This is my blog and I set my own rules and ethics policies – not the PR firms I work with or my clients. I believe in full disclose. I blog with integrity, and let my readers know that it's a sponsored post (got paid to post) or if I got a free sample. I also let my readers know if the product, meal or food item was purchased by me or my spouse or given to me as a gift by a friend or relative.
- If you don't like sponsored postings/reviews, would never do it at your blog or don't read blogs that have it, that's fine with me because it's your right to choose what blogs you give your readership to.
- While I have a degree in journalism, my degree's emphasis was advertising and public relations with a minor in marketing. I help people and companies with marketing communications with my freelance writing and social media expertise. Bottom line, I'm pro marketing and feel that being paid to post to create Internet buzz for a client, company or product is what I've been trained to do. That's why I'm comfortable doing sponsored posting and working with brands on my blogs , even though they're personal sites.
- As far as journalistic integrity goes, newspapers and magazines run print and online advertising with the goal of making money. If you don't think their advertisers influence their editorial, see this article at Salon.com - Mom Sells Out.
- Paid posting, like blogging, is an income source for WAHMs like me. It’s also a source of income for many stay at home parents, those taking care of an elderly or sick relative, those who cannot work a regular job due to illness or a disability, or furloughed or laid off workers. In tough economic times, people may need free samples or sponsored posts to make ends meet. I support this.
My Paid Posting and Product Reviewing Policies:
- My sponsored (paid) posts are disclosed and labeled accordingly. If you do not want your paid review labeled as "sponsored" don't even bother asking me to write it.
- If I am paid a stipend in addition to be given a sample, I will always label the review as a "sponsored post."
- If I get a freebie sample, I mention the company that sent it right in the post and/or at the very bottom of the post.
- All affiliate links where there is a possibility that I may make a commission are disclosed
- Just because a company or publicist has sent me a freebie, doesn't mean I'll review it. I only feel obligated to review the products I have promised to review and not the ones that are randomly sent to me.
- I say no to a lot of review offers and usually accept items that I’m curious about or already like.
- I won't take sponsored posts from companies that I feel are dishonest or that are selling something I don't believe in. That's why you don't see any reviews of online casinos or fast cash businesses on my blogs.
- Just because I'm paid doesn't mean that the post will be positive. I believe in writing constructive criticism, and try to point out the good and bad about the product or website I'm asked to review. Don't believe me, then read my review of the Dodge Caravan I was given to test drive for a week. Or my review of iFitandHealthy.com that pointed out a lot of problems I had with the blog.
What Products and Services I'm Interested in Reviewing:
- parenting, woman, or reader/writer related service or business
- blog or website
- book
- CD
- charities
- or anything else you think parents, women and people who write or read might be interested in
Please do not send me pitches for baby, toddler and pregnancy products. My kids are in elementary school and I'm not planning to have any more.
Email me to pitch your product and I'll respond if I'm interested.
Policy in effect as of 1/2/08
Updated 12/5/09
