3 Things to Do Before Taking Complaints to the Social Networks….

This is a great article! I am a “mom” and “blogger” but I write about so much more. When I use the term “mom blogger” you can see the glazed look people give you, they start to zone out. I try to use “family lifestyle blog” because it seems to generate more interest. But in the end, I am proud of what I have built up and where the blog has taken me. I thought this was an interesting article!

This is a great article! I am a “mom” and “blogger” but I write about so much more. When I use the term “mom blogger” you can see the glazed look people give you, they start to zone out. I try to use “family lifestyle blog” because it seems to generate more interest. But in the end, I am proud of what I have built up and where the blog has taken me. I thought this was an interesting article!

Love, love, love it!! I could not have written this better myself!!!! And, yes, I like exclamation points.

This is fantastic. As one of those bloggers that just hit my 5 year mark… I’ve been around and seen a lot and I don’t plan on going anywhere. I applaud your post.

Steph

Love, love, love it!! I could not have written this better myself!!!! And, yes, I like exclamation points.

This is fantastic. As one of those bloggers that just hit my 5 year mark… I’ve been around and seen a lot and I don’t plan on going anywhere. I applaud your post.

Steph

I think what I reacted to most negatively in “Sarah’s” post (other than her hiding behind a pen name – come forth, my dear, and be honest with us) was this sort of sly derision of stay at home mothers who “attempt” to work like those who have “jobs.” It was as if she believes that anyone who chooses the primary and most important job in the world, raising responsible children, and who dares – dares! – try to earn money from home is somehow less than she is. Let me tell you, dear Sarah: I was a corporate executive for some heavy hitting organizations including an Ivy League University and a global publisher whose name you’d recognize. I now freelance full time. I wear jeans to work every day. My pets sleep behind me as I work. I am no less professional from working from a home office than I was when I worked in New York City for Giant Publisher, flying around the country in expensive suits clutching my laptop to do presentations in our corporate offices. Give up this antiquated notion that you must have a fancy title and some big shot corporate employer to justify the creativity and quality of work. The world is changing, “Sarah”, and get with it. Mom bloggers, freelancers, and corporate PR wonks must ALL bring the same level of professionalism to their work, or they won’t get paid. And they should get paid for the quality of their work, regardless of where they work. PERIOD.

I think what I reacted to most negatively in “Sarah’s” post (other than her hiding behind a pen name – come forth, my dear, and be honest with us) was this sort of sly derision of stay at home mothers who “attempt” to work like those who have “jobs.” It was as if she believes that anyone who chooses the primary and most important job in the world, raising responsible children, and who dares – dares! – try to earn money from home is somehow less than she is. Let me tell you, dear Sarah: I was a corporate executive for some heavy hitting organizations including an Ivy League University and a global publisher whose name you’d recognize. I now freelance full time. I wear jeans to work every day. My pets sleep behind me as I work. I am no less professional from working from a home office than I was when I worked in New York City for Giant Publisher, flying around the country in expensive suits clutching my laptop to do presentations in our corporate offices. Give up this antiquated notion that you must have a fancy title and some big shot corporate employer to justify the creativity and quality of work. The world is changing, “Sarah”, and get with it. Mom bloggers, freelancers, and corporate PR wonks must ALL bring the same level of professionalism to their work, or they won’t get paid. And they should get paid for the quality of their work, regardless of where they work. PERIOD.

I’m also a MOM and a BLOGGER but I have a tight focus and a specific niche. I routinely work in my PJs and so does my husband who telecommutes for his “REAL” job.

Like Lifewithoutpink, I am VERY proud of what I’ve accomplished. I have a Masters degree and a good career as a web professional but I CHOOSE to work for myself because of the flexibility and frankly, the satisfaction of doing so. I own an LLC, host a yearly conference and create content for 5 online properties. Not to mention I freelance write and consult. I am a professional working WOMAN. I’m just lucky enough to works for myself and at home. Oh and I have kids.. not that it should matter.

I’m also a MOM and a BLOGGER but I have a tight focus and a specific niche. I routinely work in my PJs and so does my husband who telecommutes for his “REAL” job.

Like Lifewithoutpink, I am VERY proud of what I’ve accomplished. I have a Masters degree and a good career as a web professional but I CHOOSE to work for myself because of the flexibility and frankly, the satisfaction of doing so. I own an LLC, host a yearly conference and create content for 5 online properties. Not to mention I freelance write and consult. I am a professional working WOMAN. I’m just lucky enough to works for myself and at home. Oh and I have kids.. not that it should matter.

I am a “mom blogger” and an advertising professional, and I, for one, think the woman who wrote that article is setting a terrible example for the industry. Most of us know that the more you invest in a project, the better it will be—and that includes your investment in people (bloggers are people, right?). She should be ashamed of herself for being so short-sighted.

I am a “mom blogger” and an advertising professional, and I, for one, think the woman who wrote that article is setting a terrible example for the industry. Most of us know that the more you invest in a project, the better it will be—and that includes your investment in people (bloggers are people, right?). She should be ashamed of herself for being so short-sighted.

This was terrific, and if there was ever any doubt in anybody’s mind that bloggers can’t write, well, you just proved them dead wrong. This is fantastic, I was captivated and nodding at every word.
I do have to say, however, that maybe social media, political, and the “like” bloggers look down at Mommy Bloggers, but as a Mommy Blogger, I don’t get too excited at the sight of a post on Sarah Palin or how to network on Twitter, not because it’s not important, but because I’m busy telling the small human beings, whose lives I’m responsible for, not to run across the street without looking both ways.
This was fabulous!….I already said that didn’t I?…well, I’m a little distracted, as I’m trying to type and butter a toast for my four year old at the same time

This was terrific, and if there was ever any doubt in anybody’s mind that bloggers can’t write, well, you just proved them dead wrong. This is fantastic, I was captivated and nodding at every word.
I do have to say, however, that maybe social media, political, and the “like” bloggers look down at Mommy Bloggers, but as a Mommy Blogger, I don’t get too excited at the sight of a post on Sarah Palin or how to network on Twitter, not because it’s not important, but because I’m busy telling the small human beings, whose lives I’m responsible for, not to run across the street without looking both ways.
This was fabulous!….I already said that didn’t I?…well, I’m a little distracted, as I’m trying to type and butter a toast for my four year old at the same time

Well said! I think the world would be surprised to discover how many “mom” bloggers have college and even graduate degrees, and worked in high level professional jobs before having children. We are not just inexperienced, uneducated hacks.

Well said! I think the world would be surprised to discover how many “mom” bloggers have college and even graduate degrees, and worked in high level professional jobs before having children. We are not just inexperienced, uneducated hacks.

This is such a wonderful counterpoint to that post. Thanks so much for defending bloggers! I hope that Sarah is not speaking for the majority. PR firms serve as facilitators for blogger outreach. There is no blogger outreach without bloggers.

They are a bit like travel agents in that sense, connecting two sides. I think there is much value to that if they are doing it right. If they continue to have Sarah’s attitude, feel all the blogger outreach money should go to the person doing outreach and NONE to the blogger, they will be the architects of their own demise. Just like travel agents (they still exist, but very few use them anymore since you can just go straight to the source so easily).

I already know a couple of companies who’ve told me they do blogger outreach in-house (or I know one who hired a blogger to do it). Why? Because they view the PR firms as an obstacle between bloggers and companies. I think with a good PR firm that gets it, that is totally not the case. With the Sarahs out there, I think that CEO was correct.

Don’t get me wrong. I know many people in PR for whom I have a ton of respect, and I know many who really do get it. Those are the ones who will survive and, in fact, thrive.

For the Sarahs out there… If PR firms want to remain needed and relevant, they cannot be an obstacle by continuing to horde the marketing dollars. She says if there is no money in the blogger outreach line item of the budget, there is just no money. But as you say, Deb, there IS money. The PR agencies aren’t doing this work out of the kindness of their hearts (or for spaghetti).

If a company says we only have $X then you say, “OK, then you can only afford this… because it will cost this much for us to do our jobs and this much for bloggers to do theirs.” Period.

This is NOT complicated. It is simple. If someone comes to me to ask that I design a web page, and I don’t know how to do one part of that task and I outsource it, there is no world in which I could get away with outsourcing certain tasks and not paying the worker. The concept is absurd.

This is such a wonderful counterpoint to that post. Thanks so much for defending bloggers! I hope that Sarah is not speaking for the majority. PR firms serve as facilitators for blogger outreach. There is no blogger outreach without bloggers.

They are a bit like travel agents in that sense, connecting two sides. I think there is much value to that if they are doing it right. If they continue to have Sarah’s attitude, feel all the blogger outreach money should go to the person doing outreach and NONE to the blogger, they will be the architects of their own demise. Just like travel agents (they still exist, but very few use them anymore since you can just go straight to the source so easily).

I already know a couple of companies who’ve told me they do blogger outreach in-house (or I know one who hired a blogger to do it). Why? Because they view the PR firms as an obstacle between bloggers and companies. I think with a good PR firm that gets it, that is totally not the case. With the Sarahs out there, I think that CEO was correct.

Don’t get me wrong. I know many people in PR for whom I have a ton of respect, and I know many who really do get it. Those are the ones who will survive and, in fact, thrive.

For the Sarahs out there… If PR firms want to remain needed and relevant, they cannot be an obstacle by continuing to horde the marketing dollars. She says if there is no money in the blogger outreach line item of the budget, there is just no money. But as you say, Deb, there IS money. The PR agencies aren’t doing this work out of the kindness of their hearts (or for spaghetti).

If a company says we only have $X then you say, “OK, then you can only afford this… because it will cost this much for us to do our jobs and this much for bloggers to do theirs.” Period.

This is NOT complicated. It is simple. If someone comes to me to ask that I design a web page, and I don’t know how to do one part of that task and I outsource it, there is no world in which I could get away with outsourcing certain tasks and not paying the worker. The concept is absurd.

Deb ~ this so well written and totally on target about how business should be transacted and why PR firms need to take a close look at Bloggers, Mom and otherwise, seek those with credentials that match their needs for any program, and just as in contract, pay a fair price fot that which you outsource choosing well skilled partners to reach your goals. The one piece of Sarah’s post that is of value, that I really loved, is the key message that its only through hard work that you can establish yourself as a standout in your industry. This is universal and as entreprenuers, which Mom Bloggers would do well to consider themselves, its how you play to win. What winning means to each person is individual. Thank you!

Deb ~ this so well written and totally on target about how business should be transacted and why PR firms need to take a close look at Bloggers, Mom and otherwise, seek those with credentials that match their needs for any program, and just as in contract, pay a fair price fot that which you outsource choosing well skilled partners to reach your goals. The one piece of Sarah’s post that is of value, that I really loved, is the key message that its only through hard work that you can establish yourself as a standout in your industry. This is universal and as entreprenuers, which Mom Bloggers would do well to consider themselves, its how you play to win. What winning means to each person is individual. Thank you!

OK… I just can’t stop. Sorry! One more point, and I think some of your other commenters addressed it… But working at home NOW doesn’t mean we are white trash mamas who popped out kids and never worked a “real job” in our lives. I was a professional journalist for 15 years. I ruined political careers, exposed wrongdoing, ran newsrooms by myself. I got fed up with the difficulty balancing a newspaper job (uber family-unfriendly) with being a mom. I am not alone here. For years, I hoped and searched for a job that would let me work part-time, flex schedule, job sharing or telecommuting. A professional job with those options just didn’t exist.This is a lifestyle choice. If people want to live most of their lives in a cubicle working for someone else, fine. But don’t judge those of us who put our feet down and decided that we will not let our lives be run by a boss’ schedule. We decided we want to have flexibility to spend quality time with our kids. We decided we want to be self-employed. This is not something to mock. It is not an easy choice to make. This is something we should all be proud of.

OK… I just can’t stop. Sorry! One more point, and I think some of your other commenters addressed it… But working at home NOW doesn’t mean we are white trash mamas who popped out kids and never worked a “real job” in our lives. I was a professional journalist for 15 years. I ruined political careers, exposed wrongdoing, ran newsrooms by myself. I got fed up with the difficulty balancing a newspaper job (uber family-unfriendly) with being a mom. I am not alone here. For years, I hoped and searched for a job that would let me work part-time, flex schedule, job sharing or telecommuting. A professional job with those options just didn’t exist.This is a lifestyle choice. If people want to live most of their lives in a cubicle working for someone else, fine. But don’t judge those of us who put our feet down and decided that we will not let our lives be run by a boss’ schedule. We decided we want to have flexibility to spend quality time with our kids. We decided we want to be self-employed. This is not something to mock. It is not an easy choice to make. This is something we should all be proud of.

Exactly!!!

Exactly!!!

The Mommy Wars are so five years ago. That was a low blow — great job, Deb, and shame on you “Sarah.”

The Mommy Wars are so five years ago. That was a low blow — great job, Deb, and shame on you “Sarah.”

Oh my gosh, brilliance, thy name is Deb. *bows to brilliance*

Oh my gosh, brilliance, thy name is Deb. *bows to brilliance*

Well said! Steve Jobs’ lack of professional attire and official office hours doesn’t seem to have detracted from his career. I also wonder if any notable authors or creative professionals work in a suit with dress shoes… Maybe poor “Sarah” just needs some comfy sweatpants in order to give her mental outlook the necessary room to expand! Tight clothes make me crabby too.

Well said! Steve Jobs’ lack of professional attire and official office hours doesn’t seem to have detracted from his career. I also wonder if any notable authors or creative professionals work in a suit with dress shoes… Maybe poor “Sarah” just needs some comfy sweatpants in order to give her mental outlook the necessary room to expand! Tight clothes make me crabby too.

Great article. I am a mom and I blog but probably only half of what I blog about is mom stuff. There is definitely a stigma that people want to attach to ‘mom blogging’ and it’s great to see someone stick up for it. My blog has driven people to my business which I have owned and operated for 13 years. And to Sarah: I spend close to 1/3 of my work day in pajamas sitting at my desk in my kitchen…sorry your job won’t allow you to work in your PJ! Aren’t moms clever! We get to set our own schedules!

And I should be ashamed of myself for being super sensitive?

Great article. I am a mom and I blog but probably only half of what I blog about is mom stuff. There is definitely a stigma that people want to attach to ‘mom blogging’ and it’s great to see someone stick up for it. My blog has driven people to my business which I have owned and operated for 13 years. And to Sarah: I spend close to 1/3 of my work day in pajamas sitting at my desk in my kitchen…sorry your job won’t allow you to work in your PJ! Aren’t moms clever! We get to set our own schedules!

And I should be ashamed of myself for being super sensitive?

I think “Sarah” had some good points in her post, but she loses it with remarks such as the one about bloggers not having to get dressed and go to an office. She didn’t offer tips for reaching out to P.R. people as much as she showed bloggers why she looks down on them.

I think “Sarah” had some good points in her post, but she loses it with remarks such as the one about bloggers not having to get dressed and go to an office. She didn’t offer tips for reaching out to P.R. people as much as she showed bloggers why she looks down on them.

Well you said that so well, I really have nothing to add.

Well you said that so well, I really have nothing to add.

I’d like to interject that while I don’t mind us debating the original article (and this post’s) points, I draw the line at people bashing. So let’s debate “Sarah’s” post but not resort to personal attacks.

Thanks…

I’d like to interject that while I don’t mind us debating the original article (and this post’s) points, I draw the line at people bashing. So let’s debate “Sarah’s” post but not resort to personal attacks.

Thanks…

Amen. How nice for Sarah to hide behind her veil of anonymity. As someone who lives in both camps of this debate (corporate PR exec by day, newbie so-called Mom blogger by night), I agree that Sarahs of the world don’t see how things have evolved. She also needs a lessson in self-awareness. In my mind, you can be nasty *or* you can be anonymous — but you can’t have it both ways. Oh wait, unless the site moderator allows it (which is baffling at best).

Amen. How nice for Sarah to hide behind her veil of anonymity. As someone who lives in both camps of this debate (corporate PR exec by day, newbie so-called Mom blogger by night), I agree that Sarahs of the world don’t see how things have evolved. She also needs a lessson in self-awareness. In my mind, you can be nasty *or* you can be anonymous — but you can’t have it both ways. Oh wait, unless the site moderator allows it (which is baffling at best).

Okay, so I’m confused. You say product reviews should be unpaid, but then your entire article is about how work deserves compensation and why mom bloggers (though I prefer “bloggers who are also moms” personally, since I’m definitely a blogger who is also a dad, not a dad or daddy blogger) should be paid out of the marketing budget associated with the promotional campaign? What did I miss?

Okay, so I’m confused. You say product reviews should be unpaid, but then your entire article is about how work deserves compensation and why mom bloggers (though I prefer “bloggers who are also moms” personally, since I’m definitely a blogger who is also a dad, not a dad or daddy blogger) should be paid out of the marketing budget associated with the promotional campaign? What did I miss?

EXACTLY. The fact that Sarah is still allowed to contribute to Mom Blog Magazine after hurling insults like a child (is she perhaps a fresh-from-college intern?) and the site owner calls the insult-hurling a “bump in the road” is indeed baffling.

I bet that the majority of PR professionals out there do not share Sarah’s views on bloggers, and I’m surprised more haven’t chimed in over at her post to say as much. Maybe smart PR pros just want to stay far, far away.

For the record, I’ve been dealing with PR for 20 years – as a former print journalist now travel freelance writer and blogger, and I’ve never ever met anyone in the industry so far off base and rude as this gal.

No wonder she’s anonymous; I bet her bosses would have her head!

EXACTLY. The fact that Sarah is still allowed to contribute to Mom Blog Magazine after hurling insults like a child (is she perhaps a fresh-from-college intern?) and the site owner calls the insult-hurling a “bump in the road” is indeed baffling.

I bet that the majority of PR professionals out there do not share Sarah’s views on bloggers, and I’m surprised more haven’t chimed in over at her post to say as much. Maybe smart PR pros just want to stay far, far away.

For the record, I’ve been dealing with PR for 20 years – as a former print journalist now travel freelance writer and blogger, and I’ve never ever met anyone in the industry so far off base and rude as this gal.

No wonder she’s anonymous; I bet her bosses would have her head!

Hi Dave,

Product reviews shouldn’t be paid because I don’t believe honest reviews can be bought. Once you pay for a review, you have an advertorial or sponsored post – and those are different.

However, many firms want something beyond a product review. They want bloggers who are also moms to act as consultants and brand evangelists for little more than a couple of boxes of spaghetti. One company contacted my sister to fly to Seattle for three days so they could pick her brain but only wanted to pay her expenses, they didn’t want to pay her for the three days of picking her brain, her expertise. Three days is worth way more than a round trip plane ticket.

Brands or P.R. Agencies want us to take part in panels and surveys and they want us to provide them with lists of bloggers complete with contact details and sample blog posts. Even contests are a lot of work to organize.

So, no, I don’t believe in paying for product reviews. However, if a brand/PR firm wants several blogs posts, or if they want me to cultivate a Facebook fan page or reach out to people on Twitter to promote their brand, or if they want me to be their brand ambassador for a year, I’ll need a little something more than a box of spaghetti.

I hope that makes sense.

Hi Dave,

Product reviews shouldn’t be paid because I don’t believe honest reviews can be bought. Once you pay for a review, you have an advertorial or sponsored post – and those are different.

However, many firms want something beyond a product review. They want bloggers who are also moms to act as consultants and brand evangelists for little more than a couple of boxes of spaghetti. One company contacted my sister to fly to Seattle for three days so they could pick her brain but only wanted to pay her expenses, they didn’t want to pay her for the three days of picking her brain, her expertise. Three days is worth way more than a round trip plane ticket.

Brands or P.R. Agencies want us to take part in panels and surveys and they want us to provide them with lists of bloggers complete with contact details and sample blog posts. Even contests are a lot of work to organize.

So, no, I don’t believe in paying for product reviews. However, if a brand/PR firm wants several blogs posts, or if they want me to cultivate a Facebook fan page or reach out to people on Twitter to promote their brand, or if they want me to be their brand ambassador for a year, I’ll need a little something more than a box of spaghetti.

I hope that makes sense.

Great post! Bloggers offer a product that has value to the brand (why else would the brand seek them out?) and absolutely should be compensated.

If there’s no budget to pay bloggers, then “Sarah” isn’t doing her job. She needs to educate the brands better on what it actually takes to run a social media campaign.

I disagree about compensated reviews. I charge for reviews, but in my media kit and advertising policies it is very clear that I retain complete editorial control over all reviews. Reviews do take a lot of work – there is the coordination of product, research, usually media/brand guidelines to follow, pictures that must be staged, then edited, and then promotion plus comment moderation.

Giveaways often accompany reviews and that’s even more work – comment moderation, checking of entries, and at least two post plus post promotions (one to announce giveaway, one to announce winner).

As for the home office, that’s just insulting. I was an accounts manager and worked from home two days a week. Does that mean I should have only gotten paid 60% of the time, when I showed my face in my office? Laughable.

Great post! Bloggers offer a product that has value to the brand (why else would the brand seek them out?) and absolutely should be compensated.

If there’s no budget to pay bloggers, then “Sarah” isn’t doing her job. She needs to educate the brands better on what it actually takes to run a social media campaign.

I disagree about compensated reviews. I charge for reviews, but in my media kit and advertising policies it is very clear that I retain complete editorial control over all reviews. Reviews do take a lot of work – there is the coordination of product, research, usually media/brand guidelines to follow, pictures that must be staged, then edited, and then promotion plus comment moderation.

Giveaways often accompany reviews and that’s even more work – comment moderation, checking of entries, and at least two post plus post promotions (one to announce giveaway, one to announce winner).

As for the home office, that’s just insulting. I was an accounts manager and worked from home two days a week. Does that mean I should have only gotten paid 60% of the time, when I showed my face in my office? Laughable.

Absolutely not. My point to her was trying to relate it to something she can understand—in the ad world (in my experience), women are always having to defend themselves to their male peers (for having kids, for having feelings, you name it). We still have to fight harder to have our ideas recognized, and to be put in positions of power.

She should understand why we’re fighting to be recognized as the power that we are. It’s the same battle.

Absolutely not. My point to her was trying to relate it to something she can understand—in the ad world (in my experience), women are always having to defend themselves to their male peers (for having kids, for having feelings, you name it). We still have to fight harder to have our ideas recognized, and to be put in positions of power.

She should understand why we’re fighting to be recognized as the power that we are. It’s the same battle.

I don’t think her post was that condescending. I also agree with a lot of your points – that if PR and marketing firms want bloggers to hawk their brands, they need to compensate them for solicited work.

However. Young college grads DO work for free for a year (or more) to pay their dues – it’s called an internship. I did a year of internships when I was finishing my writing degree. That work wasn’t just free – I racked up tuition debt to get my foot in those doors (my particular college w/i the university prohibited students from taking pay for an internship they received credit for – you essentially purchase your entry level experience).

And it was worth it. Those experiences are the reason I have a career where I get to write every day and do something I believe in. Those experiences led to a career where as young as 22, I made more than my mother, who is a CPA (and I live in an area with a notoriously lacking job market).

I’m not saying working for free (or paying to work) is right, but it *is* extremely common. If you’re going to assert that no one asks those emerging from university to work for free, you may as well tattoo “out of touch” on your forehead.

I don’t think her post was that condescending. I also agree with a lot of your points – that if PR and marketing firms want bloggers to hawk their brands, they need to compensate them for solicited work.

However. Young college grads DO work for free for a year (or more) to pay their dues – it’s called an internship. I did a year of internships when I was finishing my writing degree. That work wasn’t just free – I racked up tuition debt to get my foot in those doors (my particular college w/i the university prohibited students from taking pay for an internship they received credit for – you essentially purchase your entry level experience).

And it was worth it. Those experiences are the reason I have a career where I get to write every day and do something I believe in. Those experiences led to a career where as young as 22, I made more than my mother, who is a CPA (and I live in an area with a notoriously lacking job market).

I’m not saying working for free (or paying to work) is right, but it *is* extremely common. If you’re going to assert that no one asks those emerging from university to work for free, you may as well tattoo “out of touch” on your forehead.

Great post Deb. And “Sarah’s” post is a great discovery why some PR agencies will not survive in the social media marketing/PR business in a long run, but agencies that actually get the value of bloggers & social media influencers will thrive. Traditional PR and social media are quite a different animal, and you can use social media the same way as PR agencies have traditionally used other mediums. My personal opinion is that social media works better in marketing than PR anyways, but whether it’s companies conducting business with bloggers in terms of advertising, marketing or PR – good relationships and valuing what the bloggers do is the key (and paying them for their expertise) in long term success for both parties.

Great post Deb. And “Sarah’s” post is a great discovery why some PR agencies will not survive in the social media marketing/PR business in a long run, but agencies that actually get the value of bloggers & social media influencers will thrive. Traditional PR and social media are quite a different animal, and you can use social media the same way as PR agencies have traditionally used other mediums. My personal opinion is that social media works better in marketing than PR anyways, but whether it’s companies conducting business with bloggers in terms of advertising, marketing or PR – good relationships and valuing what the bloggers do is the key (and paying them for their expertise) in long term success for both parties.

But aren’t internships overseen by more seasoned professionals who help guide, tutor, and extend your education? Are there many internships that happen in a vacuum, as an independent contractor, by email?

But aren’t internships overseen by more seasoned professionals who help guide, tutor, and extend your education? Are there many internships that happen in a vacuum, as an independent contractor, by email?

Also, internships do offer something of value – in addition to mentoring, there’s also the promise of a full time job as well as college credits and/or a small stipend. Interns may not earn monetary compensation but they do receive something of value.

Also, internships do offer something of value – in addition to mentoring, there’s also the promise of a full time job as well as college credits and/or a small stipend. Interns may not earn monetary compensation but they do receive something of value.

That post was seriously insulting. The whole, “Bloggers don’t have obligations” argument is so old and lame. Worse it’s wrong. I have obligations to freaking everyone (it feels like at times) – readers, clients, companies and yeah even PR people. Plus, I do so have a paycheck to answer to – at every single blog I write for. She acts like none of us have clients who may insist we work with PR folks, but that we just call up PR to get free goods.

She says “You are not expected to show up at 8 a.m. dressed business casual and go to countless meetings. You get to do and say whatever you want as long as you plop a disclaimer at the end.” Wrong, wrong, wrong. I have to dress up when I meet for interviews or attend an event and I wish to flip I could do and say whatever I want.

I hate these posts that generalize female bloggers into one category – the work alone – work for free – free stuff wanting category. She acts as if she’s never heard of blogging as a viable job option. Lord. People only blog because they’re laid off or want free stuff????? Really?

I’m a huge believer in not being paid for reviews, because even most unpaid reviews around the web are sketchy at best IMO BUT she managed to take a much bigger issue (working as a blogger) and turned it into an entire post of sweeping generalizations. Basically, just another example of someone without any blogging experience, or she’d know there’s much more to it than design and fancy pictures. How annoying.

Sorry, rant over – good post Deb and good comments too.

That post was seriously insulting. The whole, “Bloggers don’t have obligations” argument is so old and lame. Worse it’s wrong. I have obligations to freaking everyone (it feels like at times) – readers, clients, companies and yeah even PR people. Plus, I do so have a paycheck to answer to – at every single blog I write for. She acts like none of us have clients who may insist we work with PR folks, but that we just call up PR to get free goods.

She says “You are not expected to show up at 8 a.m. dressed business casual and go to countless meetings. You get to do and say whatever you want as long as you plop a disclaimer at the end.” Wrong, wrong, wrong. I have to dress up when I meet for interviews or attend an event and I wish to flip I could do and say whatever I want.

I hate these posts that generalize female bloggers into one category – the work alone – work for free – free stuff wanting category. She acts as if she’s never heard of blogging as a viable job option. Lord. People only blog because they’re laid off or want free stuff????? Really?

I’m a huge believer in not being paid for reviews, because even most unpaid reviews around the web are sketchy at best IMO BUT she managed to take a much bigger issue (working as a blogger) and turned it into an entire post of sweeping generalizations. Basically, just another example of someone without any blogging experience, or she’d know there’s much more to it than design and fancy pictures. How annoying.

Sorry, rant over – good post Deb and good comments too.

We do have obligations. I pay for theme, RSS feed management, email lists, hosting, internet connection, equipment, taxes on those “free” products.

I think presenting a professional face is more difficult online. It’s easy to buy a new suit, show up to a meeting, shake a hand. It’s harder to work on the internet, where everything you do, say, and comment is searchable and recorded, and where your entire business (and personal) history is available for all to see. There aren’t do-overs online- you can’t move to a new firm or leave a project that went bad off your resume.

We do have obligations. I pay for theme, RSS feed management, email lists, hosting, internet connection, equipment, taxes on those “free” products.

I think presenting a professional face is more difficult online. It’s easy to buy a new suit, show up to a meeting, shake a hand. It’s harder to work on the internet, where everything you do, say, and comment is searchable and recorded, and where your entire business (and personal) history is available for all to see. There aren’t do-overs online- you can’t move to a new firm or leave a project that went bad off your resume.

Very nice post, Deb and wonderful points.

I think a large amount of the problem with people like ‘Sarah’ is that they are unable to reap a profit from blogging. They either have no idea how to go about it or perhaps they tried their best and failed. I’m not bashing – only pointing out something that is similar to those old ‘keyboard kourage’ conversations we have had…it is far easier to slap someone in the face with text when you are hiding behind a screen.

I wonder what ‘Sarah’ would think of me…mother of 5, pregnant with #6- due any day now- sitting in my home office that is much more comfortable than any cubicle (trust me, been there)…and my income from one blogging job in November alone was $1300? I am by no means a ‘pro’, but…does my motherhood status mean I (and other moms) should return our earnings?

Don’t answer that, because no matter what ‘Sarah’ or anyone else says- that’s staying in MY pocket, thanks.

Very nice post, Deb and wonderful points.

I think a large amount of the problem with people like ‘Sarah’ is that they are unable to reap a profit from blogging. They either have no idea how to go about it or perhaps they tried their best and failed. I’m not bashing – only pointing out something that is similar to those old ‘keyboard kourage’ conversations we have had…it is far easier to slap someone in the face with text when you are hiding behind a screen.

I wonder what ‘Sarah’ would think of me…mother of 5, pregnant with #6- due any day now- sitting in my home office that is much more comfortable than any cubicle (trust me, been there)…and my income from one blogging job in November alone was $1300? I am by no means a ‘pro’, but…does my motherhood status mean I (and other moms) should return our earnings?

Don’t answer that, because no matter what ‘Sarah’ or anyone else says- that’s staying in MY pocket, thanks.

Oh, also:
Re-paid product reviews – I see the product as compensation. If you are honest and put effort into your review, you will attract higher quality products. I have no problem providing a 400-800 word post on a laptop, vacuum, or a box of noodles. Especially when it may mean that I can give one to a reader!

Oh, also:
Re-paid product reviews – I see the product as compensation. If you are honest and put effort into your review, you will attract higher quality products. I have no problem providing a 400-800 word post on a laptop, vacuum, or a box of noodles. Especially when it may mean that I can give one to a reader!

I second what Jean said. If only the young PR flacks realized that in a few short years after love, marriage and the baby carriage, they may find themselves working as (horrors!) “Mom bloggers.”

It is a huge disconnect that some PR agencies have perpetuated that “Mom bloggers” are…I don’t know…high school grads only. Most “Mom bloggers” I know are published authors, marketing execs, PR people, small business owners, lawyers, teachers…the list goes on.

I run a “green Mom” blog that sometimes has brought business to my green marketing firm, but sometimes has caused “confusion” (fomented by the big agencies) as to whether I’m a blogger or a consultant. I got this response once from a brand after delivering a proposal presentation and a contract. Confused? Really? No, it’s that many blogger/consultants are more valuable to brands as bloggers than as consultants (or so they believe). Frankly, the big PR firms view the boutique firms launched by “Mom bloggers” as serious competitors…and they should. We know what we’re doing because we’ve succeeded in Corporate America as well as on our own terms – as bloggers and consultants.

I second what Jean said. If only the young PR flacks realized that in a few short years after love, marriage and the baby carriage, they may find themselves working as (horrors!) “Mom bloggers.”

It is a huge disconnect that some PR agencies have perpetuated that “Mom bloggers” are…I don’t know…high school grads only. Most “Mom bloggers” I know are published authors, marketing execs, PR people, small business owners, lawyers, teachers…the list goes on.

I run a “green Mom” blog that sometimes has brought business to my green marketing firm, but sometimes has caused “confusion” (fomented by the big agencies) as to whether I’m a blogger or a consultant. I got this response once from a brand after delivering a proposal presentation and a contract. Confused? Really? No, it’s that many blogger/consultants are more valuable to brands as bloggers than as consultants (or so they believe). Frankly, the big PR firms view the boutique firms launched by “Mom bloggers” as serious competitors…and they should. We know what we’re doing because we’ve succeeded in Corporate America as well as on our own terms – as bloggers and consultants.

Fabulous…this may be one of the best arguments I’ve read.

Thanks for sticking up for hard-working moms with a different type of office space

Fabulous…this may be one of the best arguments I’ve read.

Thanks for sticking up for hard-working moms with a different type of office space

You’re still not getting paid for the initial ‘putting in your dues’ work, which is what Deb asserts. One of my interns actually was quite similar to the ‘vacuum’ you describe – I worked remotely most of the week and went in for a few hours once a week. Then I journaled the experience and reported back to an adviser at my university. I extended that internship into some freelance work where I went 100% remote and the only difference was that I was on the other side of the country and I was getting paid.

You’re still not getting paid for the initial ‘putting in your dues’ work, which is what Deb asserts. One of my interns actually was quite similar to the ‘vacuum’ you describe – I worked remotely most of the week and went in for a few hours once a week. Then I journaled the experience and reported back to an adviser at my university. I extended that internship into some freelance work where I went 100% remote and the only difference was that I was on the other side of the country and I was getting paid.

I’m sorry, did you just say that an internship is a PROMISE of a full time job? What planet do you live on where anything, let alone an unpaid internship, can guarantee full time work? Seriously, how much more out of touch with reality can you possibly be?

And if you read my comment, you would see that while I did get credit, I was prohibited from receiving any stipend. I’m not knocking interships – mine did me well, and I have a number of peers who would agree.

And while I do agree that writers should be careful to not be taken advantage of, are you going to argue that work experience and building relationships with clients is not of value? Because, say, helping out a friend who can’t afford to pay can be worth it if you can spare the time and add something worthwhile to your portfolio from it.

I’m sorry, did you just say that an internship is a PROMISE of a full time job? What planet do you live on where anything, let alone an unpaid internship, can guarantee full time work? Seriously, how much more out of touch with reality can you possibly be?

And if you read my comment, you would see that while I did get credit, I was prohibited from receiving any stipend. I’m not knocking interships – mine did me well, and I have a number of peers who would agree.

And while I do agree that writers should be careful to not be taken advantage of, are you going to argue that work experience and building relationships with clients is not of value? Because, say, helping out a friend who can’t afford to pay can be worth it if you can spare the time and add something worthwhile to your portfolio from it.

But there are differences between true internships and being a brand evangelist in exchange for a few boxes of spaghetti. Internships are set up to, again, offer something of value. They’re a structured educational experience. True internships offer college credit, a stipend, a promise of a full time job or hands on training. I don’t see a blogger who is spending hours working to promote a brand as being an intern. Also, I have seen many free labor scams under the guise of internship where all the other party is looking for is free labor. Internships are not free labor. They’re mutually beneficial opportunities.

But there are differences between true internships and being a brand evangelist in exchange for a few boxes of spaghetti. Internships are set up to, again, offer something of value. They’re a structured educational experience. True internships offer college credit, a stipend, a promise of a full time job or hands on training. I don’t see a blogger who is spending hours working to promote a brand as being an intern. Also, I have seen many free labor scams under the guise of internship where all the other party is looking for is free labor. Internships are not free labor. They’re mutually beneficial opportunities.

“True internships offer college credit, a stipend, a promise of a full time job or hands on training.”

I don’t know how long ago you were in college, but that is a pipe dream, not reality. You are seriously, seriously out of touch if you think that internships equal a guranteed job. Hands on experience is what the internship work is, but a job offer, it is not.

“True internships offer college credit, a stipend, a promise of a full time job or hands on training.”

I don’t know how long ago you were in college, but that is a pipe dream, not reality. You are seriously, seriously out of touch if you think that internships equal a guranteed job. Hands on experience is what the internship work is, but a job offer, it is not.

Wow.

Actually, no. That’s not what I said. The word “or” was used in there indicating that a full time job is just one of the benefits that may come from an internship.

I think we’re nitpicking semantics here. Everyone helps out friends, that’s a personal decision, not necessarily a business decision. However, you have to make sure the end justifies the means. If you’re spending 20 hours per week evangelizing a brand and the only one who seems to be benefiting is the brand, something is wrong. Also, if your portfolio is filled with nothing but unpaid labor, you may have a hard time receiving serious pay. Your client may wonder why he’s the only one who have to pay, or try and low ball you because he knows you’re trying to establish your personal brand. Setting limits from the very beginning will help you to avoid that trap.

Wow.

Actually, no. That’s not what I said. The word “or” was used in there indicating that a full time job is just one of the benefits that may come from an internship.

I think we’re nitpicking semantics here. Everyone helps out friends, that’s a personal decision, not necessarily a business decision. However, you have to make sure the end justifies the means. If you’re spending 20 hours per week evangelizing a brand and the only one who seems to be benefiting is the brand, something is wrong. Also, if your portfolio is filled with nothing but unpaid labor, you may have a hard time receiving serious pay. Your client may wonder why he’s the only one who have to pay, or try and low ball you because he knows you’re trying to establish your personal brand. Setting limits from the very beginning will help you to avoid that trap.

Look, you seem acutely qualified to comment on blogging. I’m not trying to argue that bloggers shouldn’t hold the line, value their work and time, and demand the same respect from others.

But.

Your take that no one asks college students to spend a year (or more) working for free (or paying to work) to put in their dues tells me you are not qualified to comment on the state of job hunting for recent grads. The comparison doesn’t hold water and is insulting to college students and recent grads whose only option for scratching their way up from the bottom in their field IS unpaid internships, even if they’re getting college credit for it (and that ain’t cheap).

Look, you seem acutely qualified to comment on blogging. I’m not trying to argue that bloggers shouldn’t hold the line, value their work and time, and demand the same respect from others.

But.

Your take that no one asks college students to spend a year (or more) working for free (or paying to work) to put in their dues tells me you are not qualified to comment on the state of job hunting for recent grads. The comparison doesn’t hold water and is insulting to college students and recent grads whose only option for scratching their way up from the bottom in their field IS unpaid internships, even if they’re getting college credit for it (and that ain’t cheap).

“The comparison doesn’t hold water and is insulting to college students and recent grads whose only option for scratching their way up from the bottom in their field IS unpaid internships, even if they’re getting college credit for it (and that ain’t cheap). ”

My point exactly. A college credit (which, as you admit, isn’t cheap) is payment (or, so that we don’t get into semantics again, one of the payments a business might offer in exchange) for an internship. Thus, said college student is receiving something of value for his labor.

“The comparison doesn’t hold water and is insulting to college students and recent grads whose only option for scratching their way up from the bottom in their field IS unpaid internships, even if they’re getting college credit for it (and that ain’t cheap). ”

My point exactly. A college credit (which, as you admit, isn’t cheap) is payment (or, so that we don’t get into semantics again, one of the payments a business might offer in exchange) for an internship. Thus, said college student is receiving something of value for his labor.

The business pays nothing when you just receive credit. You pay for the priveleg of working – they don’t pick up the tab on those credits.

The business pays nothing when you just receive credit. You pay for the priveleg of working – they don’t pick up the tab on those credits.

Bravo. I liked reading your post much better than that other nonsense. I hope some PR reps read this… especially “Sarah”. I hope I never ever have to work with her.

Bravo. I liked reading your post much better than that other nonsense. I hope some PR reps read this… especially “Sarah”. I hope I never ever have to work with her.

One, not everyone chooses to do an internship. Two, not all internships are unpaid. Three, none of this really applies to the topic at hand. Providing advertising and promotion to a company for free is not an internship.

One, not everyone chooses to do an internship. Two, not all internships are unpaid. Three, none of this really applies to the topic at hand. Providing advertising and promotion to a company for free is not an internship.

And of course, we have yet another person posting anonymously.

And of course, we have yet another person posting anonymously.

Very well written. I was appalled at “Sarah’s” post.

Very well written. I was appalled at “Sarah’s” post.

Another long-time blogger here. I guess to some degree I’m a “mom blogger” but dag. I think MOST of the blogs I read, mommy or otherwise, are pretty professional, and some blogs have absolutely changed my life. I know that might be hard for non-bloggers to understand, but that doesn’t change the truth.

Fantastic rebuttal here.

Another long-time blogger here. I guess to some degree I’m a “mom blogger” but dag. I think MOST of the blogs I read, mommy or otherwise, are pretty professional, and some blogs have absolutely changed my life. I know that might be hard for non-bloggers to understand, but that doesn’t change the truth.

Fantastic rebuttal here.

As a naive college grad I believed that the working world was filled with business people who made smart, educated decisions that would help their business succeed. I believed that office politics wasn’t real, it was just something that was show on sitcoms because it added comedy and or drama. I believed that everyone would work hard.

Twenty or so years later I know how ridiculous those assumptions were. There have been a lot of Sarahs a long the way that tried to tell me how life was or should be. I simply ignore them.

Within the blogosphere we face a number of challenges. There is a very low barrier to entry and it has flooded the marketplace with people who will take three pounds of sausage in exchange for 2 million hours of work.

That hurts all of us. It devalues the time and hard work that is put in.

We also face challenges because many bloggers do not know how to market themselves/their blogs. Sarah’s comment about bad looking blogs is short sighted because it doesn’t take into account demographics.

A bad looking blog can be chock full of the target demographic for client XYZ. Ultimately it is always about the eyeballs so if you can provide access to them the importance of being pretty is diminished.

The best thing that bloggers can do is work on presenting a professional product and learn how to demonstrate the value/importance of their blog in terms that Brand and PR agencies understand.

The Sarahs aren’t going to go away. Not everyone understands what we do or why it has value. And frankly some of them will vote against us simply based on their personal feelings, regardless of whether there is merit.

Sorry, for the length of this comment.

As a naive college grad I believed that the working world was filled with business people who made smart, educated decisions that would help their business succeed. I believed that office politics wasn’t real, it was just something that was show on sitcoms because it added comedy and or drama. I believed that everyone would work hard.

Twenty or so years later I know how ridiculous those assumptions were. There have been a lot of Sarahs a long the way that tried to tell me how life was or should be. I simply ignore them.

Within the blogosphere we face a number of challenges. There is a very low barrier to entry and it has flooded the marketplace with people who will take three pounds of sausage in exchange for 2 million hours of work.

That hurts all of us. It devalues the time and hard work that is put in.

We also face challenges because many bloggers do not know how to market themselves/their blogs. Sarah’s comment about bad looking blogs is short sighted because it doesn’t take into account demographics.

A bad looking blog can be chock full of the target demographic for client XYZ. Ultimately it is always about the eyeballs so if you can provide access to them the importance of being pretty is diminished.

The best thing that bloggers can do is work on presenting a professional product and learn how to demonstrate the value/importance of their blog in terms that Brand and PR agencies understand.

The Sarahs aren’t going to go away. Not everyone understands what we do or why it has value. And frankly some of them will vote against us simply based on their personal feelings, regardless of whether there is merit.

Sorry, for the length of this comment.

It is a hard stigma to shake…I have just started working with companies so in the sense I’m new to the scene of this end of blogging. For the most part, I have only found one company that has been a joy to work with and I think it’s because I’m working with other bloggers (who get it). I find I try to stay away from “Mommy Blogger” because I know and my readers know I am so much more.

Too bad companies are missing out.

Great post Deb!

It is a hard stigma to shake…I have just started working with companies so in the sense I’m new to the scene of this end of blogging. For the most part, I have only found one company that has been a joy to work with and I think it’s because I’m working with other bloggers (who get it). I find I try to stay away from “Mommy Blogger” because I know and my readers know I am so much more.

Too bad companies are missing out.

Great post Deb!

Also worth noting is that most unpaid internships are against the law and the state governments are cracking down on businesses that take advantage of interns.

Here’s an article I read a few months back on the topic:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/business/03intern.html

Also worth noting is that most unpaid internships are against the law and the state governments are cracking down on businesses that take advantage of interns.

Here’s an article I read a few months back on the topic:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/business/03intern.html

Love it! Fantastic! I couldn’t have said it better myself! I went on a “mommy blogging” rant last month… http://www.abloggymom.com/2010/11/im-mommy-blogger.html

Kudos!

Kudos!

I’m going to say this: as a mom who has a blog, I think a big part of the disconnect is that many of the PR people assigned to blogger outreach are often younger than most of us and not parents. They can’t relate AT ALL.

When I was at BlogHer, I was surprised at how young so many of the staff in the booths were. I think I read the term “booth bunnies” on another blog post shortly after the conference.

I’ll be honest and say it’s getting annoying that I feel like I’m dealing with interns all the time. Not that they don’t deserve experience. But. If a company has the money to put together a campaign and specifically wants to target this space, why the heck aren’t more of them using people who are actively IN the space to work on the campaigns? If you want a blogger outreach program to go well hire a blogger as a consultant from the get go!

From what I’ve seen, the PR companies that always end up on the ‘firms we love to work with’ lists have someone who blogs and is a parent at the helm of their campaigns.

I’m going to say this: as a mom who has a blog, I think a big part of the disconnect is that many of the PR people assigned to blogger outreach are often younger than most of us and not parents. They can’t relate AT ALL.

When I was at BlogHer, I was surprised at how young so many of the staff in the booths were. I think I read the term “booth bunnies” on another blog post shortly after the conference.

I’ll be honest and say it’s getting annoying that I feel like I’m dealing with interns all the time. Not that they don’t deserve experience. But. If a company has the money to put together a campaign and specifically wants to target this space, why the heck aren’t more of them using people who are actively IN the space to work on the campaigns? If you want a blogger outreach program to go well hire a blogger as a consultant from the get go!

From what I’ve seen, the PR companies that always end up on the ‘firms we love to work with’ lists have someone who blogs and is a parent at the helm of their campaigns.

This is excellent! I like how you’ve spelled it all out. I think that PR firms need to realize that even if there isn’t a line item in their budgets that says, “Blogger Outreach”, if the firm is being paid there IS a budget to work with. Maybe there should be that line item for “Blogger Outreach”!

I do think there are some PR firms who are realizing the power of mom bloggers, but we’ve got a long road to walk on this one still. You’ve placed a HUGE stepping stone in the path with this post. I appreciate it very much!

This is excellent! I like how you’ve spelled it all out. I think that PR firms need to realize that even if there isn’t a line item in their budgets that says, “Blogger Outreach”, if the firm is being paid there IS a budget to work with. Maybe there should be that line item for “Blogger Outreach”!

I do think there are some PR firms who are realizing the power of mom bloggers, but we’ve got a long road to walk on this one still. You’ve placed a HUGE stepping stone in the path with this post. I appreciate it very much!

I think it’s important to help educate new bloggers, too, if they want to be serious about blogging. I know when I started I had no idea that I could be or should be compensated for my work. Posts like this help us to figure out that what we do is valuable. Great response JackB.

I think it’s important to help educate new bloggers, too, if they want to be serious about blogging. I know when I started I had no idea that I could be or should be compensated for my work. Posts like this help us to figure out that what we do is valuable. Great response JackB.

awesome well written

awesome well written

I was just disgusted by the post that “Sarah” wrote. I think it is a complete slap in the face to every single blogger who has worked hard to get to where she or he is not to mention the way she obviously feels about stay-at-home-moms. As both a blogger and a stay-at-home-mom I took offense to damn near everything that she wrote. Great post!

I was just disgusted by the post that “Sarah” wrote. I think it is a complete slap in the face to every single blogger who has worked hard to get to where she or he is not to mention the way she obviously feels about stay-at-home-moms. As both a blogger and a stay-at-home-mom I took offense to damn near everything that she wrote. Great post!

I agree with everything you said 100%. I was offended by Sarah’s article and saw how she responded in the comments to those who didn’t agree with her. Talk about not professional (though said comment is now gone).

I agree with everything you said 100%. I was offended by Sarah’s article and saw how she responded in the comments to those who didn’t agree with her. Talk about not professional (though said comment is now gone).

Exactly!

Exactly!

Excellent post! I took offense at everything she said in that post. She is pretty much clueless of the work that goes into posts. They are extremely time-consuming. You have worded this so perfectly – thank you!

Thank you so much for writing this. I could not believe the nerve of that woman. I am a college educated mom and while I do stay home with my daughter, I am stressed and busy all the time. I have a rare disease, Cystinosis, that only about 500 others in the United States have. There are only a few other women in the world with Cystinosis who have been able to bring babies into this world. I know I am blessed and blog to remind myself how lucky I am, to spread the word about miracles, to document the life of my daughter, but for many other reasons as well.

Excellent post! I took offense at everything she said in that post. She is pretty much clueless of the work that goes into posts. They are extremely time-consuming. You have worded this so perfectly – thank you!

Thank you so much for writing this. I could not believe the nerve of that woman. I am a college educated mom and while I do stay home with my daughter, I am stressed and busy all the time. I have a rare disease, Cystinosis, that only about 500 others in the United States have. There are only a few other women in the world with Cystinosis who have been able to bring babies into this world. I know I am blessed and blog to remind myself how lucky I am, to spread the word about miracles, to document the life of my daughter, but for many other reasons as well.

Fabulous post! I too was disgruntled by the article sited in your post. While I do not expect a great deal from my blogging, I do require respect for my time and the effort it take to create a well formatted, readable review, with photos. Companies that want me to promote their products without even sending ME a sample…yuck…no way! I have had that happen way too often. I only share these if I really feel that they are helpful to my readers (that they benefit from the information) and I have the time!

Fabulous post! I too was disgruntled by the article sited in your post. While I do not expect a great deal from my blogging, I do require respect for my time and the effort it take to create a well formatted, readable review, with photos. Companies that want me to promote their products without even sending ME a sample…yuck…no way! I have had that happen way too often. I only share these if I really feel that they are helpful to my readers (that they benefit from the information) and I have the time!

Deb: Great article. Very valid points, and I would like to add to a few. Obviously “Sarah” hasn’t done her research.

When it comes to writing “reviews,” bloggers do have options. Even paying options – MyLikes and IZEA are two companies off the top of my head that pay for reviews (and rather than pitching like a PR firm, you can pick and choose the products/companies you truly believe in). It doesn’t matter if you have been blogging for 30 seconds or 30 years – your work deserves compensation.

Battling her thoughts of Microsoft Paint, and I don’t mean to drop links but, my websites thesocialtweep.com, mgrosheim.com and my blog groshblog.com are 100% created using Microsoft Paint – and I dare any Photoshop user to do better. You can have amazing quality with any program if you put the time and effort into your results.

And finally, on where you work, first off I am not a blogger necessarily. I blog to boost my business. I own a marketing company and work from my couch (as most of my friends, followers, fans and clients know, in my underwear). I may not be a mom blogger, but I am a stay at home dad who has created a nice little business. So I too take offense. I have worked for Fortune 100 companies, wore a suit and tie to work 60 hours a week, worked behind a beautiful oak desk – now that I’m on my couch does it make my work different? No. As a CEO, I still receive the same respect – not for my title, but for the quality of my work; for my reputation.

To all the Mom and Dad bloggers out there. Keep doing what you’re doing. If it makes you happy, who cares what everyone else thinks. Unless you are asking for their opinion, their opinion doesn’t matter. Remember that people who take the time and effort out of their own lives to put you down have nothing better to do, have zero creativity and are down right miserable people that you don’t want to associate with anyway.

- Michael Grosheim

Amen! You hit this right on. I was quite surprised at how she came across in that post plus she was anonymous. We work hard at what we do and we should be compensated in some way for what we do for companies. They come to the PR for us to promote their products. We shouldn’t have to work for free, they wouldn’t. You hit everything spot on in this post….thank you!

Amen! You hit this right on. I was quite surprised at how she came across in that post plus she was anonymous. We work hard at what we do and we should be compensated in some way for what we do for companies. They come to the PR for us to promote their products. We shouldn’t have to work for free, they wouldn’t. You hit everything spot on in this post….thank you!

I think I love you.

THIS article is just all around more professional and informative than the other. Thank you for this.

I think I love you.

THIS article is just all around more professional and informative than the other. Thank you for this.

I love you! This post is just amazing. And thank you for defening Mummy bloggers! xx

I love you! This post is just amazing. And thank you for defening Mummy bloggers! xx

Amen, sister! You made all the points that were running through my head as I read Sarah’s original post. It’s not easy to be on the forefront of change, and that is where mom bloggers are now. Not every hard working, talented blogger is going to make a living at it, but I predict that more and more will as brands and bloggers get smarter at working together and respect each other.

But ultimately there are always going to be companies and PR executives hoping to exploit bloggers by tapping their expertise and audience for free. As each blogger determines her own business strategy, I guarantee it will include saying no to low-ball offers.

Amen, sister! You made all the points that were running through my head as I read Sarah’s original post. It’s not easy to be on the forefront of change, and that is where mom bloggers are now. Not every hard working, talented blogger is going to make a living at it, but I predict that more and more will as brands and bloggers get smarter at working together and respect each other.

But ultimately there are always going to be companies and PR executives hoping to exploit bloggers by tapping their expertise and audience for free. As each blogger determines her own business strategy, I guarantee it will include saying no to low-ball offers.

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