Don’t drink
Don’t smoke
Don’t have sex before you’re married
Rules designed to set the standard for how to behave but even our own parents didn’t follow them.
The thing is that this same thought process is applying to the Blogsphere right now. As I’m typing.
courtesy of Wikipedia
Out of the sincerest respect for the bloggers I’m thinking of (and maybe you are to) I’m not going to call out anyone. I honestly think we should all do what we want to do the best way we know how.
It’s a big Internet right? Right. So why are there so many problems coming about as of late in regards to review blogs, sponsorships, building brands, and working with large companies? My guess is that it’s because not a one of us knows what the hell we’re doing really.
We find a way that we can fit into the blog community and we jump in, feet first. We have ideas, we have thoughts, WE HAVE PLANS. And we run with them. Every single one of them.
Then we get other bloggers saying that review blogs and separate blogs are unnecessary or that having your reviews mixed in with your personal thoughts, pictures of the families, and the post about your mother in law is tacky and wrong; that the two should be separate because you’re pulling one over on your readers. We get seasoned bloggers and journalists telling us that those that blog solely about products and sponsorships or brand opportunities are bad for blog business…
Some days it feels like I’m watching nonstop tabloid TV with all of the opinions, thoughts and rules about what I should and should not do as a blogger. Most days I can tune it all out because I really don’t care what one person does or doesn’t do. I know what I like to read and I know when someone is pitching a product so it matters little to me.
The thing that gets me up in arms the most is when I read about bloggers taking such a firm stance on the rules of engagement that they come dangerously close to telling all those who aren’t doing it one way or another that we’re wrong. Bad. We should pack it in and go home because we aren’t a real blogger (insert your examples of this here).
But then they violate their own stance or they change their minds, or they say that their doing it because other websites, news, portals, or blogs are doing it. (It kind of reminds me of the “if Johnny was jumping off of a bridge would you? But that’s for another post). It’s confusing isn’t it (back to the “do as I say…”) and for those bloggers who are beginning a blog or finding their place, it can make them question if what they are doing is going to get them blacklisted or kicked out of the blogosphere.
Frankly, I don’t care what stance someone has on reviews, ads, or what kinds of posts should be where. I really don’t. Unfortunately, I’ve turned a few friends on to blogging and to those who want to say one thing and then do another I say STOP PLEASE! You’re screwing it up for the new bloggers.
If you want to change your mind go for it but be up front about it and at least tell us why. We’re gonna notice; we are always going to notice. We’ll still love you and respect you. Actually we’ll respect you more so. I welcome change. I don’t always adapt to it well when it’s personal but when you think about it, nothing should ever be stagnant; change should always occur and bloggers should feel free to change. I’ve changed focus here a few times and I’ve always made an effort to let my readers know. I’ve even ran polls and asked opinions. It’s that buzz word that people have been throwing around… what is it… Oh yes, authenticity.
I was doing it before it was cool.
I can’t speak for every blogger out there but I can say that what I want from my fellow bloggers is that if you’re going to try something new or change your stance or viewpoint on something; say it. do it and then make it fantastic. We may not agree with your reasons but if we enjoy reading what you have to say, odds are we’ll keep on reading.
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I love your quote “…STOP PLEASE! You’re screwing it up for the new bloggers.” This is why I’m so adamant about asking questions and continuing the conversation so fervently.
There are a lot of new bloggers that will feel ostracized, alienated, and intimidated by those calling out carpetbaggers and then giving a general description of what that means.
I love opinions, I especially love those different than mine because it opens up great conversation. But I also stand behind my own points and give concrete examples of what I am talking about.
Great post. And well written.
Jessica – Jessica Knows’s last blog post..Reporters Desperate for a Story: Prey for Post
Love it love it! Going to Tweet and Stumble it!
Brandy’s last blog post..My Binder Is My Best Friend
Finally, a NORMAL response to this ridiculous conversation. I just can’t believe we have bloggers standing on opposite sides of this conversation yelling at each other. It’s ridiculous. It doesn’t take much to be a blogger—just sign up on wordpress or blogspot. That’s all. There’s no rules, no code of ethics. Just let people do what they want!
Thanks.
oh amanda’s last blog post..A Retro Photo: It’s Just Not Mine
My thoughts exactly! I am so sick of the blogger police out there. When they pay my hosting and domain fees, then they have a say on what I do on my blog.
Lisa’s last blog post..Frosted Flakes Plant A Seed
Good going, girl! I agree with you. I’m not new to blogging, (have had online journals for years!) but I am new to the business side of blogging and marketing. Let me just say, I’m glad to know you, and people like Jessica. Without y’all encouraging me and respecting me I’d feel pretty lost and puny out here!!! lol
If you want to make money blogging, treat it like a business. Any company that changes focus announces it in a press release. Sure, throw in some personal stuff… it’s what endears people to you. But, don’t pretend you’re something you’re not.
Blogs are not franchises. There is no corporate manager (at least not yet!) telling us what we can and can not write, nor do the dictate colors and styles. Bloggers have no business trying to conform everyone to their ideals!
It’s like the Christian music industry… Oh wait, that’s another story for another day!
Love your post. What’s ‘Good for the goose, is good for the Gander’. Remember that saying? I hopped over from JessicaKnows’ tweet about your post. Guilty parent, aren’t we all in one shape or form?
Anyway, love what you’d had to say today, I’ll be back to browse some more.
Shanna’s last blog post..Proactive Parenting
I was going to post something about this on my personal blog but no one reads that anyway, so I just add my thoughts here for now (though I reserve the right to change my mind).
Back in the dark ages,few people knew about the Internet. Those who did were likely very educated and at least somewhat affluent. And if you were a mom and spotted the whole blogging thing early and had enough talent to build an audience, you justly reaped the rewards.
And you also had the benefit of your age and experience (in tech, marketing, publishing, etc.) to figure things out–and you did it without quite so much scrutiny.
Plus, since we’re talking about mommy blogging, you also had the kids. Just sayin’.
Now, the playing field is more crowded. Everyone and their mother is on the Internet…including some mamas who weren’t even born when I first logged on to online communities.
They may have different circumstances, approaches, and talents than the early adopters.
Newer bloggers need time, and space even, to learn, grow and yes, make mistakes.
Part of our community efforts as we grow can be to suggest and help…but I don’t think we should close the gates behind us.
Candace’s last blog post..A Possible Model for Blogging and PR Campaigns
YAY! AMEN! YOU GO GIRL! All that! Finally some sense! My philosophy is do you! It is your blog! I have changed a few times myself and it has not cost me one reader! In fact, may have gotten me more. They welcomed my changes…embraced them…and supported me when I was struggling to make them. GREAT post!
Christie-The ChatterBox’s last blog post..Somone Spiked My Coffee with Hater-ade
Great post! I totally agree!!
Great post!
I don’t really think there’s a right or wrong way to blog. There’s been a few things I’ve heard of even experienced bloggers doing that made me cringe but who’s right is it to say it’s wrong? Not mine. I wouldn’t tell someone how to run their home, why would I be ticked over how they run their own blog? LOL
Love your blog. I’m adding it to my Blog Love Top 10 today
I’m glad I found you.