I see a fair amount of influencer bashing on SM these days and this is my unsolicited take on it:
Being an influencer is a legit profession today. It’s not about barter anymore. Brands are finally being made to pay for publicity (there is no such thing as a ‘free’ meal).
Some influencers have become big brands in their own right. Stars from other professions and their agents now explore influencer opportunities.This is not a side hustle for them. They take it very seriously.
As in any profession, there are a few bad apples and many not as talented as the top ones, but going after a profession is rather silly and disrespectful.
If there are any influencers whose work you admire, then I’d love to hear about them. No personal attacks please
PS: I am not an influencer. I fall in the ‘micro mini’ category. I’d like to be one, but there’s too much of hard work involved.