Someone once told me there was a credit crunch on and that companies were losing customers and revenue left right and center. Did the staff of these companies know? In most part yes, but there are still a select few that seem press coverage for their products is not worth it.

When a SHINE contributor writes an article they prefer to write from experience, whether that be trying the newest skin cream, viewing the latest exhibition or seeing the collections. We feel that’s the best way to report and the best way to give you the information you want. So far so good?

I really don’t like dropping names, but in a matter of 3 short emails the wretched little PR girl at Manolo Blahnik managed to give me a sour taste in my mouth. All I asked for was to be added to their media relations list so we could report on their new collections. One email consisted of five simple words that had such tone that I decided to never think of that company again, regardless of how fabulous their shoes are. Manners cost nothing. Jimmy Choo on the other hand, fabulous shoes and fabulous people – please rush out and buy!

So the fashion world is hard to crack, but I am not designing clothes, I am writing articles on how chic and gorgeous these brands are. Why the lack of responses and rude rebuffs? I guess SHINE is a little unknown online magazine that doesn’t deserve the time of day, but to our readers we are the new form of media that is killing the glossy magazines. Online media is one of the fastest growing forms of communication. National newspapers and magazines are all investing heavily in the online form of media and just last week Rupert Murdoch’s media company was considering charging for the news on their websites in order to stave off the downturn in readership and revenue.

I do like to report that the cosmetics industry have been marvelous in helping us to bring you the best skin care articles. The response even took me off guard as these companies helped with what I asked for and more. The names of these companies can be found in the articles in the where to buy, but I want to say a special thank you to Space NK for being so helpful and pleasant to work with. Is it just me or do most people like good customer service when they go shopping? I think the same goes for the offices of those companies.

SHINE Magazine is still evolving, after all, it is still in its infancy. The response has been amazing from readers and we are getting more and more popular. We hope you like what you see taking shape. The team will continue to strive to bring you the best of the best, regardless of the obstacles that we face in this challenging environment.