New Annoying and Unnecessary Women's Contest: Ms. Horror Blogosphere 2009

Fuck this.

I was asked to enter this and at the last minute I changed my mind because I kind of felt like I was going to be objectified and that I wasn't going to be taken as seriously as a writer if I did it. I figured that it was going to end up being a contest all about tits and I was pretty much on the money. I think it's sad that some of the women in it think it's okay to be purely judged on their tits rather than on their actual talent.

Le sigh. The integrity of female horror bloggers is once again in "Grave Danger". If it was a contest based solely on the best informative and hilarious blog, Ponder would win it hands down. I guess I'll take this time to quietly nominate her for best ever blogger in horror history, and since my opinion is probably more valid than that of the entire other website you're talking about, she wins! Whoo hoo. Your prize is... nothing, cause I'm poor.

I hope this doesn't mean that you're discontinuing the Scary Studs series. I was so hoping to win that truly nauseating attempt at attention grabbing and men-judging some day.

No offense at all to anyone involved but I think the results at this time prove your theory to be false.

Hello Everyone,

I'm Nicki and I'm one of the disgusting, shameless competitors in the Ms. Horror Blogosphere contest.

I was very thrilled to be asked to compete in this competition, not because I think I have a decent rack and I couldn't wait to show it to the world; it's because I wanted to get my blog out there *cough wwww.heylookbehindyou.com cough*

My blog is still fairly new and the majority of my readers are close friends of mine. When the very awesome Brian Solomon told me about the competition, I was only thinking "Hey! New readers! I'm in!" When he asked that pictures be submitted, he did not ask for "sexy pics" or "nudies." We could choose whatever pics we wanted. I think if you look over the pics, you see all of us showcasing our love for horror and/or our personalities. Hell, for one of my pictures, I'm groping a statue. Yes, me a lady is not above objectifying a male.

I don't consider myself "hot" but I'm a cute girl, if someone wants to visit my blog because I'm cute, rock on. If they read my shit and think its sucks, cute, hot or not, they are not going to waste their time coming back.

And as for being a "popularity contest" again, I'm new, the only people voting for me are my friends and friends of friends but I'm getting hits on my page and people are telling me they like my stuff... and no they aren't talking about my ass or boobs or vagina. They like the jibber jabba I write and that makes me feel good. I don't plan on winning but that wasn't my intention to begin with. I got to know most of these girls because of this competition and they're freakin' incredible. I could give a shit about what they look like. They love horror, I love horror.

In the real world, it's hard to find people that love horror as much as we do. I'm judged at work all the time but to have a blog where I can jizz all my love for horror all over the place, is a great feeling. And finding people that I can relate to whom also write really great shit, it's a connection I can't get anywhere else.

So, yeah!

As one of the above mentioned contestants, I find it sad that people cannot see this contest as an opportunity to promote some very cool female bloggers. Many who I had not heard of until the contest. I also find it hypocritical that a site that has a stud of the month feature has the cheek to even comment on the contest for being exploitative.

A Mr Horror Blogosphere will be ran by the winner in the interests of parity. Hopefully we can also reflect on one of the main philosophies of feminism (as this seems to be the flag your waving Heidi) which is the right for women to choose without judgement.

www.musingcontinuum.com

Okay, this is a response to those who have responded negatively to Heidi's post, both here and on the Vault of Horror blog. First let me say that I found the Vault's response to Heidi's post to be graceful and mostly valid. The host seems like a decent enough guy, and I honestly believe his intentions are honorable. I also enjoyed seeing all the horror hostesses in one place - I enjoy horror blogs, and will probably end up reading a few as a result of the Vault's contest.

That said, Heidi has a point. To understand that point, you have to step back and take an honest look at the treatment of women in the entertainment industry (and all industry, for that matter). To say that it's a male dominated world is the understatement of the century, and from what I've observed here on Pretty Scary, it seems as though Heidi's mission is to balance that out as best she can. Now, anyone on that mission is always going to be extremely sensitive to contests like these, and any objectification whatsoever is going to get nailed to the wall. That's why questions like "who would you rather sleep with" are a no no. Maybe Heidi's post was harsh, but I think anyone who really takes the time to think it over will realize that it was pretty much the exact response one would expect from a feminist in the horror industry.

I understand the accusations of hypocracy leveled at the Scary Stud of the Month portion of Pretty Scary, but in my opinion this is one of the few occasions when a double standard is acceptable. As far as I can tell, the Scary Stud posts are not meant to objectify men - they are meant to counterbalance the fact that women in horror have been used for decades as slutted out poster dolls for men - kind of a smart aleck (but good natured) response to that objectification (again, a typical response from a feminist).

When it comes to sticking up for women in horror, Heidi has one tool in her toolbox, and it's a hammer. Obviously that's going to rub some folks the wrong way, as it's abraisive as all getout, but you also have to respect it. The women who took offense to her post should understand that, regardless of how she handled it, she has your best interests at heart.

Please note that this response reflects only my personal opinion.

"As far as I can tell, the Scary Stud posts are not meant to objectify men."

Haha! You're funny!

Oh my god, you're not being serious are you?

But you're right, I for one am glad that someone like Heidi is taking the time to let her less intelligent sisters know when they're being exploited.

I seriously don't think that Brian Solomon was doing this in a calculated attempt to exploit women - but I do find it odd that no one else pointed out the pointlessness of needing to post a picture with the entry. I mean, I am roommates with one of the women asked to join, and she didn't enter because she would have been required to have a picture posted - and she didn't understand why that was necessary, because it was her BLOG that was being judged, supposedly, not her.

Ms Harker, Nixty - others who read this: It is fine to enter these kind of contests, as long as you are okay with having your BLOG judged as good or bad based partly in how hot or ugly men think you are, based on the pictures you submit to the contest you willing entered. If you're okay with that, then that's your right. But it is also my right to point it out. I am glad it doesn't bother you, because you're in the contest. But it does bother me.

I can't remember the part in the competition that said we were voting on the pictures submitted.

I can't work out why posting pictures of the entrants is such an outrage. See The League of Tana Tea Drinkers website for some blog profiles where photos have been added without any accusations that Zombo is a horny old fuck. Although, now that I come to think of it...

However, I do like the phrase "nauseating attempt at woman-judging" and shall try and use it more in general conversation.

Ok, so maybe it's just me, but I like putting a face to an author. I don't think submitting a picture is as much about objectifying women as it is simply putting a face to a name. But I'm just a teenager, so I'm probably wrong.

"See The League of Tana Tea Drinkers website for some blog profiles where photos have been added without any accusations that Zombo is a horny old fuck."

Those are profiles and interviews, not a contest purportedly about writing where a photograph of the author is mandatory.

And no one thinks that B Sol is doing this because he's a "horny fuck", old or otherwise.

Thanks for explaining.

Okay, I think I get it. Photos are fine for profiles and interviews, but photos are sexist for profiles and interviews where a competition is involved.

So many rules nowadays, eh? I'm going to have to start writing all this down.

This whole thing is ridiculous and anyone who was honestly offended by this needs to remove the stick lodged so far up their ass they're tasting bark. No one cares what the bloggers look like, and to assume otherwise is just ridiculous.

1) Lycurgus, "offended" is a strong word. I don't think I was 'offended'. Annoyed is a much better word. I find this contest annoying and unecessary, and I do think that making women post a picture of themselves implies judging them by how hot you think they are. I really do.

2) Not that there is anything wrong with having a beauty contest. But please, let's call it a beauty contest instead of pretending it is a 'blog' contest. It really has nothing to do with the quality of the writing on any of these sites. It's a popularity/beauty contest. People should just admit that. and say 'Yeah, I entered a popularity/beauty' contest. Fuck, i don't personally care WHAT they do. I just thought the fact that it was supposedly based on the quality of their writing was lame and untrue.

3) Iglookeeper, you are one of my new favorite people.

4) I also love how the only way I can get female horror bloggers to read anything on this site or post replies is by offending them somehow. Otherwise, they're so not interested in anything that happens here, especially positive news about women. Interesting! maybe they just don't like my site.

Oh! I also forgot to address the stick up my ass - it took a long time to get that stick up there. it also has little hooks, like a cat's penis, so it is very hard to pull it out.

Si l'on vit assez longtemps, on voit que toute victoire se change un jour en de faite.

I would like to add something to my original defense of Heidi's post, because something just dawned on me, and although it may be somewhat controversial I feel it applies to the situation. I apologize in advance if I offend anyone.

The question is, why would a feminist take the contest rules so seriously? It's because the contest is being run by a man. When a man holds a contest for women, who have been exploited in the horror genre for decades, he needs to be very sensitive. There is a justified double standard. To put it another way, if a black guy walked by me on the street and said, "What's up, cracker?" I would probably laugh and wave to him. However, if I walked by a black guy on the street and said, "What's up, (the N word)?" it would be on. Why? Because the history of oppression of blacks in this country makes that word a painful label of disrespect.

So when a guy runs a horror contest for women where pictures are mandatory, as well as questions like "who would you sleep with", it's going to be seen as annoying/offensive to feminists. But if it was a feminist running the contest, it wouldn't be offensive at all. The point is, when it comes to certain subjects, the rules change.

Again, I believe the Vault of Horror host is a decent guy and that his intentions were honorable, and maybe Heidi's post was an overreaction. But I understand WHY she overreacted, and I think it was good that she overreacted. Because when it comes to looking out for women in this genre (many of whom, frankly, don't understand what exploitation is), it's better to have a defender who will overreact than it is to have an apathetic one who won't react at all.

Just my opinion, folks.

Don't think she "overreacted" .....much.

Okay, guess I'll have to toss in my virtual two cents...

I'm a participant in the contest and accepted entry because, as a relatively new blogger, it seemed like a great opportunity to get a little more exposure from a lot of readers who frequent other sites similar to mine but who, because of my own lack of networking and self-promotion, might not necessarily find my blog. Everybody has their own tastes when it comes to reading, and I hope that my answers in the questionnaire reflected my tendencies as a writer. Like many readers, I found a few new blogs as a result of reading the entries based on the quality of writing within those answers.

Now, the reason I don't normally go bananas to broadcast my musings to the Internet world is because my readership numbers don't really matter to me all that much. I write because I love to do it, because I have a passion for genre cinema, and because I believe my reviews are genuinely entertaining to read and I have a blast doing them. I'd much rather get a warm email from a reader telling me how much he/she enjoys my site than triple digit followers who remain faceless. Because I don't normally focus on myself, I welcomed the chance to introduce who I am by answering a few blog-centric questions about my history, blog, writing, and personality as a horror fan. I took "include a few pictures" as a way to show the face behind the blog. I don't believe anybody expressed too much concern about this and had I instead sent photos of my cats or DVD collection, I imagine Brian would have used them.

All the contestants were provided the list of questions and all of us had the chance to address a very important issue: does image matter to a female blogger? Each of us interpreted this question as it applies to us. I don't post many photos of myself because my blog is about my writing and style. My readers know that. Other bloggers may integrate their personalities (and with that, image) simply because that's the style and approach of their blog. If that's the case, then I hope and believe they all answered it as honestly as they could. As you read the entries, I think you can see understand a little about the blogger based on her answer to that question.

Were the questions geared towards females? Of course. Bang/Marry/Kill certainly gives off a sexual vibe, but I took that question more as a personality and horror preference than as a chance for readers to picture me having sex with Michael Myers. I read many a male-run blog and spend a good deal of time with podcasts and you know what? I would say that I know the romantic inclinations of most of the writers and hosts because it's a personality thing. The nature of blogging is that it incorporates the personality with one's writing. For the most part, I believe my reviews are ungendered but here and there, who I am slips in simply because most blogging takes an informal approach.

I honestly don't know how the votes are going since I've already voted from my computer. My understanding is that the bloggers with higher followings have more votes. So be it. As someone who works hard to crank out insightful but fun reviews and articles three-four times a week but still has less followers than most of my contestants, I didn't expect to win or really come that close. I just wanted the chance to introduce myself to a wider part of the blogging and reading community.

This is getting really long, isn't it?

Sigh.

Heidi, I do appreciate your opinion and I totally understand its validity in theory. If someone said "did you know there's a beauty contest for female bloggers?" I'd be pretty offended. And sure, some readers may have taken it that way and voted for who they found to show the hottest photos. But as a blogging friend pointed out, that's a tad insulting to the readers who take the time to read and vote for their favorite writers. Since posting, I've gained a few new readers and have yet to receive a single comment about my looks. I highly doubt that anybody decided to read my site based on a photo of my dressed like Mrs. Peacock. More likely, someone liked my responses to questions about horror and maybe decided to stick around for my reviews of Fear of Clowns and Netherworld.

Deadly Dolls, I agree it may be a tad insulting to the readers who have taken the time to read your blog and vote for you based on your writing.

But for the people who looked at the images and didn't bother to read all the interviews and check out each individual blog before voting, it isn't insulting at all.

And while I don't have any statistics in front of me, I will hazard a guess that there were not many readers of Vault of Horror who took the time to read each blog and interview. This is why having a picture helps - it lets these people take a quick gander at you and let their opinion of you form that way. When they vote, that's what they're voting on.

I'm not saying there were no people who took the time to read your whole blog - I am sure there were a few.

On top of it, I am getting really sick, personally, of female contests in horror that pit women against each other. Miss Horrorfest, Fangoria Spooksmodel, even Rue Morguette (ugh, I have to take that banner down), and something as seemingly harmless as Ms. Horror Blogosphere. I mean, if anyone can answer me this question in a rational way that makes sense other than 'It helps drive hits to Vault of Horror and to some of the individual blogs listed' then I'm willing to listen: 'why?'

As far as I can see, using contests to get hits isn't bad in and of itself. It just irks me when we use women, pit them against each other, and make them compete via their looks in order to get hits for a website.

Madam:

I am aghast at your silly missive defaming B-Sol at the Vault of Horror. Next time, keep it to yourself, or at least check with your subject before rendering your unfounded opinion.

As opposed to what you may think, you are the type of person undermining feminism with this type of drivel. If you only took the time you would have seen that there was nothing offensive or demeaning about the contest. Rather, you decided to insert yourself into the issue, calling out a man of the highest integrity, and do real feminism a disservice.

By attempting to manufacture an issue of objectifying or demeaning women where there was none, and to take down a person of such high caliber in the process, you have, in your own little way, handed the true enemies of feminism and women's rights a little bag of ammunition. Congratulations.

Before this I had never read your blog. Now I shall certainly never read your blog again. Kudos.

RayRay

Le sigh. This is getting tired.

To anyone about to post a personal insult to me:

Please take a second look and understand that nowhere in my original article do the words 'feminist', 'offensive', or 'degrading' appear.

Instead, why not try to focus on the other, 'real' words that you can use in an agressive argument, like 'judge', 'exploit', and 'popularity contest'. Try it!

Hey, thanks for deleting my last message and then taking the time to find and post a photo of my child. It's a great debating tactic and shows real class.

you're welcome! I didn't say it was you, though! Now everyone knows! I just wanted to share a lovely picture I found! You should be more careful, because people could take that image and stalk you. I'll remove it for your own safety. Really, be more careful from now on!

I deleted your last comment because it was stupid, and I have a job as editor to make sure that content on this site stays within the realm of readability.

Thanks. It didn't stop me getting a dozen propositions from your readers though.

To save me replying to each and every one - sorry girls, I'm married.

Well, do us a favor and keep us updated on how your marriage is going and if you ever need, you know, a little extra fun on the side.

I entered this competition knowing; a) I would not win (for various reasons, including that I blog infrequently & not always about horror but perhaps too that I am not a 'hot' blogger), b) that lots of people probably wouldn't even bother to read my entry or blog posts, but more importantly c) that it would give me the opportunity to respond.

I entered to voice my opinion and whilst not everyone voting in the competition will be aware of either my voice or my blog, there are some people who now are. Sometimes you have to use the system within which the dominant forces operate in order to fight it.

If you care to read my entry, here is the link:
http://thevaultofhorror.blogspot.com/2009/11/ms-horror-blogosphere-entry...

I'm coming into the fray late.

My two cents: instead of forcing participants in including a photo of themselves, why not just request they submit any image that they feel represents their writing? This could include a photo of themselves if they wish, or could be any other image that they feel is reflective of their writing style, which is what they are ultimately supposed to be judged upon in this contest.

Well, nothing like diving right into an old but sticky subject....

I missed out on the blog contest, but after reading the posts on this thread, just wanted to add in my point of view.

I can see being a bit upset about requiring a picture. Yea, men are visually stimulated and some will vote strictly from that perspective. It's probably the only reason Megan Fox won Sci Fi Best Actress at the Scream Awards (There's four words I never thought I'd use in one sentence: Megan, Fox, Best, Actress) over Eliza Dusku, Katee Sackhoff and Lena Headley.

But what do you expect from the viewers of Spike TV? While that might seem like a blight on us guys in horror land, you have to remember that a lot of us vote for a performance or a piece of work, not the features of the actor or creator.

Maybe I'm being delusional, but I'd like to think that any man taking the time to vote on a blog writing contest will be reading the submissions and not voting on a contestant's photo.

As for the issue requiring a photo, that's a bit touchy. If photos were voluntary and someone with a photo on the site won over someone without a photo.... Well, think of the shitstorm that could generated. So, to put things on an equal footing, you either have to not allow photos (and risk possibly upsetting some of the authors) or require them of everyone.

Like I said, maybe I'm being delusional. But I'd like to think that men voting on a blog writing contest would be more interested in reading the work than looking at the photos.

Heidi, here's a reason for holding such a contest. And I'm not talking about the ones that are obviously beauty contests.

Thousands of bloggers, websites and podcasts are out there and a lot of good work is likely overlooked due to the shear volume of information flooding the internet. Contests like this one might expose people to new, interesting ideas and authors, ones that might have remained in relative obscurity if a contest wasn't being held. For men, it's a chance to see horror from a woman's perspective, something we are not always able to get. For women, it a chance to feel like they are not the only ones with the same interests, and it might inspire them to sit down at the keyboards and start writing themselves.

Just a thought.

Yes, I see your point, Bigmac. But I have to be opinionated in order to get people to visit my site.

LOL. I guess what it boils down to is I am sick of women having to use their looks to get people to read their shit on the internet.

I used to think I had to, too. I'm all bitter and old now, which is probably why so many many things irritate me in general.

But I am also glad this issue was discussed so thoroughly with so much input. I really am.

And your opinions are why I'm here. It's nice to be involved on a horror website with an opinionated woman, instead of one using the site to sell photos and such. And it's nice that (most of the time) the discussions can be intense, but not degenerate into name calling and such.