I do try and read a little on social media topics and trends that are currently working their way around the blogosphere. With Kristin’s involvement in blogging, I have gotten involved with what happens in her life, as it is only right for me to be concerned and interested in what she does.
If have written here on my blog, a little on my take with mom bloggers and problems.
So I came across this article titled “Do Big Brands Exploit Mommy Bloggers Who Work for “Prizes and Rewards”?”
Now this is nothing new if you pay attention to how and why companies want or need to work with these “moms” who “blog.” Kristin falls into this category so I have been aware of what happens and how some things work.
Nestlé’s approach to mom and dad bloggers was a somewhat failure for them. They got the bloggers to come and say what was needed. They got press from it, but sparked a lot of controversy. So much that it continues onto this day in that pseudo case study of brands and bloggers.
What I did find to be a very good point in the above article is the mention of 3rd parties being the go-between of bloggers and brands. I do give those companies respect for the idea, but sometimes it can seem as if these bloggers are getting exploited, not always by the brands but the “third-parties in charge of wrangling the mom bloggers to do the actual work.”(McGary) What would be interesting is to know what companies such as Mom Central and other blogger networks make in compensation for wrangling the bloggers.
Here are some of my thoughts.
Even though you may think you are getting the “shaft” just remember not everything in life should come easy and free. Many successful individuals I am sure would tell you that hard work does and will pay off. It’s like with an entry-level paying job, you start from the bottom doing the crap work and getting paid less, but many current CEOs started in that position. It was a lot of hard work that will help you climb that ladder.
Just because a person makes a free website and invest $10 into a domain name, does not entitle them to a paycheck or a 1099 form. I can help you start a clean thesis theme, reliable private server hosting, and your domain for about $200 installed, functioning, and reliable . But that is not what will help you succeed. Good content is what keeps people really interested. And those search engines like to search blogs that have a lot of good content that people want to read about. These happen to include anything you could possibly think of. You have to get your foot in the door. If you are given and internship and the chance at a huge multi-billion dollar firm, are you going to turn down the position and demand they give you a management position and top pay?
I am just putting this out there as advice. You can do and say what you want, but remember people will not come and say to you, “we decided not to work with you because you’re a liability and you compain to much,” instaed they will just not contact you period. It is good at times to advocate your intentions and opinion, but like with anything in real life you need to know when to zip it and when to just suck it up.
I do think that brands and the PR firms that represent them should consider the fact that some bloggers out there do a lot more work than others, and some of them hopefully do. And I do not just mean what bloggers do only on their blog, but in their real lives. It is true that a couple of coupons and a $15 item that you may use just to review will not pay that internet bill that keeps one online.
Maybe companies think that the overhead and cost of living should be paid for by the spouse, but like we all know as well as the large companies, incentives and compensation creates better rewards for success. No one does anything for free unless it’s charitable work, community service, or some other reason. But bloggers who really do invest into themselves and their blogs will hopefully and eventually succeed regardless of the norm.
I am done with my comment, but I figured I would post it here just in case it was moderated.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post I guess I feel both ways. I’d like to be given more credit, and paid for more things. Then again I also understand the importance of good content. I’m always doing things “for free” and it doesn’t bother me. Then again I do things that pertain to me and our family.
I think PR Reps should be more picky, like they used to be.
I completely agree. When I think of it this way it is easier to turn down crappy offers because writing an article takes me a good hour, running a giveaway often takes longer than that and so when you look at what you are making for the effort of JUST the article/giveaway it is insanely low and that doesn’t even take in account of work up until now, influence circle, social media contacts, etc. UGH. My stomach just hurts thinking about it!
I just want to apologize. I am so sorry you have had such a bad interaction with us. I would like to make this right.
Again, I am very very sorry.
I did not have a bad interaction, Kristin did, I just want to say thanks for just saying sorry to her. Mistakes happen and not everyone is on the same page at all times. And online many never want to admit to making mistakes are being in the wrong. No biggie…
I was never mad, just a little angered that Kristin was feeling how she was. She does nothing but try and help people and she is constantly stepped on. As soon as groups start forming, they usually lead in a wrong direction.