I don’t want to offend anyone here, but I guess I might. It seems that Pay-Per-Post (PPP) badges are popping up on blogs everywhere. I understand that most bloggers are hoping to make some money. I know what kind of time goes into writing posts and maintaining a site, not to mention that most bloggers have families, “real” jobs, and lots of other things going on in their lives. I’m right there with you! I get it!
But when I read a post on a blog that has a PPP badge, or maybe a disclosure statement (explaining that some posts may or may not be influenced by sponsors), I wonder whether I’m reading a genuine article or a paid advertisement. Is it just me, or does a blog that accepts PPP writing assignments lose some of its credibility? Maybe I should read the whole blog before I decide whether it’s too commercial for me, but how many of us have time for that? Is that how you surf blogs? Probably not.
I’m not trying to sound high and mighty. Pay-Per-Post bloggers aren’t bad people. I’ve considered getting in on PPP myself, but I’ve decided against it. I’ve decided this blog is going to be all mine. Now if somebody wants to hire me to write for a separate publication, that’s a different story. But like it or not, this one’s all me. There you have it.
WELCOME! I can't teach you how to monetize your blog, but I can offer you some mostly intelligent conversation, moderately geeky tech talk, very funny mom stories, with the occasional rant thrown in for sanity. I'm so glad you're here!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting question. I have done one PPP. This is manily because my blog is too young to be picked up by the other companies. But I do plan to do more.
I think the answer is in the writing. I still plan on maintaining my writing style in the posts. And, in order for me to bid on a PPP ad, it would have to be something that would be relevant to my readers.
I do a lot of plugging for companies or other blogs for free right now. I can’t see thzt it would be a dramatic departure. If I had a blog about photography and all of a suddent there was a post about credit card machines, that would be odd and yes, I think the blog would lose a little something.
The Little Dough Girl’s last blog post..The clouds parted!
I never thought of it that way, but it’s a really good point!
Nissa H’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen- Nis’ Navy Knowings
I can’t speak for all PPP bloggers, but I know that I will only accept PPP offers for things that I can speak truthfully on. For instance, I just recently completed a post for Vistaprint. I’ve blogged about them in the past on my own and I LOVE vistaprint and use them frequently, so I had no problem accepting an offer to promote them via a post. But that’s just me…I’m sure there are others that give positive reviews to things that they actually wouldn’t honestly recommend to anyone…
I talk about products and companies that I like, too. I use VistaPrint a lot for my own business cards, etc! I really appreciate everyone sharing these insights. Hugs to all!
it’s best to have a disclosure policy where you can tell your audience that yes you are getting paid to review products, but no you are not going to say it’s good when it isn’t.
woobie’s last blog post..The Gift of Smarts
Please don’t hate me because I’ve sold out to PPP.
Seriously, I have done 2 PPP opps and they were both things I could speak genuinely about (or else I wouldn’t have done them). While I do hope to make money with my blog (geesh…it’s expensive having triplets), the first and foremost purpose of my blog is to provide good writing and interesting and/or touching bits of my own experiences. I am all about presenting myself honestly, though, so I feel ethically obligated to include the disclosure.
Monica’s last blog post..Scrolling Saturday I
I’m with you Geek Mom. In fact, I recently did a post about the very same thing. I do understand it – I actually did sign up myself but just could not bring myself to ‘pull the trigger’. I do understand why people do it but it is not for everyone. My biggest per peeve are the blogs that clearly do nothing but PPP. Your uncle and you talked about life insurance over the Christmas dinner table? Wow! Oh, and this link here is good? Is this the same uncle that you discussed tennis rackets with around the festivus pole? Honestly, give it a rest … love the blog.
I think it is best to judge the blog on it’s own value if the blogger does paid content or not. I work with PPP and several other companies. As most active PPP and otherwise bloggers, I take my blog very seriously. I write because I love it. The money, much needed as it is, is never worth my intergrity.
If you are thinking of coming over to the “dark side” – ie making money from your blog, I would recommend checking out the fourms at GeekySpeaky.com for webmasters and bloggers alike. Wonderful group of bloggers.
I wrote about my stance in depth a while back if you are interested:
http://tinakubala.com/2007/10/27/the-talk-about-paid-blogging.aspx
Tina Kubala’s last blog post..Recirculated Air and Strep Throat