SUBSCRIBE VIA RSSIf Charlie Brown were a reader of mine, I’d probably be the second most hated person in his life. The first, of course, being his barber.
Throughout the Peanuts Christmas special, Charlie Brown laments how the holidays have become too commercial. That people don’t appreciate or realize the true meaning of Christmas. So I can only imagine how he’d react to the the commercialization of my blog. As though I didn’t appreciate or realize the true meaning of blogging.
Longtime readers will remember that I wrestled with the thought of placing advertisements on my site. I wanted my site to remain ad-free so that it didn’t look like I was selling out or going the route of commercialization. I wasn’t sure if it would turn people off or make them think I was only doing this for the money.
Truth is, it costs me money to support this blog. But it’s a labor of love. I love to write, I love to share, and I love to interact with readers. At the same time, I can’t let my passion for blogging affect my family, my clients, or our financial stability.
Knowing this, I opted for the ads in the hopes of defraying the costs. Understand that the costs extend far beyond hosting, domain names, and other technical nerdy things we need to make the Internet go ’round. As a freelancer, time is my only inventory, and there are only 24 hours in a day. When they’re gone, they’re gone. So if I spend an hour or two writing a post, it eats up an hour or two that I could trade for income. At $75-$125 an hour, it adds up quick.
Within every day’s 24-hour budget, I need to make sure I devote enough time to sleep, to eating, to my children, to my wife, to our pets, to my business, to my home, to my friends, to errands, to charity work, to exercise, to volunteering, to coaching…you get the point.
When you own your own business and write your own checks, there are no paid vacations, no sick days, and no paid leaves of absence. Time gone is time gone unpaid, so I have to constantly balance priorities. As much as I don’t like it, blogging has to be last. Well, almost last. I can go without eating to write. Humor is like fuel to me.
There are hundreds of bloggers out there making literally THOUSANDS of dollars every month through their blogs. Whether through sidebar links and ads or sponsored posts, if they write, they get paid. LOTS.
I’m not even a blip on that level’s radar. As much as I thought I’d at least be scraping the upper echelon of blogdom by now, I’m still mired in obscurity nearly three years later. I doubt that will change, and I suppose I’m at peace with that. If I can carve out a few dozen devoted readers, I’m happy. Not wealthy, but happy.
In the spirit of full disclosure, do you want to know how much I make each month through my ads?
$84.
When you’re bringing home this kind of bank, it opens up a whole new world of decisions. Like, where does one shelter all this cash? How does one keep their compulsions in check and not go on wild spending sprees? What can one do to prevent the desire to just go off the grid and travel the world worry-free?
It also opens up other decisions. Like, how in the world can I keep doing this? Is it worth sacrificing literally hundreds of dollars or precious hours with my family to write a blog that’s going nowhere? What can I do to further support my passion that doesn’t involve crime?
That’s when I made a decision that will either give sustainable life to my blog or kill it. Kind of like an unproven pharmaceutical.
I have long been approached by companies to write sponsored posts that linked to their products or services. I’ve always been against that because I absolutely REFUSE to allow even one word on my site to not be my own. I didn’t want to be a mouthpiece, a corporate shill, or yet another purveyor of press releases. I wanted my posts, my blog, to remain 100% me and 100% genuine.
Still, what good is a 100% genuine site if it means the site will go dark?
I’m not asking for anything from anyone beyond the understanding that sometimes, I will be publishing a sponsored post. It’ll be rare, but it’ll happen.
That said, I have strict criteria for the sponsored offers I’ll accept:
1) If a press release is provided, it’ll be shredded. I don’t regurgitate verbiage, I make it from scratch.
2) I won’t be told what to write. Being given a topic, a subject matter, or an angle is fine, but the entire piece will be my own.
3) It must be a topic that naturally fits with my family and my life. It has to be relevant and it has to be applicable. I can’t be asked to write about mountain climbing equipment unless I’m allowed to explain why I’ll never own any.
Yesterday, I wrote a sponsored post relating to long term care insurance. The reaction was mixed. Most didn’t comment, which is like getting the silent treatment because of displeasure. Some admonished me for my honesty in sharing the realization that I’d be unable to provide long term care myself (although it was really more a commentary on how I didn’t want to rub my mom’s feet or wipe her rear end). Some saw it for what it was, a sarcastic look at the relationship I have with my parents (seriously, we joke about this stuff all the time together). And one mentioned that she felt duped by the presence of a sponsored post.
And it’s that duped feeling that inspired this post.
Now that it’s blatantly apparent that my blog will be forever lost in a sea of white noise and buried by an increasingly crowded blogging landscape, I have come to the realization that either I need to offset the cost and sacrifice or I need to shut it down.
My family comes first. Always have, always will. Whether that means I’m coaching my son’s basketball team, enjoying a romantic trip to Wal-Mart with my wife, shuttling the kiddos between doctor’s appointments and school, helping out with homework, or just sitting with them to play a board game or watch the latest episode of the Wonder Pets, their needs come first.
It’s also kind of important to keep the lights on, the heat working, and the cupboards stocked. As such, work has to be a major priority or else I’ll be writing my blog from the local homeless shelter. Assuming they have Wi-Fi.
I’m also devoted to volunteering and supporting charitable causes through Rotary and through my willingness to provide my services pro bono to non-profit organizations. That also needs to come first.
Then there’s all the aforementioned tasks like house maintenance, errands, pet care, exercise, and more.
After all this…with all the free time I have left…there’s blogging.
I hate that something I love so much has to come last, but it’s the responsible thing to do. It has to come last even with how much I love it and depend on it for sanity.
By sprinkling in a few sponsored posts, I’ll be afforded the opportunity to mix it with work in the grand scheme of priorities. It’ll give me a buffer, a level of freedom that allows me to not stress over the fact that every minute that ticks by while writing is one more minute that takes away from my family’s income.
I’ll always tell you when a post is sponsored and I’ll also preempt each post with a disclaimer so you don’t feel duped by its presence. As well, every word will be legit. 100% my own. Also understand that it won’t happen often, I’m not that popular, but it will happen. The only other alternative is darkness.
So, I suppose, if you’re REALLY against sponsored posts, and you feel it taints the other memories and opinions I share, you can abandon me for the non-commercial blogs that remain. Should they exist. Even with these posts, I’ll earn hundreds less than I could otherwise, but at least they’ll support my habit. Kind of like crack but without the stigma.
Thank you for enduring the rant and I’ll hope to still consider you an avid reader. I mean no disrespect by entertaining a few paid offers now and then. I just know I can’t keep doing this without them.
I think even Charlie Brown could appreciate that.
And he’s a blockhead.
_________________________
{ 64 comments… read them below or add one }
For what it’s worth, there are bloggers who aren’t even a blip on your level, who look up to you. I appreciate your willingness to say that you provide free entertainment, and it’s not too much to ask people to occasionally see an ad/sponsored post (Quelle Horror!) in exchange for your talent.
Just for the record – I liked your post. Even having just lost my dad this year – I was laughing at it … and believe me laughter IS the best medicine. It also honestly brings up something that should be a part of the “sandwich” generation’s thoughts. So – thanks! And please – keep the lights on!!!
If an occasional sponsored post that is written super well is going to upset people well boo on them. We need to make money somehow and I think you do a fantastic job. It’s not like your being money hungry and have your whole blog a mass ad and every single post is an ad. You do a great balance of it and I say great job Greg!
Well said Greg. I wholeheartedly agree. I do sponsored posts and product reviews – and I received an email saying how she “hated bloggers that push products just for payment.” Sadly there is no way to show her all of the things I REFUSED to post about – because it didnt match my blog, wasnt relevant to me or my family, etc – even “for payment.”
As usual kudos to your honesty, and dont worry about losing those who have an issue with it. Brings up that quote – those who matter dont mind, and those who mind, dont matter!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom´s last post…Christmas Trees, Movies, And the Naughty List
Whenever I am unsure how to proceed, or how to sum up my feelings, I always look to great philosophers. The phrase that comes to mind is from the timeless Rhianna. She says, “Don’t let the bastards get you down”. Also, I believe she is a big believer in copious amounts of alcohol-Hennessy, if I’m not mistaken. So I think what I’m trying to say is, eff ‘em if they can’t take a joke. Or a sponsored post. And drink more.
I’m not even a blip on the sponsors radar and have never received an offer to write a sponsored post. But I would totally do it if I got one that fit in with my whole lifestyle thing.
Good for you for not shutting down. Lots of little people (like me) look up to you and really enjoy your writing. I wish there were more guys out there who loved their wives and families as much as you do and were willing to write about it!
Chelle´s last post…The Pee Goes IN The Toilet!
I read tons of blogs with sponsored posts. It’s never bothered me especially when they let me know up front…it’s sponsored.
Because really, since I have no kids I appreciate the fact of knowing you’re writing about diapers ahead of time. It gives me the choice of giving my time (which is so precious like everyone elses) to something else if I choose.
And THAT I appreciate. Tons.
But then there are those sponsored posts on things I know nothing about and find lots of interest in.
In other words…I kinda appreciate them. Now, I don’t want one every time I log on, but I’ve learned more from them than not.
And if my having to read a sponsored post is the price I have to pay to stay up with what you have going on…then so be it. It’s still a win/win for me.
Carrie´s last post…Rockin Around the Christmas Tree. With my twang.
Your blog is funny and often makes me laugh. I would rather have the occasional sponsored ad on your site than to lose the opportunity to read your stories. If you put the disclaimer at the top of the post, viewers who don’t want to read sponsored posts can just skip that particular post and come back another day. I think you may have hit a nerve with that particular post, so it was a bit of the ad that caused the somewhat negative feedback, but also the subject. Long term care is a difficult subject, sponsored or not. Please keep the lights on for this blog. Your readers’ eyes will adjust.
There’s no reason for anyone to feel “duped” by a sponsored post. The content and voice is still YOU … it’s just a topic. Maybe some people don’t realize how a sponsored post works but more times than not, it’s nothing more than a simple keyword or phrase revolving around a topic that you might have written about at some point anyways.
I actually just found my way to your blog yesterday, and the sponsored post was the first one that I read. It didn’t bother me that it was sponsored. It was well-written and funny, and it got me to click around a little, bookmark you, and return this morning for more. You’re very good at this, and I think it would be a shame if you gave it up.
As long as you’re forthcoming about your reasons for doing sponsored posts (as you have been), I’m sure that your readers will understand. Everyone’s gotta pay the bills.
Also, I wouldn’t rule out the future possibility of becoming a superstar blogger. You’ve certainly got what it takes, and your readership must still be growing. If nothing else, I know that I’ll be back.
As an old person and a caregiver, I enjoyed yesterday’s post. As the wife of a self-employed graphic designer (retired), I understand your plight. Please keep writing because, as stated above, laughter is definitely the best medicine!
Appreciate everyone’s words but I’m really irked by the insinuation on the other post that I’ve tricked people. Had I written what someone else told me to write and passed their promos off as my own, I could see the ire.
But I never pimped out the products, explained what it was, or told people to buy anything. I was given carte blanche and told to write whatever I wanted. I felt it provided a funny anecdote, so I ran with it.
To hear those comments, and to know many others probably felt the same way but in silence, is troubling to me.
Not sure what I’ll do, but right now, I feel I can’t win regardless.
And it sucks.
Oh honey, really.
Do you know that priests get paid? Why yes they do. I don’t think they are selling out when they receive a monetary compensation for their time and effort. Did you know that prisoners that perform services are given a stipend? Why yes they are. Do you know the guy that follows the elephant with a bucket and shovel gets paid? Yep! And fish mongers.
Do you know how many people bought their teenagers sponsored tee-shirts this year for gifts? Yep! (No really, buy any shirts with aero-whatever blazened across the shirt?) You need to get in touch with your inner diva honey, and be pissed! And I think you did win, because despite whatever complaints some had, I got to reminisce about a cranky old guy we had the pleasure to be with for a while; and I have also discussed the issue with my own dear parents and we have all agreed the iceberg option may be the way to go! (though they are currently negotiating the Alaskan cruise that will proceed it).
As Cher once said “get over it!”
Thanks from someone relatively new to your blog.
I really don’t understand why someone would get upset or feel “duped” by a sponsored post. Do they not read books? A book is just a long post in print form, bound and sold by the author. Do they not watch television, where commercials take up almost as much space as the so called entertainment? What about listening to radio? Even the best of songs are interrupted with the incessant audio commercials from time to time. Oh, and those songs? Written and performed by a band FOR MONEY.
When I see the term “sponsored”, it just means to me that someone has been paid to write an article. Sometimes the writer is not even given a topic, just a key word or phrase. I would be willing to bet that if that some person who said she felt “duped” was offered the opportunity to do whatever it is she does and get paid for it, she would do it too. So, why is that when blogger accepts a cash payment for writing, it is automatically considered to be untrustworthy?
As a writer, I still have the same thoughts, ideas, and feelings about topic A as I would have if I just wrote it to be writing it, but if I am paid to write the same article, I can afford better groceries next week.
It’s a shame that you felt compelled to justify your post, Greg. It was clear, all the way through, that it was your voice, and it had little of the “this is a sponsored post” feel through it. As I said in the comments of that post, it didn’t bother me, and I will re-iterate it: KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AND I DON’T MIND SPONSORED POSTS FROM YOU. Because it’s YOU. You aren’t selling out, you aren’t changing your principles for the almighty dollar; you’re surviving. And this whole blogging thing is free entertainment. Those of us who enjoy your voice understand the costs, both financially and opportunity, associated with our entertainment and enjoyment.
Besides, it was a funny post, and one that I sent my parents, who also laughed about it. Because we joke about that stuff, too.
And, finally, a reminder of sage wisdom: You can’t please everyone, all the time, nor should you try. Just please yourself, because, at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
You can’t please everyone, all the time, nor should you try. Just please yourself, because, at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Read that over and over and over! There’s NO WAY to please EVERYONE – if there was – you’d be stuck in a big white house in DC! shudder
I love the humor of your blog and I would be sad for it to go. Having said that, I see nothing wrong with a sponsored post here and there, especially when you STILL find ways to make it fit in with your blog, life & humor. I’d rather those occasional posts then your blog leaving
You are doing what you feel is right for you and for your family. Knowing you only through your blog like I do, I know that you love your family and will do anything to make sure they have all the things they need on any given day. I love your blog and am surely not going anywhere just because you have to put a few sponsored post up every so often. They are still funny and still you! Thanks for being so honest and for allowing us to still enjoy your blog. My internet reading would be bleak if your site went dark!
I’m not going anywhere.
Meaning, I’m not going to close the blog. I mean, I’m still not going anywhere, lol, but I’ve talked myself off the ledge.
As many of you have said both publicly and privately, if someone has a problem with how I run my blog, they don’t have to read it. Easily solved.
That said, if they want to pay me to write how they feel it should be done, I do accept PayPal and all major credit cards. I also accept chocolate covered caramel.
I’m done wasting precious energy on this. I shouldn’t have, but it raised my fur when I felt my integrity was being questioned.
Anyone who would question your integrity obviously hasn’t read enough of your posts. It is quite clear upon reading any of them that you are an honest, forthright, caring and wonderfully quirky person. Remember what your Mom told you as a kid, “Stick and stones….” That post totally fit in with what you write about every day, your family. For those that do not agree, I have a childish response : P
As long as I still have a Telling Dad blog to come and read I don’t care if you slip in a few posts to keep it going
I’ll still read your blog, even with a few sponsored posts. I don’t really understand why people have a problem with that, but too bad for them!
But see the difference is, your sponsored posts will probably be just about as entertaining as your other posts…instead of just rambling. So I don’t mind at all, and it IS costly to run a blog. If people don’t get that well the heck with them. Just my two cents
There was a comedian in Australia who, after he became well known, did some TV car advertisements. When fans complained that he’d “sold out”, his response was… “I don’t understand that. This is my job – I was always doing it to make money.” (or words to that effect, I don’t recall exactly. But you get the point).
Like others have said, you wrote the article yourself & gave the subject matter your own voice. If someone’s upset that you got paid to do it, well, you can’t please everyone.
Your space. Your rules. I’ll keep coming back!
I came here from The Bloggess a few months ago. I have checked through blogs she recommends and yours is the only one I have stuck with reading once I found it. You are a very genuinely good man with great sense of humor and a fabulous family and that makes your blog real and enjoyable. Except for the disclaimer on that post, I didn’t notice anything about it that screamed it was a sponsored post. It was like any other post you might write. I think if someone is willing to pay you and agree to let you write like that in your own voice, then by golly you should take advantage of that. I just want to thank you for your voice. I’ll keep coming back to read.
To be honest Greg, I WAS a bit surprised to see a sponsored post, but then, after having met your wonderful family…I understood. You gotta keep the gas in Perry!
And I didn’t even realize it was a sponsored post until 3/4 of the way through it. *shrug*
Do your thing..You will still have this reader!
I only read a few blogs, yours among them. I like your writing even though I’m not in your age bracket, don’t have kids and am a woman. You’re funny and in my opinion, have a good outlook on life. I’m sure I’ll enjoy your sponsored blog entries and don’t apologize for needing to make a little cash. Most of us do. Another blogger I follow has done the same with almost exactly the same attitude as yours and I just don’t see the harm. Write on! (yes, I’m a child of the 60′s)
Sigh. I wish people would just chill out. I just read both posts, back to back, and got a huge kick out of the sponsored post. We all have to make a living and I see nothing wrong with how you’ve chosen to do and find the people who are taking offense to be selfish. Unless they want to write you a check, they need to stop being rude. I’m proud to be your reader, no matter how that looks. You chose to have integrity with your sponsored posts and for that I think you are even more awesome then when I first started reading your blog. Thanks for making me smile whenever my Google Reader shows a new post from you!
Most people ultimately fear change and if you have to include some sponsored posts to keep the lights on in Internet-land, then so be it. What I take away from each post (the funny and heart string tugging tales) I read is free. Seriously, it is. I mostly read while I’m at work, so it’s no coin outta my pocket. Much like television, I can choose to take part or not. No one is forcing me to read anything I don’t want. I guess what I’m saying is, you keep writing and I’ll keep reading. Happy holidays!
I liked the post. I actually couldn’t tell if it was a sponsored post or not, given your hard stance against such a thing, but the disclaimer threw me. Family is important and if it’s a way for you to make money while continue doing what you love and allowing you to write about things that are important to you with the same snarky attitude we all come back day after day to read, then kudos!! If everyone could figure out how to make money doing what they love, the world would be a happier place! I was, and still am, a loyal reader
Audra´s last post…An open letter to my sisters ignorant “occupier” friend
Heck Greg – try and make as much money as possible. It is your time – if people don’t like it – they don’t have to read it. I will stay tuning in.
I have absolutely no problem with you running ads or a sponsored post now and then. I found yesterday’s post to be just as amusing as all your others (probably because I have a similar relationship with my parents). I’m so used to ads in the blogs I read, that honestly I don’t notice them. I will continue reading as long as you keep writing!
As long as you are still here, and as long as I can still get my weekly giggle (I swear you have been listening in on my life), the odd “sponsored” post doesn’t amount to a hill of beans to me. I’m not a blogger, but lord knows I do love to read your blog. It makes me smile.
Not a blogger either, but I sure do enjoy reading yours!! You make me laugh. That is why I come here. I don’t really care one way or another if you throw a sponsored blog into the mix every now and then – I still read. And I will continue to read.
PS Yours is the first blog I check every day………just sayin’.
I could care less about the adds, as long as it aint a pop up, you can cover the entire border with adds. I come here for the lighter side of things. the things we all experience yet you put it in the greatest perspective known to man. I guess you could say your writting is inspiring, and humbling. Something we all need from time to time. All I can add to that is “..3 dollars and change and going up..”
I totally understand! I thought your last post was hilarious and a very sneaky, yet not blatant way of writing to make money! Kudos to you!
Dont worry it’s written during nap time!
I wish I got paid even a couple bucks to write my blog. Granted i don’t pay anything to have it up AND I’m a stay at home mama so it’s not like I really should be doing anything else!
Keep up the awesome stuff!
Don’t over think it. Just keep writing. We would miss you:) Patti
TANSTAAFL! (there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch). Does anyone really believe that when they buy the 500 dollar item they are getting the extra frill for free???
Really.
Get over it people. Time is money, the end. Now write something funny and move along.
“That’s the secret to life… replace one worry with another….”
~Charlie Brown
As others have said, I love your blog and look forward to your posts, sponsored or otherwise. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep doing whatever you need to do to KEEP WRITING your blog. Don’t let the haters get you down. You’re the best!
I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said- but I find you to be a really enjoyable read, and will continue to read, sponsored posts or not.
Okay, here is my two cents (pun intended). I am a relative newcomer to your blog (by way of The Bloggess) and I check it everyday to see if you’ve written something new. When I read your “sponsored” post my first thought was, “Damn, I wish I could get a sponsor for my blog.” I never felt duped and think it is very wrong for anyone to try to tell you otherwise. You do not have to justify trying to earn a living. You are not selling out. You should be proud people want to pay you for your writing. As the old adage goes, Screw ‘em if they can’t take a joke…even a sponsored one! So glad you will not be shutting down this blog. I read your one about the dog food out loud to the hubby the other night and had him literally choking with laughter. Good stuff
You do what ya gotta do! I’m a relatively new reader, but I thought yesterdays post was hysterically funny, sponsored or not. Some people just like to complain!
Beth Larrabee´s last post…Holiday Templates And More From Microsoft Office – Giveaway Ends 1/2
Kepp the posts coming! They make my day.
Greg,
You rock, your post is hilarious and I loved your sponsored post. Normally I will skip sponsored posts on blogs b/c they are boring and if I want a commericial I’ll go to a movie. Yours was AWESOME; I barely knew it was advertising anything and the story made me laugh. There are only 5 blogs I read daily, yours is #2 (Blogess is #1 – sorry) thanks for being a bright spot in the day.
Now I feel bad about my “silent treatment” yesterday. I thought you’re post was funny and said what so many of us are thinking. I’ve been threatening to send my mother to a nursing home in California for years (I live in Oklahoma, so California is far enough away. I guess.). I appreciate your humor and your honesty. Keep up the good work!
It sounds like it’s all been said, but just remember that for the few that were grumbling, there’s a lot of us who love you no matter what! Some of us just don’t comment much
Keep at it Greg!
From one crack addict to another, let the naysayers suck on their lemons. I’ve found that the people who say they’ve been “duped” by a sponsored post are the ones who want you to say in the very first line of the post “XYZ company gave me ABC to write about their product,” and then proceed with your post. We don’t all get what we want all of the time now do we? As far as I’m concerned, they can suck it. You disclosed, and wrote an entertaining post about what to do as your parents age. It’s a topic more of us need to discuss in our families. I know I really don’t want to be wiping anyone’s butt either. My kids have been hard to potty train (sensory issues), and I never dreamed 2 kids would have me changing diapers for a total of 10 years. That’s 1/3 of my life. Frankly, I’m done. There are professionals who get paid to do that for the elderly and infirm, and you can believe I will find a way to pay them for my parents. And, now I’ve gone off on a tangent. I blame the Christmas cookies.
Wow. When YOUR readers act like asshats (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, ASSHATS) it makes me rethink humankind! I figure people are here because they WANT to be here, not because…well I don’t know any other reason to read a blog.
Anyway, I’m delighted you’re not going anywhere, and I just don’t get what the people who fussed about it are fussing about. I don’t like every single post on every single blog I read…sheesh! That doesn’t mean if I don’t care for a post that I am going to stop reading a blog I otherwise LOVE. (FYI, I thought the post in question was hilarious and having been there with my grandparents…well I think its a good subject to think on anyhow. So there, naysayers.)
I hate finding trolls in my garden. *nose wrinkle* (My garden being the blogs I choose to read, not MY blog. Not that I have one. That’s publicly appropriate anyway.)
I didn’t comment yesterday. Not because I disapproved but because it doesn’t matter to me if you have sponsored posts or ads. And because I seldom comment on any of the blogs I follow[all 4 of them] [I can't spell and my grammar, well, it sucks and just writing THIS means I have to figure out what all the red squiggly lines mean under the words. ack] and i enjoy your blog alot. Please accept this comment [and the time it took me to figure out the squiggly lines][I can't even begin to tell you] as my endorsement to please continue to keep doing what you do and have fun doing it. It makes me laugh. [omg the squiggly lines!!!]
I actually found your insurance article interesting. Being young, I have not thought about what I may need to have, so I was grateful for the topic. The fact that it was a sponsored post didn’t bother me at all, although I was surprised as I had thought you wouldn’t do sponsored posts. I’m new to your blog, and love your quick wit… glad to hear you’ll be keeping the lights on.
If it makes you feel any better, the only views I get are of friends that I make read my blog. If my husband reads it, it’s because I dragged him to the computer and said “LOOK AT THIS AND TELL ME YOU LOVE IT!” Also, almost every other blog I read has ads and sponsored posts. Never bothered me. If I could make money blogging I would do it in a heartbeat. But I’m not funny or focused enough to do that. So you take your $80/month and buy a yacht. A tiny, tiny yacht.
It is not that you are going to write the sponsored posts at all. It is the saying you will not advertise and doing it and saying you are not going to do sponsored posts and doing it. I honestly don’t mind at all that you do. I think you are a charming and funny and check in most every day with you. I read other blogs that advertise and it doesn’t bother me a bit. With that said keep the blog posts coming.
I don’t remember ever saying that I wouldn’t advertise and wouldn’t do sponsored posts.
I did say I wouldn’t do reviews and I wouldn’t republish press releases. But I can’t find where I stated that I wouldn’t do ads or sponsored posts. Even with the latter, it has to be 100% my words.
This is what sticks in my craw…people believing I said something I didn’t and then it affecting my perceived integrity…or lack thereof.
I didn’t comment on the insurance post, but I should have. I found it HILARIOUS! I’m a lurker though, I read your blog every day but never comment. Too lazy I guess, but you make me laugh and I’m always bummed when there are no new posts from you and excited to read when there are!
I guess in my mind reviews are a form of advertising as are sponsored posts. But when you really think about it there are some differences like keeping the humor and words your own. I admit I didn’t actually look back to see exactly what you had wrote. So… disregard the first comment. Keep writing and advertise, sponsor posts, and do reviews if you need to to make financial sense with your blog. I promise I won’t comment negatively. Really do enjoy your blog!!
Sorry Greg, I’ve been sick as a dog for several days and am only today getting caught up on my blogs. I didn’t comment yesterday because I wanted to jump right into today’s. Do whatever you need to please to keep the blog up. I just started my own blog and added you to my blogroll. I don’t know how to remove you so you can’t quit. Can. Not. So there.
Some of my favorite bloggers sell limited edition t shirts once a year. Slap your logo on a shirt, sell it for $20 once a year. 144 shirts could equal $2,000 profit and your brand awareness expands. Next year, maybe you sell twice as many.
I loved the “sponsored” post. Like you said, it isn’t as if you are regurgitating a press release. You treated it like any other topic you would write about: with humor and honesty. Keep doing your thing!
I started reading your blog a few months ago and instead of just jumping in, I decided to start from the very beginning, so I’ve read every post you’ve ever blogged here.
That said, I don’t feel duped in the least that you did a sponsored post. Especially since you let us know right at the start that it was one. Even though in the early days of your blog you said you wouldn’t do ads or sponsored posts, life comes with compromises. If getting to continue reading about your life, family and opinions includes some banner ads or a sponsored post once in a while, you can sign me up.
I love coming to your blog and seeing a new post. Your posts always invoke some sort of reaction from me. Whether it be a smile, a laugh or even tears.
Thank you, Greg, for sharing with me a little of your life
Thank you so much for the kind words and for having the patience to read every post.
I don’t remember saying no ads and no sponsored posts but if I did, it must have been a lonnnng time ago. Back when I thought I’d be something in this blogging world. But yeah, you’re right, life comes with compromises and things change. For me to keep writing, I had to do it, but I’ve tried to make it as non-intrusive as possible. Hopefully I’ve done that.
I don’t feel duped at all. You gotta do what you gotta do and I, for one, do not want this site to go dark. You give me the snorting on myself, laughing til my belly hurts outlet that I look forward to reading daily…if I have the time. Right now I am behind in reading which I’m actually liking because I can get my “fix” and not have to wait for another post for now. I don’t think I’ve even SEEN a blog that didn’t have ads. In the land of those easily offended by the wind blowing or the color of the clouds today, I say, who cares if you do ads or not? Things in this world really aren’t free and those who think otherwise must be on welfare…where in that world it’s only free for them. (that was not directed at those that truly need assistance, but at those that are able-bodied and truly do not need it).
$84? Eighty-Four Dollars!?!
Dude, there are starving kids in Blogofrica that would be happy to have it. In fact, please go to my blog right now and sign up to feed a small(ish) childlike adult. For a mere $80, less than the cost of writing a blog, you could have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping in a time of need those with lesser abilities than yourself. (queue sad Sally Struthers SPCA music)
In the blogosphere, so many go unnoticed and hungry-for-attention-and-when-I-say-attention-I-mean-cash. Help now before it is too late.
Dude, fuzzle ‘em if they can’t take a sponsored post.
WG
WilyGuy´s last post…REDUX #4 : Spam Wars: The Hairline Grows Back
Hilarious!