In 2007, journalist Michael Parsons wrote:
“Successful blogging is hard, dirty work: it’s the hand-to-hand combat of the writing world. […] Like all people who rise to the top of their profession, it demonstrates a simple truth: good bloggers work like dogs. You can’t expect readers to show up unless you show up. And the internet never closes. […] It takes amazing focus and energy not only to drink from the fire hose of content that is the World Wide Web and make sense of it, but also to direct your own little water pistol back at it and actually get noticed. You need a big ego, a loud voice, and a thick skin. And you need to burn with a restless intensity that makes people want to come back and see what you’ve got to say.”
Which means anyone who can show up for years and be a major part of a successful blog deserves our respect.
Francesca has been with this blog since its beginning. I believe she was the first one hired and in her tenure her singular voice has contributed so much to what this blog has become, so it is with all due solemnity that we mark Francesca’s departure from Manolo for the Big Girl.
It’s no secret that Francesca and I had a difference of opinion on virtually everything in the known universe (and before you all go ZOMG PLUMCAKE HAD HER KILLED!!! I didn’t. Not even a little. ) but she was remarkably sensitive about our readership, and I respected that. She stood up for you crazy-making knuckleheads wonderful people all the time, even when it might put her on the receiving end of me Telling Her Things.
I remember one time I had posted some looks from the Paris haute couture shows and she sent me a scolding email about how unless I could show a way you all could reproduce the look at home then I shouldn’t do it. Of course I probably told her where she and her scolding email could go (haute couture doesn’t come in sizes. It’s cut on the body, thus totally accessible for the big girl, provided she can afford it.)
The point is, she stood up for you all and that wasn’t easy considering I take the Faulknerian view of anyone trying to edit my work.
You’ve got to respect her for that.
What does this mean for the blog? Well, I believe Twistie will be doing the weekly sales posts although I’ll try to keep an eye on those too. Big Girls in Art will probably continue as a semi-regular featurette, but the rest of the Francesca-specific features will be retired until further notice. I will try to keep an eye on things for our petite friends, but honestly since I don’t think about it much, please pester me if it’s been too long since we’ve represented The Lollipop Guild. The rest we’ll figure out as we go along.
As a final good luck and goodbye, I thought we’d end with a big question.
Today Miss Plumcake wants to know:
What has been your all-time favorite Francesca moment?
When Francesca said that princess seams are not an Apple’s best friend, they are her fairy godmother, the clouds parted, a clear golden light shone down, and a heavenly choir sang. Not only was it the single best piece of advice I’ve ever had on dressing myself, it got me to pay attention to details like the specifics of garment construction, neckline, cut and drape. They matter! I never knew.
Comment by TeleriB — March 2, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
I really loved the 27 prom dresses posts! Adorable dresses, and a great idea. Made me miss my prom!
Comment by J — March 2, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
The prom dresses! I didn’t even GO to my prom, but it was fun seeing all the pretty dresses for the younger Big Girls.
Comment by Mifty — March 2, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
I will forever be indebted to Francesca for introducing me to Lauren Luke and Les Toil, and for the Big Girls in Art.
Comment by Mrs. Hendricks — March 2, 2010 @ 3:45 pm
Francesca has always demonstrated a talent for making everyone feel included in fashion. It’s a gift that’s helped me in my own journey of finding my own style.
Comment by TropicalChrome — March 2, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
Thank you for your work Francesca! Please do make sure to keep us updated if you decide to make with the internet article writing again!
Comment by Miss Spite — March 2, 2010 @ 4:59 pm
I loved the post where Francesca told us that she’d seen her doctor about making adjustments in diet and excercise, but for overall HEALTH and energy, not weight loss. She explained her goals in a way that her doctor understood, and could apply iin helping other patients. Also, her overall compassion.
Comment by Debs — March 2, 2010 @ 10:03 pm
loved her post about her Bavarian christmas with the cute Nebraska (or was it Kansas?) guy. also the makeup posts, oddly enough, since I rarely wear makeup. I was so pleased she pointed us to the Single Dad website – I think many of us enjoyed writing to him about his daughter.
you’re all great – but I’m really going to miss Francesca.
Comment by jeannemarie — March 2, 2010 @ 10:17 pm
I’ve enjoyed the Yes, Maybe, No blogs. I appreciate the explanations of each opinion. And I can’t forget the big girls in art. Loved ’em.
Comment by jojo.k — March 3, 2010 @ 1:05 am
Big Girls in Art!! I loved all the features.
Comment by All Women Stalker — March 4, 2010 @ 5:14 am
Bavarian Christmas hands down! I’ll miss you Francesca! I always liked you best!
Comment by Jassy — March 6, 2010 @ 3:26 am