Saturday Question: How did you stumble on APJ?

/ AustralianPerfumeJunkies

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Portia

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Hello Fellow Fumies,

At APJ we have a Saturday Question. Everyone gets to chime in with an answer, chat with other responders and it’s a fun event each week. Taking sides never means taking offence and everyone keeps it respectful and light, even though we can sometimes trawl the depths.

The idea is you’ll see it on the weekend or chime in through the week. Hopefully you will come back regularly and see if anyone has responded to your comment and you can reply to them. The aim is to generate real conversation and connection even though we are scattered around the globe.

Saturday Question: How did you stumble on APJ?

As we move towards farewelling Australian Perfume Junkies I thought it might be nice if we all could have a little reminisce about how we found our way to APJ.

Mine’s pretty easy. I started reading Olfactoria’s Travels, Perfume Posse and Bois de Jasmin. Then through reading the posts, comments and then commenting myself there was suddenly a world of perfume and people to explore. So many of the commenters were also bloggers and my reading list grew exponentially. Some nights the dawn chorus of Australian birdsong would find me still reading, and shopping.

Jin loves to watch movies and he has transferred that love to me. One day he saw Julie & Julia on one of the streaming sites. We watched it. By the end of the film I knew it was what I wanted to do. Start a blog.

After roping in one of my besties, Eve, we set about deciding what we wanted. She did the photography, set the site up and we got going. I’d read somewhere that any venture begun on Feb 29 was assured success so that’s the date we started writing. Feb 29 2012. Eight glorious, fragrance and fun filled years ago. Ironically our last post will happen on February 29, full circle.

My Saturday Question to you is:

How did you stumble on APJ?

156 thoughts on “Saturday Question: How did you stumble on APJ?”

  1. Easy question! I stumble on APJ thanks to Brigitte to whom I met on Now to Smell This. She highly praised APJ and talked so beautifully about the people, the great vibe and how wonderful you are Portia. From being a reader I became a commenter few months ago.I wished I had know about APJ many years ago, but the short period of time that I was here I enjoyed this blog immensely.

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  2. I can’t really remember,but it must have been from a mention on another blog I was reading at the time. How glad I am that I discovered Portia. Your blog has been a joy to read. I feel I have made friends with other perfumistas round the globe. I’ve learned so much from all comtributions, and tried samples of new to me perfume houses. SO……..I very big thank you to everyone.xxxxx

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  3. I think I found you through the blog list on Undina’s Looking Glass, which I found through someone else’s blog list, etc. Like so many others, I started out just reading the blog, then added a comment at some point, and was welcomed by you, Portia! Your enthusiasm and warmth have been infectious here, as they clearly are IRL. I have a request: at some time in this last month of APJ, would you post a photograph of your whole collection? You have been so generous in sharing it with us online through your SOTD posts and your insights, I’d love to see it!

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  4. Woot woot!!!!! Portia is using my question this week!!!!
    Portia, I discovered YOU first through Jordan then became a commenter on APJ around the later part of 2012? I have to say that you and the gang and APJ probably feel the most like family and home to me which is why I am so heartbroken 💔. I know you will be elsewhere but it just won’t be the same. So expect LOTS of annoying emails from me LOL 🤣😜😂

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    • HA! It’s a freaking good question too Brigitte,
      How I miss Jordan. I wonder where he got to?
      I particularly loved your Perfume & Tea paring posts. They were so unusual and interesting.
      Of course this felt like home, we are family. A constant, weekly, gathering place where we have left little pieces of ourselves for 8 years. No drama, always sunny, fun, interesting and fragrant. This has been a dream family of like minded funsters.
      I will miss it too.
      Hugs,
      Portia xx

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      • I will be very sad if my Tea and Perfume Pairing posts disappear from APJ 😓😥😢
        Hopefully ALL posts will stay even after you pull the plug 🤞🤞

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  5. I think it must have been through Undina. Or perhaps Brigitte – or Perfume Posse. I also love to read reviews, so I may have stumbled upon a review. I have been on NST for some time and have read many other blogs as well, and explored the blog roll from many of those. Either way this is such a great community that I have truly enjoyed it and will miss it!

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  7. I have not idea, honestly, but am so glad that I did. Your name came up last night. For my mother’s 73rd birthday, I took her to a drag show at a local cabaret. Her first. We had a great time. But the dresses and makeup could not rival yours. We had a blast.

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  8. I discovered APJ through Google. Most of my purchases are blind buys so I always try to read as many reviews as possible before making the decision. I have become active here only since last year or two but I have known about APJ since its early days. Those were the days when basenotes was the only active community of perfume lovers. Fragrantica did not exist or barely appeared on the radar (I still dont trust fragrantica reviews much, there are fewer on basenotes but they are relativley more reliable) and Facebook fragrance groups were in its early days.

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    • Hey Fazal,
      I love BaseNotes people but can not find my way around its intricacies. It seems very computer literate bro/geek from my limited experience.
      I knew you did some Blind Buying but didn’t know it was your major MO. Have you had many disappointments?
      Portia xx

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      • Portia,
        Most of my purchases are blind buys, I would say they easily account for more than 90 percent of my purchases (not counting for backups though). Blind buys are also necessary sometimes since I like betting on classics because I have a better track record with them. You cannot really test classics in stores as many of them have disappeared or significantly reformulated and I prefer original formulas whenever possible.

        Sure there have been disappointments but overall my record is pretty good since it pays to do the homework before. And as with everything else, you only get better at blind buys with experience. Some of my disappointments that come to the mind at the moment are Prada Amber for women, Black Opium, Alain Delon Classic (his first for men, Iquitos is good on the other hand), Crown Perfumery (almost all of them, Crown Perfumery is basically what gave birth to Clive Christian in some ways though Malabar was kinda ok), Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle (not that bad but not good enough for me given the fact that Guerlain gave us Samsara and Mitsouko), Guerlain Shalimar Souffle, Guerlain Pour Homme, Lalique Encre Noire Sport (I LOVE original Encre Noire but Sport disappointed me a lot; sometimes you should not mess with something that is already near-perfect and sport disappointed me enough to not even try a blind buy of Encre Noire Extreme version), Body Shop Of a Man, and Donna Karan Gold. Now I must repeat some blind buys are more ‘bad’ than others. Some are downright horrible to my nose like Alain Delon Classic, Prada Amber Women, and Black Opium while others like Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle just do not give me any good reason to keep them (they are a bit too forgettable).

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      • you are absolutely right about Basenotes interface. Too old and too difficult to browse. This is why basenotes got beaten by Fragrantica even though people on basenotes are more knowledgeable but its interface was not good enough to attract traffic. Crashes also did not do much favor to basenotes and some moderators were too strict to basenotes that they drove away many frequent contributors. Even I am not expert in basenotes after all these years so a lot of times I use ‘google’ to get to a discussion post about a particular perfume on basenotes. Moreover, once you are on a discussion post for a particular perfume, you can scroll down to the bottom of the page and there may be links to other discussion posts about that same perfume.

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  9. Since I was coming from the world of role-playing chat rooms and general interests forums, while I loved perfumes all my life, I created my blog not as much to write about “new and upcoming” perfumes but rather to communicate with people. And I had that strange idea that all bloggers should be online friends. So, whenever I saw any new for me blogger commenting on any of the blogs I was reading (and I was reading most of those available 9 years ago 🙂 ), I would immediately add that new blog to my reading list. It means that I found APJ through Portia’s comment, most likely, on Olfactoria’s Travels.
    I have to say, that I still love the idea of all bloggers and regular readers being all online… well, friends, acquaintances, name it what you want. Especially since there are less and less people writing/reading about perfumes privately (i.e.: not being paid to do that as a job) and more and more “showing”/watching.

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    • I feel the same way about the perfume blogging community, that you all get to know each other, do a bit of cross- referencing, bounce ideas, offer advice. It would be a great shame if the written blogs died off because what’s the alternative? Influencers? (Even the name rubs me up the wrong way🙄.)

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      • I cannot stand influencers. It is a travesty they pretend to be experts and knowledgeable. I have yet to come across an influencer about whom I could say that now this is a person who seems to know more about perfumes than me. On the other hand, there are some in the blogging arena who are, indeed, quite knowledgeable such as Victoria from Bois de Jasmin or others who have smelled both classics and new ones like Portia and that blogger behind the Kafka blog.

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        • Yes, a lot of bloggers have put in the groundwork and actually know what they’re talking about, Victoria in particular. Their reviews can be trusted to be fair and impartial and can open up real discussions. I cannot stand the idea of influencers who are in it for the money and perks.

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    • Those were heady days Undina. It was like we’d all discovered a new and shiny world. Well, we had really.
      Yes, I like the idea of us being friends too. As many as were kind and personable have become buddies over the years. One of my favourite things is finding everyone IRL. I’m slowly getting around the globe to do just that.
      Portia xx

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  10. I think via Olfactoria (still missed dearly) at first. Then after a few years I had a bout of the perfume dumps and I stopped engaging in the perfume blogs. I found AJP again just after Vero Kern died, and fell back in love again with perfume. So glad it started to rain in Australia!

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    • Yeah, I miss Olfactoria’s travels too. what a wonderful place it was. Full of lively chatter and the love of perfume. Birgit was a real mentor and friend for me, I chatted with her this week about coming to visit her in November. She’s the real deal.
      So glad you came back Hamamelis.
      Oh yes, we’ve finally got the rain we all prayed for.
      Portia xx

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  11. Ooh, I love full circles, they’re so dramatic!.
    I’m not sure I can remember correctly, but I learned about APJ either from Eau My Soul FB group or CaFleureBon. Wherever it was, may they be blessed 🙂 We’ll find new platforms and such, but there’s no other place quite like Australian Perfume Junkies who, despite the name, welcome citizens from all countries!

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  12. Through the Australian Fragrance Network FaceBook group. Portia would post APJ updates there so I figured why not join 🙂

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  13. I believe it was NST or Perfume Posse when I first heard it mentioned, and I thought it was hilarious and fascinating to learn about a perfume blog run by a drag queen. We have had such fun together! And I feel privileged to have met you in person Portia. If you ever come to LA again I hope we can meet up.

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  14. I was googling away to try find an old and very sentimental scent perfume. Didn’t find it anywhere but google threw up AustralianPerfume Junkies. I read through a bit and was hooked! At first, I thought Portia was a lady, then as I read more I discovered he was a bloke that dressed as a lady at times, and lived with a bloke. I did know about this, but Portia is my first friend, as I think of you as an online friend, who does this. I see Portia as a kind, caring, fun loving and generous soul. I have learned a lot from your Blog Portia, not just about perfumes, and I thank you for that. I have only been here a very short time but I have so very much loved reading Portia and everyone’s comments. Many thanks too for my “prize’. I so loved one of the sample you popped in that I found out where to get it from and I did. That was the Tantra, just gorgeous., You, Jun, your friends and all the lovely contributors on here will be sorely missed., Thank you everyone , I cane here originally as Sandra but changed to Alexandra because there was another Sandra, so will sign off as Sandra 😘❤️🐙

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  15. Absolutely no idea. Just tripped across it I guess I only read BdJ on a regular basis. Was never a part of Basenotes or Fragrantica. I started reading other blogs more once I was involved with APJ. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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    • Were you not part of the Olfactoria’s Travels crew Val? You certainly knew them all, yes? Maybe I’m misremembering. I thought you were buddies with Lady Jane Grey, Sandra and Birgit.
      If not, then WOW! What an incredibly lucky happenstance. A cuppa and an important friendship. We are the luckiest ducks alive.
      Portia xx

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  16. What? “Farewell”? I clearly missed something important.

    It’s a long time ago now, but I’m pretty sure that I encountered Portia on the AFN site and came to APJ from there. I got up the courage to submit an article after participating for a while, and have done the odd one since. I tend to write about quirky things to do with perfume rather than doing perfume reviews because I simply do not have the skills that some of you people have at identifying notes and describing the changes a fragrance goes through. “Smells great but doesn’t last very long” would not make for an interesting article.

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    • Hey Greg,
      We are winding APJ down at the end of Feb.
      You have been a very special contributor and commenter. Thank you for your support and friendship.
      Hugs & Love buddy.
      Wishing you all the luck of the vintage finds.
      Portia xx

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  17. I can’t say really how I ended up here in Oz. I discovered perfume blogs first with NST back in about 2007, and branched out to a few others. I’m guessing APJ was on someone’s blog roll and I clicked on it and BINGO. I was reckoning that I’ve been on here for two years but it’s actually more like three. And what an enjoyable time. I’ll make it to my third birthday on here the day before Portia hits the big red button that will scatter us all over.

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  18. I am pretty sure that I found APJ on the blogroll of another blog, back when I read every article and review online. I alway look forward to coming here and chatting with everyone and I have learned so much about perfume…and other stuff!

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  19. I honestly can not remember how I found APJ. I know I was reading, but not commenting probably 4-5 years ago. When I next looked it up, APJ had been hacked (3 years ago?) and was not functioning. I read about Portia’s anger, frustration, disappointment and sadness about this turn of events and checked in periodically to see if it was up and running again. Lo and behold! one day it was. I kept on reading only and I guess I starting commenting later that year. And damn, I’m glad I did! I never would have met all these interesting, knowledgeable and funny people any other way. Without this blog, I never would have had a glimpse into the fascinating life of an Australian drag queen and his partner. I loved every minute of it.
    A true confession is coming up. Fasten your seatbelts! Historically, my interest in perfume waxes and wanes. The last few months, I’ve just not been feeling it 🤷🏼‍♀️. So…..when I post my SOTD, I often pick a perfume I would be wearing if I was in the mood to do so. I know 😱! But I do this purely so that I can participate and chat with my gang. Are y’all gonna kick me out for the rest of the month??.
    Interestingly enough, while on vacation (no mouldy tent – one of those over-the-water bungalow things that are cropping up everywhere) I am loving wearing it daily. Luckily, I had the foresight to bring some of my favorite summer perfumes along. Will my interest remain upon my return? I really don’t know. And you probably won’t either, because I’ll just keep fake-posting my SOTD anyhow, based on my mood and weather and whatever else 😌…..all for the pleasure of hanging out here with my peeps 🥰

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  20. Just another thought Portia. When you hit that big red button will everything just disappear or will all the old posts and articles still be there? I hope so, there’s so much there toRe read snd enjoy. Thank you once more ,by your generous gift of your time you have brought pleasure to many people and allowed us to share. May you always have sunshine and a clear road xxx

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  21. I’m pretty sure I was researching a perfume and looking for as many reviews as possible. I still tend to do that when I’m stalking a perfume. I clicked on a link and read Portia’s review (no idea which perfume it was back then and no idea if I actually purchased it) and back then Portia had been posting several sort of review bundles on Sundays or something. Of course I had to check them all out and I’ve been lost in APJ land ever since. This has been my favourite blog because of the amazing community. What could be more of a legacy than a warm, welcoming group of people writing and commenting and being written about than what you find here.

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    • WOW SonomaVelvet,
      Those short reviews on Sunday were REALLY early on. I was testing and trying so much perfume that I couldn’t write full reviews for everything so I did these one paragraph, mini reviews. Thanks for the reminder.
      You’ve been here almost the whole trip.
      Hugs and love,
      Portia xx

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  22. Years ago, after reading a friend’s blog (nothing to do with perfume) I clicked next or forward arrow or something like that and APJ came up. I’ve always loved perfume and to find someone in Australia who was writing about it, and writing well, was fantastic! I’ve followed you via email and rarely ever comment because my sense of smell is disappearing and I’m not very knowledgeable, especially about niche lines, but I did win a prize years ago (thank you, Portia). I missed you when you were hacked and I was so glad when you came back. Thank you to all the regular contributors and commenters, it’s been lovely reading all your thoughts and I hope nobody is offended but for me APJ will always be predominantly Portia. I’ll miss you all when you go.
    Love, Carolyn

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  23. Great question! …because I know the answer 😀 It was via Perfume Posse for sure. I was reading the blog regularly and whenever your post came up, it often ended with something like: “If you liked this post, jump over to APJ. We’d love to hear your thoughts…” So, I jumped over and the rest is history ❤
    I'm following very few perfume blogs but the amazing atmosphere on APJ is unique! I was not specially active in the past few months, but I think of you all and miss our daily perfume chats. Big hugs to all my virtual perfume friends – Portia, Val, Brigitte, Cassie, Diana, Marcella, Jyotsna, Greg, Saffy, Fazal, Crikey, Kate… When I win the lottery, I'll organize a get-together in a beautiful spot and you'll all be my guests. Plane tickets included 😉

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  24. I can’t remember how I came across APJ but I will be very sad not to read your blog any more. Hopefully I’ll see you around on FB, IG or even in person. Hugs, Ingrid

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  25. “Ironically our last post will happen on February 29, full circle.” Wait, beyond February there won’t be anymore APJ? How did I miss this announcement? Wah! I don’t get to visit often but when I do, I really enjoy this blog. Sigh.
    Can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon APJ. Olfactoria’s Travels? Perfume Posse? NST? I remember a perfum blog I frequented had a an event where you could put unloved bottles up for sale and the proceeds went to some good deed and I sold a bottle of Guerlain to Portia, so perhaps that’s how I stumbled upon it? Am I really getting that old that my memory is going?
    I have loved this blog for how down to earth and welcoming it is. I feel welcomed warts and all here. No pretensions, just love all around. I thank you for these past years and wish everyone all the best for the future.

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    • I ‘met’ Portia via a Facebook Perfume page then had a couple of Facebook message chats which led to me joining APJ . I also agree with many other commentators that APJ is welcoming. I will at this juncture thank everyone for their emotional support during this past year ! I love you all. To keep in touch find me on Facebook Sally Anne McGeachin or email is saffronmcg@hotmail. com

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  26. I’m a little late to the party (again) I think i stumbled into APJ by researching and reading about perfume. I had some time that allowed me to google often so off i went – I just read APJ for ages and then one day I commented. And when i saw that Portia had replied – i was hooked! Throw in a PPP win/prize and i was doubly hooked! I have loved this space for opening my eyes (or is that nose – ha ha ) to the wide world of scent, and to our wide world. I have adored reading how cold it is on the other side while we swelter in Oz, and then vice versa. Scents I have never heard of are now on my must sample list. Also, knowing if you are feeling a little down, someone here would cheer you up and send a smiley face.
    Thanks Portia, one day we’ll meet up and i will have the biggest, squishy, fragrant hug for you xx

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  27. Yes Melanie, it is a wonderful group which feels like family. I love that feeling when you see a perfume, or hear about it, and instantly the thought comes to your mind: ah, that’s what xxx (insert a familiar name) likes to wear! 🙂

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  28. I drop offline for awhile and then came back to this! Totally missed the announcement😱 Im going to miss this blog so much, came to it late like to most blogs that have since gone thorough Bois de Jasmin and Perfume Posse and its my first read on the weekend. The Scent Diary is my fav. Will you still be online?

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