volume of posts than any other J.Crew blog, I think because of the interesting topics and entertaining contributors, including you of course. It's not just informative though, it is fun too.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading this blog for over a year and posting on it about half that long and it is great. I check in regularly and look forward to your posts as well as several other regulars whose opinions are similar to mine so I like to hear what they have to say about J.Crew too. The comments and reviews are invaluable, saving me time and money on many occasions. I've also managed to get several items on the weekly exchange that were long gone from the retail world - score! Of course there are styling tips and wardrobe suggestions as well as coupon codes and sale notices. I could go on and on, there is a lot to enjoy here. It's no wonder the author thinks your blog is a J.Crew creation, it goes hand-in-hand with my J.Crew shopping.
Thanks for all that you do, keep up the excellent blog. :-D
What an odd thing to say! Well, I guess now that you're a celeb, even the tabloids could start writing bizarre stories about you!(: Whatever...
ReplyDeleteI still enjoy your blog and it's the only one I check almost daily. So keep on writing all the good stuff!
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ReplyDeleteAlexis,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for creating this wonderful blog.
I start my day reading jcrew aficionada.
Please keep blogging.
This is for Mrs. Jenner:
Check out “I ♥ J. Crew” http://jcrewaficionadas.blogspot.com/ - she has “J.Crew Catalog Archive” ♥ Women's, Men's & Crewcuts Fullscreen Slideshows.
ShuLvr: You are too sweet! Thank you so much for that lovely note!!! It was incredibly thoughtful of you. You are too generous. :)
ReplyDelete3-Penny Princess: Your comment made me smile. :) I kept thinking that a photo of me wearing my sweatpants and hoodie (which I am wearing right now at home) would be splashed on a tabloid with a title like "J.Crew Aficionada exposed as a a slob!" ;)
Simply J.Crew: Thanks! :)
Alexis,
ReplyDeleteThe person who wrote that article is obviously NOT a follower of this blog. How can she explain that many post complain about some deficient aspects of J Crew as its website problems, lack of free shipping, deteriorating quality, etc. Even when J Crew may benefit from the comments made in those posts, it is unlikely they would raise those issues.
Interestingly, "official" J crew groups on facebook and twitter do not register as much activity compared to your blog. Probably it is more difficult for a marketing team to come up with relevant J Crew topics, than for the people that buys, wears, follows (and sometimes suffers) J Crew.
Now get back to dissertating! (kidding, I have my own ways of procrastinating. I feel your pain sister)
ReplyDeleteAlexis and Simply J Crew - Thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteAlexis, as others have said, thank you for this wonderful blog. It is the second thing I check in the morning (after my email) and I enjoy the different topics you post. I do have to mention that my ps is just positive that you're a part of JC somehow - he's just amazed at how you have info ahead of time (sometimes, even ahead of him!). :D
ReplyDeletenobelle: I am wondering the same thing, that the author may not be familiar with the blog too much. Also, I found your last sentence really interesting about customers' ability to come up with topics. I can definitely see how it's true, since so many of us really love the brand.
ReplyDeleteTina Z.: You are so right! :) I should be working on my paper right now and instead I am on this blog. But at least procrastinating over J.Crew is fun. ;)
Mrs. Jenner: Your welcome! :)
Math Teacher Thank you for the nice words! :) The comment about your PS was great! Unfortunately, I am not a part of the company. If I was, I would be all over that employee discount of theirs! :)
I'm sorry that someone thinks you are not you! I personally love your blog and whether you are connected to J.Crew or not I would continue reading. But since you aren't, I find it offensive that the guy that wrote the article claims that you are, what nerve! Uh!
ReplyDeleteJust keep doing what you're doing - I love it! :)
I didn't know you were working on a PhD! Me too, at Michigan State University, and your blog is my number one way of procrastinating :) Managed to finish my diss last week and will defend, in a J.Crew suit with a Victoria cami, on the 27th.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with yours!
You're a deep cover operative for Mickey?
ReplyDeleteThat's TOO funny!
I was in the Denver Cherry Creek J.Crew yesterday thinking "How much fun would it be to have Alexis here with me?"
Shopping is so much more fun with an enthusiastic companion.
Huh...what a weird thing to stumble upon. I loved your response to the blogger, and that of the others...good for you all.
ReplyDeleteI find it REALLY disturbing that this happened. I realize this is a fairly "public" and well-known blog but for someone to write a VERY opinionated article about you and your blog and not have the decency to at least e-mail it to you (even if the author had no intention of changing it) so you had a heads-up that you were being discussed in his blog. Last time I checked, on every news broadcast and newspaper, they always make a point of saying they contacted all parties concerned to get their side before they go ahead with a story...
Which begs an interesting question...because this is not a typical "news" source, is this author not compelled to seek out both sides? If that is the case, then all of us who have blogs in the public arena have to be prepared for some form of this potentially happening to them. To which I say, blegh. :( That is very time-consuming...watching your own back (especially when you have a dissertation due...lol).
I am glad that you google yourself, but it just stinks that this author couldn't find the time or have the inclination to inform you that this article had been written. Grrr...
Gingersnap: Thank you too! I should add, that I wouldn't mind be connected to J.Crew either. (I certainly wouldn't hide that fact either.) But alas, I am not. Just a fan of the firm. ;)
ReplyDeleteRebecca: Congratulations for defending!!! That is super exciting & huge news. I wish you all the best coming up. (Your outfit sounds fantastic too!)
Raina: If I was near you, I would love to go shopping with you too! It would be so much fun. :)
Side note: While spending the day at NYC last Monday, I went to the Rockerfeller J.Crew with a friend and she *totally* did not get my enthusiasm about visiting the store. I kept raving about the Campo bag and she kept saying, "what? camp?". ;)
dinagideon: You raised some great points- especially about contacting the parties involved with the news pieces (in this case J.Crew or me). Although I can actually understand where the author is coming from- as I do write a lot about J.Crew ;) -it was kind of weird that she didn't reach out to me to confirm or deny her assumption.
Alexis, I love this blog! Keep up the great work!! Thanks for the great post. It's funny how people think they "see right through you" when . . . err . . . not so much.
ReplyDeleteAlexis
ReplyDeleteWe all know that J.Crew doesn't have you on the payroll, but they darn well should with all the fabulous free PR you've given them through this great blog!
Keep up the good work!
Alexis, it's all been said well in earlier posts, but I will add my appreciation and admiration for devoting your time, energy,and sharing so freely.
ReplyDeleteIronic that this critic, so full of himself as an expert on social media, is actually ignorant enough to publish that erroneous claim without doing his homework. Shame on you, if you are actually READING any of the content here ...
Meant "herself" above,sorry.
ReplyDeleteWow, how lazy of that author. All she had to do was scroll to the bottom of the blog to see your disclaimer. :} That said, congrats on drawing the ire of marketers! I particularly loved that this blog's so-called clever scheme of coming off as a fan is "completely unconvincing." Guffaw.
ReplyDeleteBekah: Thank you for the kind words! :) The article is a bit funny as I was thinking the entire time "What? When did I get hired by J.Crew?"
ReplyDeletemaryw2062: Thanks for the compliment. You are so nice! :)
Ruffles: Thank you too! :) I am also wondering if the author of the post (Anna) will read this thread. ;)
I love it! It's actually flattering and a testament to your J. Crew knowledge :-)
ReplyDeleteRoxy: Great point about the disclaimer. Maybe she thought J.Crew didn't have me on the "official payroll" but instead paying me with merchandise. (Which, incidentally, I am not getting anything free from J.Crew. Sadly, I would just love to get my teacher discount to work on sale items again!) ;)
ReplyDeleteRegina: I agree with you! In a weird way, it's a compliment that she thought J.Crew was behind the JCA blog. Although, I am pretty sure J.Crew is not happy about that assumption.
Alexis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for creating and maintaining your blog. Blogging (with regularity) *is* a lot of work. Your blog and some of the other J. Crew-focused blogs (Gigi's blog also comes to mind quickly) save me time and money, which I appreciate.
Perhaps the writer of the negative article did what I term a "drive-by clicking" -- you know, a too fast skim of the first page, leading to erroneous assumptions. Anyway, you needed to address that article and I'm glad you did.
Keep doing what you're doing -- it's very much valued! I also hope that all of your commenters will continue to state their opinions, as I very much appreciate their time and money -saving advice, as well.
TTYL,
Carole
sasy.com
Alexis, I think this is funny that someone thinks your blog is a fake. I agree with the others- they obviously have not been following the blog or they'd know this is not fake! I guess like others said, you are a true celebrity, complete with rumors!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, WE love the blog - so keep up the great work!
Alexis,
ReplyDeleteTo me, you are like a secret superhero: student by day, and blogger extraordinaire by night - defending us all against bad sizing and alighting us to the most treasure-worthy items, championing us against bad customer service and harking us to help each others crewsades :)
You walk among us undetected, but secretly you are the hero that unites us all together by our mutual love of the Crew.
*ahem* in short, I love this blog and you are awesome.
Sasyone & Shopper555: Thank you! I also agree with you both that the author probably wasn't too familiar with the blog.
ReplyDeleteConnie: Your comment made me smile. (I even read it aloud to my husband because I thought it was so sweet!) I think you, and all the JCAs, are awesome too!!! :)
OMG J CREW YOU ARE SO SNEAKY AND DASTARDLY AND SNEAKY. It's been you all along, Mr. Mickey Drexler, hasn't it!
ReplyDeleteAnd I bet Jenna occasionally trolls the site, just to push buttons and stir up some trouble.
;)
P.S. AND I AM REALLY KARL LAGERFELD. SHHH.
ReplyDeleteChloe (aka: Karl): You are too funny!!! I am very very sneaky. ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S. You look so pretty in that jacket (in the image next to your screen name)!
Alexis...
ReplyDeleteTwo Words: THANK YOU!!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your Blog. I read it EVERY day...not once but many times. Soooooooooooo interesting. Your knowledge (and the input from the followers of your blog), about JCrew items is terrific. I too shop in 'your' stores in CT. Not sure how you feel about this but, I think it's great that each of the three stores (Westport, New Canaan, and Greenwich) all have a different atmosphere, even though they sell the 'same' items. I believe it's the SA's. I have found that they are very helpful.
Keep up the wonderful work on your blog...and again...THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I love this blog and have been a reader/ poster for about a year ... How cool that people are really paying attention to this awesome blog! Now if we could only get what we really wanted ... like no final sale and higher quality!!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, some of us are so cynical we can only see the conspiracy at work.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, much as I love your blog, I totally understand the stress of working on your thesis or dissertation.
Take yourself seriously and do the right thing. You are a lovely presence in the world, no matter what direction you go.
what's your diss topic?
That is hilarious! The author couldn't have taken much time reading this kickass blog. We all know that if you worked for JC, you'd have taken them to the mat for the FS issue, at least! Keep up the good/hard work, with both school and the blog, and thanks so much for creating such a cool forum.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that the author didn't fact check that claim before running with it. Like, hello - she totally could have e-mailed you or sent you a message? I think your blog is super well done. I love it! It doesn't seem suspiciously puppeteered by the J. Crew big wigs to me at all. And I'm as cynical as they come.
ReplyDeleteIf any J. Crew honchos are reading this: Ixnay your lameass final sale rules and please grant cardholders free shipping at all times. And carry more short lengths in your stores, damn it.
Alexis - for those of us who have been following you for a while, we know how much of your time this consumes and all of the work you must put into it (including that terrible period when we/you could not seem to keep very vicious and mean-spirited people from posting hurtful things to others).
ReplyDeleteI am sure those of us who take your blog for granted do not really appreciate exactly how much time this blog consumes. But - from your revelation that you have a thesis waiting for you - you obviously have a lot of other things going on and you could have easily walked away from this project.
So, thank you for all of your work and this labor of love.
Alexis, they got your number- you better reveal your identity and hidden agendas before it's too late!!!!
ReplyDeletehaha, the article made me laugh- there is so much going on right now yet "let's focus on this mysterious "Alexis" (is that even her real name?) and her secret JCrew sales boosting power!
haha, do they even read your blog?
Hope you had a good weekend! :)
I'm surprised that the blogger who twisted the facts didnt even care to edit or delete her blogpost even after a bunch of people commented in there...Weird!
ReplyDeleteAnyways...good luck with your dissertation Alexis! You've always been great
Perhaps she wasn't aware that you were already interviewed regarding JCA by someone a more professional. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://talkingshopping.com/talking/2009/02/ts-exclusive-a-chat-with-the-j.html
Love your blog! I read it everyday, several times a day!
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ReplyDeletefrom another jcrew lover....thank you for all your time & energy that you put into this blog. It is very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAlexis - Your blog has launched tens of others. I would even guess the ripple has extended to 100 or so blogs being started as a result of this one! I know visiting here inspired me to start my own. I am thankful for this community and the blog. Awesomeness!
ReplyDeleteThat's so hilarious, and talk about shoddy research that she didn't even bother to check with you to get a statement before running with her theory?
ReplyDeleteAlong with other JCAs here, I really appreciate Alexis for the time posting wonderful topics and answering many comments.
ReplyDeleteI've only talked to Alexis via email but you really are kind and genuine. Thank you so much for keeping up this blog with many wonderful topics - we all love to come and share comments!
I LOL'd when she said the blog was "totally unconvincing." Ha!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to get on the bandwagon and say how much I love the blog, which I have been following almost from the beginning. Thanks!!
Irene: Thanks! And we do shop at the same stores!!! I also agree with you that they all have a different (but wonderful) feel to them. :)
ReplyDeleteLindsey B., Fidele, CheesyGoodness, Susan, Sesq, Miss, GoldCoastGal, Pink Poppy, Toast, JCMama & Cortney Joy: Thank you so much for the nice words!!! You are all so nice. :)
SanFranciscoCA: Too funny! :) I am guessing the author did not read the blog too much either. ;)
GigiOfCa: Your blog rocks too! I love reading it. :)
Honestly, I don't think JC is savvy enough to create a 'stealth' blog that would fly under the radar pretending to be written by a devoted shopper for so long. That *other JCrew blog* strikes me as more viral/jcrew affiliated. After reading and seeing Julie and Julia, it's obvious that there is a lot of jealousy and suspicion in the blogosphere when someone has a successful blog. Keep doing what you do Alexis, you've created a great space for us fellow JCA's!
ReplyDeleteJust an elaborate procrastination technique,eh?
ReplyDelete;)
It's kind of cute that people think you are working for J. Crew. I have to admit, when I first started reading your blog, I actually thought the blog was an official J. Crew blog, and only realized later that it was not. You are just very professional and informative! Keep at it girlie!
I was in NYC today & yesterday (hoping to see Jenna in the Rock Center store but didn't), so I know this comment is a little late, but...that's too funny! She obviously doesn't know what she is talking (writing) about. You may have already answered this, but have you "e-confronted" her to set her straight? Not that she'd believe you, anyway!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I have, at times, looked around at the other women shopping in the Westport and Danbury stores and wondered to myself "is that her?"..."Does SHE look like an Alexis?"..."Am I sure Alexis is really a female?" LOL!
You truly are a mystery woman, like one of those TV characters that never shows their face, or maybe "deep-throat" from the Watergate scandal (no, not the porn movie). I hope you do reveal yourself someday! Until then, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!
Tastymoog: I want to see Julie & Julia this weekend- it looks so good. And thank you for the nice words on this blog (although I am pretty sure I won't get a book deal about being obsessed with J.Crew!) ;)
ReplyDeleteZoe Moet: Thank you for the compliment! I think all the grammatical errors are a big clue that I am *not* a professional or work for J.Crew! ;)
SallyO: I haven't e-confronted (love the term!) the author- just left a comment in the comment section of the post. I agree with you, I don't think she would believe me anyways. Also, it's so funny you mention looking around in stores- whenever I am in a J.Crew, I start looking around the floor to see if I can spot a JCA! ;)
Yes Alexis, I know that if you really were Jenna in disguise you would have already offered us JCAs an "Ultra Exclusive, Super Secret Shhh don't tell the other bloggers coupone code of 10% off $175" ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us all obsessed!
Stacie: Thanks for the thanks! Also, I agree with you that if I did work for J.Crew, I *so* would have asked them for a special super secret (but not so secret) code of some kind!!! ;)
ReplyDelete