Britney, tampons and Mia Culpa.

This is not, I repeat, NOT Britney Spears' tampon. This is actually a GFC craft idea for fun, cheap toys to make for your kids from the blog Crabmommy (thanks to bugmum and her fabulous blog)

If you blinked and missed the controversy that exploded around here briefly on Tuesday afternoon, or if you were wondering where my Britney Tampon post went, allow me to fill you in.

On the spur of the moment, I made the call to post a youtube video that was circulating of Britney Spears performing in one of her concerts where her tampon string was visible. Just a string, poking out of the bottom of her leotard which you could see when she did some bendy things with her legs.
Yes, I know. I just typed 'tampon string'. And you just read it. And on Tuesday? You could have seen it right here. Why is this such a big deal? That was kind of my lame justification point in posting the video in the first place. Are tampons really the last taboo?

Thank you, mamamia peeps, for setting me straight on this one. Not the taboo part (that's yet to be discussed) but the appropriateness and merit of posting a video that is purely intended to mock someone who had an Unfortunate Menstrual Accident.

The comments went something like this:

Feminine Girl: Hmmmm. Perhaps you should have agonised a bit longer on this one ,Mia .Are you THAT short of things to post ?

Sarah#2: Poor Britney! But with an outfit so tiny, didn't she think to make sure the string was tucked in before she went on stage? Maybe she did it on purpose to shut the trash mags up about pregnancy… =P Ah well, if the video wasn't titled "Oops! Tampon Out in Anaheim" and didn't tell me to "look closely", I never would have noticed such a thing! And really, it's just a piece of string showing. I think Fergie wetting herself on stage is WAY more embarrassing!

Guvnor: It's all about the traffic, ain't it Mia?

Peace Girl: so Mia next time you're out 'n about, had a few too many, legs splayed or simply a TOTALLY bad hair day its alight for someone to document it, post it & let a bunch of people laugh at you? show some maturity & integrity. you didnt need to post this, its trashy.

There were other comments too. As well as some loud objections on Twitter lead by Fender4Eva who pointed out it was "an invasion of privacy that we don't need to condone….leave the celeb trash shit to Perez Hilton. Your blog is better than that…….". and TaraShwarze who said similar.

I took everyone's views on board (and yes there were also those who thought it was perfectly OK to post the clip) and decided that posting it was, in fact, the wrong thing and took it down. Ah the beauty of the interweb. Making a similar mistake in print is far more permanent…..

So it was mea culpa (it's latin, dudes) or Mia culpa. My mistake.

But the whole episode did get me thinking. So many times a day I have to make calls about what this site should or shouldn't be, what I should and shouldn't post. Occasionally, I get it wrong and I'm lucky to have such smart readers who GET this website and what I'm trying to do. Even if occasionally, I forget.

So thanks to everyone.

Article filed under: in the news , & published: Thursday, April 30th, 2009.

Glenn Davey says:

May 6, 2009 at 1:06 pm

You guys are a bit soft around here, I think. Celebrities are there for our amusement. I think Britney going bald and attacking paparazzi with an umbrella is on equal footing with a tampon string hanging out.

Quit being so sensitive: “Ooh, should I have posted that?” Quit rolling every time someone makes a negative comment on your posts. Stand by what you post! Don’t be a wet fish.

This isn’t about the tampon string. There’s a rule on the internet: “If you can, you should.” If it’s a curiosity, people wanna see it. Why deny them that simple pleasure?

Why, Mia? Why??

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sienna123 says:

May 5, 2009 at 1:59 pm

it was pretty distasteful mia.

Mia says:

May 1, 2009 at 11:53 am

Thanks Tom – I’m going to post about ads and the way this site works soon. You’ve already kicked things off by pointing out I do this for free…..!

May 1, 2009 at 11:51 am

Pinny – sorry if I wasn’t clear in my first response. I didn’t take it down because I was worried about what other people thought. I took it down because reading those comments clarified my own pre-existing doubts about putting it up in the first place.
ie: I changed my mind. Happens. Especially when you’re a Libra. Always looking for the right balance…..

Pinny says:

May 1, 2009 at 10:56 am

I wasn’t saying that Mia can’t make an income from this blog Tom. My point is that it is a shame when she feels she has to censor herself to keep her audience happy and coming back and therefore the advertising dollars keeping flowing. It is an obvious direct link that I am not being cynical in pointing out.
Part of the reason people like this blog is that we hear directly Mia’s opinions on things. I think it is a shame if she feels she should pull things off if they offend people or get a negative reaction.

Amanda (bugmum) says:

May 1, 2009 at 9:17 am

I’m absolutely ok with ads…this blog is essentially Mia’s job (as well as mummyhood, media commentary, authoring, etc etc…seriously, how does she fit it all in?) so it makes perfect sense it should derive an income…

Tom says:

May 1, 2009 at 8:17 am

You all seem to love this blog so much, but don’t you think Mia should be paid for it – it is work after all. And unless you’re willing to pay her enough for a living wage, she will need advertisers. Free media = advertisers, otherwise you have user pays or govt controlled.

April 30, 2009 at 7:21 pm

Redhossy, that’s hilarious…I’m off to edit my blog post to christen him with that most appropriate of names…

Arly says:

April 30, 2009 at 6:45 pm

I missed so much to Redhossy!

I feel sorry for Brit. She’s trying to get on the straight and narrow and people are still trying to watch for her every slip up (or in this case slip out!).

Redhossy says:

April 30, 2009 at 6:23 pm

It’s amazing how much I can miss in only one day away from MM!
Sheila is by far my favourite comment so far. Laugh? I actually cried. As Numberchic would say, ROTFLMAO (rolling on the floor laughing my arse off).
Jaz, thanks for sharing and it’s time you met The Mighty Tampon. You’ll shake hands with one and never go back, trust me.
Bugmum, your blog is awesome and that tampon dog is top of the list for the next school holidays or rainy Sunday afternoon. I’ve already named mine: Rags.
Finally to Mia – you have my full respect for being a big enough woman to have a crack at something and then later stand up and say “Whoops, sorry. Bad move.” Wish more people had the guts to do that. Love your work.

Cerry says:

April 30, 2009 at 5:15 pm

Honestly, when I heard about the clip (missed the original post), I was so busy being impressed that she actually has the energy and motivation to do a show like that normally, let alone when she has her period, that I didn’t put any further thought into it.
And Jaz, honestly, tampons are magic. Best invention ever. You really should try them sometime.

Angela says:

April 30, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Jaz, seriously, never? Get yourself down to the supermarket now! Seriously! It’s just like the old carefree ad. You can wear a bikini, horseride, swim. I’m serious. It will change your life.

Jaz says:

April 30, 2009 at 4:35 pm

Bugmum, I love the tampon dog…I cannot stop looking at it. I am mesmerized by this dog.

Can you believe I have never actually worn a tampon? I’m a pad girl through and through.

Though I dont appreciate the loud ripping sound they make when your taking one off your knickers. Especially when your in a public toilet.
They should create silencer’s for your pad’s… you know, like the one they have on gun’s.

I am only half-joking as well.

April 30, 2009 at 3:26 pm

Just realised my last comment (intended to be tongue-in-cheek) may have come across as sarcastic and smart-arse. Isn’t meant to be (damn no-context tone-free written comments…)

Sarah#2 says:

April 30, 2009 at 3:20 pm

I didn’t think it was that big a deal. The post wasn’t intended to mock Britney, just to show she was human. Though I do see the point of view that even if it wasn’t Mia’s intention to embarrass Britney, it was most likely the intention of the viedo maker/original poster.

It wasn’t one of my favourite posts or videos on the site but I was a little surprised how aggressive or negative most people were about it.

I understand why you took it down, Mia, and I think it’s admirable that you took into account other people’s views, though at the end of the day, this is your blog and you should be able to post whatever you like.

Britts says:

April 30, 2009 at 3:15 pm

I’m glad you took it down and that I never saw the post!

What I LOVE about this blog is that it isn’t trashy – it’s intelligent, amusing, light, heavy and a crapload of other things I love – but never trashy. If I wanted trash I would visit gossip blogs!

I heard about this incident on the radio one morning and was literally disgusted. Yes, she could’ve been a bit more careful but who the fuck hasn’t had a wardrobe malfunction of some sort? Whether it’s having a button undone, toilet paper stuck to your shoes, undies poking out of jeans..

Poor Britney! She’s probably allowed one minute for each costume change and the poor thing had other things on her mind – like putting on a great performance for the audience!!

April 30, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Rowe, the secret to having someone “endorse” your blog is to send them a link to a tampon dog. Surely you’ve thought of doing that before? No? Oh, must be just me then…

Nat says:

April 30, 2009 at 3:04 pm

Sheila!!!! You have just made my day!! After reading your scenario I was totally disappointed that it was just a string. Would’ve much rather’ve seen what you described. Or not seen as the case may be.

April 30, 2009 at 2:30 pm

I don’t think I was being cynical at all. No there aren’t a lot of ads on this website, but it isn’t that long ago that there was a whole block of ads in the middle of a post and the readers hated it, and said so. I know this was a trial and was quickly removed. You may have the attitude of ‘please god soon’ about the ads but I doubt most of us who read and comment have the same opinion.
You shouldn’t feel you have to defend yourself Mia, whether it be over your ads or your posts. This is your blog and like any other media you will be subject to people’s opinions. If they don’t like what they read then they won’t come. This will affect your deal with advertisers. I am not being cynical, just pointing out where this blog may be going.
It is supposed to be about your opinion. If you are going to censor yourself to keep your readers happy then you may be getting away from what you originally intended this blog to be. I hope you can be happy keeping your readers happy.

Rowe says:

April 30, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Thanks Sarah for answering my query on behalf of Mia, I think you are the one getting all huffy here. Am I not allowed to ask Mia a question in the spirit of a bit of cheekiness without being taken so seriously by someone like you. Who is self important now, eh?

NJ says:

April 30, 2009 at 1:37 pm

I can’t view certain videos. Like Britt’s tampon string video. Also anything with someone’s body parts falling out – say, the shots of Naomi’s ceasar scar on the balcony post baby. Just a bit too gross for me. I think this blog is a little above the gross factor Mia, keep it clean!

Feminine girl says:

April 30, 2009 at 1:35 pm

Great post, Sarah ! Maybe YOU should have your own blog, or have you?

jayne says:

April 30, 2009 at 12:51 pm

Someone should introduce Brittany to menstrual cups and then she’d never have an issue with errant tampon strings. Just imagine, all of this brouhaha could have been avoided.

Sheila (@stinginthetail) says:

April 30, 2009 at 12:44 pm

I was expecting something more – like the tampon ejecting itself during a high kick, or maybe her (under influence of some drug)whipping one out and changing on-stage, while the dancers tried to cover her, and perhaps a stagehand having to catch the tampon (with a horrified expression) and dispose of it thoughtfully. So i wasn’t impressed by the actual clip, lol. i’m glad you took it down – it was just a tampon string.

jess_s says:

April 30, 2009 at 12:35 pm

Didn’t see the initial post but appreciate that this is your blog and you have freedom of expression. Thank you for being so down to earth and “normal”!!!!

April 30, 2009 at 12:29 pm

Good for you ,Mia. You go girl !!

April 30, 2009 at 12:23 pm

Oh Pinny….cynical! Do you see a lot of ads on this website? They’re coming (please God) but they’re not yet here. And to suggest I am ‘pandering’ to anyone is a little…..unfounded.
The thing I love about blogging is that it’s instant. It’s also the most dangerous part about it. Editorial decisions need to be made instantly, often before I’ve had a chance to think through the implications of a particular post.
I am never short of an opinion but I also pride myself on having an open mind. In this case, when I originally posted the clip, I also wrote that I wasn’t sure if it was something I was comfortable with. The feedback I got (instantly), put a big yellow highlighter pen through my reservations and reminded me of what I do (and don’t) want this blog to be.
On reflection, I decided the clip is cruel and mean and my name is not Perez. Hence, it went down.

April 30, 2009 at 12:16 pm

FG I totally agree with you. It is Mia’s blog and she is the one who draws the line. If the readers don’t like it then they can skip it or stop reading here altogether. It is like any sort of media, they provide it, it is your choice about what to consume. The readers are the ones in control, they are the ones with the choice. But this is Mia Feedman’s blog and she is the one to ultimately decide what goes on here. I think it is a shame that Mia feels she has to retain readers by tempering her opinions to keep up the visitors and commenters, I suppose this is what happens when advertising dollars are at stake.

Lulu says:

April 30, 2009 at 12:06 pm

“Knowing she had her period isnt an invasion of privacy. Knowing she wears tampons isnt an invasion of privacy either.”

Posted by: Jaz | April 30, 2009 at 10:56 AM
==============

jaz, knowing those things isn’t an invasion of privacy – but publishing/posting pictures is.

April 30, 2009 at 11:58 am

Pinny, agree up to a point. But where DO you draw the line ? It IS Mia’s blog,and ,at the end of the day , it’s her decision. Right or wrong …

April 30, 2009 at 11:51 am

Mia it is your blog. You can post whatever you want. If people don’t like it they can skip that post and if they continue to not like then stop visiting here altogether.
Changing your mind and taking it down seems a bit weak to me. Almost like succumbing to peer group pressure.

Natalie says:

April 30, 2009 at 11:34 am

I applaud the commenters for voicing their unappreciation of the Brit-string-gate post.

I also applaud you Mia for being so open to comments that disagree with your position.
Often I read these forums and they read a tad sycophantic “Oh Mia, you’re so right” “what a great point Mia”. And I can understand why – obviously this blog is so popular because it inspires so many and puts into words what so many would like to express but might not otherwise have the opportunity or ability to do.

But I like that this is also a place that is friendly-fire-friendly.

April 30, 2009 at 11:18 am

Also love the term “Unfortunate Menstrual Accident”. I can honestly say, I’ve never read that term on anybody else’s blog. Although I do wonder if there are any fortunate menstrual accidents?

fender4eva says:

April 30, 2009 at 11:17 am

Mia, we could always start a discussion on what lines NOT to cross. Should there be any subject that should be taboo ?, or is our society mature enough to be able to have these discussions. Could be interesting……

April 30, 2009 at 10:56 am

Well, your definately alot more gracious than some other bloggers we know of..sounds like…Paris Hilton? Okay, I take it we can just say Perez Hilton lol.

I didnt actually think of it as being offensive or an invasion of privacy, but then again if someone had posted a clip of me in a similar fashion I’d probably be ..well more disturbed then anything lol.

If she had a blood stain (I realise some people still cant handle real gritty period talk, but get over it) on her leotard or something like that THEN I would have said it was offensive and cruel.

But a string? A white string? Its not an invasion of privacy. Knowing she had her period isnt an invasion of privacy. Knowing she wears tampons isnt an invasion of privacy either.

We should just be glad knowing she isnt pregnant again!

Aneets says:

April 30, 2009 at 10:54 am

I was really disappointed that you posted it and you pulled it before I got a chance to comment letting you know that.

Sarah says:

April 30, 2009 at 10:47 am

Ooh, quite an aggressive mail from Rowe…..now that EVERYONE can blog (ie: electronically publish their opinions in an easy to read and access format) everyone seems to think that their opinions are important to others. The reality is that this is not necessarily true. For the most part, we want to read blogs, articles, books etc from people who are experienced in their field.
Hello! that is why there have been publishing houses for hundreds of years, weeding out the good stuff from the bad (not everyone is worthy of a wider audience..sorry ego!)

Yes, it’s a grey area and we all have varying amounts of time (and interest) to follow the multitude of blogs, twitters etc etc. But let’s not get too self important here. Maybe it’s more important to make sure your actual human friends are interested in what you have to say (in person) before we all get huffy about why (or why not) strangers can be bothered reading our blogs. As the old saying goes “opinions are like a#$@holes, we all have one )”

April 30, 2009 at 10:17 am

So what’s a girl gotta do to get your ‘endorsement’ for their blog, Ms Mamamia, I do wonder at times. Short of being a nobody (at least in the media business) to someone like yourself, famous, appears on TV, and all, do you ever visit some of your commenters blogs here and leave comments on their blog, I would like to know? I have not seen any comments left by you, yet. I checked out Lorna Lino the other day, now there is one hot blogging woman (I think the writer is female, sorry Lorna if you are a bloke). And please, feel free to visit my blog one day and leave a comment, whether you like what I have to say or not. Thank you, I would be thrilled, honestly.

April 30, 2009 at 10:07 am

I’m glad you took it down.

Tampons are not offensive at all – Crabmommy’s weiner dog is HILARIOUS (thanks Bugmum).

What I found offensive was poor Brit’s lack of privacy. I know, I know she’s a celeb and she puts herself out there but as Sarah#2 said, without the title and “look closely” advice, I wouldn’t have seen it either.

I think it’s like the Rhianna photos or Naomi Watts nude shots, some things cross the moral line in the sand and this is one of them.

I know these things and worse are out there, I’d just rather not see them here at mamamia. I don’t go to Perez Hilton for a reason….

Now, how about some nude shots of Hugh Jackman? I don’t mind invading his privacy…

renee says:

April 30, 2009 at 10:04 am

i too was really surprised you posted the vid. really admire you for not only pulling it down but to clarify why you did it. love your work!

young mum says:

April 30, 2009 at 9:19 am

Ah well.

You’re only human and we all make mistakes.

Lest He without sin cast the first stone – a heap of righteous rock thrower out there!!

Pick yourself up and dust yourself off.

Live to fight – or blogg – another day.

We still love you even if we have minor disagreements about tampon strings and Britney.

Lu says:

April 30, 2009 at 8:59 am

I’m glad you pulled it down Mia. As much as it was the news of the day – tragically – I think poor Britney needs applause for trying to rebuild her life after her post natal depression and the horrors of her last few years. We all have embarressing moments and luckily for most of us they dont end up on youtube.

sunny says:

April 30, 2009 at 8:55 am

I was surprised you posted it Mia, then not surprised when it disappeared.
I understand what you meant, you were not mocking Brit, but mocking the media for caring & being awful enough to spread the video. But I guess by posting it yourself you inadvertently lowered to their level…
Not everything is black and white : )

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