July 19, 2009
In Which I Leave My Blog Bubble For a Moment
I must live in a bubble. Regarding my blog, I mean. A few weeks ago there was a Working-outside-the-home-mom vs. Stay-at-home-mom vs. Work-from-home-mom debate all over the blogosphere that I was oblivious to. It was only brought to my attention after I wrote an article for the Imperfect Parent and a commenter tipped me off.
Then I read about the whole “PR Blackout” Controversy and was all where the hell have I been that I didn’t know about it until a second ago?
I don’t have much of an opinion about this situation, because I don’t receive many PR pitches. Major companies aren’t seeking me out to review their amazing gadgets and gizmos. I don’t get invited to things like Camp Baby or the Disney stuff or the other trips that some bloggers are invited to. I know some bloggers think they have to be a “blogebrity” to secure those invitations. I don’t think that’s true. I think it depends on the type of blog and the traffic it receives, as well as how much influence you have in the great big blogosphere.
Thankfully, the few pitches I do get are from wonderful PR reps who happen to read my blog and offer relevant products and services they think I would be interested in.
I admit, I’ve gotten a few doozies. A few. Less than ten.
Yes, PR reps have asked me to spread the word about press releases pertaining to their products, services and causes. I tend to ignore these requests, or reply with my regrets. But most of the time I receive legitimate and thoughtful pitches and sometimes I say yes to reviewing the products that are relevant to my blog and my interests.
Is that really so wrong?
I’ve read posts saying that mommy bloggers are only in it for the freebies. I’ve read posts telling bloggers not to do reviews if there is no monetary compensation. I’ve read posts that say if you do a paid review you lose all integrity and authenticity. My head is staring to hurt. My brain is oveloaded from trying to make sense of all these contradictions.
I didn’t start blogging with the goal to make money or get free stuff. Yes, it’s a nice perk, but I don’t actively seek opportunities to receive free stuff in exchange for my review.
My blog is my place to document my life, to write about marriage and motherhood, and to feel connected to others in the blogosphere. I love this online community. I write to share myself with others who may be experiencing the same things I do.
I know there are bloggers who write many reviews and they often feel overloaded with deadlines and e-mails. I understand they may need a break from the stress of it all. Everyone needs a break, I get that. But I’m not participating in this blackout, simply because I don’t like the negative connotations it sends into the blogosphere.
I agree with Liz when she says, “But then, why take the shot at PR people? Why not call it “Write Well Week” or “Blog About Life Week” if the idea isn’t to antagonize or alienate the PR community? Ostensibly, that’s what an effort called “PR Blackout” is doing.”
If you don’t want to do a review or host a giveaway, politely say no. PR reps understand. They do. I’ve turned down a few pitches before, and I was nice about it. To my knowledge no one’s feelings were hurt.
So there you have it. My two cents. I’ll be going back into my bubble now.
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July 20th, 2009 at 7:30 AM, tuesday Says:
I thin it is a no way situation. I review things for my other blogs and I have been doing it for years. Some things come from PR people some reviews are from things I own and use daily. I don’t review everything that comes my way, I only review things that pertain to my sites.
I say no to many, many things even free trips because it hasn’t been a good fit with my blogs.
I also don’t take paid reviews.
I personally don’t take reviews seriously from people who only do positive reviews or who you can tell just want the free review item.
.-= tuesday´s last blog ..Comfortably Numb =-.