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Does anyone else feel totally cheated when decent blogs go to the dark side and turn into weird commercial worlds where they pimp contact lenses, weird medical supplies and lame electrical goods by companies that you’ve never heard of? As a regular blog reader it makes me question the credibility of the writer. It also cheapens otherwise well executed blogs.

I’ve been offered books about business, phones that fell of a boat from Bangkok and even a hammer but I’ve chosen not to accept these ‘gifts’ because they are completely inappropriate to the content of my blog. I’ve also been offered chocolates, accessories, clothing items and beauty products that I HAVE accepted because they are a) appropriate and b) I like them. I have also disclosed if I have been sent the product by the company and have given an honest review.

Does this make me any better though? Where do you draw the line? The editor of blogs that do or have accepted endorsements that seem strange to me may find them appropriate, may have received money for the advertisement or may actually believe in the product they are endorsing. So why does my opinion count?

Because I stop reading blogs that turn into advertising machines that’s why and there are millions of readers out there just like me who feel the same way… but lets go back to the proverbial question… where DO you draw the line?

Blogging is tough and there are little to no fiscal rewards. Increasing readership, increasing followers and getting regular commenters are marvellous. Unfortunately lovely emails and devoted fans don’t pay the bills but neither do lip gloss and handbags. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that people ‘save’ my blog for their lunch break and most of the time this keeps me tapping away at my keyboard every evening but occasionally it’s nice to get something in return. Something I can hold. Something I can use. Something I can wear. I have given hours of my time every week for three years, for free. I feel no shame in accepting the odd necklace or pair of tights.

My policy is that if I receive an item I disclose it on the blog. I will not accept an item that is not appropriate. I will not automatically give an item a positive review. I’m not in the habit of accepting too many items and most of the products that are featured on my blog are there simply because I think they are rad. Personally, I have never been offered money to advertise a product but I think that’s an entirely different ball game and, I believe, a more legitimate one.

What do you think? Do you have a blog? Do you accept free items? Do you have a level of acceptability of advertising on your favourite blogs? Do you think bloggers deserve to be ‘gifted’ items for advertisement? Does the actual item matter or is all unofficial ‘gifting’ advertising questionable? Does a monetary payment make the advertisement more legitimate?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this! Also please state whether you are a reader, blogger or both. It will make for a rather interesting discussion I think…

Love Lady

xxx

P.S Note to corporate hounds – It’s really starting to give me the right royal shits that companies think that if they throw free product at bloggers it gives them the right to dictate the terms of the advertisement. If you want in-post links, prime position on the site and a minimum amount of days in the spotlight I have four words for you. SHOW ME THE MONEY. Otherwise it’s a mutually beneficial and very casual exchange. At the discretion of the blogger. Word.