I know, you're probably tired of hearing about this (especially, if you've come here for your weekly dose of "DUH!" and witness just how I, you know, make other mothers look good) but, in light of recent events (having been messed with, recently and then making nice, nice) I feel it a moral imperative to speak out and prove, once again, that I have been named the unlikely poster child for good/bad blogger relations and, inadvertently, am setting a bad example, in a good way.
In other words, I feel like a total schmuck…AGAIN!
I love my blog and, although some people would say it is a waste of energy or feel that, surely (as a mother of 4 children) I could think of better ways to spend my time, it is one of the very few things I can call my own.
It is only here, that I can actually hear myself think.
I've learned many great things reading other people's blogs (way more smarter, than me) but, one of the things that I enjoy most about blogging is being able to help others feel better.
About what?
Being a mother. A wife. A sister. A sister-in-law. A daughter. A daughter-in-law. An aunt. A godmother. A cousin. A friend. A blogger.
Because, among other things, I am all of those and have managed to screw that up, more often than not, too.
Especially as a blogger, where I've cornered the market on helping people to not only acknowledge, but embrace their imperfections and, hopefully, we ALL can learn from MY mistakes.
Yes, but it's "only a mommy blog"…right…and I do giveaways on my product review blog, a lot, I mean, how does that keep in with "my blog mission in life" and where do I draw the line?
Right now.
__________________________________________
I screwed up. Although, a lot of other bloggers have publicly stated that it was not my fault (for which, I cannot possibly begin to find the words that would properly express my appreciation besides, I love you) you see, I made the mistake of crossing the line between real life and blogging.
Because, in my corner of the blogosphere, they are one and the same and I know it's hard for some people to understand — especially, very large corporations who are trying to tap into the phenomena that is marketing to moms on the internet.
If I agree to promote a product or service, then…yes, it is probably very much worth my time…and yours…you bet!!!…but, here's the question that still boggles the minds of almost everyone I meet.
Why?
Well, long story short (you're welcome) there's some really good things to be found on the Internets and sometimes I actually get the chance to, you know, get my hands on stuff that I would NEVER have been able to do…in real life…or, as I like to refer to…outside my blog…and certainly not without the help of some really savvy marketing people I've met…through my blog.
Because, they know, I am very picky with what I choose to write about and I have every
intention of reviewing the product(s) to their full potential, which means, spending hours testing, researching and publishing a very
detailed article/blog post and provide an unbiased and "real" review, which my blog visitors have come to expect.
Aaaand, therein lies my biggest mistake of all.
I trusted that, by now, companies looking to reach out and promote their brands already understood that or actually took the time to read my review policy.
You see, I seem to have caused a bit of an uproar in the blogosphere at the moment and, although I certainly do not wish for anyone to lose their job…wait, that bares repeating…in uppercase…and bold lettering…I DO NOT WISH FOR ANYONE TO LOSE THEIR JOB…short of being told that…hey, stupid…this is NOT yours to keep, I'm sticking to my review policy and do not intend on sending a product, that I've used and am currently promoting, back.
In other words, it would be like showing up at my house, throwing crap in my face and expecting me to do your laundry, for free!
I am setting a precedent: Don't have a review policy? Get get one!
Draw the line, with me — especially, you savvy bloggers who are way smarter than me — it really doesn't matter what you write about, or the sort of blog you keep — although, I am biased when it comes to mom bloggers, since we seem to be oxymorons at the moment — bottom line is, you are dealing with a business and your blog (not to mention, reputation) is on the line.
[Disclaimer: I didn't get to pay to talk about any of this stuff, either — cross-posted on This Full House Reviews.]
[P.S.: I have since heard from the pr firm representing
the company in question and we are in mutual agreement of the
oversight, so…yes…I am willing to work with them, again…now that
we are on the same page.]
[P.S.S.: The review was for a $400 product, which equates to $100 per hour, just so you know.]
[Follow-up posts on: Marketing to Moms]
© 2009 This Full House & This Full House Reviews
Comments
70 responses to “Marketing to Moms: Setting A Precedent, By Taking It One Screw Up At A Time.”
My greatest hope is that you didn’t feel judged by our phone call or my post. I don’t think women who write for free are stupid or deserve to be taken advantage of. I wish they wouldn’t, but I don’t hold any grudges.
I dislike that marketing campaigns include big zeros on spreadsheets… cuz, ya know we’re doing their work.
My greatest hope is that you didn’t feel judged by our phone call or my post. I don’t think women who write for free are stupid or deserve to be taken advantage of. I wish they wouldn’t, but I don’t hold any grudges.
I dislike that marketing campaigns include big zeros on spreadsheets… cuz, ya know we’re doing their work.
My greatest hope is that you didn’t feel judged by our phone call or my post. I don’t think women who write for free are stupid or deserve to be taken advantage of. I wish they wouldn’t, but I don’t hold any grudges.
I dislike that marketing campaigns include big zeros on spreadsheets… cuz, ya know we’re doing their work.
My greatest hope is that you didn’t feel judged by our phone call or my post. I don’t think women who write for free are stupid or deserve to be taken advantage of. I wish they wouldn’t, but I don’t hold any grudges.
I dislike that marketing campaigns include big zeros on spreadsheets… cuz, ya know we’re doing their work.
My greatest hope is that you didn’t feel judged by our phone call or my post. I don’t think women who write for free are stupid or deserve to be taken advantage of. I wish they wouldn’t, but I don’t hold any grudges.
I dislike that marketing campaigns include big zeros on spreadsheets… cuz, ya know we’re doing their work.
Hey Jessica,
Heh…I just came from your blog…funny that. Anyway, no worries, you know I love you and I don’t feel stupid…this time 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hey Jessica,
Heh…I just came from your blog…funny that. Anyway, no worries, you know I love you and I don’t feel stupid…this time 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hey Jessica,
Heh…I just came from your blog…funny that. Anyway, no worries, you know I love you and I don’t feel stupid…this time 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hey Jessica,
Heh…I just came from your blog…funny that. Anyway, no worries, you know I love you and I don’t feel stupid…this time 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hey Jessica,
Heh…I just came from your blog…funny that. Anyway, no worries, you know I love you and I don’t feel stupid…this time 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Liz,
I’m so sorry you went through all of this. You are such an honest and caring person – I can see how badly you felt over the whole incident – when really it should have been the firm getting such great PR from your work feeling badly. Thanks for sharing it though, I don’t have a review policy on my blog but I’m adding one tomorrow. As usual, I’m learning from you.
Vanessa
Liz,
I’m so sorry you went through all of this. You are such an honest and caring person – I can see how badly you felt over the whole incident – when really it should have been the firm getting such great PR from your work feeling badly. Thanks for sharing it though, I don’t have a review policy on my blog but I’m adding one tomorrow. As usual, I’m learning from you.
Vanessa
Liz,
I’m so sorry you went through all of this. You are such an honest and caring person – I can see how badly you felt over the whole incident – when really it should have been the firm getting such great PR from your work feeling badly. Thanks for sharing it though, I don’t have a review policy on my blog but I’m adding one tomorrow. As usual, I’m learning from you.
Vanessa
Liz,
I’m so sorry you went through all of this. You are such an honest and caring person – I can see how badly you felt over the whole incident – when really it should have been the firm getting such great PR from your work feeling badly. Thanks for sharing it though, I don’t have a review policy on my blog but I’m adding one tomorrow. As usual, I’m learning from you.
Vanessa
Liz,
I’m so sorry you went through all of this. You are such an honest and caring person – I can see how badly you felt over the whole incident – when really it should have been the firm getting such great PR from your work feeling badly. Thanks for sharing it though, I don’t have a review policy on my blog but I’m adding one tomorrow. As usual, I’m learning from you.
Vanessa
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your support (as always) as my intention is solely to help others not have to go through what I did. For the record, I do not work for free (despite what other bloggers may think) and would have acted on this the same way in the real world. I’m so glad that you found some value in my dorkiness 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your support (as always) as my intention is solely to help others not have to go through what I did. For the record, I do not work for free (despite what other bloggers may think) and would have acted on this the same way in the real world. I’m so glad that you found some value in my dorkiness 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your support (as always) as my intention is solely to help others not have to go through what I did. For the record, I do not work for free (despite what other bloggers may think) and would have acted on this the same way in the real world. I’m so glad that you found some value in my dorkiness 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your support (as always) as my intention is solely to help others not have to go through what I did. For the record, I do not work for free (despite what other bloggers may think) and would have acted on this the same way in the real world. I’m so glad that you found some value in my dorkiness 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your support (as always) as my intention is solely to help others not have to go through what I did. For the record, I do not work for free (despite what other bloggers may think) and would have acted on this the same way in the real world. I’m so glad that you found some value in my dorkiness 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
I stole your “All products received become the property of This Full House” line — it is so nice and clear. Hope you don’t mind 😉
http://plainjanemom.com/request-review/
Oh, and by the way, you rock!
I stole your “All products received become the property of This Full House” line — it is so nice and clear. Hope you don’t mind 😉
http://plainjanemom.com/request-review/
Oh, and by the way, you rock!
I stole your “All products received become the property of This Full House” line — it is so nice and clear. Hope you don’t mind 😉
http://plainjanemom.com/request-review/
Oh, and by the way, you rock!
I stole your “All products received become the property of This Full House” line — it is so nice and clear. Hope you don’t mind 😉
http://plainjanemom.com/request-review/
Oh, and by the way, you rock!
I stole your “All products received become the property of This Full House” line — it is so nice and clear. Hope you don’t mind 😉
http://plainjanemom.com/request-review/
Oh, and by the way, you rock!
I can only tell you that even on Cool Mom Picks, which (if I may say) is a very well-trafficked and influential blog, we get “um, can you return our $6 onesie?” all the time.
The answer is no. I don’t feel bad about it and neither should you. Your blog, your rules. It’s not like you wrote the company and said “hi, can I please have a free $400 product?”
Wow, look how defensive of you I feel! Stand tall mama – you are loved.
I can only tell you that even on Cool Mom Picks, which (if I may say) is a very well-trafficked and influential blog, we get “um, can you return our $6 onesie?” all the time.
The answer is no. I don’t feel bad about it and neither should you. Your blog, your rules. It’s not like you wrote the company and said “hi, can I please have a free $400 product?”
Wow, look how defensive of you I feel! Stand tall mama – you are loved.
I can only tell you that even on Cool Mom Picks, which (if I may say) is a very well-trafficked and influential blog, we get “um, can you return our $6 onesie?” all the time.
The answer is no. I don’t feel bad about it and neither should you. Your blog, your rules. It’s not like you wrote the company and said “hi, can I please have a free $400 product?”
Wow, look how defensive of you I feel! Stand tall mama – you are loved.
I can only tell you that even on Cool Mom Picks, which (if I may say) is a very well-trafficked and influential blog, we get “um, can you return our $6 onesie?” all the time.
The answer is no. I don’t feel bad about it and neither should you. Your blog, your rules. It’s not like you wrote the company and said “hi, can I please have a free $400 product?”
Wow, look how defensive of you I feel! Stand tall mama – you are loved.
I can only tell you that even on Cool Mom Picks, which (if I may say) is a very well-trafficked and influential blog, we get “um, can you return our $6 onesie?” all the time.
The answer is no. I don’t feel bad about it and neither should you. Your blog, your rules. It’s not like you wrote the company and said “hi, can I please have a free $400 product?”
Wow, look how defensive of you I feel! Stand tall mama – you are loved.
I love that you stood up for yourself. I’m a new blogger, so much of what you have said does not apply to me right now. But, I like that you stuck it to the man for us!
I’m kind of wondering how you make money with a blog anyway. I’m currently writing for “a mom – type” website. I’m either paid by the impression or the click through Adsense ads. I’ve posted over 40 articles…have not made any money. Want to give it a shot. But, wondering who clicks on ads? I know I don’t, so I am part of the problem.
Do you know of any sites that pay actual cash for writing? Need to post my resume on monster.com as well.
I love that you stood up for yourself. I’m a new blogger, so much of what you have said does not apply to me right now. But, I like that you stuck it to the man for us!
I’m kind of wondering how you make money with a blog anyway. I’m currently writing for “a mom – type” website. I’m either paid by the impression or the click through Adsense ads. I’ve posted over 40 articles…have not made any money. Want to give it a shot. But, wondering who clicks on ads? I know I don’t, so I am part of the problem.
Do you know of any sites that pay actual cash for writing? Need to post my resume on monster.com as well.
I love that you stood up for yourself. I’m a new blogger, so much of what you have said does not apply to me right now. But, I like that you stuck it to the man for us!
I’m kind of wondering how you make money with a blog anyway. I’m currently writing for “a mom – type” website. I’m either paid by the impression or the click through Adsense ads. I’ve posted over 40 articles…have not made any money. Want to give it a shot. But, wondering who clicks on ads? I know I don’t, so I am part of the problem.
Do you know of any sites that pay actual cash for writing? Need to post my resume on monster.com as well.
I love that you stood up for yourself. I’m a new blogger, so much of what you have said does not apply to me right now. But, I like that you stuck it to the man for us!
I’m kind of wondering how you make money with a blog anyway. I’m currently writing for “a mom – type” website. I’m either paid by the impression or the click through Adsense ads. I’ve posted over 40 articles…have not made any money. Want to give it a shot. But, wondering who clicks on ads? I know I don’t, so I am part of the problem.
Do you know of any sites that pay actual cash for writing? Need to post my resume on monster.com as well.
I love that you stood up for yourself. I’m a new blogger, so much of what you have said does not apply to me right now. But, I like that you stuck it to the man for us!
I’m kind of wondering how you make money with a blog anyway. I’m currently writing for “a mom – type” website. I’m either paid by the impression or the click through Adsense ads. I’ve posted over 40 articles…have not made any money. Want to give it a shot. But, wondering who clicks on ads? I know I don’t, so I am part of the problem.
Do you know of any sites that pay actual cash for writing? Need to post my resume on monster.com as well.
Thanks for standing up for all of us “mommy bloggers” and sticking with exactly what you said and meant in the first place!
I’m a bit of a lurker on your blogs and love them both. Thanks for all that you do…
Thanks for standing up for all of us “mommy bloggers” and sticking with exactly what you said and meant in the first place!
I’m a bit of a lurker on your blogs and love them both. Thanks for all that you do…
Thanks for standing up for all of us “mommy bloggers” and sticking with exactly what you said and meant in the first place!
I’m a bit of a lurker on your blogs and love them both. Thanks for all that you do…
Thanks for standing up for all of us “mommy bloggers” and sticking with exactly what you said and meant in the first place!
I’m a bit of a lurker on your blogs and love them both. Thanks for all that you do…
Thanks for standing up for all of us “mommy bloggers” and sticking with exactly what you said and meant in the first place!
I’m a bit of a lurker on your blogs and love them both. Thanks for all that you do…
Hi Jenny,
I am so glad for the delurking, thank you and have a great day!
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Jenny,
I am so glad for the delurking, thank you and have a great day!
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Jenny,
I am so glad for the delurking, thank you and have a great day!
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Jenny,
I am so glad for the delurking, thank you and have a great day!
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Jenny,
I am so glad for the delurking, thank you and have a great day!
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Jill,
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts — you said, “How do you make money with a blog, anyway?” That IS the question of the century, isn’t it? My answer depends a lot on what your definition of “make money” is and, even then, I probably won’t have a very convincing one. You’re right, joining ad networks is one way to monetize on your blog. However, I am nowhere close to being able to quit my day job and I’m pretty sure most bloggers (especially, the ones who visit here) will agree. The one piece of advice I feel comfortable in giving you is to be very selective with your time and blogging efforts. Also, joining social networking sites (examples: See Mom Network on the left sidebar) is a great way to find out what other bloggers are doing and LinkedIn.com is an awesome networking/resume tool, as well. Good luck!
Liz
Hi Jill,
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts — you said, “How do you make money with a blog, anyway?” That IS the question of the century, isn’t it? My answer depends a lot on what your definition of “make money” is and, even then, I probably won’t have a very convincing one. You’re right, joining ad networks is one way to monetize on your blog. However, I am nowhere close to being able to quit my day job and I’m pretty sure most bloggers (especially, the ones who visit here) will agree. The one piece of advice I feel comfortable in giving you is to be very selective with your time and blogging efforts. Also, joining social networking sites (examples: See Mom Network on the left sidebar) is a great way to find out what other bloggers are doing and LinkedIn.com is an awesome networking/resume tool, as well. Good luck!
Liz
Hi Jill,
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts — you said, “How do you make money with a blog, anyway?” That IS the question of the century, isn’t it? My answer depends a lot on what your definition of “make money” is and, even then, I probably won’t have a very convincing one. You’re right, joining ad networks is one way to monetize on your blog. However, I am nowhere close to being able to quit my day job and I’m pretty sure most bloggers (especially, the ones who visit here) will agree. The one piece of advice I feel comfortable in giving you is to be very selective with your time and blogging efforts. Also, joining social networking sites (examples: See Mom Network on the left sidebar) is a great way to find out what other bloggers are doing and LinkedIn.com is an awesome networking/resume tool, as well. Good luck!
Liz
Hi Jill,
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts — you said, “How do you make money with a blog, anyway?” That IS the question of the century, isn’t it? My answer depends a lot on what your definition of “make money” is and, even then, I probably won’t have a very convincing one. You’re right, joining ad networks is one way to monetize on your blog. However, I am nowhere close to being able to quit my day job and I’m pretty sure most bloggers (especially, the ones who visit here) will agree. The one piece of advice I feel comfortable in giving you is to be very selective with your time and blogging efforts. Also, joining social networking sites (examples: See Mom Network on the left sidebar) is a great way to find out what other bloggers are doing and LinkedIn.com is an awesome networking/resume tool, as well. Good luck!
Liz
Hi Jill,
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts — you said, “How do you make money with a blog, anyway?” That IS the question of the century, isn’t it? My answer depends a lot on what your definition of “make money” is and, even then, I probably won’t have a very convincing one. You’re right, joining ad networks is one way to monetize on your blog. However, I am nowhere close to being able to quit my day job and I’m pretty sure most bloggers (especially, the ones who visit here) will agree. The one piece of advice I feel comfortable in giving you is to be very selective with your time and blogging efforts. Also, joining social networking sites (examples: See Mom Network on the left sidebar) is a great way to find out what other bloggers are doing and LinkedIn.com is an awesome networking/resume tool, as well. Good luck!
Liz
Thank you, Liz — I find it hard to believe that Cool Moms (especially, savvy business women, like you) would even be approached in this way and yet, somehow, I feel less insulted than I did last week 🙂
Hugs,
Liz (the other more dork-ish one, I mean)
Thank you, Liz — I find it hard to believe that Cool Moms (especially, savvy business women, like you) would even be approached in this way and yet, somehow, I feel less insulted than I did last week 🙂
Hugs,
Liz (the other more dork-ish one, I mean)
Thank you, Liz — I find it hard to believe that Cool Moms (especially, savvy business women, like you) would even be approached in this way and yet, somehow, I feel less insulted than I did last week 🙂
Hugs,
Liz (the other more dork-ish one, I mean)
Thank you, Liz — I find it hard to believe that Cool Moms (especially, savvy business women, like you) would even be approached in this way and yet, somehow, I feel less insulted than I did last week 🙂
Hugs,
Liz (the other more dork-ish one, I mean)
Thank you, Liz — I find it hard to believe that Cool Moms (especially, savvy business women, like you) would even be approached in this way and yet, somehow, I feel less insulted than I did last week 🙂
Hugs,
Liz (the other more dork-ish one, I mean)
Hi Erika,
Yes, I mean no (I don’t mind) and you’ve also stolen my heart, but you knew that already 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Erika,
Yes, I mean no (I don’t mind) and you’ve also stolen my heart, but you knew that already 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Erika,
Yes, I mean no (I don’t mind) and you’ve also stolen my heart, but you knew that already 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Erika,
Yes, I mean no (I don’t mind) and you’ve also stolen my heart, but you knew that already 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Erika,
Yes, I mean no (I don’t mind) and you’ve also stolen my heart, but you knew that already 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
I’m confused, does that mean everything that Erika reviews now becomes property of This Full House?
😉
I’m confused, does that mean everything that Erika reviews now becomes property of This Full House?
😉
I’m confused, does that mean everything that Erika reviews now becomes property of This Full House?
😉
I’m confused, does that mean everything that Erika reviews now becomes property of This Full House?
😉
I’m confused, does that mean everything that Erika reviews now becomes property of This Full House?
😉
JayMonster,
Um…OH CRAP!…let me rephrase that…uh…oh, just fuhgettaboutit…see what I mean?
Liz
JayMonster,
Um…OH CRAP!…let me rephrase that…uh…oh, just fuhgettaboutit…see what I mean?
Liz
JayMonster,
Um…OH CRAP!…let me rephrase that…uh…oh, just fuhgettaboutit…see what I mean?
Liz
JayMonster,
Um…OH CRAP!…let me rephrase that…uh…oh, just fuhgettaboutit…see what I mean?
Liz
JayMonster,
Um…OH CRAP!…let me rephrase that…uh…oh, just fuhgettaboutit…see what I mean?
Liz