• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, October 6, 2006

Glamour magazine is opening its fashion-policing service, "Dos and Don'ts," to user-generated content in partnership with Blip.tv, a new video file-sharing site that's positioning itself as a competitor to YouTube. By bringing fashion vigilantism to its much-trafficked Web site, Glamour promises to stem the tide of fashion faux pas currently threatening the nation--although collateral damage may occur as scores of anonymous people are humiliated.

The new site, named "Don'tspotting" (www.glamourdosanddonts.com) invites users to snap pictures of the fashion-impaired on cell phones and submit them for ranking and comments--21^st-century social shaming. The site will also accept photos of well-executed outfits and accessories, but as the name suggests, catty clothes preferred. The most active fashion vigilantes will be recognized and ranked on a leader board.

The partnership will serve as a showcase for Blip.tv's technology and user interface, which allows creators and viewers to view detailed information about audience reaction to a particular video. In this context, users will be able to rank each photo with up to five smiling fashion "do" faces, or up to five embarrassed fashion "don't" faces. Users can navigate to the site from Glamour.com. Glamour Online Editor Katherine Tasheff says: "Blip.tv has made it easy for women everywhere to document and share the fashions they see on the street, from the chic and stunning to the worst faux pas."

Blip.tv COO and co-founder Dina Kaplan adds: "Blip.tv developed Don'tspotting to turn people-watching into a shared experience. Glamour readers can now play the role of editor, critiquing street fashion and even choosing the best and worst examples. Conde Nast's vision for this site shows that the world-famous publishing house is on the forefront of new media and online social-networking. I just hope I don't end up on the Don'ts section of the site myself."

New Eco-Lifestyle Magazine, Verdant, Launched

The first issue of Verdant, a lifestyle magazine combining elements of high-end luxury mags and eco-themed titles, was shipped to an exclusive audience this week, in preparation for a wider 2007 rollout. Targeting a well-heeled reader who wants to live right while also living well, the magazine will cover design, art and fashion trends, plus news summaries and product reviews.

The first issue includes an interview with Bette Midler about her efforts to clean up New York's parks and a humor piece by Christopher Buckley on his own turn to eco-consciousness. There is also a range of feature stories, from choosing an organic wine to luxury eco-vacations, the truth and falsehood behind "green" advertising to the nation's water supply. Earth-friendly products reviewed include mesquite wall tile, a sofa upholstered in recycled T-shirts, and a new electric sports car powered by lithium-ion batteries.

A new brand from Cottages & Gardens Publishing, Verdant will begin publishing quarterly issues in 2007. The fall 2006 issue is being sent to subscribers to Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, one of several CGP brands. Sharon King Hoge, the editor of Verdant, says: "We're in the midst of a transition to greener living. While covering new ways to reduce pollution and the benefits of energy sources like the sun and wind, Verdant also reveals the latest trends in architecture, cooking, fashion, automotive design and other areas where new and better choices can make a difference."

ANA Unveils Revamped Advertiser

The Association of National Advertisers is debuting the new version of its member magazine, The Advertiser, beginning with the September/October issue. With a new design and content, the magazine, published by The Pohly Company, will still feature news, including exclusive research from the ANA, strategies and best practices, inspirational tips and profiles of ad-industry leaders. The Advertiser has a circulation of 25,000, including top CEOs and decision-makers.

MPA Announces Promotions

The Magazine Publishers of America is promoting two staffers in its events department. Kristall Lutz has been promoted to director of events from her previous role, senior meeting manager. Lutz will supervise the entire events team for major industry meetings, including the American Magazine Conference, the National Magazine Awards, and Magazines 24/7. Her previous post is being filled by Ja-Shin Tsang, who is being promoted to manager.