Sunday, March 28, 2010
Karen's Blog of the Week: Words of Wisdom
I've received emails from a few companies offering sponsorship.
There have been times where I've actually considered both. But, in the end, I decided against it because it's just not why I'm here.
The blogoverse changed drastically when corporations discovered the power of a blogger's voice.
Now, corporate sponsors, adsense, giveaways...it's hard to find a blog that isn't out there to make some money or get some free stuff.
It reminds me a little of the California Gold Rush of the 1840s.
Yes, I've received free swag a few times. I've done and will continue to do the occasional product review and/or giveaway.
(Although, honestly, my current giveaway is the first one ever where someone else is paying for the prize.)
My blog was, is, and will continue to be a place for me to express myself. To write about whatever I feel like writing about. To connect with other bloggers and meet new friends, and learn about new things. As soon as I open up to corporations, my blog becomes about what They want. Rules about where to place certain buttons or a lengthy list of stipulations on how to give away a particular toothbrush. Whatever.
That's why I was beyond thrilled to discover Words of Wisdom.
Launched just this week by Pam and Sandy, two blogging ladies I already know and love, Words of Wisdom is a place for blogs of substance.
I hope no one misunderstands what I'm trying to say here. There's NOTHING WRONG with giveaways and advertising. There are a lot of you out there making some decent spending cash and even a more elite crowd making an actual living from sponsorship. I applaud you for that.
(In fact, in the interest of full disclosure, I'm in the middle of starting a project that does something similar.)
But the blogs where I really feel at home, feel compelled to leave comments, get invested in the lives of total strangers?
Those are the blogs that are about content.
I love that, in the course of just an hour, I can read about everything from things to see if I'm ever in Indonesia, to what it's like going on a real-life ghost hunt, to which book should send me running to the nearest Barnes and Noble and which I should avoid like the creepy guy at church.
Substance. The kind of thing that, when I read it, I feel compelled to write a comment. Or even to take the topic back to my own blog and write about it myself.
I'm excited about Words of Wisdom. Still in its infancy, I've already discovered some great blogs that are thought-provoking, well-written, and that I can't wait to visit again. It's not about women or men. It's not about mommies or non-mommies. It's about good topics and interesting perspectives.
I hope you'll go and visit and see what Pam and Sandy are all about. Let's celebrate getting back to the basics of blogging and enjoy this whole blogoverse thing. I have a feeling it's catching on.
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wonderful choice Karen! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of this. I feel like a sell out every time I agree to do a review, but I'm getting offered some really cool stuff...like a new pair of prescription glasses....that was a hard one to turn down. But I try to only do book reviews for the most part. Anyway, good choice for Words of Widsom. I hate that my week has been so busy that I've missed most of the launch week!
ReplyDeleteKaren: I just visited Words of Wisdom. Thanks so much for the link. Getting back to our roots...I'm all for it!
ReplyDeleteI've read about Words of Wisdom several times on Sandy's blog, and have meant to check it out, but just haven't found the time yet. It sounds like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteKaren, thanks so much for featuring WOW this week! I'm so flattered. The response to WOW has been amazing so far. I do believe that there is a real desire for a network like this. We have three awesome blogs lined up for this week. Please stop by and check them out.
ReplyDeleteGREAT post!!! I truly believe WOW is one of THE best things to come along in the blogosphere in a long time. I love blogging and I think I love reading other blogs even more, but I have gotten so turned off by the recent proliferation of ads/pr/giveaways that many, at one time interesting, blogs have turned to. I have been finding some great blogs now thanks to Sandy and Pam!
ReplyDeleteI really like what you said about it. I'm going off to see what it's about right now!! Thanks, Karen!
ReplyDeleteA big MWAH for such a great post. We sincerely appreciate the support.
ReplyDeleteIt is my dream to land a major corporate sponsor who will invest in my life and let me keep writing my content the way I want to.
ReplyDeleteFor now, I just try to slip Prilosec OTC into every conversation.
Sing it with me: Sell out with me tonight....
Sounds like a wonderful blog! And I agree, I want my blog to be a place that I can express myself without worry!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to go over and check it out. I also get a little annoyed at blogs that are too much about the commercial stuff.
ReplyDelete