After posting "A Bizarre Story from the J.Crew Aficionada", I was able to confirm (through my analytic software & her own follow-up actions) who was behind "Katherine"."Katherine" (which is not her real name) has acted passive-aggressively towards me & the JCA blog for sometime. I tried to ignore it, but the more I tried to look the other way the more she came at me. And I am not really sure why. Her actions were neither lovely nor couture.
She recently created her own J.Crew themed blog (originally using a variation of the J.Crew Aficionada URL). She has copied formats and elements, like certain weekly posts, that are unique to the JCA blog. (She has spent hours downloading several images off the JCA blog which she is now using. It's not like I own the images, so I can't complain here.)
I have no need to start a blog war over, of all things, J.Crew. So I made no mind when she went ahead and promoted her J.Crew blog on the JCA blog awhile back. But she crossed a line when she tried to "out" me. An honest mistake it was not. It was vindictive. Why the need to bother with me is crazy! She has never met me, nor communicated with me. I honestly don't understand it. :(
The JCA blog is a fun hobby of mine, so I don't go out of my way to be mean to anyone. Heck, I am not even making money off of this- there's no ads on the site and I have never sold anything on the Great Weekly Exchange. (In fact, I haven't sold anything ever. Mainly out of sheer laziness on my part.) Moreover, I have spent hours answering JCA email on advice about fit and the like.
I started a J.Crew blog over a year ago and never dreamed how many wonderful JCAs I would meet through it. I also did not realize the ugly competition I would end up creating with others who wanted to create their own J.Crew themed blog (those who hated the JCA site but yet (1) advertised their site on the JCA and (2) used a variation of the JCA URL). I have said this before, I will say it again: there's room for all blogs that love J.Crew! And I have many of these fantastic sites listed on the JCA Blog Roll.
I am not the first to have a J.Crew blog. (That title goes to the {fantastic} JCrew-a-holics R Us blog. Which honestly, I hope still comes back- that site's content was freakin' amazing!) More importantly, I won't be the last blog about J.Crew. (Let's be honest, I can't run the JCA forever. I will eventually have to give the reins over to someone else.) So let's all live in harmony.
I just don't get it. Whoever tried to out you, Alexis, just needs to go away. JCA is a great blog, the only one I follow, but like you said, anyone can blog about JCrew. There is no need to get nasty.
ReplyDeleteWhoa what a sicko!! Alexis I feel so sorry for you having to put up with this crap, can you ban her IP address as someone suggested the other day?
ReplyDeleteYou cleared up one thing about which blog it wasn't. Now I have no guesses not that it matters. It's too bad this person is so malicious, imitation should be the sincerest form of flattery. Nice detective work!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand that behavior at all, Alexis, but I hope you won't take it at all to heart. I honored you and your blog by naming my blog "jcauncmom" (and by giving myself that online pseudonym, in fact). Your blog is so informative, so witty and so much fun, and I really thank you and admire you for keeping it up. It's incredibly time-consuming, I know, but you are deeply appreciated. Hope you keep doing this for quite a while!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, that someone is ugly to you. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this blog. I've visited other J. Crew blogs, and IMO, this one is best and is where I'll stay.
ReplyDeleteYou're Awesome, keep it up.
Alexis this is the first blog I check every morning as I have been drinking the Crewlade for over 15 years now! You've also saved me hundreds of dollars since 2008 on shipping and discounts thanks to the codes you always place on the blog. Please continue to blog as we love you and what you do is enormously appreciated! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your ordeal Alexis! I hate that someone is picking on you. It is almost certain in this blog world that you will come across not-nice people. Fortunately, they are usually the minority. Like you said, blogging has opened us up to so many nice and wonderful people. I just hope that you can block this person that is bugging you and get on with your fabulous self :) We love you (and your blog)!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I was trying to email you, but the email link on your profile won't let me use it. Can you shoot me an email at: gingersnaptoit@gmail.com
Thanks!
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ReplyDeleteWhy don't you just ignore her? I love the blog, but the whole situation you've been posting is childish. Who really cares? I realize initially you were concerned that someone could lose their job- but any employer dumb enough to fire someone based on internet gossip posted by people who have never met the person in questions is begging for a law suit.
ReplyDeleteEveryone: Thanks for the words of support. :)
ReplyDeleteMaureen: I agree that this whole thing is childish. I realize I don't look great, or above it all, by posting these two posts. But I *have* tried looking the other way and it just seems to get worse. I am hoping that by addressing it, maybe it will stop. And if it doesn't then at least I tried. :)
Thanks, Alexis, for running this blog and putting up with this weird crap. While I don't disagree with Maureen that ignoring this wacko would might be best (wackos, especially those who act like they are still in jr. high usually love attention), I appreciate the post filling us all in.
ReplyDeleteOh, and we had a brief convo once about the PhD business-I just started as an assistant professor and used your blog as an example in my new media class. The ladies got a real kick out of it and you likely got some new JCAs!
Alexis, you rock! The amount of time and energy you have committed to this wonderful forum is invaluable and I cannot thank you enough for all of the work you put forth every day. You have helped me on more than one occasion with fit and design questions....again, thank you. Not to mention the countless styling ideas for certain pieces I have gained from the conversations that ensue about items. There have been times I have stayed off the blog due to unnecessary, snarky comments, but I realize those people just need to go away. We are all here to support and help each other and I figure the undesirables will fall by the wayside. It amazes me that anyone would even waste their time on trying to "out" you...for what? It's a blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks again and keep up the great work. Keep your chin up too and try not to let the events of this past week get to you too much (I know, easier said than done), and be proud of the community you have created!
I don't think Alexis was being childish at all. She is just trying to protect herself and her identity and all the hard work she has put into this site. I would have done the same thing. Seems like there is always someone who likes to ruin things for other people. I hope this person goes away and you can put this behind you.
ReplyDeleteAll,
ReplyDeleteI received a phone call from my friend this afternoon telling me to me to read Alexis’s blog. I logged onto J.Crew Aficionada right away only to see that my eBay store and my blog has been attacked by Alexis here today.
It’s beyond obvious she is talking about me since all of her “clues” point directly to me and my site, and I’m not exactly sure why. This “detective work” she has done is inaccurate since I have nothing to do with this crazy person she is accusing me of being.
I’m Jennifer and I read this blog periodically {like many others}. Alexis’s blog has inspired me to make a blog that myself and my best friend have created and contribute to on a daily basis. I’m not exactly sure why I’m being attacked here. Alexis, for some reason…has decided to attack and blame the wrong person.
Yes, J.Crew Aficionada inspired my blog. Yes, I read this blog. Yes, I’ve posted things to trade and sell on her weekly sale/trade posts. The pictures I use may or may not be from Alexis’s site {only because I either use pictures directly from J.Crew or I usually Google “J.Crew” for pictures and it's very possible that a lot of them are from this site}. However, I’ve never, EVER personally attacked Alexis in the ways she is accusing and I have no interest in “outing” anyone. If anything, I would respect and understand a blogger’s need for privacy as a fellow blogger and I’ve only looked up to Alexis and her blog this whole time.
My issue here is that she is trying to ruin my name and put the blame on someone and for some "bazaar" reason - it happens to be me. I personally do not condone blog wars nor cat fights, and I do not like {nor appreciate} the negativity surrounding this situation; however, I’ve been left no other choice but to respond. This situation clearly needed to be addressed since my integrity and my personal blog has being accused of something so childish, ridiculous, and extremely immature.
Please do not expect me to write a rebuttal on my personal blog as THIS would be adding fuel to the fire. This absurd drama that is being created here and is being reflected upon J.Crew is something that I do not want to have to address in the future. This situation needs to end here, and any further negativity will be forwarded to and handled by a third party, if necessary. I’m going to take Alexis’s advice to be classy and to move on and I think she should do the same. I’m not looking for an apology, but if Alexis did decide to apologize, I would appreciate it and accept it – at the very least please clear myself of any wrongdoing.
Thank you,
Jennifer
I am sorry that you've had to deal with this. I am extremely grateful to you for giving of your time to keep up with this wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteThis gets more and more bizarre! Anyway, Alexis, hang in there, we support you and again, as always, you are doing an awesome job on this blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alexis for EVERYTHING you do! I LOVE your blog and definitely believe it's the best JC blog out there. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really proud and impressed by the way you have managed to keep cool and maintain class during this whole ordeal. You have:
1. not used real names
2. not called out any specific URL for the owner of the offending blog or eBay store
I do not see how anyone could claim that you are in fact attacking them! (Jennifer's comment above?) Beyond me.
All I can hope for the readers of this blog is that we continue to "Stay Classy!" and for those who have something negative to say, please move onto another blog/location!
Alexis,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading this blog for about a year, and I love it! Thanks for putting so much hard work into it. I check your blog almost every morning before leaving for work. It gives me a good start to what usually ends up being a crazy day. Keep up the good work.
Love your blog! I check in all the time to catch up on the latest JCrew and your helpful tips.
ReplyDeleteBeth
This whole situation has gotten out of hand. I agree with maureen. Who really cares? (This is almost worst than all the anonymous "stuff" that used to go on.....)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your hard work you put into this blog. Like everyone mentioned before me, it's amazing how much time and effort you devote to this blog to keep it going. I support you and hope this negativity ends.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks to those for the kind words & support. They mean a lot to me. Especially during the times when I want to stop going on with the JCA blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI felt I needed to say what I did.
Out of the 1,300+ posts on the JCA Blog, these 2 posts will be the *only* posts about this matter. I won't re-visit this subject again.
Alexis; Don't give into this negativity, it is understandable you want to walk away after pouring all this hard work into this blog. The majority of posters appreciate what you do day in and day out, don't let this person or persons spoil it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the work you do on this blog and kudos to you for the originality of your posts!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an unfortunate consequence of being popular. :( Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And as you say at the end of the day it's all about J.Crew anyway, so no one can really claim ownership. I can only imagine how annoying it is but I'm glad you're keeping it all in perspective Alexis. I agree it crossed the line to try to "out" you but I hope this all dies down soon.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, thanks for everything that you do.
ReplyDeleteAlexis, thanks for taking time to keep up us up to date with JCrewland news :)
ReplyDeleteI admire you for dedicating time to a post/person that, in my opinion, is not really worth it.
Thanks again for this wonderful blog and have a great weekend :)
Oh, I should have started my comment by saying Thank you for all you do Alexis. This is always the first blog I check in the AM. :) The time and effort you put in is much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: Thank you again for all you do to maintain this blog! You are just amazing! Please know that you are so very appreciated! :)
ReplyDeleteAlexis, you seem like the sweetest, dearest soul, and your blog is amazing. I can't imagine why someone wants to create drama with you. WTH?? I echo Roxy - thanks so for all you do!!!!
ReplyDeleteI understand trying to 'speak of the elephant in the room' in a way, as long as avoiding it is no longer an option. I'm sorry this has become an issue for you and your great blog.. But you can tell you have lots of support in your followers :) Pleasing everyone is never possible! Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteJCA is my favorite place to visit to escape the stresses of the day.
ReplyDeleteI love looking at the comments and feel as if I know some of the wonderful posters here.
I do miss the minor dust-ups as they related to topics you have posted in the past but this situation has gone too far. The personal attacks aimed at posters were bad but, this kook is over the top.
Please don't go many of us will have withdrawal symptoms!
please don't stop! this is a wonderful blog. you are very much appreciated:)
ReplyDeleteAlexis-
ReplyDeleteYou should block her url. Don't let her continue to bother you on your own forum - and at the very least, don't let her use your exchange to resell items.
For anyone curious, her site:
http://iheartjcrewsblog.blogspot.com/
Alexis,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you have had this person harass you. There could never be any imitation of your JCA blog! It is the standard we all go by - all of us who love J Crew AND have our own little blogs about everyday life INCLUDING our J Crew, haha.
We love you, and all you do - and this is THE spot where we all come together.
It is amazing how much info you keep on here - from all of the discount codes, offers, and posting of business news related to J Crew! Since I started my little ol' blog, I can truly appreciate the effort involved.
Great to see that you are not letting it get to you!
Thank you again, for all you do for us!
Keep your chin up Alexis - there can only be one original!
ReplyDeleteThats ridiculous! I feel sorry for the unnecessary stress you had to go through Alexis.
ReplyDeleteI hope it didnt effect your thesis write up
Alexis - As someone who has been your devoted for over a year, I just want to say that your blog continues to put a smile on my face week after week! I don't even post on my own blog much these days, but I try to get my daily fix on yours. It sounds like many people need their daily JCA fix along with their morning coffee:). Plus I've bought and sold a lot of great things through the weekly exchange. What a fabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, I've made lots of amazing new friends through your blog - both in person and online. We have a whole new D.C. social circle because of you. It's been a wonderful experience for many of your blog readers!
It sucks that you have to deal with these types of situations, and I'm really sorry that they ruin your day and your desire to write. This shouldn't be a soap opera, for heaven's sake. It's just a fun forum where people can read and talk about J.Crew. It's one thing to gripe about final sale policies or non-stackable discounts or inconsistent sizes or shipping charges. It's another thing to attack people personally, and there's really no place for it here.
Being a celeb is sometimes challenging:) You've done an extraordinary job with this blog, so I guess you can't help but attract some envious readers! But please keep writing for those who (really) love J.Crew and just want to have fun with it. Those who take it a little too seriously or who expect this blog to be something it's not just need to get a grip.
Oops, I meant to say "your devoted fan" for over a year. Anyway, you get the idea!:)
ReplyDeleteI knew it wasn't Corey Irwin from "http://jcrewaholic.blogspot.com/". She has another site "http://seecoreyrun.blogspot.com/". It seems she has moved on and doesn't have time to devote to the JCrew blog so much anymore. It's funny I save her sites in my internet favorites because her blog was the first blog I found about JCrew. Then of course Alexis' awesome blog appeared, where all of the true addicts finally had a place to feel normal.
ReplyDeleteAll the other JCrew sites are excellent resources too. As Gigi refers to JCA, "The Mothership" is just that! Hang in there Alexis and don't worry about the weirdies. I feel bad for the person who was tagged as the infamous Alexis. She must be getting alot of attention. Good night!
Hang in there Alexis. Your blog is fun and so informative. To me, J.Crew Aficionada is and will always be the ultimate blog on the world of J Crew. Don't let these recent events spook you.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
I'm not why anyone would go through the trouble of "outing" someone. Although, outing the other jcrew blogger who was taking advantage of her readers to find her hard to find items so that she could resell on ebay was more so about calling attention to a shady situation.
ReplyDeleteI don't think in the 2+ years I've been on this board that I had ever even wondered who Alexis was. It's just silly. She's a blog moderator, not an insider with the inside scoop. She offers a forum for our discussions.
They always say that imitation is a sincere form of flattery, and I'm glad that there are other blogs that dedicate themselves to jcrew. But really, the other blog is IDENTICAL. Down to her profile. Now, that's creepy.
Keep your chin up, Alexis. You're an original and a smart lady. I hope you stick around for a long time. The weak always weed themselves out.
omg if the comments all get deleted I will be one lost JCA!
ReplyDeletei like the replying threads of DISQUS, I just wish they would link up with blogger IDs automatically already so I don't have to sign in for *every* comment I post !
Thanks for the "only these 2 posts" comment, Alexis -- it's "time to get back to JCrew" as you always say : ) *hugs*
I hope we all have these JCrew blog forums until we look like the old lady on the porch from that post a while back. I totally see us rocking the crew in our elderly years : )
Thanks for all you do, Alexis!!
ReplyDeleteI seem to agree with Maureen, the more you post on here about this, the more drama/spotlight you are creating for yourself even it's for defending yourself.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, but this needs to be taken up with a higher power if it's creating a problem in your daily life.
alexis, i want to say thanks keeping your head up and continuing to blog through all this and the drama that seems to surround JCA sometimes. like many other JCAs i love this blog and appreciate the time you to take to post everyday because it makes my day more enjoyable. at the end of the day you have brought together a great community, and we all know that and love you for it!! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't get it!! I am tired of people who have nothing better to do than criticize other bloggers
ReplyDeleteAlexis, I love your blog, and read it religously. You do a fabulous job, and I thank you so much for taking valuable time out of your day to answer our letters and create your informative posts. Stay strong, and always keep in sight why you started this to begin with... your love of JC!
ReplyDeleteHave you heard about the blog war that happened between the two women earlier this year through Blogspot?
ReplyDeleteWoman A called Woman B a skank on Woman A's blogspot blog. Woman A did this anonymously.
Woman B sued Google to reveal the name of Woman A. Google would not reveal her name until a New York said that it was necessary.
Woman A was revealed. Woman B is happy. Woman A is suing Google because they did not respect her privacy.
Ladies are silly, huh?
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Alexis, thank you for organizing and running such a cool, fun community! I never thought of it , but I am like Christy in that I never imagined who you are as a person, other than the general: erudite, good fashion sense, hard working, most likely female. It is so crazy that someone who emulated your JC "work" needed to take things to a negative personal level, as if some competition is involved. I hope whoever it was finds a new distraction soon!
ReplyDeleteThis is so dumb. If someone wanted to figure out who anyone is, all they would have to do is to go buy something off her ebay store. Bam! All information is listed, and you get a nice jcrew dress to go with it.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone to out anyone out of the goodness of their heart is just a lie.
Just sayin'....
Please explain what "outing" means. And Alexis, without your blog, I'll probably have to go to the Betty Ford center... I need you more than I need my daily dose of caffeine! Please believe us, fellow JCA's, we love and appreciate all you do.
ReplyDeleteBTW.. that site IS creepy...thank goodness her copycat posts have 0 comments.
Alexis, thank you so much for your blog! Very enjoyable! This "Katherine" person apparently has some deep-seated issues. You were right to call her out.
ReplyDelete