There has been an awful lot of discussion, debate and, as is typical in the mommyblogging community, drama ever since the Wall Street Journal featured an article,
Paid to Pitch. Anyone who has ever chatted with me on the subject knows I have some very strong opinions about blogging ethics. All bloggers need to keep in mind that even as recently as a year ago, no one was taking bloggers seriously at all. We’ve come a long way. Let’s not ruin it with questionable ethics.
Beyond that, I think everyone needs to remember that there are no clear answers on all of this. That’s the bottom line.
It’s easy to say bloggers can’t take money for any reason, but don’t moms who put time and effort into their blogs deserve to earn some money for them? Blogging is not traditional journalism. I’ve said it many, many times, but the key here is disclosure. And when I say disclosure, I mean obvious and clear disclosure. And a little soul searching before you accept a check from a company is in order because there is no secret code about when that is appropriate or not.
On the one extreme, we have far too many mommy bloggers who don’t see their value at all. On the other extreme, we have bloggers who do nothing but use their blogs to pimp out products and make money. I say to all mommy bloggers: you need to find a place between those two extremes. Where exactly we all belong is the tricky part.
I also would argue that if you call it a review, it can’t be paid to do it. That is highly misleading. On Type-A Mom, for example, the guidelines call for all reviews to have both pros and cons. I want to be sure that we are all fairly testing and writing about the products there. I would recommend any blogger who labels a post a review do the same thing. It’s one thing to get the product to review, which simply makes sense if a company wants items reviewed. It’s another to accept cold cash to do the review.
When it boils down to it, blogging ethics shouldn’t be all that complicated. Like in any medium, the reader should come first. That sounds nice on paper, but even traditional outlets stopped putting the reader or viewer first years ago. So let me break down a few of the angles and considerations here.
Because this discussion about blogging ethics is one that needs to happen, and now. In fact, several months ago I bought the domain BloggerCodeofEthics.com. I think it’s well past time to launch it. This will be a site to develop a basic code of ethics with a strong emphasis on disclosure vs. the traditional media emphasis on avoiding bias (which was never truly realistic anyway). It will not make anyone any money. I would love to have some contributors there on the various topics related to blogging ethics, so if you are interested please comment below and I’ll be in touch.
Let’s start with bloggers. Queen of Spain Blog featured a great post, I’m Calling Out the Carpetbagging Mommybloggers. Bloggers, you need to do some soul searching. Why ARE you blogging? If it is just to make a buck, I would suggest blogging isn’t the way to go about it at all.
I would say, however, the idea that advertising and editorial can be separate in blogging like they are in traditional media is just not realistic. First of all, it isn’t entirely separate in traditional media. It is in theory, but not in reality.
I’m here to say that traditional media is NOT the epitome of ethics and standards we’d all like to believe. I always found it rather hilarious that the Journalist’s Code of Ethics stated journalists cannot receive any compensation, gifts, free travel, or items of value on the sources they cover, yet travel writers for years have gotten a pass on that rule by many newspapers and magazines. Why? Because media outlets cannot afford to pay the expenses of the high cost of travel. So basically, it works like this: we will be ethical until it is just too expensive or inconvenient.
I had to laugh to read what Jessica Smith posted. She was quoted in the Wall Street Journal and is taking a ton of heat about it. But she nailed it. The idea that traditional media would slam bloggers about ethics? Laughable!
Here is a snippet from her post, Blogging, Double Standards and Recommendations:
Bloggers are being scrutinized for transparency and disclosure issues but the same “traditional” media that’s reporting on it? Pot. Meet. Kettle.
The other point to note there is that mommy bloggers cannot separate it. A newspaper or TV station has one whole part of the building filled with humans who sell ads, and a whole other part of the building filled with humans who report the news. They rarely cross paths.
A mom blogger is usually writer, editor, administrator, general manager, producer and ad sales rep all rolled into one. There is no true separation. So that makes it all the more important for we bloggers to establish ethics standards and guidelines.
So I get back to my main point of disclosure. As I said a while back in my post about bias in newspapers, readers don’t seem terribly concerned that bloggers are biased. What is crucial is that readers get informed about those biases. It is a breach of reader trust if you do something for pay and don’t say that is why you are doing it. It’s as simple as that, and that part is not complicated.
I don’t mean with a sidebar or bottom of page button that links to a computer-generated page that generally states you might be paid to write certain posts. That’s not good enough. Any post that was touched by a payment or a personal bias in some way should say so. It doesn’t need to be detailed, but you should share. And if you would feel awkward or embarrassed stating it in the post, you probably are doing something wrong.
The main guide I always used as a newspaper reporter was this: would I be embarrassed if this was reporter in the newspaper? Could I defend myself? I say the same thing applies to bloggers. Whenever you are blogging for pay or any sort of benefit, ask yourself those questions.
I love the ideas that Amy Lupold Bair, a.k.a. Resourcefulmommy, put out there after reading the Wall Street Journal article and the Queen of Spain post. In her post, Resourcefulmommy Changes, she indicates that she will include a button that says “product provided” in reviews where that is the case.
Reality is this: if mommy bloggers have to buy everything they review, there will be very few reviews. A professional blogger can still do a fair review.
Anyone whose opinion can be bought with a free product probably should reconsider blogging or sharing opinions, for that matter. Because blogging is about being personal, interacting with your readers, and being real. If you stop being real, you should stop blogging.
I also think companies, ad agencies, PR firms all need to be brought into this discussion. Believe it or not, they are not evil people. I have some friends and clients in these realms, and I am here to tell you that many of them are struggling just like the bloggers. I would even say more so, since they don’t have the insider sense of the blogging community.
Just a few months ago, many bloggers would lament that companies don’t take bloggers seriously. Well, hey, we won! They are slowly but surely getting it. Sure, they might have some etiquette blunders, but let’s all cut them some slack.
And there is a reason why issues like paid posts are coming up. We all know that advertising is not terribly effective. Companies are doing what we have been TELLING them to do for years. They are trying to join the conversation. But for them, there aren’t as many natural ways to do that. So they are getting creative.
They are not out to offend bloggers. They want to engage with bloggers. They want to help their clients enter the social sphere. They have staff meetings, they attend webinars, and they go to conferences just to get the slightest hint of how to do that properly. There are not clear answers on how best to do that.
This is really the Wild West, and we should all keep in mind that things were much simpler for these people a year ago. I always feel like no matter what is said or done, I want to encourage marketers who are making an attempt. That is monumental.
But to those marketers, I also want to say this: some bloggers do not have a media background and are not that savvy. You should not take advantage. Blogging ethics are your responsibility, too. You should insist that bloggers disclose. You should be sure the bloggers are comfortable with the arrangement. You should NEVER attempt to buy a blogger’s opinion.
Buy an ad on their blog, and you might see the blogger naturally talks about your company. Even the blogs that don’t mention direct advertising would probably consider it if you make a polite offer. Personally, I think giveaways are a great way to get involved in the conversation since the blogger gets added traffic, the company gets exposure, and the readers love them.
You can insist that they also disclose that the company provided the prizes. Providing prizes for contests is not something remotely new to the blogosphere. But seriously. Contests decades before blogging even existed have had prizes provided by companies, so I doubt many readers think the bloggers themselves are buying all those prizes out of their own pockets.
This is no simple thing for bloggers. There are no clear cut rules about what’s acceptable or not. I would say go with your gut.
If you don’t want your readers to know your arrangement, and in simple, non euphemistic terms that can confuse, then you should say no. If a company paid you to post, say it very clearly in the text. Tell exactly what was involved. You don’t have to say exact dollars, but if you received a gift card to write about something, say so. If you were paid to post on a certain subject by a company, say that. If you are writing about a company you do consultant work for, say so.
There are some very clever ways you can disclose besides the obvious. You can say so in the post in just a sentence or two near the top of the post. Plus, you can add a button that is high profile and not buried at the bottom that says the post is sponsored. Newspapers, magazines and TV all have had advertorials and paid programming for years (and I would argue some are not so clearly labeled as such). Bloggers are not the first to invent this.
You can have regular posts on your site that feature an icon like Featured Client. There are some fun ways to be clear to readers. If you find this all results in less traffic and interaction on your blog, then you need to think about what’s more important.
Personally, I don’t see how a review can be paid and still be a review, so I would consider using different terms.
But it all boils down to this. As bloggers, we will encounter many occasions to consider doing something for money. Every time, think about what that means.
When you represent a company as a blogger in some fashion, that is not the same as doing other work. You are selling a piece of your personal brand. If the company is a good fit for you, fine. If it’s something you would blog about or spread the word about for free because it is something you like or love or believe in, then great. If it’s something that interests your readers anyway, cool.
If not, walk away. We all need to feed our families, but let’s not kill the goose that lays the golden eggs here.
Each and every time, you have to decide whether the money is really worth it and whether it benefits your readers. Each and every time, you need to examine whether what you are about to do is ethical. Because like it or not, you are part of a community and you will be judged by that community for your actions. Be sure you can defend yourself, both to the community and to yourself.
And never forget: without your readers, none of these opportunities would happen. You owe them.
Photo of mommy blogger, © Channah at Sxc.hu
Tags: blogging community, blogging ethics, criticism of mommy bloggers, ethics of mommy blogging, mommy blogging, pr
I am a writer/blogger, SEO diva, foodie, social network maven/creator, travel junkie and former investigative newspaper reporter turned new media mom. I was named one of the 50 Most Influential and Powerful Women in Social Media. Find out more about me, about what people say about my work, or hire me for SEO, content, blog or social campaign services.
This baby is going on the Worthington Wire.
I read Queen of Spain’s post and this one and although I can’t imagine how full disclosure and transparency could possibly be a bad thing, I can’t help but wonder who these readers are to whom it is not perfectly clear that a blogger gets compensated for her review. Whether her price is $100 or a mop is sort of her own business. I think.
If the review reads like an ad, I’m just not interested. Because there are better ads out there to look at, with more attractive people. Maybe.
Marinkas last blog post..The Weather
Great, well thought out post, Kelby.
Jessica - Jessica Knowss last blog post..Blogging, Double Standards, and Recommendations
This was very well done and it was great to see all sides touched on from readers to bloggers to PR reps.
I’ll be adopting your ‘product provided’ button idea. I think it’s the best way to go.
H.E.Eiglers last blog post..Monday’s Muse - the Blog Meme for Creative Moms
You’ve raised some very good points, Kelby. It is hard to know what’s acceptable, as this is rather new territory. My rule is to always be upfront, and I do think it’s okay for bloggers to receive compensation. What I don’t like to see is nothing but advertorial and product placement. You’re right - that ceases to be real.
Mary@Everyday Baby Stepss last blog post..That Baby DVD and CD Review and Giveaway!
Great article and good info for this new blogger who is still learning the ropes.
Excellent post! I just took down BlogHer ads and have been considering reviews, contests, taking ads. This was very helpful to me as I consider those options.
amy2boyss last blog post..Today Everything Changed
Great post!
This was a very well-done post. I have not yet monetized my blog, this is all good food for thought as I’m attempting to figure out my “mission.” Thank you for sharing this!
Dorys last blog post..Top Ten Reasons You Know You’re on Graveyard Shift
Great post, Kelby! I have always been careful to state that I received a product for review when I have posted them on my blog and think that I make that clear. As you said, there is a way that it can be done effectively and transparently.
Reviewing wasn’t even in my original vision when I started my blog, but I’m noticing lately that it has taken over. I need to clear house, take care of my current commitments, and start being more selective before I completely lose my balance. Those of us who work with reviews on non-review blogs really do need to take care to keep that from happening or to correct it, as soon as it hits us.
Shannan Ps last blog post..At This Very Moment
Lovely. Just lovely. Required reading.
Mom101s last blog post..The lost songs
Kelby,
Great post and I think you’ve covered all of the bases well. I give kudos to Jessica Knows, Queen of Spain, and yourself for being willing to early on tackle this subject, which you knew would generate ‘heat’.
Since their are no general guidelines it would be interesting to have input from people that have been blogging for years and develop a consensus, best practices, or recommendations. Not that everyone would be in complete agreement, but that there would be points for mommy bloggers to consider or maybe even a template of buttons that people could use that may eventually become somewhat of a standard.
What do you guys think?
Thank you for your contribution to this very important topic.
Vicky H @eeus
VickyHs last blog post..Remarkable Kids - Link it up!
It’s one thing to get the product to review, which simply makes sense if a company wants items reviewed. It’s another to accept cold cash to do the review.:
I agree. I do not get paid for reviews, but I do receive products. BUT just because I receive a product to review it just mean I will be writing a glowing review on it. I choose the products I promote carefully on my blog, things I feel I can thoroughly try out. If a company sends me an item I don’t care for I will not promote it. This is a well written article and I agree with most of it. So many have been writing about “free” product. Those are obviously NOT review writers because it’s not free after I spend several hours trying it out and a couple hours or more writing the review. I come from a traditional media background (newspaper for 10 years and radio for 6). I truly enjoying reviewing and promoting products that sometimes wouldn’t get known without blogs. I have found many items from other blogs that I have bought and now use with my kids.
This is such an important topic. I struggle with this issue often. I bust my hump writing from the heart all week long while raising my kids. I’m not complaining. I LOVE to blog and write and be part of this community. However, for all that I do, why can’t I expect some sort of compensation for all the work I put in. It’s valuable, right? (Well, maybe, lol.)
But I also worry about losing my street cred as a blogger if I pimp myself out or do too many reviews, etc. After all, the people could pay or offer the freebies don’t want real content, they just want you talking about their products.
I have worked with a fabulous PR group, good ppl who respect bloggers while of course trying to gain exposure too. I have seen it done well.
But I stress over the balance. Free stuff for my writing - it’s ok with full disclosure. Thats cool. But will there ever be a time when bloggers are taken seriously AND be paid for their writing? Because we still aren’t given the respect of real journalists. We’re just weirdos in bathrobes writing haphazardly and with no accountability from our scary basements. (LOL, so glad I am not actually writing this comment IN my bathrobe b/c I could have been.)
Ah my struggle continues. My bottom line is that I am trying to figure this whole thing out. I adore blogging and of course keep on doing it without pay. But why do I feel like I am selling myself short sometimes?
An awesome post Kelby. Thank you.
Carolines last blog post..Marching for Maddie in Tampa
Kelby,
Ma’am. This was perfect. Thank you, this was brilliantly written.
I have done a few reviews for products received and they have been both negative and positive, sometimes… all negative.
I tell everyone who contacts me that I am honest, and the review may not be glowing.
Thanks for writing this so well.
rachel-asouthernfairytales last blog post..Beef with Garlic and Spinach Stir Fry
Kelby, great post. I have guidelines that I set and follow for myself. I don’t really care if anyone else follows any, I just need to know that, at the end of the day, I am doing what I deem *right*.
Basically, if I am posting a “review” about something I have received product for (I never, ever accept $ for a review…I think it skews my perspective) I post it on my review blog. I never post on my personal blog any sort of review. If I find a product and really love it and want to talk about it on my site, sure, that can go on my blog. That’s personal. THat’s me, liking something. Anything else goes off my main page on a site that ONLY houses reviews. And i have, like, 4. In 4 years. I’m kind of picky as to what I’ll review.
That’s just how I do it.
Mr Ladys last blog post..This Guy
this is an outstanding post. especially for us bloggers who aren’t sure exactly which direction to take our blogs.
i know why i started blogging. for the love of writing and a feeling that i had some stuff to say. but you know, it would be kind of nice to get a little money for it. but even if it never happened…i would still blog.
thanks for this post!
Loved this. All good points and in need to further conversation.
Zoeyjanes last blog post..On Being Lucky
Excellent guidelines! Thank you.
Angela Nazworths last blog post..Book Review: The Secret HoloCaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister
Oh, and I sort of lied up there. I actually have done two whole paid reviews for blogher, and that’s fully disclosed. I totally forgot that. But still, on my other site.
Mr Ladys last blog post..This Guy
I think this entire post is worthwhile, but you really nailed it in your summary. Thanks for taking the time to write this; I hope others will take the time to read it.
Julie @ The Mom Slants last blog post..Neither spotless nor eternally sunny
Very well said. Thank you for adding your articulate views to this debate!
Hip Mom’s Guides last blog post..Should You "Friend" Your Ex on Facebook?
I think one thing that has to happen is to have the conversation with your PR contact BEFORE you receive product or payment about what you’ll do if you DON’T fall madly in love with the product.
Do they want you to not mention the product at all? Or are they of the “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” mind? Having this conversation beforehand makes it clear that you’re not getting paid to lie - and doesn’t leave you wondering how you’re going to “spin” this for your readers.
Great job, Kelby.
Miss Britts last blog post..Miss Wookie
Kelby, I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head with this post. I thank you for taking the time to write such a well written and informative piece.
Secret Agent Mamas last blog post..Weekly Winners LXXV
I always love these kinds of posts, if not for the good content, then for the great comments that follow! One comment really struck me as a new thought on this whole situation. Marinka asked “I can’t help but wonder who these readers are to whom it is not perfectly clear that a blogger gets compensated for her review.” That’s an interesting thought. It would seem by now that most blog-savvy readers “get” that the majority of reviews are written based on *at least* the free provision of product by the company. I wonder what the percentage really is of blog readers who are crying “foul” at the “shocking” revelation that bloggers get products. Where have they been, under a rock? This of course doesn’t excuse the need for bloggers to be transparent and ethical, but it is an interesting thought.
stacey @ tree, root, and twigs last blog post..If You Like Sanity, This One’s For You
Great article! I guess I missed the controversy about this. LOL! I have to say I’m very turned off by advertising and “organic” pitches in every single post. I do like when people are upfront about sponsorships. But to each their own.
I don’t get why women can’t support each other. I’m happy when I see women bloggers reach success, whether they make money or not. They are paving the way and having fun while doing it. Sounds like some people are just jealous which is quite sad.
Amy @ Living Locurtos last blog post..Printable Mother’s Day Card
What a fantastic post. Off to retweet it.
I think your suggestion that:
“…if you would feel awkward or embarrassed stating it in the post, you probably are doing something wrong.”
…is DEAD ON. Well done. -Christine
Boston Mamass last blog post..New Taste in Town
Thank you for such an articulate post on this topic. I have read a ton of the back and forth on the subject and am grateful you tackled it from all side.
I’ve always found some of the Journalist’s Code of Ethics a little baffling myself….when I was a reporter - it was cut and dry - your gut will tell you if you are doing the right thing - and I think the same can be said for doing reviews and giveaways.
Disclosure seems to be the key. If you aren’t comfortable disclosing an ‘arrangement’ with the company/people providing the item, do you really want to review that product?
ExtraordinaryMommys last blog post..Time keeps ticking.
You are such a gem, Kelby! A little bit of common sense goes a long way! Thanks for the awesome suggestions!
Sarah (Real Life)s last blog post..Adventures at the Car Wash!
Great Post Kelby! You nailed it. As a gal who is both a blogger and a PR person, disclosure is the KEY. We all need to be honest and upfront with our readers.
Well done. Another possibility that you didn’t mention is to sideline all the reviews or whatever you want to call them onto a different reviews-only blog. I have Surrender, Dorothy and Surrender, Dorothy: Reviews (http://surrenderdorothy.typepad.com/books). I link to my review blog from my personal blog, but I don’t write reviews or advertorials or even giveaways on my personal blog. By having them clearly separated, I have no qualms about people becoming confused. I think it would be very confusing if I suddenly started reviewing stuff on the blog that for five years has contained no such thing.
One other thought about your excellent wrap up:
Not only will the community judge your for your choices, the community will be judged for your choices. So when people ask “Why should anyone else care what I do with my blog?” Well..that’s why.
Mom101s last blog post..The lost songs
So much food for thought…thank you for covering all bases. As a blogger who has just recently found my niche, and seeing some “results (whatever that may be), I have been wondering about this very topic. I am open to reviewing products and this has been really helpful to sort through the process. I know my time will come soon enough and filtering through this now is so helpful.
Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams last blog post..Freezer Meals…Mexican style for Tasty Tuesday
This is a great post. I just read another post on this topic yesterday, and I was not nearly as thrilled with it - the view of the blogger was that internet reviews are not to be trusted anyway, so it doesn’t matter if review bloggers lie about what they think of the products, because doesn’t everybody do that? And that since they are moms like us, we should support them, and everyone can do as they please on their blog. At least, that’s what I got out of it.
Now, I agree about everyone being free to do as they like on their blog, but I don’t necessarily have to like it, nor support it.
I wouldn’t really care about all the review blogs who only give rave reviews to all the product they get for free, if it wasn’t for the fact that they are, in a way, ruining tit for everyone.
Now if any blogger posts a giveaway or a product recommendation, many immediately think the blogger has been paid (in money or goods) for their opinion, and I don’t like that. I don’t like it because I have been sharing my opinion about clothes, accessories etc way before I was getting e-mail pitches.
And because I like to recommend things I like and discuss new items on the market (esp. fashion, books & makeup) I don’t like the idea that new readers will think my opinion is for sale. That makes it pointless
Elisas last blog post..Event Alert: Timm Gunn is coming to your town! (maybe)
I’m not a mommy, but a dad and travel writer and I appreciate the recognition that there’s no black and white here. Plus the call-out on traditional media just pretending to not be bought. Ask any travel magazine editor in private what determines the destinations and hotels they cover and most will admit the prime factor is who’s advertising. Plus I know plenty of magazine and newspaper writers who get showered with freebies: tech writers get free gadgets, automobile writers get free car rentals, music reviewers get concert tickets, golf writers don’t pay greens fees, fashion writers are always well-dressed without shopping, and on it goes. Influencers get stuff—that’s the way it always has been and always will be. I don’t see anything wrong with that if the reader doesn’t care and that’s very different than getting paid cash money to write something. Then you’re a paid spokesperson, just like someone in a TV commercial.
Cheap Travelers last blog post..Travel and the Contrarian Lifestyle
Now wonder this crashed your server. It should be required reading. I bow to your greatness.
Joies last blog post..Topless in Texas
Great post Kelby!
You nailed it early on when you said, first and foremost, that the blogger’s first responsibility is to the reader. That doesn’t mean they can’t or shouldn’t make money, IMO. But that part needs to be clear first–and if the blogger can honestly answer that her writing is serving the reader, then she’s in the clear. After all, nothing valuable is truly free. It’s only problematic when people “pay” for one thing (with their time, clicks, etc) and are actually getting something else.
As a travel writer and APR-accredited public relations professional, I work both sides of the media fence. As a Lodging Editor, I have accepted “comps” and as a PR pro, I’ve arranged lodging for many travel writers.
I see nothing wrong with bloggers wanting to be paid for their craft; writing. However, I’m not keen on advertorials. You raise interesting points, Kelby.
Nancy D. Browns last blog post..Snorkeling at Paradise Reef in Cozumel, Mexico
Thank you Kelby. Well said and right on.
Carole Hickss last blog post..New Media Dayton
As a manufacturer, I’ve bought ads on blogs, traded product for ad space, sponsored giveaways, etc… I think all of these methods for getting exposure are fine. If I have a product that a blogger wants, her readers will probably want it to! If I “gift” her that product and she chooses to write about it- I see no problem. Only once did I have a issue with a popular blogger who had a “one for me, one for the readers” policy when I wanted to do a give away. I thought that was a little greedy, but hey - it’s HER blog, she can work it like she wants!
Kelby, this is an excellent post. I am on the PR/Marketing side of the issue and think a code of ethics is long past due. I work for a small company that “gets” it and enjoy working with bloggers & social media folk. With the speed things change on the web and the massive rise of mommyblogging popularity there needs to be some standards put in place when it comes to pay-per-post, reviews and Company/Blogger relations. I actually started to write an article about two months ago about companies, bloggers and the invisible line between us but it fell to the wayside. Big thanks to you, Queen of Spain and Jessica Knows for putting this issue on the front lines. I look forward to the launch of BloggerCodeofEthics.com
Wow! Great Post! Thank you.
sommers last blog post..Helping Hands: A Moment of Gratitude
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Well, it’s nice to know that blogging has gone a long long way that most contents and information found in World Wide Web are written by bloggers. Therefore, it is high time to establish and acknowledge blogging ethics to preserve transparency and accuracy in our online community.
Kelby, I am late to the party, but I wanted to weigh in and thank you for writing this. It is long overdue.
For me, it’s about the content, and the readers. If you don’t keep in mind those two things, you might as well quit blogging right now.
T.
Tina@SendChocolates last blog post..Weasels totally don’t make good pets and he’s not that hot, anyway
Well said, Kelby! This should be in the “how to create a blog that doesn’t suck” handbook.
Tara @ Feels like homes last blog post..Start a Tradition - Making Weekly Homemade Pizza
@Mary Peyton Peppo
How is this greedy?
You didn’t want her to do a review. You just wanted her to post about the product and presumably link, take time to run a contest (and they do take time to run and post), but not have any opportunity to add to the conversation about the product.
Sounds like you wanted a free ad.
“Only once did I have a issue with a popular blogger who had a “one for me, one for the readers” policy when I wanted to do a give away. I thought that was a little greedy, but hey - it’s HER blog, she can work it like she wants!”
Candaces last blog post..A Possible Model for Blogging and PR Campaigns
I’d love to collaborate about blogging ethics–feel free to contact me or @ msg me on twitter (maggielmcg).
Maggies last blog post..Why "Sponsored Posts" and "Authenticity" Don’t Mix
As a manufacturer, I’ve bought ads on blogs, traded product for ad space, sponsored giveaways, etc… I think all of these methods for getting exposure are fine. If I have a product that a blogger wants, her readers will probably want it to! If I “gift” her that product and she chooses to write about it- I see no problem. Only once did I have a issue with a popular blogger who had a “one for me, one for the readers” policy when I wanted to do a give away. I thought that was a little greedy, but hey - it’s HER blog, she can work it like she wants!
Perfectly put! A must read for sure!
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)s last blog post..Have You Saved THE Date???
Good stuff Kelby. I have only recently read all the buzz about this. I’m a bookworm and love reading and reviewing books. If I had to buy them all, it would cost me too much to write about them. I agree it’s best to disclose payment, but I also thought most people were aware that products were provided. Thanks for the thought provoking post.
Sandras last blog post..Roasted Chickpeas
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