[/caption]For the first year and a half of my blog's life I was totally against the idea of working with brands. I just didn't see it fitting here, instead wanting to keep this space advertisement-free and perhaps even use it as a platform from which to gain some paid writing work elsewhere.
This past few months, I gave myself some time to try it out. I've worked with some brands, written sponsored posts and attended events hosted by big businesses. This, combined with the discussions out there in the blogging world, have helped me draw some conclusions about what I want to do here from now on.
Thinking back over this year, the one main conclusion I've come to is that I sold out. I think it's a pretty natural reaction: suddenly there are offers coming from all angles, products and money being thrown into the mix, and compliments about your writing and your level of influence. It's hard to not get caught up in it, although I'm a little ashamed at myself for doing so. I'm not happy with some of the things I've written about, and I have this strange feeling about having acted as a promotional tool for huge corporations all for a measly three-figure sum.
More than that, I feel strange about being told I have 'influence'. It doesn't sit well with me, and I'd like people to visit this space for some good stories rather than to be influenced about what to buy. Writing Out Loud is an extension of my life, and I don't spend time in my life spruiking products. It feels a bit like I'm using you guys - the more I tell you what to do, the more money I earn. It's weird.
And so, I've developed some strict guidelines for myself, a way to continue working with brands on my terms. I'll use a combination of that and good old gut instinct to decide what to do and what to politely decline.
For a start, I've pulled out of the big one-size-fits-all advertising agencies. I do hope to continue working with the smaller ones, who I can talk to about tailoring a campaign or idea to suit this space.
When I do write about something, you can be absolutely certain I'm doing it for the right reasons. That being because it's something I completely believe in and that has something to offer you, too.
If I'm invited to more events, I'll take those in my stride. I do love them for the opportunity to learn and most of all, to meet and catch up with other bloggers. But I won't let my Twitter stream read like an advertisement.
I'm going to put forward my own proposals to work on projects I really want to do. The worst that can happen is they say no and I keep doing what I'm doing. The best that can happen is, well, lots of cool stuff!
It's time to run my own race, and do what's right for me - and for you.
What do you think? Have you ever been sold to the dark side?
Some great posts around this topic have helped me think through this area of blogging:
Eden questioned social media
Ann Nolan wrote about personal bloggers working with brands, as opposed to business or niche bloggers
Dorothy talked about feeling the need to audition for brands
In this transcript of a live chat, Mrs Woog shares details of how she and Eden sought sponsorship
The comments on my post about what I want to do made me think about this too (although that post wasn't about this issue, the comments about spending your time doing the things you really want to do extend to anything in life)
I like working on my own projects, I can recommend it. It's a distraction from the 'noise' that can be persuasive (and pervasive!) to do otherwise. That way, if extra offers come my way, they're considered on a case by case basis :)
ReplyDeleteSite re-vamp is looking excellent, Megan, not sure if I've told you that or not yet!
Unsurprisingly I have half a post drafted saying v much the same thing. I think it's taken me a while to sort through what I believe is right for me and my space. I'm totally with you in everything you've said. I look forward to hearing more about what you do and recommend lovely! X
ReplyDeleteIt is empowering to make the decision to write your own rules. Good on you Megan. I love your writing. It is large and flabby, but listening to my gut is the best thing I do when it comes to dealing with brands. Xxx
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be a lot of this theme going on in the blogging world at the moment. It's quite easy to get caught up in the initial excitement of working with PR companies & brands. But it's also so easy to lose focus and direction. Good on you for choosing to do your own thing - something we all need to think about. Getting back to our own goals and what sits right with us instead of being used as an advertorial. This might suit some people, but I'm not comfortable with it either. You've got to remain true to yourself.
ReplyDeleteGoing with your gut is the best thing you can do. I've written a few sponsored posts that I wish I hadn't too, as well as post for product. But like you say it's a learning curve. We all need to find our own way. xxx
ReplyDeleteI have been reticent to sign up for things like Nuffnang. In fact, I know next to nothing about getting in with the PR companies.
ReplyDeleteThe sponsors I have, I approached myself because I love them/their products personally. I have written one review (again, I approached the company myself) and in the few posts where I have showcased products, it has been with zero sponsorship. I have strict guidelines about this stuff and I believe it has served me well.
It's tempting to take a buck here or there for stuff but you don't want to dilute what you do. And what you do, Megan? Is worth so much more.
So yay! I'm happy for you.
Thanks Karen! And yes, I think this is going to work much better :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so open about your sponsorships, Mrs W - it was great to read that and have a lightbulb moment.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your support Debbie :)
ReplyDeleteNo way! We couldn't possibly have been thinking about the same thing, it just doesn't happen! ;) hee hee!
ReplyDeleteIt sort of seemed OK at the time, but in the bigger picture and when they pile up, it just seems a bit wrong doesn't it? But it's all trial and error and as you say, it's good for us each to find our limits.
ReplyDeleteYou're like a little hidden gem, Angie! And the thought of you going with an ad agency or doing a one-size-fits-all type post makes me feel a bit weird. You've got it right - well done to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to work this out to be honest. At the moment, I am taking up many opportunities and am beginning to feel like I'm selling out. I guess it's all part of trying things and working out what I want for my blog...Great post.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fine line isn't it - good luck working through it and finding where your line is. x
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honesty Megan. I have been mulling over this whole PR/advertising conundrum for a while and my gut has always urged caution. That's why I've never sought advertising for my blog nor been interested in PR stuff. I think I'll remain cautious after reading your post and the others you have linked to. I do hope you find opportunities that fit in better with your vision for your blog!
ReplyDeleteI don't do PR/marketing posts. I decline with a polite 'I don't do that' type email when asked. It is a personal thing but I have no interest. Good for you for working out your boundaries. I am sure your post will be helpful for other bloggers going through this. x
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering how bloggers handle all the hype that has been going around about "sponsored posts". Of course, I'd love to have my products written about by bloggers, but unless there is the authenticity about them, I don't see what the point is. I blog about the stuff and the people I love, that's all. But I don't have PR agencies knocking at my door either. As a biz blogger, I guess I have that freedom... Staying true to yourself is the most important thing, after all. Keep writing... about what is best for you, and of course, we'll listen!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Megan on going with your gut. You have to do what you feel is right for you.
ReplyDeletexxx
I've noticed that you seem to have a strong stance on this, MM. I'd love to hear more about your reasons for that :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely go with your gut instinct, Kirsty!
ReplyDeleteMwah! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's it exactly Cath - if a blogger is talking about every business under the sun it loses the impact and authenticity. I'd rather work with a couple that I really, really love, on projects that are interesting, than twenty on average things.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to do what is right for you. You dipped your toe in the water, felt what it's like and decided how you wanted to play the game.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had that many opportunities, but frankly when I see how some brands and agencies treat bloggers, I'm kind of glad I haven't. I would like to engage with brands and business, but on my own terms.
And thanks for linking to my vlog :D
I think it great to know yourself (and your blog) well enough to make some clear statements about this type of thing. Well done Megan :) I'm still battling with some of these issues. I love part of the PR circuit and hate other parts. I do get pulled in my the big offers of free stuff (shameful I know!!) and have to make some good decisions about how I'm going to work this in the future too. Thanks from some more inspiration. I think this is all just part of us learning how to work in the ever changing and growing blogosphere. My view on sponsored posts is still out here too. I've only done two ~ but have been able to invest the $$ into my blog, which was fabulous. This maybe is why we didn't see you Friday??
ReplyDeleteI think that's a fantastic way to go. When I started thinking about unmonetizing I came down on the side of paring it back. So you'll notice I don't do leaderboard advertising anymore. Because the money I make from it isn't worth the aesthetic grossness of it. And I'm much happier now that giveaways/reviews/sponsored posts are in my different section but even with that I'm picky about what I put up there.
ReplyDeleteTwitter has been a pet peeve of mine lately *die churp die* and I'm well aware that I've done things in terms of what I share on twitter in the past that I'm not proud of now. But I guess it's the only way you can really learn.
Thanks Dorothy - it's a lot of trial and error isn't it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Zoey! I definitely agree - trial and error is the key, and eventually we each figure out where we stand with it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks Caz - there were a few reasons for me not coming on Friday, the main one being that while I'm working part-time in the office I want to spend my days off with Abbey. But yes, there was a bit of uncertainty I was feeling around the event too.
ReplyDeleteThis is all such a learning curve for bloggers. It's definitely important to go with your gut feeling. My goal is not to move with the crowd, but to set my own rules (not always achieving this, I might add!). As you probably already know, I approach the companies I want to work with mostly now. I say yes to PR if I really like the product or it fits in nicely with my blog, but I'm enjoying offering giveaways that are unique.
ReplyDeleteI actually said no to a very big offer on Friday. A lot of pressure was being put on me to say yes, but it just didn't feel right. It would have made me a nice sum of money, but in the end wasn't worth it for me. Money is not my objective.
x
It's so hard to say no sometimes isn't it - especially when you're turning away money. But I think bigger things are there for you, Kellie, and you're doing so well. x
ReplyDeleteDo what sits with you M. That's the thing with blogging, it's so different each blogger and no one can just make a blanket policy. One thing might appeal to one blogger and another thing might not. But yeah, if you felt ick with what you were doing then definitely change it and find your comfort zone. You don't have to justify anything with me :) Totally get it.
ReplyDeleteI think as long as you're considering your own ethics and/or interests, and those of your readers, then you should feel comfortable about what you accept and decline. I'm pretty tongue in cheek in my approach to writing some sponsored posts because part of what I want to provide is a bit of a laugh. The brands don't seem to mind ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks K :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Laney. Loving your blog by the way! I've been terrible lately at visiting anyone but will spend your time at yours soon and join in with some crash tests :)
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw a N.uffnang Ad on my blog, I cringed. Literally. I teared up and said to Joel "I hate it. I don't want it there. It doesn't feel like my blog now".
ReplyDeleteWhile I realise that is slightly egomaniacal of me, considering how little influence my blog actually has, I couldn't help the feeling. It's been about 5 months. I'm ready to stop them, I think. I like the idea of small business ads on the side bar. But this blinking, blinding, banner ads that half of the bloggers all have the same one....it's not working for me. And it stresses me out.
My health has led to me blogging less. But last week, while lying in bed, finally succumbing to pain killers, I'm stressing because "I should be blogging, there's an ad running this week". That's just all kinds of messed up and kind of confirmed how I feel about all of this now.
This is a very interesting post to me. I get the feeling that lots of people are working through similar ideas at the moment, and maybe it's a maturity thing for the blogging world generally. I suggested recently that blogging seems to have morphed through three distinct phases - phase 1: amateur writing for interest, conection & hobby, with no commercial interest or involvement; phase 2: brands and PRs wake up to potential market reach of bloggers and bombard with offers, many of which are accepted as people test the waters; phase 3: bloggers re-evaluate their own desires and make their own rules around commercial relationships.
ReplyDeleteFor me, as I state on my blog sidebar, I do reviews anyway (a lot of my blogging is book-blogging these days, and really you can't do that without reviewing books at least now and then!) Most of what I review is just things I've read, from the library or that I own. I do accept a limited number of books and DVDs for review, on the understanding that the discretion as to whether I review them is absolutely my own.
I don't do sponsored posts, I don't take ads other than Nuffnang (and I am close to removing it, too - I think it's not a good fit for my blog overall) and I could not be more disinterested in partnering with brands. Basically, I do not want to and will not directly monetise my blog. I realise that getting products such as books and DVDs for free is a form of indirect monetisation; I'm very aware of that. However, it is something I'm comfortable with all the same - I suspect because of my background in publishing, and my knowledge that the book-review model is a tried and true one for both publishers and reviewers, and that it comes with no expectation that the publisher is able to direct or constrain the comment.