Today I signed this pledge and put a banner on my blog. It’s about blogging with integrity.
I’m sitting here, scratching my head. Amazed. Confused. I really don’t know how it is that we’ve come to this. Having to even decide, regardless of it being an option (even a slightly pleasant one), to confirm to everyone in the blogging world whether bloggers or PR, we blog with integrity.
That little badge being displayed over there on the far side bar is to let you, my visitors know, what I really, really hope you’ve always known…
I BLOG WITH INTEGRITY.
I always have.
And I always will.
I speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth here on my blog.
I don’t attack people. Not in real life. And certainly not here on my blog.
I give credit where credit is due. After all, it’s the right thing to do.
I respect the rights and intellectual property rights. And the stupid ones, too.
I don’t do sponsored. If I did, I would most certainly let you know.
I do some review. And trust me, if I don’t like it, you’ll know about it. If I like it, I shout it out.
My Blog…
It’s a part of me. It’s a reflection on me. And of me.
I am what I preach.
I am a product of my parents, who instilled those above mentioned things into my make-up. I do things the right way, because that’s how it should be done. I’m raising my children like that, too. Because it’s honorable. It’s right. It’s menchy.
Maybe that’s why I’m not high up in blog ranking? But, if it meant slitting throats and stepping in the gash to climb my way up the Nielson ratings, then forget it. I’d rather just sit and look up. Don’t mind those zits on my chin, mmkay?
I think it’s really speaks volumes for where blogging has taken a turn. That is sad. Because this turn isn’t a good one.
I already had my say on the PR Blackout herein a litle rant post. So I won’t say any more about this.
When I became a blogger almost 2 years ago, none of this was going on. None of this mattered. And if it did, I was happily living in Ignorance, Bliss. It’s a nice country. You should check it out sometime.
I won’t participate in the blackout. And if it’s already over, good.
I did sign my name to the Blog With Integrity pledge. It was an option that I chose to take for my blog.
I perused the pledge list. I saw many of the blogs I read on there. I was quite shocked at the voluminous list of bloggers that signed this pledge.
And I have to say…I kind of felt that it was a bittersweet action, adding my name to a list with my blogging colleagues. I was proud to be there, in letters, hanging with my friends. But that list of bloggers, many whom I know through blogging…
I never assumed anything other than they oozed with integrity.
Does anyone else feel sort of disheartened at the path blogging is marching down?
Or am I alone in this. My own little name on my own little list?
You’re not alone. I held off on signing the pledge precisely because I don’t need it to “prove” that I blog with integrity; anyone who comes to my site knows that I do.
But then I saw someone I like say: “Here’s my brutal truth-I will pay more attention to a review if there is a Blog With Integrity badge on the blog. I see the Blog With Integrity badge as a pledge to me as a consumer. I depend on straight-up product reviews. The badge affirms this.”
So I had to rethink things, particularly since I just opened up a review sub-blog on my main site. Now, the badge is displayed on the review section of the blog, but not the main section.
Haven’t signed it yet. Jury is still out if I will. Not because I don’t, cause I totally do. But, I always have, you know?! And, like you said, why should I have to prove it? I already tell people when I’m reviewing something that I got it for free. I already infuse (sometimes brutal, but always necessary) honesty in every post. And, I don’t see how saying I have integrity makes it true. Actually, my grade school mentality makes me feel like the people who are shouting it the loudest are probably the most suspicious. But, that’s just me. I’m guessing that eventually I will sign it (because I’m nothing if I’m not a repeat victim of peer pressure), not so much for me, but for all the other people who read my blog, but for some reason still need me to say it. And, I’m so not participating in the blackout it’s not even funny. Agree with you that it’s sorta sad that this is even “necessary”.
I guess cause I don’t know the shadyness that might be happening on other blogs, I am not sure I understand the pledge…I don’t do many reviews…or PR stuff so does this exclude me? Everything I write is my own, my own opinions, my own life. I may “bash” (though that’s kinda harsh) people in my life, but it’s my opinion and I am expressing it…
anyway, email me if I am wrong, but am I already posting with integrity?
I came across the pledge a few weeks ago. I didn’t sign it. I thought about it, but like Parenting by Dummies said, I didn’t feel like I needed to prove it. The only pledge I have signed is the Blog Guilt Free pledge, and I stand by that. If I feel I have to prove my integrity to readers or other bloggers, than I’m not really blogging guilt free. My blog is for me. I started it for me, and it will stay that way. I’m happy for people to read it, comment, whatever. But if someone doesn’t like it or feels I’m not blogging with “integrity” then they can mosey on over to the little X at the top of the screen and continue surfing the net.
I haven’t even heard of the pledge till now. I will check it out but I don’t review & I just write about whatever hits me. No B.S. Just me & what I feel. You have an amazing blog & shouldn’t have to prove it to anyone. Like Parenting By Dummies says, “people who are shouting it the loudest are probably the most suspicious”. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about & I don’t care! I’ll just be Polish, blonde & dumb here because it’s not worth it to get all worked up about it.
Anyway, since you are a blogger with such integrity, I have an award for you. Please pick it up at my blog when you get a chance. Keep your chin up, my friend!
I’m in that group. I hate that it’s necessary, but in the end, I just do what I do and keep it to that. I can’t worry about what everyone else is doing. I can only sit back and watch w/ my popcorn.
I was living in Bliss, but then again I’ve only been blogging about four months and haven’t really seen the long term trend. I recently discovered trolls. I was saddened. It can be an evil world out there.
Yeah, I apparently blog with integrity too. Woo hoo. I don’t feel like I need a badge to prove it but I wanted to add more clutter to the right colum on my blog 😉
Integrity is over-rated! (JK …. sort of). I started my personal blog to learn about blogging for my business (totally separate & unrelated endeavor). It’s become a creative outlet for rants, wry observations & to document my life.
I’ve never been tempted to take in ads or do product reviews for money. I also don’t do memes or awards. But I’m totally fine if other bloggers do. It’s my choice whether I read or believe them.
I think there is a misconception that blogging is a good way to make money. Unless you are an Extremely Talented blogger. (for which I am not).
I also believe in the Golden Rule & in Karma. You reap what you sow. I am beholden to no one so I don’t need a pledge but I can see the use for those who do product reviews.
I can only hope that those who sign the pledge & post the badge are being honest and sincere!
I think what you just wrote is wonderful, and important and has way more value than signing the pledge (which I helped to write by the way).
The pledge is the beginning of a conversation, and when it goes to the place where you have taken it – thinking about what you write and how and why – well wow. That’s more than we could have hoped for. Your readers are lucky to have you.
To be honest, I have no idea what the “rules” for the whole blog community are. I started a blog to entertain myself. I read other people’s blogs if they’re entertaining or enlightening. I review things I like occasionally and am all excited to get my first free review thing and giveaway. Hey, I’m dirt poor these days, if I can get decent free stuff just by doing a review, I’m going for it. I believe I have integrity because I wont review something that goes against my morals or ethics (doubt anyone is sending me a fur coat or slab of pork anytime soon though!), I wont lie and say I like something if I don’t, and I wont take any old free thing just because it’s there. It has to be something I actually want or like.
I really do feel like I need some sort of manual on blogging do’s and don’ts. I don’t want tick anyone off with my lack of knowledge, but at the same time, I am pretty content to continue about my merry little way and just have fun with my blog without worrying about a ton of rules. I started it for fun, and I’ll continue it as long as it still gives me something to look forward to.
I’m not in PR/reviews/giveaways (as of yet, been thinking about it but not sure where/how to start). So I guess I have no choice but to blog with integrity. I mean, I’m blogging about my life, so what ulterior motives might I have with myself? *snort*
I agree that I am stunned that you have to make a declaration “Hey Y’all, I’m a honest person!”
Bad apples, bunches and all that.
i dont get it. why is there a petition? and why does anyone care if you blog with integrity? no…serioulsy. i really dont get it!
Hey, you live in bliss too? I didn’t know we were neighbors! ;o)
Seriously….it is ridiculous that we have to claim it, isn’t it?
First I heard of it.
Blogging can be anything we make it, I think. It’s not always easy to be fringe, but it feels right.
hey, have you got that new space going?