Whilst I've maintained my editorial independence and always will do I took the sage advice of try to make money on the chin. I feel that if I can earn something by my writing and be sponsored then this is not 'selling out' it is an opportunity to help the household income for now.
For now, we are facing hard times. Not because there should be but massive cuts are coming in the public sector which will have devastating effects on the economy for a few years. With my sensible head on my brain overrules my heart. My heart longs to stay pure. And I think I will in my writing and content.
I might not get one sponsor/advertiser - to be clear I will charge a monthly fee to 'buy some space' - I'm hoping for such things as the V&A and fashion exhibitions but you never know I might have to settle for BHS!
Do let me know your views after all I like discourse and opinions. Am I foolish to think companies will sponsor me to reach out to you? Is it silly to think about financial gain rather than the purity of staying true to the spirit of blogging? Am I a *@$%%*& (fill in the blanks) Will any form of advertising *"%@ you off? Will I be taking a tumble........
image: Associated Press
If you can make money and blog as you always have, I say make money. No crime in making a few bucks!
ReplyDeletexoxo
It's not a sin to want to earn some money from your work! It'll be very interesting to see how it pans out - do you know other bloggers who have done the same and made a little cash?
ReplyDeleteAli x
I have quite a few sponsers now, actually I can't believe you haven't had offers already. My advice is be picky and stick to your guns over your prices. I wont advertise any companies I do not agree with, won't review products I wounldn't actually buy and I wont be taken for a fool with offers of very low amounts.
ReplyDeleteI think there are some blogs who only seem to post copy PRs have sent (I know as Ive been sent the same) and they will review any old product, then the sole of their blog gets lost. But I this is few and I know that won't happen to you. I also wouldn't bother with affiliate schemes and pay per click ads but that's just personal opinion, drop me an email if you want any more info x
It isn't selling out at all, it is receiving some form of financial compensation for your hard work (even if it is work you enjoy doing).
ReplyDeleteI hope that in time I'll have enough readership that this is an option for me too - there is nothing at all wrong with looking for ways to boost your household income, and I don't remember reading any rule that says bloggers must starve in garrets and suffer for their art.
Good luck, hope it goes well x
I think you should do it, personnally I am in a sector facing cuts and am waiting to hear about this in the next few months. Take any opportunity to make some money, social media is the way forward for a reduced way of advertising against print so I'm sure they will be 'knocking down your door' for advertising opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI think you should do it! As long as the sponsors are a good fit for you then it will be a great addition!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with it!
ReplyDeleteIt's your thing and you work hard on it so I never have any problem with advertising on blogs as long as it doesn't get in the way of the content!
Some of my favorite blogs have started sponsorship programs. You should get compensation for your hard work. I'll continue to read your blog and enjoy your writing.
ReplyDeletePearl was offering great advice. You have a family to feed. Go for it I say. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteYou should absolutely go for some sponsorship/advertising! All this work for free - thats a mugs game.
ReplyDeleteIt's not selling out at all - why should you not be paid for what you do... and do well? I have affiliate ad's and I do reviews for things that I would buy myself - I turn down 9 out of 10 PR emails as they're not relevant. The money from ad's is so sporadic but I see any income as bonus for doing something I love for the first time in my life aged 41! You're not the type to compromise your content and your readers know that. xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Kate, I think go for it. I've avoided it as I don't want my blog to look messy but if you can get sponsorship, you have to do it. Have a lovely weekend xx
ReplyDeleteOf course you should do it, nothing wrong with it. It's also clear you have enough integrity and your audience knows you well enough.
ReplyDeleteI read you blog every day, love it and have wondered why there was no advertising on it.
If your rates are reasonable I might even consider advertising on it myself.
Hilde
MDS, you for it girl, you have absolutely nothing to lose with a few well placed adverts that add value to your already fabulous blog. My only advice would be to take a little time to do some homework and target organisations who are a good fit with you, your values and your readers. I'm thinking of going through the same process so I'll keep you posted if I come up with anything brilliant that I can share...LOL!
ReplyDeleteMFSxx
Do you read the glamourai blog??
ReplyDeleteShe seems to be quite brilliant about making money, and forwarding her career thru her blog.
These are scary times. Have being frightened almost to death earlier in the week by talk of a 'double dip' I say -go for it. I can't imagine for a single second you will be short of splendid offers. You are an intelligent and wonderful person who will choose the exactly the right fit for you. Good Luck, let us know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteQM
x
Go Capitalism! Although I must admit there are some blogs I have quit reading because they went commercial.
ReplyDeleteI say embrace the chance to make some cash!
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of the above, definitely you should have sponsors, and I think your readers would trust that you will vet and choose them properly, just as any reputable publication does!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments - I'm still undecided more likely to not rather than do.
ReplyDeleteI will only do adverts which have paid for space and are nothing to do with content. I will stay away from 'gifted' and 'guest of' and 'product' stuff.