I chose to turn down a giveaway and/or review for a site recently. I know giveaways are a great way to gain followers. I know it's a great way to expand your blog. I also decided against adding Google Adsense, even though the income would be great (it's not much but I'm a broke college student). I dislike it when I go to a blog I like and see tons of Adsense ads with things like knock off bags, fake designer watches, oversexed American Apparel adds, and those obnoxious you've won a price ads.
I don't judge against those who choose to use Adsense, however for me personally, if I'm going to advertise on my blog, I'd love to be able to control what companies I use and represent because I have some standards, and I'd rather my ads not speak to the contrary.
I got an email from an online store I've seen do giveaways on many blogs before. At first I was excited- my first offer ever. And then I decided wait a second, Elle. Take a look into it first. Research the company. Is it reliable? I did a bit of searching and found this- they received great praise from bloggers everywhere, and a few review sites too- and then I checked the complaint boards. And I saw terrible terrible reviews from customers complaining about the service and the condition they received items in, and the terrible timing. I decided that if there was a single doubt in my mind (and there were many) that this was not a reputable company (not naming any names) then I would not do a review or giveaway because I believe my readers deserve better.
If I ever do a giveaway-I've decided I won't publicize it all over other blogs, and most likely I'll pick out and buy the prizes myself because I want it to be personal- a tribute I make for those who read my blog.
I decided that if I do accept sponsorships in the future it'll be from shops that I trust- and preferably independently owned.
For me making revenue was never my intention with blogging- my intention was to inspire others just as fellow bloggers have inspired me. So while this is a controversial topic in the blogging world- this is my opinion- I do not judge others for their own, and welcome others to say what their stance is. Thanks for reading my rant and have a wonderful day.
Always,
Elle
Elle, I feel the same way you do. I'm pretty sure I know the company you're referring too, and I also turned down a giveaway from them. And nothing against blogspot, but when I was deciding between blogger and wordpress, I liked that most wordpress blogs weren't dominated by ads and whatnot. They do tend to be a distraction. Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great policy! We try to only pair up with vendors with good quality products!
ReplyDeleteI think that's a very wise thing to do. I agree with you on a lot of the things you're saying here, I personally think I will only advertise on my blog if I can indeed control it myself, I don't like it when things look to cluttered. Giveaways can be great, but it's also important to check the company and I feel they should also represent you and your style in a way, I'll never host a giveaway if I feel like the company sells something that I don't like at all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and keep up the good work!
brunetteblogging.com
I totally support this! the way I see, it you're saving other people from getting screwed over by them.
ReplyDelete(ads... why I use wordpress. heh. Never going to use adsense!)
i am so proud of you! you're amazing. the blogosphere needs fashion bloggers to remain smart in that respect and not back companies that don't do good business or have good products.
ReplyDeleteand just my 2 cents... i really don't think giveaways are all THAT great for gaining readership. while your follower numbers might go up, your reader numbers won't. the best way to gain readers still remains connecting with fellow bloggers. =)
Kristy Eléna - Full Time Fabulous
Vogue Gone Rogue
Twitter: @kristyelena
I do use adsense but I still kind of agree with you here! I'm just desperate for cash I suppose :P In my opinion as long as I post good quality material it's ok, that's why people go to my blog, If they LIKE the ad they can click on it, if not..ignore it..its only a 200x200 square :P Great post
ReplyDelete- www.itsanewkate.blogspot.com
I use AdSense. You can actually disable certain categories of ads. For example, if you don't want spammy ads for gimmicky diets, you can disable that ad category. Regardless, researching a company before accepting a giveaway should be a standard practice across the board. I always do a Google search and see what turns up before I say yes.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post! I turn down all giveaways, too.
ReplyDelete♥ Leia
I think the Google Adsense are the most obnoxious ads. For me, I work with advertisers of smaller online boutiques mainly, or I advertise for my friends' etsy shops, etc. The exposure to smaller businesses is helpful and I want to share their great collection of products.
ReplyDeletexx.
Judy
I've never done a giveaway (apart from one where I had actually made some necklace pendants!), and have only done a few PR things - mostly for Next, who are a very reputable compnay. Often for me, the deciding factor when sifting through emails is to see if it is personalised to me, or just a general email that is sent out to hundreds of people. That little extra bit of effort makes up the difference between what I consider, and what I don't.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the idea of advertising for independant companies is rather appealing.
http://clothescamerasandcoffee.blogspot.com/
I use AdSense because I thought, hell -- I'll just try it! :) I don't mind ads as long as they're not all over the place. I just have one on my sidebar, and one at the very bottom of the page. I don't think they're too distracting, but if someone were to complain about it I'd definitely consider taking them down.
ReplyDeleteAs for making revenue in general, I hope to eventually make money blogging because that's what I would want my career to entail. I began blogging because I love writing and photography and have a passion for fashion, but if I could make money from my blog, I'd do it full-time instead of working 60 hours a week and trying to cram in blogging between jobs! But to each her own, and of course if making money isn't your goal then stick with what is. :) Definitely stay true to who you are and what you want, and don't lose focus!
I also have a donate button on my blog because I put a good amount of money into it. Since starting out at Blogger about a month ago, I've probably spent at least $200 on my blog.
Just wanted to share my experience with you! :)
The-Loudmouth.com
The girls I blog with and I had a long talk about this very issue, and developed the criteria we would use to judge and accept/reject review offers. We also decided not to monetize our blog, because right now that's not in line with our mission. Here's our policy: http://interrobangsanon.wordpress.com/review-and-giveaway-policy/
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kristy Elena-- not all giveaways are that great for growing readership! I only do them now if I love the product or company.
ReplyDeleteI wish more bloggers were so thoughtful before making such choices!
that's so true what you are saying!! I've never done a giveway before, and if I will I'll do a good one that I pay myself :) I think it's stupid that you do giveaways to gain followers, blogging shouldn't be about having the most followers but just sharing your toughts and inspiratons with the world...
ReplyDeletevery very inspiring post!
xxxx
lifeisroyalty.blogspot.com
great post, it's given me a lot to think about.
ReplyDeleteI recently did a give away after being approached by a company and I'm still waiting to see if the winner recieved her gift without any problems. I took some time to think if it fitted in with ym blog ethos. I have read a few bad things about companies hassling bloggers that they sponsor, being demanding and wanting to know when they would review a product. I'm definitly going to be cautious when looking for/being approached by sponsors
x
very fair to your readers! I frankly appreciate your policy, because we see so many blogs out there who do giveaways ALL THE TIME and you have to wonder, are the products they're pushing THAT GOOD?
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great post and of the kind you don't see too often in blog land. I've done giveaways in the past with non-sponsors, but from what I've found, it really only benefits the company. You're sending traffic to them, but rarely are they sending traffic to you. in the end it's just a huge pain in the ass. I now have a policy to only do giveaways with companies that actually sponsor my blog, it's a way to ensure my readers are exposed to quality giveaways from shops that I have personal experience with and that I trust.
ReplyDeleteI respect you for being open and honest about this. It takes guts to call someone out.
ReplyDeleteI don't really love giveaways, to be honest. I think there's really great ones, like PrettyShinySparkly (or some other order of the words) did a $500 American Express gift card. Now, THAT'S a giveaway. She gave it to a deserving reader who had lost some money recently due to a scam.
Little giveaways here and there aren't really catching my eye ever.
--Courtney
I truly respect your honestly.
ReplyDeleteIt's refreshing to see a blogger (especially a fellow college student) not to indulge in a giveaway just for the sake that's it's a giveaway. I wish all bloggers would follow your example and research the company before they say yes.
You're a cool kid.
xox alaina