If you’re a blogger you’ll probably recognise this scenario. An email pops into your box from a company offering to give you a free product, and maybe even one to offer as a giveaway to one of your lucky readers.
All they ask in return is that you write a review of their product on your blog– unbiased of course .
To review? or not to review? That is the question
Julie’s been pondering this too, and has set out her stance in her blog post today. She’s asked us, her readers and fellow bloggers, to share our thoughts on the subject as well, and I’m so glad she’s opened the discussion on a subject that’s been on my mind for a while now.
So far I’ve resisted the lure of free goodies because the products have simply not been a close enough fit with what I write about on my blog. The lure of money-making from my writing is just not strong enough to take me down that path.
When I write a review, I want it to be from the heart, and I think any sponsor worth their salt would want this from me too. Besides, dear reader, you’ll see through it in a wink if it’s not.
I enjoy blogging because…
I love words, their rhythm and colour, and the effect they can have.
I love sharing my life with you, and half the fun comes from the sharing.
I love shouting to the rooftops about the creativity and generosity of so many of my real-life quilting friends especially as I’m the only blogger among them. Somebody has to show you what a wonderful bunch they are, and they won’t blow their own trumpets.
I love the connection it gives me to a whole community of readers across the world. When I started out blogging 6 years ago I had no idea this would happen and it still blows me away!
I don’t do it for the money, but I’ll be honest and say that if I can earn pocket money from writing about the things that give me the most pleasure in life, then I’m more than ready to have a go. For example, since I love reading I’ve felt very comfortable joining affiliates programmes and offering links in my sidebars to Book Depository and Amazon.
I might do better if I actually wrote the occasional book review, but let’s just say I’d need more hours in my day right now!
Following Julie’s example then, here are some subjects I’d consider writing about, if approached by a sponsor…
Quilting, fabric, embroidery, knitting, sock monkeys, life with grandchildren, labradors, travel, photography, reading and cooking (and, if there’s any left over after Julie’s had her share…chocolate!).
What are your thoughts?
Di
I am with you, Di. I have no problem with people who want to devote their blogs to reviews and getting paid for it. If I like the way they write and can feel that they are genuine, I will even follow, especially if they have giveaways. There are some that I have followed, then grown bored with, because what they continually review is of no interest to me.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I most love about blogs, is getting to know people, what they are doing, what they think. But there is a place for the review type, too.
If I were offered freebies to review, especially if there was a item to giveaway as well, If it was relative to me, I would definitely review it. :) Besides, I love giving things away to friends. :)))
Di, I have to say I agree.....I don't blog to make my fortune, or even to earn money at all. I find ads on blogs very distracting, nearly as bad as blogs with a black background.
ReplyDeleteI love a freebie, so its nice to follow a blog that has one, but occasionally, not weekly! I am a blogger to see what you have created, grown and baked and sharing those ideas, pictures and life experiences enriches my life, material riches (pun intended) need to be put into perspective. But each to their own I say! I love love love your sock monkeys. I have just made my first sock bunny, but need to know do you machine or hand sew yours? Happy quilting Sue SA.
ReplyDeleteSince my blog is small no one is even likely to approach me to review their product. However, your post was an interesting read and has given me food for thought. I agree with your stance.
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