>Why Personal Posts and Review Posts Shouldn’t Mix
>It’s happening more and more often.
I’ll be reading a personal blog, and finding myself drawn in by a particular post. Maybe the blogger had bad acne growing up and she’s writing about how people teased her, and how lonely she felt because of it. I’ll get a little verklempt as I read about this poor girl, pockmarked and alone, crying in the corner of the lunchroom.
And then I’ll get down to the last paragraph, in which the blogger jubilantly proclaims that the such-and-such face wash is a MIRACLE CURE for bad acne like she had in high school, and she knows because SHE GOT SOME FOR FREE TO REVIEW and OH MY GOSH Y’ALL is it ever GREAT.
I’ll tell you how I feel as a reader when that happens. Betrayed. Duped. Here I thought I was getting a glimpse into her life and all she was doing was tricking me into reading a commercial?
Blehhhhh.
As a reader, I feel like that blogger has crossed a line, particularly if she’s a mom blogger. If she is telling personal stories about her family, as a reader I don’t want product reviews and sponsored posts woven throughout that written history. It feels exploitative. It feels wrong.
And my feelings as a reader of blogs are what made me decide as a blogger to start a separate review blog (and for that matter, what kept me from putting ads in between posts, as opposed to keeping them in my sidebar). I tried doing a few book reviews on this blog and they just didn’t feel right, sandwiched between posts about my struggles with breastfeeding and pictures of my children.
A separate review blog solved everything, because I really did want to try out some of the things I was being offered and share them with my family, yet I never wanted anyone to confuse the posts I wrote about those products with spontaneous stories I wrote about my kids and our lives together, nor did I want readers to have to sift through sponsored posts in order to get to my real writing. My review blog very clearly is what it is. Some people like that sort of thing. Some don’t. But you know what you’re getting into if and when you visit it.
But times have changed. Now that mom blogging potentially means income and flashy products and expensive trips and major media appearances, more and more women are peppering their personal blogs with paid testimonials in hopes that they’ll get noticed by marketers and make some money themselves.
In fact, a woman Ford Motor Company refers to as a “Digital Influencer,” Jessica Smith, recommends that mom bloggers weave their reviews into their personal blogs. She says it’s good for search engine optimization, page rank building, and monetization.
But how is any of that good for the reader?
Smith writes, “The best product reviews are those that are executed in the blogger’s own voice. If you create a separate review blog, clearly you’re still writing it, but new readers won’t get a taste of your voice in the context of your life. They’ll get it in the context of your opinions of other brands.”
If I’m a marketer, advertiser, or PR rep reading Jessica’s advice, that’s exactly the kind of thing I want to hear.
But I’m a reader, visiting your blog to gain insights from your life experience. And from my perspective, product placement on your personal blog is about as appropriate as it would be in a documentary film. It makes me feel uncomfortable to see pictures of a blogger’s children and thoughts on her religious beliefs in between her paid posts about makeup and toys and skincare products. It makes me feel like she’s offering up her family as bait in a game of marketing and self promotion.
I am not writing this post to call anyone out in particular. In fact, I feel comfortable mentioning Jessica because she does not tell personal family stories on her blog, and so this doesn’t really apply to her, beyond the fact that I respectfully disagree with her opinion. I am writing it because all of us as bloggers are navigating our way through uncharted territory and I think we need to continue to give a lot of thought to what is and isn’t appropriate when it comes to making the once-private world of motherhood public. I stumble myself through the dos and don’ts of blogging, and I make changes and amendments to my own blogging policy on a regular basis. I’m trying very hard to enjoy the perks of being a mom blogger without leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of my readers, and I don’t always get it right.
With that said, as a blog reader I want the bloggers I visit to clearly separate their paid content from their personal content. I want to feel like I, the reader, am the most important visitor to the blogger’s site, not the advertisers and PR firms. I don’t see the point of mixing paid and personal content in the same space, not when doing so has the effect of alienating an audience of readers and making them feel like you’re trying to sell them something.
This topic has been bothering me for some time. It’s not meant to make anyone feel bad, but I really do think it’s worth discussing and I’d love to know what you think.
>I agree with you 100%. It’s something I’ve been struggling with a lot lately. Blogging is beginning to take more of my time than any of my full time jobs ever did (that probably speaks more to my previous work ethic though.) I WANT the free stuff. I NEED the free stuff. But I don’t want to jeopardize this place that I’ve built- this place that I love. I don’t want to feel like I’m selling out my kids by pimping them out for free small appliances. And I do lose respect for those bloggers who’ve done it. And I’ve stopped reading many a blog for that reason.But, here I am, with a pathetic separate review blog and no cool swag. I’m oozing with jealousy over free trips and washers and dryers and that’s no fun either. Oh, what to do?
>I confess that as soon as I realize that I’m reading a review post, I skim. Big time. Positive reviews rarely persuade me to buy the product, because I know that if someone gave me something for free, I’d probably feel compelled to say something nice about it.
>As soon as I discover that I am reading a review that was not clearly a review from the get go, I am turned off. Thanks for articulating that point. I think the advice may be useful for some.
>And since I’ve already written a freaking essay here, I’ll continue…I’d love to know how you deal with writing professionally as well as here. I got my first writing gig from my blog (woo-hoo!) and was totally turned off when the editor edited my writing. How dare she? Dumb whore.Now, what I thought I wanted most is becoming totally unappealing. Do you struggle with that? Oy. Me thinks I need a blog counselor. Sorry to hijack your post!
>If a blogger whom I read got something awesome, I want to hear it in their regular blog.If they were sent something specifically to review, I want none of it. Does that make sense?
>I agree with you, but you do that too sometimes. It may not be for a product but some times I will read something you post only to get to the end and have to click a link to get the story someplace else. Some people my feel fooled but you always have the option of not reading.
>I’m with you, Lindsay. One hundred percent.Even if BlogHer Ads didn’t require a separate review blog, I would still keep them separate.I mean, I have no problem giving away a gift card for fun on my main site, but that’s because I love my readers and it is not a “review.”If someone wants me to try their product, it’s going on my other site to make sure people know I’m not selling out.
>Scary Mommy, I don’t have a problem being edited because I’m being paid to send in a piece to an editor who technically can do with it what he or she wants. When I get frustrated with the edits, I remind myself that I’m lucky to have a blog where I can say whatever I want. The key is to find places to write where they don’t mess with your work too much, which is what I’ve got going now. That takes some trial and error.W, I actually research products before I agree to review them on my review blog, simply because I don’t want a lot of crap I don’t need and can’t use cluttering up the house. So you’re right, you’re not getting many negative reviews on that blog simply because I’m accepting the product in the sincere hope and belief that I’ll like it.That said, I’m not the slightest bit interested in how many readers my reviews blog has, or whether it’s monetized or has good SEO. If you want to read it, fine. If you can win something from it, AWESOME. If you don’t want to read it, that’s fine too.
>I think you have a good point, but I do think there’s a difference between paid review posts and unpaid review posts. I am thrilled to learn about a product from someone who just happened to like it. I’m much more likely to believe her. I think you lose your credibility when you start getting paid to promote it, and therin lies the tricky part for paid bloggers, I guess. Readership = income, but then income turns off readership. For me, my own blog was never meant to draw income, fame, or fortune. I write what I want and if I lose readers because I choose to review something (unpaid), fine. I don’t have ads on my blog, and nobody pays me to write the reviews that I write. I just enjoy reviewing anything from movies (usually a very short post with only a few words about what I thought about it) to a Starbucks drink I just tried to a brand of apple. It’s my place to share my unsolicited opinion about stuff, and I do have a “review” label with quite a few posts under it for that reason. I’m not going to lie, though, I have noticed that a lot of the hits I get on the blog are from people who searched the name of the Starbucks drink name and my blog came up first (I guess that’s what people mean when they say “optimize your blog for search engines” – I only recently learned what that even meant). As readers, I think the best thing we can do is take Jenn’s suggestion – skim and ignore. Like we do with any other advertisement.
>Looks like we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one.I’d rather hear about a fellow mom’s true acne struggle along with a product review as it adds relevancy and conversation. And I noticed you said “self-proclaimed digital influencer”. Actually, in the paperwork I was given from Ford for the Ford Flex I received…my title was Digital Influencer…and that’s when I started using the term on my blog description.I didn’t start calling myself that until other people did. I know. Semantics.But still.
>I have a personal blog. And a review blog I share with two friends. On the review blog we review stuff. That’s it. We DO NOT, however, just throw up info from product websites or press releases. We’re professional writers and web marketing girls who know how to give a decent, honest review.On my blog? I’m just me. I don’t want to spaz my readers out because I want to be able to say IKEA MAKES MY LOINS ACHE WITH HAPPINESS without thinking someone from Ikea paid me to do it. If, occasionally, I write about a company I have an affiliation with, like Eden Fantasys, I’m straight up from the very beginning. But its rare to see a post that isn’t just me being self-absorbed and/or writing about my vagina.
>Felicia, the posts I link to from here still represent my spontaneous writing. I get paid to write for the City Paper, but it’s basically a column version of my blog. I get paid to write for Parents.com and Her Nashville Magazine, but I determine the content. I would put any of that writing on this blog in a heartbeat, I think you guys would like to read it (and SHOULD read it if you’re reading and enjoying this blog), and I’m happy that people are paying me to put it on their websites.To me, that’s entirely different from writing a review of a product I was sent for free. I was sent the product. It’s determining the content of that post. It doesn’t really have anything to do with my real life. Does that make sense?I actually have been rethinking even linking to my reviews blog on the weeekends, and have decided to start putting the reviews links somewhere in the sidebar, which seems like it would be good for everyone. It’s a more visible reminder, but it’s over in the sidebar with the ads and stuff.
>Jessica, noted and edited. 🙂
>Well, as somebody who writes about my kids and often gets paid for it via a publisher who gets THEIR money from advertisers, I feel like it would be hypocritical of me to say I don’t agree with “using” kids to earn money. I “use” my life as writing fodder for which I receive money; my kids are a big part of my life, ergo, I use my kids, I suppose. So I don’t really see the difference between having ads or reviews sprinkled among family-oriented posts. But I want to know up front if that’s what I’m reading. If you write 5 paragraphs about your family and then slam me at the end with a product placement, I might resent it. On the other hand, I might not, if it wasn’t happening in such huge numbers all over the Internet. I guess some things are barely noticeable (and probably a lot more effective) when they rarely happen; but when every other mommy blogger is plugging a product in every other post, it adds up to serious product fatigue and I tune out. PR people might do well to consider that many of the well-known mom bloggers are read by the same people. If 20 popular bloggers are posting around the same time about the same event, product or service, I’m going to get bored and stop reading those posts (or tweets). It may actually have the opposite effect of what they were hoping for. Maybe strong relationships with a much smaller number of spokespeople, who make it clear that’s what they are, would be more effective all around.
>I agree with Mandy in saying that there seems to be a huge difference with paid review posts and unpaid. I think someone who is NOT being paid can give a far more balanced review than someone who is (just my opinion of course). I love your blog but I don’t read your review blog because like someone else mentioned, it seems so scripted and that’s just not my thing. But, who cares! Some people like it, some don’t and that is perfectly fine. I do totally agree with you that is a pretty bad turn-off when reading a post and then seeing a product plug at the end… blech!
>I’ve unsubscribed from many blogs after scanning through the latest posts and realizing that more than half were reviews. I don’t subscribe to review blogs… my thoughts are, if I’m actively looking to purchase something, THEN I will look for reviews on it. But I’d much rather spend the time I’ve allocated to blog reading on actual content than reviews.If a blogger is able to consistently review items HONESTLY, with no issues telling the readers that the item is pure crap, then I’m more likely to believe the rave reviews they post. If every review is positive, I can’t trust their opinion.I think so many get caught up in turning something they love (blogging) into an income, that they lose sight of the readers, instead focusing on perks, freebies, and SEO. I agree – it’s a fine line that I don’t think anyone has found the perfect balance on yet. I’m not sure if there even IS a perfect balance. Maybe it depends on the blogger – which is more important to them? Their readers? Or the income and popularity? I tend to avoid the super popular bloggers, because… well, it’s quite obvious that their readers aren’t that important. Instead it’s a production, a job, an income. I know many bloggers will post a quick “New review on my review site” post, but to be honest? I mark them as read without even glancing. One commenter mentioned that you post something with the link at the end to the actual site where the article was posted – I don’t see that as a problem, since you obviously can’t repost the entire article here. To save myself the trouble of clicking over, I just subscribed to those feeds separately. Okay, so I haven’t answered a damn thing here. Nor have I contributed anything more meaningful than “me too”.
>By the way Lindsay – great discussion!
>Standing up and cheering. So tired of being duped myself. Does anyone even GIVE A SHIT about their readers anymore or just in what the UPS man brings?
>Thanks for the correction, Lindsay, for a minute there it seemed like you were taking a jab.Here’s what it comes down to ultimately: the readers will decide. We can give our opinion about what we think is the best approach, however, at the end of the day content is king. No matter how you slice it.We all make choices and I think even more important than deciding whether or not to have a separate review blog, is if we’re keeping it relevant.I wrote a post about this, saying no to stay relevant and true to one’s on voice: http://bit.ly/justsayno
>What about a product that a mom came across and truly did love and wasn’t paid to review? Still awful to see that in her personal blog?
>I’m of the ‘mix it up’ mindset. As a blogger and as a marketer, I want to see natural, relevant recommendations within everyday content where it can be received in context.Ultimately, if I build up enough trust with you, you’re not going to be miffed by an occasional promotion.And well, if you do get miffed by it – I’ll have to wish you well and encourage you to not let the door hit you on the behind on your way out because I’m making a living here and refuse to apologize for taking advantage of reasonable opportunities to profit while sharing something I believe in with my readers.
>I actually incorporated my reviews into my regular blog because I found it was too cumbersome to log into two different places and post. Especially if I was working on my editorial calendar for that week. Besides, there is a way to let people know you are doing a review without making readers feel duped, I do it all the time. I simply write Review of (and then the product/service) in the title. My readers aren’t confused and they know what they are reading. True I haven’t always done that (I think the early blogging days are messy for us all as we find our voice) but definitely in the last year or so.Still, you raise some valid points and thoughts on what might turn a reader off from a blog.
>I agree with you. I think that you set a good example as well, with your seperate review site. I have been reading your blog for months and only recently realized you also have a review site, which I now look at occasionally. While I know you’re a “professional blogger,” I think your site maintains the everywoman feel that probably drew readers in the beginning, and I like that.I think that even worse than Bloggers reviewing products amongst their daily posts are Bloggers who WANT to review and be a “professional blogger.” I see a lot of people whose websites are forwarded a lot for prayer requests, etc. and take advantage of the heavy traffic to try and turn their site into a profitable site. It’s really disarming when I begin reading a site because I identify with a blogger’s struggles and chronicling their experiences for therapeutic or support reasons, and shortly after they become a popular site they try to start their own memes, etc. Some of them seem genuine, some don’t. I always have the option not to read, of course, but it’s an issue nonetheless when people start to do unsolicited product reviews in between their prayer requests so that they can get the attention of PR product agencies or try and get BlogHer ads. To bring this point home, I like a genuine blogger, who maintains that same likability when their blog becomes popular or sponsored. Some blogs are starting to wear on me, because they’ve lost that initial likability that drew me there in the first place, because they’re all about being a full time blogger now.
>That may make sense for a blog reader, but it makes no sense for a sponsor. I don’t think many of us read review blogs except when there are giveaways. I honestly think review blogs are self-serving and illogical. But that’s me. =}I like reviews woven into content if they are quality reviews. It doesn’t matter if you got a bottle of lotion for free if you can honestly tell me that it helped with your kids skin, but that they hated the smell or it left a greasy residue or the bottle colors don’t match your bathroom. I don’t like reviews that sound like PR pitches. Very few products are perfect. If the reviewer can’t give me balance, I’m not interested.A product review on a blog should be like a conversation with a close friend. It should be personal to your experience, not speak for the general population. If you do that, it should be relatively seamless in your content.
>Not that its the same thing, but I admit to reading Perez Hilton. The product placemnts are usually w/in the first few posts on the front page, and it has a colored background. As a regular reader, I know to skip the posts w/ a colored background if I’m not interested in the ad placement.
>Queen of Spain touched on a really good point. I give a shit about my readers. Both of them. I have readers who come to my “mom blog” and really enjoy telling stories (all real, mind you) and, in turn, maybe even making other people feel better about themselves.I have readers who come to my “review blog” and really enjoy telling stories (all real, mind you) about stuff that has made mine, or my family’s life, a little better and then [GASP!] actually being able to share it with them, too.Blogging has become so complicated, lately, right?I decided to split into two blogs, two years ago, when people were all like…why?…and now, I can just point to this post 🙂
>Wouldn’t it be nice if marketers and companies just paid FAIR money for just ADVERTISING on the sites then?these companies save MILLIONS by having the bloggers do all the work for them.and they still focus the advertising dollars on old fashioned media. Personal anecdotes are fine..or how YOU found the product is fine too..but again..the honesty is the key is it not?So I agree…I just wish there was a way that all bloggers could make fair cash for their efforts reviews or not.
>This is a great discussion! I don’t do proper reviews on my own site (but I do write reviews for other review sites) but I want to be able to mention something I have either bought myself or been given that I love, love, love.I do prefer it when real reviews are on a separate site because I connect with women on their personal blogs and when they turn their stories into a review its like someone who can only talk about their job I start to wonder why I care.That said I don’t enjoy reviews that aren’t personal – ones that are only cover the product name, pros, cons and thats it. As a *reader*I WANT to know how it affected your life – did it make it easier? harder? Was it great accept for one little thing it did that drove you nuts? I do look for and have purchased products that I’ve read reviews of but only when it read like a friend telling me about the product – not when it sounded like marketing copy.
>My #1 commandment for publishers: Know Thy Reader.
>Hmmmm…I think I would feel duped by the kind of post in your example. However, if the clue-in that it was a review came at the beginning, I’d feel less so, and even less put-upon as a reader if the writer had a knack for keeping her usual voice.If it’s someone I’ve read for a while and keep coming back for more, it’s because I like them, “trust” them (as far as online reader-writer trust goes) and I don’t think I’d necessarily bail out in the middle of a review any more than I’d bail out on a writer who was supporting a pet cause because they had a family member affected or because they have personal experience, etc.IOW, I don’t go looking for reviews, I look for relationships. If someone is b*llsh*tting me about a product, then I’ll assume they are bs-ing me about other things, and vice versa.There are blogs that can pull off the dance between the two, without compromising. Of course, I tend to read more cynical types, anyway, so they never have 100% glowing reviews anyway. Their kids included. 😉
>Before this trend, sometimes I had such a strong opinion about a product – a movie, a CD, or a cleaning appliance – that I would post about it just because. Nobody sent me that shit for free, and I blogged about it because that’s how I blog, about whatever is on my mind.So it’s too bad that some bloggers are giving product reviews a bad name, because I don’t mind continuing to review things – with my voice – but I don’t want to be considered a review blogger. I think mommy blogging is separating into two camps, and I would rather be a mommy blogger who writes stories, not a mommy blogger who writes reviews.Luckily there are plenty of outlets that feature product reviews already. We honestly don’t need another fucking review blog.Now that I said that, please direct your attention to my new review blog…(kidding. Sort of.)
>I'm torn on this. On the one hand, yes, we want to make our readers happy… but on the other? How can we.You aren't going to please ALL of the readers ALL of the time.I stay true to my own inner voice. It tells me that unless I'm connected to a product? I'm not going to write about it. Paid or not. Positive or Negative. When I write? I write in my voice. That usually means anecdotal stories. I'm certainly not going to start writing like I'm Consumer Reports. I'm not – nor do I want to be.I've vacillated over & over on whether or not to start a review blog… but not because it doesn't mix in with my Mom stories. I don't *write* Mom stories. Because I'm trying to figure out the best way to give my diverse readership what they want without annoying the heck out of them.At this point, I've kind of decided that I will write how I want to write, when I want to write, and about what I want to write. If I decide to separate it out? My call.Readers, in the end, have the biggest vote for themselves – read it or don’t… subscribe or unsubscribe.But I write my blog because I want to write my blog not because I’m worried about catering to how someone else wants to consume it.
>I can’t stand the hidden reviews in things. I like it straight out there for me to read. Yes, I do read reviews. I have done reviews. I put in my blog title “A Review”.Most of the stuff that I review is actually things I’ve bought. I’m a total consumer whore and love to show the things that I’ve bought. I also research things I’m going to review before I agree that the peeps can send them to me. I do few reviews, because Im so picky.Great post!
>I read your post with interest. I’m curious to know how you see running ads on a personal blog then. Would not the author also then be using pics of children, comments on religious beliefs etc to self-promote? Because if you run ads, it’s in the hopes of generating revenue, even if it’s not direct payment for product placement.Love to know your thoughts.
>We’ve talked about this before and you know I agree with you. I do want to say that I do think there is a difference between a sponsored post and a post where a blogger had purchased a product that they love so much! They have to tell you about it! that’s no different then when a friend calls me and is all “girl, I just bought this new *insert product here* and it is the bomb!” But then, I don’t think that’s what you’re talking about when you say “reviews.” You’re talking about Blogfomercials ™ haha.
>Mandy, the ad debate was a big one on mom blogs a few years ago.I put ads on my blog simply because I realized that ads didn’t bother me on other blogs I enjoyed. They do bother me in between posts, so I don’t do that, but I don’t mind them in the sidebar. I make the vast majority of decisions for this blog based on how I feel as a blog reader.
>I think this all boils down to balance, purpose, and your audience. I recently started doing reviews on my blog but they are very relevant to what I write and my audience. I don’t see an issue with it parse. My issue comes in with the blog becoming all about reviews when it originally had a deeper purpose. If you are going to do reviews on your blog I say just make sure that you don’t lose your audience by limiting the amount of personal posts you writer. Keep it balanced and focused. I don’t think you can lose with that.
>Well, this was all very interesting because I don’t *think* I read a single blog were people do “reviews” paid or unpaid. …And you and Sundry are the only two “mommy blogs” I read because you’re both so darn funny and your kids are so cute. Otherwise? couldn’t care less about anyone’s kids or life as a mommy. I lived it.I think if I came across a review, I’d read it once. But if it became a frequent event, I’d quit reading the blog altogether.
>”It makes me feel like she’s offering up her family as bait in a game of marketing and self promotion.”Amen! That is (one of) my issue(s) with this as well. Don’t sucker punch me from the back at the end of a post to let me know it’s a product review. Tell me up front. Now, that’s product reviews – if you want to talk brand reps (a la 11 moms) it’s a whole different can of worms, in my opinion.
>Very interesting conversation. I do not read review blogs because I find them boring. Unless I’m looking for a product, I don’t really care. But, when I’m reading someone’s blog and they are telling me about how some product made their life easier, tasted great, or worked as advertised, etc, I love it. I have bought more things because I read about it on someone’s blog than I have from a review blog (I’ve never bought anything solely because of a review blog). If I’m going to make some purchase and I’m researching, I may stop by a blog that I find in google, but I read that one review and take it into consideration with all the other reviews (amazon, etc) that I read. And I have still bought something even if everyone says it sucks because ultimately, I don’t know who these people are. By reading someone’s blog and getting to know them, I feel like I can trust their review more than someone who I don’t know at all. And as long as it is clearly stated that someone was given some sort of compensation or a free product, I’m ok with it.
>Ooops! Logged into the wrong google account – the “Ben and Diana” comment is from me – Diana at Of The Princess and The Pea. (And completely unrelated. My husband’s real name was just outed to the blogosphere in a comment on a post about mommy blogging… how very appropriate. Ha!)
>Lindsay, it was nice meeting you and Erin at Old Pro last week.As a representative vendor Tiny Prints, I’ve been reading a lot about the issue lately and appreciate the sensitivity of the matter. Ideally it would be great to have all reviews appear naturally. The challenge for us is the fact that our product is custom printed so unlike a camera review site that can loan out a camera that is later returned, we don’t have that type of freedom. In light of the FTC focus on bloggers, I’d love to see someone write an article on best practices for vendors seeking external promotion.Thanks!Rick
>There are so many simple “fixes” to the problems you mention. Other comments have already mentioned making it clear, either from the title or the very beginning of the post, that it’s a review. Also, there are a number of subscriber options for your readers – I offer readers the choice to subscribe to all my posts, personal posts only, or product posts only. I tried splitting my blog into two – I did not like it at all. I found my review blog generated circular traffic (the same people over an over, and usually only there to enter giveaways) and had very little tangible reach. Besides that, it really made me feel like a piece of meat – no one cared a whit about me, just the “stuff.” Fusing the two blogs back into one has made me feel like I’m standing in my own two shoes again.
>I agree. That’s why I have started a review blog-I wanted to take advantage of the perks without stepping on anyone’s toes. I think that I write with my own voice there but it’s obvious that I am reviewing something by the title of the blog.That said, I know of a blogger that writes both types of posts on one page and isn’t apologetic about it. She’s honest about it, and I still read (most) of what she writes. I guess it’s all in the presentation.
>Lindsay, I totally agree with you. I really dislike feeling like I just got a product shoved down my throat when the post is peppered with product placement and I’m not expecting it.I love the way you have things set up here. I always click your links to your paid gigs because like you said, if I like what I read here chances are good that I’ll like what you have to say over there. And I like that you’ve got a separate page strictly for reviews and you post the links at the end of your posts here. If it’s something I’m interested in then I will read it. For awhile I wanted to get a Swiffer Wet-Jet but wasn’t sure if it was just going to be a gimmick and waste of money. Then I discovered a product review on another blog I read, who has a separate page for this purpose. She liked the product so I bought one. It does what it says it will, and I don’t feel like I wasted my money. I’m glad I found a review from a person I’ve been reading a long time and feel a sense of trust with.If you were to put links on the sidebar, chances are I’d never click on them. I rarely look at ads and that’s where they pretty much live on most blogs. I hope you don’t change the set up.Also, you can never please everybody and as long as you stay true to yourself, you should have no worries. Even if you decide to change where your links live, I might get a tiny bit pissy, but I’ll still read you.
>I have mixed feelings about this … On one hand I like it when someone discovers a product they love (or hate) and gives an honest review. I wouldn’t even mind the occasional paid or freebie review in main content as long as 1) it is OCCASIONAL and 2) it is clearly marked – (this was given to me for free to review, or I just discovered this but this company doesn’t even know I exist etc.) It is all about balance. I don’t mind the occasional product placement (if it doesn’t read like a press release) but I want to be able to clearly see what it is so I can skip it if I want.Overall I don’t think of it as an issue with “using” the kids to get free stuff nor do I judge someone’s overall writing based on what (if anything) they get paid (and this relates to reviews and non reviews). This is what I base my readership on: does the writer sound authentic to me? do I relate to what they are discussing? if so, then I read. If not I don’t.
>I tweeted some comments earlier, but basically: YES. Reviews that are clearly reviews – great. Reviews that are woven into advertorial – not so great. It’s basically about up front transparency and authenticity. It’s about respecting your audience. If you make it clear that much of your content – any of your content – is advertorial, and your audience/community is fine with that, fine. But if it’s just being slipped in? Ugh.
>Personally, on my family blog I only review items that I find and that I love. I ALWAYS include the personal story as to why I love them just as I would tell my best friend or neighbor. On occaision I have accepted a giveaway with the review because I always let the company know before I post my story (I think it is good for them to see too). So, my opinion is that it is not all or nothing in this area – depends on the blogger and the purpose of the review. I have not had a complaint yet…maybe my readers are too kind or maybe they like the way I do things.Either way, I think we all have “our” way of doing things and know what works for us.
>I am new to blog writing and reading, and I agree with you completely. I’ve seen some really tacky things out there that didn’t sit well with me either. I actually recently wrote a similar post: http://www.spawnocalypse.com/2009/05/their-hands-are-covered-in-blog-money.htmlI haven’t checked out your review blog yet, but really enjoy Suburban Turmoil. Thanks for sharing your opinion and setting an example of how to do for-profit blogging right.
>I guess I’m just wondering why it matters so much to certain mom bloggers what other mom bloggers do on their own blogs?There seems to be a lot of anger and snark about this issue lately. If it bothers you, don’t read it. It’s a very big blogosphere out there.
>I don’t read blogs that turn me off. But I’m concerned about what other mom bloggers do because to an extent it reflects on all of us as a group.
>I’ve done a couple sponsored posts on my blog, but I stopped about a year ago because it made me feel like I had to specify “And I’m not getting paid to say this!!! This one is real!” when I wrote about games/movies/products I liked and wanted to share with friends. Just a couple of these “talk about a free sample” posts made me feel like I was losing control of my blog, and, while the cash was nice, it wasn’t nice enough to lose my blog as my own outlet for anything I thought. So basically I don’t do paid reviews because it colors my real product opinion posts.
>I don’t read that many blogs. But for awhile I was really into a blog that was mostly about a family like mine (similar aged children, etc.) and I read it every day. Then it became more and more about products and shopping. I actually have no idea if they were “advertorials” but I just found daily narratives about cool stuff at Target (and many online retailers that were out of my price range) to be dull. I stopped reading the blog.I actually voluntarily hop over to your review blog because I’m curious to see what you’ve been reviewing. If something looks interesting I read the review. You used to put teasers in your blog more often, but either way I like it that you have a second site.The bigger question, though, ultimately, is what role will moms play in the transition to a world that is dominated by online (as opposed to print) media? The question of whether to mix ads and content is as old as the media itself, and the line often blurs, sharpens, and then fuzzes again. Usually consumer resistance to product placement is key. I think the market will shake itself out on this one. That’s often how it’s worked out in the history of advertising and entertainment content! (For more on this topic you can see my book on the history of radio advertising, called “Radio Active: Advertising and Consumer Activism, by Kathy M. Newman! http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Active-Advertising-Consumer-1935-1947/dp/0520235908).
>Honestly, Sarah, this issue bothers me far more as a reader than as a blogger.Although I do believe that these kinds of discussions are important, particularly now that “mommyblogging” is in the media spotlight. I personally don’t want this practice to perceived as the norm. I don’t want this to be the image that people get in their minds when they hear that I’m a mom who blogs.I mean, some of you out there still remember when mommyblogging was a revolutionary act, right?Right?
>Although I consider myself a parenting review blogger (moreso than a traditional mom blogger – who primarily shares her day to day life), I have been battling with finding balance with this issue. So, I threw the question out to the people who matter the most to me (my core readers). This response (from a busy medical doctor mom) made my day:”I love following your site, and i check it daily (well, at least i try). I love the idea that your website is “growing” with your kids. It makes sense logically, and it makes your site so much more “real”. Personally, it’s great for me, because my 2 kids are similar age to yours. I know that when I read your reviews, I’m reading it from another mommy, not just another entrepreneur trying to sell me something. KEEP UP WITH THE GREAT JOB!…”All that to say – there is a place (and a use!) for all different forms of blogs by moms – as long as we’re all running our sites with integrity!
>It depends on the blog and the writer. It depends on the relationship the blogger has with his or her readers and the trust they earn. To say that one or the other is right or wrong is impossible and lumping the “lot” of bloggers together into two different categories and assuming everyone likes what you like or visa versa.I’m a blogger, a mom blogger and I do reviews and write about personal stories and almost always weave a personal story into a review because I feel it is more genuine and real. It’s my blog and my business but if I write like shit, don’t earn the readers trust and try to pull the wool over their eyes – I’d be found out and nobody would read my blog anyhow. Those that do this and aren’t for real will fall to the way side anyhow so why the hell care?I am also a mom that reads blogs and I dislike review blogs. I like a personal experience and story. I also don’t take that bloggers word until I’ve became a loyal reader. Just because I Google something and it comes up to some blog with a review doesn’t mean I’m buying the product. Does that even happen?I’m annoyed at the judgment and the drawing the line to say if you do this you care about your readers and you’re a good blogger but if you do this you’re not. Nothing is that cut and dry.
>i so agree with you. i have blogs (like yours) i read because i like the writing style and the content. then there are a few reviews blogs i peruse because i like to win a giveaway. but i don’t like the two to mix. i am just getting my feet wet in the blogosphere. i’ve had a few opportunities to participate in some things but i don’t like to mix them into my personal blog (oh no. now i’m wondering if you read my post about alzheimers in which i also mentioned maria shriver–but that really was a good intention to let people know about the special on hbo). anyway, thanks for the reminder that good writing can and should stand alone…
>This is a wonderful discussion. I have no ads and no reviews on my blog and I make no money 🙂 I don’t mind advertisements on a blog as long as they’re not cumbersome. Sidebar is fine. Google ads flung in here there and everywhere in the hope that I’ll “accidentally” click on them are annoying, and I’ll eventually stop reading as a result. Blogher just contacted me and asked if I wanted to run their ad on my page and maybe I will…As for reviews this is tricky. If I want to read a review I’ll usually google as review for the product. I’ve read a few reviews interspersed in “regular” blogs that caught my attention, but by and large I fly through the post once I see what it is.If there is a review in your regular blog (that’s a general statement as you clearly have a separate review blog) then I don’t like to be tricked. Tell me up front that there’s a review hiding in there. Put it in the title.This is a great discussion. I enjoy reading about how the more accomplished bloggers handle such matters as well as understanding the why behind the decisions you’ve all made. Thanks for this. I really enjoy your blog.
>What I think is interesting is that, while some of you say the readers won’t come around if the content’s not there, it doesn’t seem to matter anymore whether the readers come around or not. I’ve seen a number of mom bloggers lately who only get a couple of comments per post, if that. Clearly, they have hardly any readers, yet they’re at many major blogging events as speakers and honored guests.This is not sour grapes. I have absolutely no reason to complain about how I’m doing as a blogger. And I’m not blaming the women who are getting the attention- who would say no to that? Not me!But I’m so curious about how and why marketers and advertisers think they are the “influencers” of the mom blogging world. Who exactly are they influencing, and how? If anyone has insight into that, I’d love to hear it.
>Don't mistake comments for traffic. Comments are often just a sign of controversial topic – not just influence. Some of the highest traffic blogs out there don't generate a lot of comments (you'd be surprised.)Then again, checking sites like alexa, compete.com, and others only give you part of the picture… subscriptions, trackbacks, and interaction on other "secondary" sites like FriendFeed, Backtype, Facebook, and SocialMedia and the like are often not visible if you're just going by someone's blog quickly.As far as what an influencer is? Well, that's about as easy to define as what a "mommy blogger" is. So far, the only thing I'm sure that "mom bloggers" have in common are strong opinions, kids, and blogs.This whole discussion kind of proves that, doesn't it? Some folks like reviews, some don't. Some earn money from their blogs through posts, or through ads, or through both, some don't. Fortunately, there's no one to tell us which we can or can't do – because I totally won't ever post pictures of my daughter on my blog, or about my sex life, or about my extended family but I don't get to tell anyone else they can't. Nor do they get to tell me what I can and can't post. Only what we will & won't read or visit.I love that you hit a nerve with your post though – it's a conversation that needs to keep being had. 🙂
>Oh, I know that comments aren’t the only indicator of traffic, but when a mom blogger is regularly writing about her life and getting between 0 and 5 comments ever, no one could convince me that she’s getting thousands of readers per day.Meanwhile, there are moms out there who are getting thousands of readers and aren’t getting the trips and the attention from marketers and major corporations. So who’s the real influencer?
>I haven’t done any reviews on my blog, and I know what you mean about there being a line. However, if I come across some miracle product on my own (which is rare) I don’t feel bad about sharing it with my readers, as long as it’s not boring! I think readers can tell the difference between sharing and reviewing.
>That’s a really good point… and one I don’t really have an answer to.Then again, there are a lot of marketers out there that consistently baffle me – because they constantly think that just getting people to click on a link will make them buy a crappy product. I’d be the first one to say that my primary influence isn’t through my blog… it’s through other platforms. But someone recently asked me “on behalf of mommy bloggers – what do you think of…” and I interrupted them with the same commented I made above. They’d do better asking me to speak on behalf of women – because I’d be more likely to hit a higher number of similar opinions. Heck, on behalf of men, for that matter.I’ve never self-identified as a “mommy blogger” – although I know some really incredible women who are… and I explain to folks in Social Media all the time “when a Mommy Blogger calls you a Mommy Blogger? Whether you are or not, it’s a heck of a compliment. When the average marketer calls you a Mommy Blogger? They are trying to put you in a box and pretend that you aren’t complex and you are predictable. It’s not a compliment.”
>Ah, I don’t comment often, but I had to ring in on this post. When I started reading blogs years ago, I LOVED the well-written view into the lives of those I was reading about. When I see a product placement post, it annoys me very much to the point of not really, well, wanting to read that blog. I think that someone can write about their bad acne, their trials with it, and how wonderful it feels not to have to deal with it anymore and NOT MENTION WHAT PRODUCT IT IS. I think we can write about our great new car, or the wonderful neighborhood we just moved into, or whatever, but we don’t have to drop the names and start sounding like a commercial. If someone is that inspired by a post like that then they can just email the writer to get more info. I’m into personal blogs, not commercial ones.
>OK I may stir up some poop here..I hope I don’t come across as a raving witch… But, at least to me, it all comes down to authenticity. As your reader, I feel like you, professionalism aside, have a sense of honesty. As a mom… heck, as a woman, I feel a connection. And that’s the goal, right? There are several blogs that I have followed for ages that I have lost interest in. I have felt an odd sense of guilt for it, in many ways. But when a familiar voice of comfort, humor, ministry or parenting turns into an out of control self-promotion? I am so outta there. I shouldn’t really share an opinion here, considering I have maybe 40 readers per post. But I am hopped up on starbucks.
>Interesting post – and certainly food for thought as the emails from those pesky pr folk pile up in my inbox…
>Ah, I’ve only gotten a chance to read about half of the comments, so this may have been stated before. Personally, having been bedazzled by having been chosen to do reviews at all, (fame! money! or at least free stuff!), I made the mistake of saying yes to every single item offered my way. The company heading up most of the PR stuff also had a weird “say positives!” half-policy about their stuff that felt weird and wrong to me. So it started to rub me the wrong way. No, I never hid my reviews within personal posts, and no, there definitely weren’t more reviews than personal posts. But I realized that the products I chose to review had little to do with our life aside from being things I probably wouldn’t have even thought of trying before being offered a chance to review them.Now, my policy is that the item either has to be directly related to what I write about (parenting, womanhood, etc), or something that I either already bought and liked or was intending to buy. To me, having the real aspect of using these items in my every day life has a relevance for my readers. Some readers may not care about my opinion. Fine. But I definitely pay attention when some of my favorite bloggers review an item here and there and tie it into their life.
>oh, and I definitely feel compelled to add that the PR firm and the rep that I’m currently working with is awesome and way more flexible and attentive to what is relevant in my life as opposed to throwing free stuff at me and expecting me to spit it back out at my readers like a mother bird.
>I have to disagree with you. I LIKE hearing personal stories that go along with using a specific product. Then it’s more of a real life review, and not just a press release from the company.If you created your blog though to share with family and friends things going on in your life then I can see how that could bad. I specifically started a separate blog when I started getting into giveaways and reviews, simply because my cousin doesn’t want to hear that I entered a contest. Instead I have a separate blog to share with the world products I like or don’t like, stories about myself, and anything else I feel like writing. Also- you were talking about only having ads on your sidebars, but that is not true. As I was on your page, I had a floating ad come up right across your content that I had to close before I could finish reading your article. So even you are trying to make some money that way.I wonder if you really did separate your two blogs because you felt like this, or if it was so you could keep your BlogHer ads that don’t allow you to do reviews and giveaways of products on your site.That being said, I think everyone has the right to do what they want on their own blog. That’s why blogging is so great. There’s no “rules” stating you have to do it one way or another. You simply do what you feel like. There is always that little red x up in the corner if you don’t like it.
>That’s great, Trisha. We all have our own opinions. Jessica made some points and I took the other side. It’s nothing personal on my end.As for the pop-up, that’s new and I’m not sure I like it, either. It’s been bugging me. But you’re not confused about it and thinking I wrote the copy for the pop-up and that it’s editorial, are you? Because unless you are confused about whether or not it’s an ad, I don’t see your point in mentioning it.
>I’ll have to agree to disagree with you on this one. If I review a product it’s because it has some relevance to my life or my family. If I got that acne cream sent to me from a company it’s because I really do have acne, and was looking for something to try. If it worked, then yes, I’m going to tell you “OMG y’all, look at the difference!” I don’t review products just for the sake of getting a product. I only do products I think my family and/or readers would truly benefit from. And that’s the beauty of having my own blog. I can write whatever I choose. If people like it, then they’ll read it. If they don’t like it, then they can move on. I write for me, not for outside approval. Now if someone wanted to actually PAY ME to write these reviews instead of just sending me a cool product that I like, then I might consider doing a review just for the sake of doing a review. Until then, it’s not worth the work that goes into reviews and giveaways to do them for products that I don’t genuinely like.
>I have a personal blog that is just my kids and family and our updates that my friends and family read. I broke off from now and now have a blog where I do reviews and giveaways and share general posts on life and the mom of two very young boys. I don’t make any cold hard cash at all, don’t sell ads, etc. I’ve tried a few affiliate ads but haven’t made any money on those. I do receive product for the reviews but the way my site works is that I only promote the items that we prefer (thus the title of my blog). I don’t like a product I don’t promote it, therefore my reviews are positive. I have receive several items I didn’t care for and therefore I didn’t post about them but told the company what I found wrong with it and they appreciated that. In the end though, it’s our blog. I don’t like a lot of things I come across on blogs but I just click the x in the corner and head on to another blog that is more my style… doesn’t mean anything is wrong with that blog though.
>I agree, most of the time when I read other blogs and they happen to post a review or giveaway that day – I leave or I skim.I usually don’t comment on those days because I don’t feel as I though I came to their website to win something…I came to read.I don’t mind being linked somewhere else though, especially if I like the writer.
>The only reason I brought up the ad was because of this line in your post “and for that matter, what kept me from putting ads in between posts, as opposed to keeping them in my sidebar”All I was saying is that your ads are not just in the sidebars, they are over top of your content as well.
>I really appreciate your approach. I think it’s completely possible to write a review in your own voice while giving your readers the courtesy of a “warning” that you’re reading a review. It’s a lot like the advertising that has been integrated into shows. The Biggest Loser is the most glaring example I can think of. It just makes me feel like I’ve been duped into watching an infomercial. It really reduces the impact of the ad and the show/blog/whatever for me.
>Man……I was gonna read the rest of that article, but I got distracted when that pop up ad from your page hit my computer in the middle of an article. I guess that is how you feel when you read a review, huh. Hypocritical much?~Trisha
>I don’t read review blogs. Any of ’em. And I would be a total bore if I had one:”this product is good”. “This product sucks”.Booooring.I stick to your primary blog here, ‘cuz it’s a nice mix of LOL and “awww”.
>All you hate-uhs will be happy to know I’ve disabled the floating popup ad. Because I hated it too. It’s a new thing, and I’ve only recently started seeing it pop up on my blog. But I don’t like it. And you don’t either, so it’s gone.I’m assuming it’ll take a day or two for the ad preference change to kick in, but rest assured, no more pop-ups on Suburban Turmoil…
>I’ll say the same thing I did on Jessica’s blog: Figure out why you blog. That’s all it really takes to solve this issue.If you blog to Get The Stuff, then work around that. If you blog for your readers, make that your priority. I think both are okay. It’s just a matter of prioritizing. And Jozet nails it – if you say up front “I’m working with x brand” or “x sent me a tube of feminine itch cream” then I’m with you. I think when it comes at the end is when you feel a little punk’d.
>I think that a lot of it depends on a blogger’s authenticity, sincerity, and reputation.For myself – I have done negative reviews often enough and been honest enough about tough subjects that most of my readers know that ANYthing I write is going to be personal – even if it’s a review.BUT – I also decided to start buy-her.com specifically because I wanted a place separate from my personal blog where I could talk about products, for all of the reasons you mentioned.But ultimately, it comes down to sincerity. When someone is gushing about OMG THIS IS THE GREATEST ORANGE JUICE EVER!, I get the feeling they are full of crap. I mean really – it’s ORANGE JUICE. Is that something you would have blogged about if you hadn’t been given a product? Would you have done it with that much PASSION? I doubt it.For this relationship between marketers and bloggers to continue in the right direction, marketers have to decide if they really do want to be part of a “conversation” – or if they just want to run ads on blogs. A true conversation isn’t a one sided gush fest.
>And ditto the confusion about who gets picked to do what.
>Funny, I just touched on this subject yesterday. I would have never put you in that category though. Linking to your own writing elsewhere isn’t the same thing in my book.
>We all make learning moves, I think it is about finding your voice, I started blogging over 4 years ago and used to do A LOT of paid posts, it took me a while to really admit to myself that the money was not worth the feeling I was giving myself or my blog. But these were not just review posts, LOL, they were CRAP. I have since revamped my whole blog, deleted about 3/4 of the posts and have started ‘really’ writing again. I enjoy writing my reviews, I don’t do a lot, mainly because I don’t have the time, but the ones I do do I don’t try to ‘review’ them as much as mention them in my own way, the companies that pay me know that, I am not going to write up a whole post with a big review and press release, that is not me, I will however talk about how horrible the day went and how good the show was even after all that, because it was true- —however, had that show sucked last nigh, you better bet you would have read about it- I would have been pissed! (read my most recent post on the trip to Jacksonville to see what I am talking about. It was a BADDDD day!Anyway, what I am saying is that I read a LOT of blogs, and if a review post, or a personal post, or whatever is written in a good voice, with humor, honesty, and not a lot of cut and pasted press release jumbo then I will read it, It is your blog write what you want, you know? I don’t have the time or the energy to start a third blog just for reviews, nor do I want to have to review that many products! I am already over scheduled with things as it is! So, after all the babbling, I agree and disagree with you, I see what you are saying, I see what everyone is saying, but there are so many in the middle of the spectrum that are getting lumped in to the idea that I think it is very harsh, know what I mean? While I do not have a second review blog, I dont really do a TON of reviews, and I don’t really even consider my ‘reviews’ as reviews’ if that makes sense? BUT on the other end, there are bloggers out there that have a blog filled with crappy reviews that sound like a bad infomercial that do make the rest of us have to work that much harder to get sponsors and loyal readers. BUT, I don’t think any of those moms are going to see this post, or a forum topic, or even a twitter about it, because if they did that would mean that they cared about the community and read up about it, LOL and if they are that ‘spammy’ I bet they dont. Ok, that got VERY long, sorry!
>I don’t mind reviews personally. But I don’t read them. Doesn’t matter WHO writes ’em, I really don’t give a shit. (Can I say “shit” here?) My blog is popular enough that I get tons of emails asking me to review stuff, but I don’t. Because my time is worth WAY more than some rinky-dink cup holder (or something) that they’ll give me to wax poetic about. I think that’s where I get offended: that advertisers are saving tons of cash by sending out product that costs very little. I mean, I’m not asked to review CARS or something cool like that, and if it’s a car you’re reviewing? COOL. I take it back. Something that costs $20? My time is worth more than than that. So is my credibility.I don’t know. I find review blogs boring so of course I’m not going to read them. To each their own, I guess.
>I don’t read reviews when they are on separate blogs unless there is some sort of lead in post. Not because I have some sort of rule (or angst) about it, but only because I generally do not read review blogs. I just hate clicking over to them. It’s something about the additional click in order to read that gets me. I’m also less likely to read a review or a review blog if I feel like the blogger would sell her soul for a fruit roll-up. What I mean by that is that I’ve ran into a few bloggers recently that seem like they would sell their blog and their blogging reputation out for a chance to lick a Jolly Rancher for free. I can see why so many people are frustrated. I receive a lot of pitches, but I rarely review anything. I’m considering trying a review blog where I do lead in posts on my normal. On another note, I generally don’t think comments are indicative of traffic due to personal experience. I’ve had posts that have received outrageous amounts of traffic, but had very, very few comments. I’ve also had posts with less traffic but a lot of comments. The blog world is so tricky.
>This would have been HILARIOUS if you had ended it with a product review. Heh.
>I don’t have a review blog (would love to but don’t know how to even start that) but would for sure go to a separate blog versus my own personal one if I did. I wouldn’t want to make my friends/family/readers feel like they were being used. That said, I am going to check out your review blog. Any tips on how to get started with doing reviews?
>I totally agree with Aunt Becky.
>I haven’t gone with the second review blog, because I’m just getting into reviewing things beyond books. I do make it a point to state up front that I got sent a product and am reviewing it. I don’t like the deception thing at all.
>I couldn’t agree more. A personal blog is just that…PERSONAL. I come to read about that blogger’s life. Subjecting me to an advertorial disguised as a personal post feels sneaky, even if that was never the writers intention. I’ve never been able to do it—save for that first product I ever got for free to review (the hot and tingly KY lube which sucked and I said as much). I felt like it took what made my blog real and… compromised it somehow and I never did it again. Thanks for putting into words what I’ve been feeling for all these years about reviews being on personal blogs.
>I actally dont agree completely. I do not like the sites that are kind of “faux” blogs..mainly ads except for photos or a meme now and again. But I do really like when the blogger carefully chooses an item and reviews it based on her real life experieces. I get involved with a blog b/c I like there “voice” …or I identify with her…so I appreciate when they put honest to goodness stuff to the test. Blogs have changed and the FREE-bie hound blog is instantly noticable ..to me anyway… and just as quickly I pass them by. But I dont mind an honest review.
>Joining the party a little late. It seems like the web mommy blogger market might be a little over saturated with this kind of thing. I look at these things like infomercials. Do you believe that you are watching an actual program? Nope. Do you stop and watch someone demonstrate “the chopper” anyway? Sometimes.Will you buy one? Doubtful.
>I’ve been struggling with this issue. I started out with one blog, and split into 3; a WAHM tips; Product Review and personal blog.What I’m doing now is only putting reviews on my WAHM blog that pertain to working from home or business. My review blog covers family and household items.On my personal blog, I don’t do reviews, and limited it to humor, family life and the occasional meme to break things up.This way, people can read my blogs for their specific interest. Blogging is much like being a parent, you do the best job you can, and fly by the seat of your pants the rest of the time.
>I will not fault the appropriate, public swat on the bottom. I got spanked on the hand, once.We don’t spank, we don’t plan to spank. Though my wife has told our children we won’t ever spank them. I’ve informed them that I am leaving the option on the table (as a deterrent, but with no intent on following through). If they think it might happen, it might help keeping them in line.
>Uhhhhhh…. Okay!
>I appreciate the separate review blog, because I don’t ever want to read the review blog…I want to read a mommy blogger for her personal style. If she breaks out into some product commercial – earnestly and sincerely or not – I’m so not going to keep reading her. It’s just not what’s interesting about the mommy world. Sure, I’ll ask friends if they’ve got a particular stroller they like or what have you, but that’s a pretty brief, utilitarian conversation. I can go to consumer reports for that. What I want from other moms are smart and funny – if at all possible – viewpoints and counterviews to life.
>This reminds me of when many bloggers slammed other bloggers who were posting advertising on their sidebars. I remember all the clamor about how it was tacky and manipulating readers and, basically, selling out the pure artform of writing.I don’t review or advertise on my blog, but I don’t resent anyone (especially a stay-at-home mom or dad) for trying to make a buck.) My advice: don’t read them.But I’ve got to say that the preachy nature of this post left me cold. I think it’s kind of funny when popular bloggers chastise the masses.
>Well, when you link here from a slam site, I wouldn’t expect anything less. 🙂
>Anything less than what? I clicked a link on that slam site because the debate on the trend in not so subtle review posts was new to me and I was curious.Despite clicking over from the slam site, I think my comment was legitimate and honest. I was actally seeking your thoughts on the slippery slope from sidebar advertising to blatant reviews. And I did mean what I said about popular bloggers admonishing other bloggers for caring more about blog revenue than the true, beautiful and unsullied nature of the true bloggers who write to stay deeply connected to their thousands of best friends. I’m sure if advertising and revenue and free conferences and free products and free trips dried up in the blogging world, a few of these true blue bloggers would pack up and move on to the next big thing.I NEVER leave argumentative or challenging comments on blogs. My nature is to blow the post off and move on, but something about this post (and the flip comment you followed with mine) didn’t set right with me.And I think this is it: there is caste systme in the female blogging world and it appears to me (and I could be wrong) that those at the top are well aware of it and somehow consider themselves pioneers and shamans to whom the lower masses owe gratitude and sheep-like admiration for their wise words on how to be a bonafide blogger with pure and artistic intentions–because, really, there is only one inpenetrable self diagnosed group of A-list bloggers and right now they are all super busy hanging out with olympic swimmer Dara Torres. Sorry for the rant, but I felt your comment was dismissive and didn’t address my comment in any meaningful way.I’m only anonymous because I don’t feel like opening my blog up to a subject and attending comments that are irrelevant to its content, but just so you know I am not some bitter coward my email address is heaz@live.com. I am actually a very nice woman who is often confounded by the politics of blogging.
>This has nothing to do with anyone's opinion except mine. And I have no idea what you're referring to with the swimmer mention. If my comment is dismissive, it's because I think the whole "popular blogger" "female blogger caste system" you're referring to is contrived- I think most bloggers are like me, from "A-list bloggers" on down, and talk to one or two blog friends on the phone on a regular basis, and are vaguely friendly with dozens of others whom they see once or twice a year at conferences and junkets. So yes, I dismiss references to my writing being some attempt with a bunch of other women to keep new bloggers down, because that couldn't be farther from the truth. It was my opinion. It was a counterpoint to another post from a well-known blogger with the opposite opinion. And I think I made my point very well in the post itself.
>I agree with you, but what if you don't have many readers for your personal blog? I doubt I could get people to read yet another blog. Should I not do reviews of products that I really believe in? Or turn down free things that I need in a time when I have no money? (Not attacking you, just a question that I've been struggling with. Don't know the answer. Do you??)
>I think a review blog is valuable largely to people who are doing searches for that particular product. So with a separate review blog, not only do your readers know what they're getting into by visiting, but people who want to know about the specific product you reviewed will be able to check it out via an online search.