Typically, I never go on about the same rant for days on end. Well, in real life I may, but not here on my blog.
But grrrr, there are some comments in my post here that gave me cold pricklies because I think that the point was completely missed. And, seeing as it’s my blog and I’m allowed to have the last word…
This conversation is continued.
I value my relationships, both with my blog friends and my PR friends. Yes, I have accepted tickets to events, which I’ve taken my family to. In return, I’ve tweeted and whrrled and all the social media stuff that was expected. I have five kids and would never have been able to take all of them to the circus or to Disney on Ice. BUT…that is a form of payment, compensation, whatever you want to call it. Those are the PR firms that I will work with. Because it shows that they value us, our opinions and our work. And I have built friendships with those wonderful people.
When a PR company asks me to promote an event that sounds SUPER fantabulous, and it’s in MY city…shouldn’t there be a ticket to that event for my use? So that I can give my posts and tweets some authenticity? Transparency? Whatever. It’s THOSE that I’m having a hard time with. The generic email with my name or blog name typed in, in different font, asking me to promote, promote, promote and giving nothing back. To me? THAT is unethical.
Yes, the bottom line is, there needs to be some sort of incentive or reason that we are going to spend quality time working on something for someone else. It’s human nature. Journalists and PR aren’t giving away something for nothing, right?
And Declan, in response to your little snipe about my wanting my cake? Yes, of course. Doesn’t everybody? You want to be able to go to work, do your job and get appreciated with some sort of payment too. Or, you just go to work for the hell of it? I’m not complaining about blogging. I love it and if you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you’d know that accusation is unfounded and ridiculous.
The sponsored ads on my blog? Are the same thing, presumably, as ads in a newspaper. This blogger has five kids to help support. A few hundred dollars here or there helps. So heck yeah, someone wants to advertise on Rock and Drool or You Won’t Go Blind and it’s non-offensive in nature, then for sure I’m accepting of it.
As for journalists getting compensated? I have a bunch of journalist friends. They do get compensated because it’s part of their paycheck. Read some of the educated comments on the previous post.
My friends that read my blog know, without a doubt, that they will get a completely honest take out of me, no matter what was involved. My opinions are NEVER swayed. If I don’t like something, I don’t care if you gave me a huge check, I’m going to tell the world that your product sucks. And you know what? I’ve had companies come back to me for reviews because they admire my honesty.
But, I don’t do reviews too often. So, that’s neither here nor there.
It is annoying that, once again, the point is being missed by some. We bloggers aren’t necessarily asking for money or product. We are asking that we stopped being stepped on and taken advantage of. Blogging is the new form of journalism and we bloggers need to be equally treated, acknowledged and respected.
Period.
I’d love to say something prolific about your post…but I can’t, because you said it all, and I 100% agree with you. It disgusts me that people think bloggers are greedy because they want to be compensated for doing the job of a journalist/publication. Last I checked, my local paper wasn’t offering advertising for businesses for free…
I’m not a magazine reader, but I skimmed a few over the holidays. I couldn’t believe that one magazine had a “overheard in the blogsphere” section, where blogger’s content was published (I sure hope those bloggers were compensated); another had a “what kind of saver are you” feature, outlining four types of savers and what four bloggers had to say about each category. Why are magazines doing this? Because bloggers are inexpensive compared to staff writers.
Okay, there’s my little rant to add to yours. 🙂
Well said, my dear! 🙂 Couldn’t agree with you more!
Totally 110% agree with you! Anyone who bitches about bloggers (specifically mom bloggers) getting paid or compensated in anyway for their time is just jealous because they are not. Period!! I love seeing mom bloggers succeed. Go girl! Ignore the haters momma!
Great post. When I get those pitches, I always want to write back and say that my readers read me because they want to laugh, or because they know me and feel obligated – not because they want to know what’s on TV next week. I write a blog, not a newspaper.
triplezmom´s last blog post ..Shit! Shit! Shit!
I have told people about things I like on my blog without compensation because I LOVE the product and think it might help them – I blogged for Chevrolet for a month driving one of their cars around – I have been given stuff to give my opinion – I use SponTweets – I have affiliate banners on my blog – but NO WAY will I do a tweet or blog for a company without something in return!
I did it ONE TIME for a charity – but that was a CHARITY!
I won’t do it for a company if they ask because they are asking for ACESS to my readers and friends. Shouldn’t they and I get something for the following I built over three years?
I’m pretty selective about the “charity” stuff I do as well.
Photos are a particular bugaboo for me. I post a lot of photos to my blog/Flickr stream and get a lot of requests to use my photos for free. The “charity” requests are among the most prevalent I receive.
There are one or two charities that I have a long-time relationship (pre-blog) with and will do an occasional story or photo feature on them. These are charities I particularly admire, are local, and who pass the Charity Navigator test with me (I like to see a 3- or 4-star rating from that site when I consider my personal giving).
“Charities” that pay their CEOs in excess of $500,000, or who have spend a high percentage of their money on administration don’t need the donation of a free photo from me.
Dominique´s last blog post ..Tiny Zehnders one-dollar bridge and a one-room school in Frankenmuth- Michigan
I admit that in the past I’ve fallen prey to the idea that if I go ahead and plug something completely for free then I am 1. helping educate my readers on something they may care about and/or 2. open up a relationship with the PR company/person by showing that I am not gribsy and they should work with me in the future…
And you know what? My readers could care less, the PR company never “valued” me for anything in the future, and me? I just got totally used.
I agree with you 100%!
Bay´s last blog post ..Book Club- “Take the Cake” & how I actually get anything done
Just wanted to let you know I was in your corner. I haven’t posted here in a looooong, loooong time…. and I still haven’t started my blog that you encouraged me to do!!! However, your writing is ALWAYS honest and heartfelt. I am always in your corner.
All the best,
Joanie
I just want another “kingdom” story please. I dont get the rest of this stuff. I will even start it, Once upon a time……
I think this post is fab…as are you. Don’t let jealous ass clowns make you feel annoyed, angry or frustrated.