Hello and Happy Wednesday!
I have been fighting off a slight cold forever now. It’s not bad but I am a moco-le-le like whoa. (Mocos = boogers in Spanish.)
So, I set off on my usual Tensday run and it went well considering I am a snotmobile. The super cool, gloomy weather is perfect for running so I had that going for me.
Then, I got home and was trying to eat cereal while cooking eggs and this happened. Boo. bs
Last night I made cauliflower rice that was amazing. Do you like how I made fake rice and served it with garlic cheese bread? ‘Cause I do.
Okay.
Let’s talk the hot topic of the day… Sponsored Posts
These days bloggers are doing a lot more sponsored posts. Some people don’t care, but some people really really care. So, I wanted to address it.
Back in the day (five-freaking-years ago) when I, and many of my friends started blogging it was just for shits and giggles fun. No one expected this to turn into a full time job or a mainstream form of entertainment and information (infotainment).
Call it ‘right place right time’, call it luck, call it ‘online dating for friends’… but for whatever reason a lot of blogs blew up! Within a year readership skyrocketed and advertisers wanted to take advantage of all those eyeballs looking at blogs. So, ad groups formed and organized a way for bloggers to get paid for their hard work. Some groups guaranteed a set rate depending on how many readers you had (example: you get $0.16 for every reader each day). It did NOT matter if people clicked on the ads, just as long as you had readers you were making some money.
Well, set rates were awesome and allowed a lot of popular bloggers to quit their full time jobs. (I was not in that group when most did the switch about three years ago, but came tumbling after.)
Unfortunately, the ad groups over-extended themselves. So, sidebar ads slowly decreased in value. Also, the industry began to change. Advertisers saw that they preferred targeting their key audience a little more directly.
And that’s where sponsored posts came in.
(Source)
Ad groups couldn’t sustain the promised rates. But, advertisers began to contact bloggers with better opportunities to try, review, and share products that are relevant to their readers (instead of generic ads).
From the blogger’s point of view this is a new, but potentially positive part of the job. Plus, at this point if your paycheck is going to be cut in half but you have the opportunity to take on a new project to keep it the same pay – you’re probably going to try it. As blogging for a living is a somewhat new career path we have to learn as we go.
From the reader’s point of view – you get to see someone else try a food, sports bra, race, scale, cat comb… before you have to spend your money on it. But, it can feel like product placement so I understand that can be annoying. (Even though bloggers have to say ‘sponsored post’ and all those Subway sandwiches on the Biggest Loser don’t have a ‘product placement’ note on the bottom of the screen.)
I have a lot of friends who blog as their full time job. They have over a million hits a month, doing freelance work, are constantly responding to PR companies and reader emails and trying to share their story/opinions/advice to help their readers. This isn’t rocket science. We’re not curing cancer (unless cancer is cured by Natalie Dee cartoons, in which case I’m totally curing cancer and You’re Welcome). But it takes a lot of time and effort to do this and it comes from a good place.
The reality is I get contacted by A LOT of companies about products, trips, books, etc every single day. I turn down 83% of them. But if something seems relevant to me and/or you I will consider it and potentially do a post.
For now it appears that sponsored posts are going to continue in blogland. Luckily, all of these posts are labeled so you can skip it if it is irrelevant or boring. I just wanted to share where/why this happens on RER and many health living / running / fashion / cooking blogs these days.
I do want to promise that I will continue to label all my posts at the bottom where applicable. I get it if you skip posts that are not relevant to you. And I’ll try to space them out so you get a good dose of running poses and watermelon in between the sponsored stuff.
Question: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever spilled?
Thoughts on the whole sponsored post thing?
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by my damn self. Feel free to chime in if you’d like, but let’s keep this a productive, adult conversation.
I SO wish ppl understood that we turn down A LOT of things. People have this idea that we whore ourselves out to every brand…if only they could see the amount of emails I turn down every week, but then again we shouldn’t HAVE to defend ourselves. Oy.
“Whore ourselves out”….really?? Considering that there is actual sexual child trafficking going on across the country, you should probably chose more appropriate terminology. Obviously readers are not aware of all of the emails and offers that you receive, so I think it’s a fair game discussion. Perhaps you could learn some blogger etiquette from Monica.
I think talking about child trafficking and my comment is a bit of a stretch….
When readers come to my blog and blast me for “taking every opportunity that comes my way” they should be more careful because they don’t know the circumstances is my point. I’m not saying it isn’t a valid discussion, but people shouldn’t immediately jump to conclusions.
You absolutely don’t have to defend yourselves. And we absolutely don’t have to read your blog. I’m not a fan of sponsored posts at all but I can also skip them. I can also skip the blogs with writers who seem to think very highly of themselves – and so very little of their readers.
BTW, the reason I said “whore ourselves out” is b/c I had a troll say that to me on my own blog. It’s very frustrating when you try to promote products you think your readers would really like, and you do your very best to write good posts that would benefit them b/c you love what you do and love your readers, then you have people come in and say hurtful things to you. My comment was written in frustration to the people who think all we care about is money and NOT our readers. Trust me, if I didn’t love my readers I would not be blogging, it’s so time consuming but I truly love it so i continue!
Whether or not the product is relevant for me, I don’t read sponsored posts. If I am trying to decide whether or not to buy a product, I’m not going to youtube the company’s commercial and be like “well, they say it’s great, seems legit!”. To me, that’s the same thing as trusting a blogger who is being paid to write about a product.
To each their own, so they don’t bother me, unless the disclaimer is at the bottom of the post, which seems to almost always be the case these days. Then it’s irritating, because it feels like I’ve been tricked, or as another commenter said, like I’m just a means to money and free stuff for the blogger. I don’t buy that it needs to be close to the sponsored comment, I think it’s more honest to include it at the top so readers truly can decide whether or not to read a sponsored post. At least commercials are clear about their intentions and I can fast forward through them.
I am curious, since a lot of people seem to share my view that they skip them on a blog that they otherwise enjoy – do they affect readership? There are also a lot of people who say they read them, so maybe not?
Whether or not the product is relevant for me, I don’t read sponsored posts. If I am trying to decide whether or not to buy a product, I’m not going to youtube the company’s commercial and be like “well, they say it’s great, seems legit!”. To me, that’s the same thing as trusting a blogger who is being paid to write about a product.
To each their own, so they don’t bother me, unless the disclaimer is at the bottom of the post, which seems to almost always be the case these days. Then it’s irritating, because it feels like I’ve been tricked, or as another commenter said, like I’m just a means to money and free stuff for the blogger. I don’t buy that it needs to be close to the sponsored comment, I think it’s more honest to include it at the top so reader’s truly can decide whether or not to read a sponsored post. At least commercials are up front and I can fast forward through them.
I am curious, since a lot of people seem to share my view that they skip them on a blog that they otherwise enjoy – do they affect readership? There are also a lot of people who say they read them, so maybe not?
I do not enjoy sponsored posts. I also do not enjoy commercials. When commercials come on the TV/radio, I change the channel. When commercials come on the blog (mmmm it DOES taste like real butter) I don’t read the post. I wish someone-anyone-would be honest about a product review. Everything has good and bad qualities- you need to talk about both if you want me to believe your “review”. Read a magazine product review if you need help understanding how this is done. The whole “always” ad thing you did on here was pretty ridiculous.
I LOVE. THIS. Great post!!
I don’t read sponsor posts but I don’t judge a blogger for doing them. If somebody’s churning out sponsor posts it does get grating but I just think of all the times they gave me free content and forget about it. Nobody is forcing me to read anything and if a blogger becomes too fatigued to write good posts, or has lost their voice to sponsors… I don’t have to make stupid demands like “stop trying to make money!”, I can just stop reading. Interesting post and discussion, thank you.
Very interesting post Monica. Got everyone talking. Especially moi.
I spill everything.
As a teenager, when babysitting (3 kiddos) …. the littlest guy decided to compete w/me. I was folding clothes nearby. Petey took Ajax (the white stuff) cleanser …. poured all over kitchen floor & booth counters. As I walked in, this child (toddler) was scrubbing and scrubbing. Hysterical now … then NO. Took me forever to clean. Totally my fault. Should have attached him to my hip.
You put a million hours a week into your blog for our entertainment…why shouldn’t you get a few perks/bita cash? I don’t have a problem with sponsored posts. If you are turning down 83% of your offers, the 17% you’re left with are bound to be more relative to us. Keep at it! 🙂
originally it was my plan to do that as a second job..then I realized I am not interesting enough 😉
Sometimes I over think things, and I wonder what the difference is between the blogger approaching the brand to review something, or the brand approaches the blog. Sometimes I wonder if the brands are taking advantage of the bloggers.
I do think some brands are taking advantage of bloggers – especially newer bloggers. But other brands are really awesome and helpful, it kinda depends on the company. I guess it goes both ways like anything else?
Oh- grossest thing I’ve spilled? Hot, greasy bile out of someone’s J-tube. ALL OVER MY BARE HAND! FML.
I don’t mind the sponsored posts. I have browsed blogs that seem to be all sponsored posts, but that isn’t something I am going to come back to read or be interested in so it isn’t personally bothering me.
I will say, due to sponsorship, I have found some products that I really love, use, and they have improved my overall running/exercise experience. I am grateful for things like that. Otherwise, how am I going to find out some of this stuff? I can go to a running/sporting goods store, but besides trying each and every product (this woman is too broke for that!), it is hit or miss. I appreciate people telling me what really improves a run whether that is a shoe, an electrolyte/energy supplement, a sports bra, a shirt, socks, a new gps, etc. If it is something I don’t think I’d be interested in, no harm no foul.
Despite the negative commentary about blog sponsorship… and in all fairness, I am only a daily reader of a few of you gals, I really appreciate it and am grateful. I am glad you get paid to entertain, inspire, teach, and be human with me. I have learned so much from from a few of you, and most of all, it has helped me to keep going in my own life. Some days (WEEKS), it really has made ALL the difference in my choices, and I totally think you should be paid for that. In my opinion, you are doing your job well. Monica, I appreciate you.
I really see this as not much different than my being an RN and really just helping someone by giving them advice regarding an issue (be it physical or emotional) they were concerned/worried about. I often do that while I am NOT getting paid because I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others where I can. Yes, I get paid when I am working on the floor with patients, but so much of my energy is spent off the clock. I think they are very similar.
I completely understand where bloggers are coming from with sponsored posts. It’s money and this is your living. I get it. But there’s a way to write and schedule posts so they don’t seem overbearing and fake. When there are 2+ a week, it gets tiring. Especially when they don’t really fit with the blog’s mission. And when they are riddled with typos (spelling brand’s name wrong is NOT acceptable), maybe it means you (generally speaking) are too busy and should be taking fewer opportunities if you can’t even proofread a post.
Also, there are really inventive ways to incorporate a trip or brand or whatever into an engaging post that doesn’t consist of “i went here, i ate this” with 10 photos. Aside from die-hards, who really cares? Who will come back for that? Good bloggers are experts at crafting stories and engaging their readers and not writing a play by play of a free trip. That comes off as phony as hell. So while it’s great to see pics from a Silk press trip, maybe use half the post to take it further and make it relevant. Why should people care? Not giving away any secrets here, but there are sponsored posts and then there are well-crafted sponsored posts. Bloggers who are lazy shouldn’t be blogging full time. OK, rant over. You rock though for addressing this.
This is really great to read. As a new blogger, I was wondering if you have any advice for how to approach this? I have been contact three times (crazzzyy) to do a sponsored post and, since the products have been relevant to my blog, I have accepted. But, I notice that there are so many bloggers reviewing the same exact products? Is this good or bad? As such a noob, I have literally no idea how to digest it. I just like trying new things, but I don’t want to be just like every blogger.
Worse spill – a buncha raw eggs… I used the salt trick, and the eggs turned into a gel like deally that wiped up quickly, but then came the issue of germs and all the loose salt that had to be cleaned up.
Of course, it could always be worse –> like this –> http://video.us.msn.com/watch/video/liquor-shelf-collapses-on-girls/1jr013nri
As for the sponsored posts, I’d rather watch you use and it talk about it before I spend my money on it. If it’s someone I’ve been following awhile, I also consider how “truly” excited you appear/sound during the review. All-in-all selling makes the world go ’round, so I’m OK with it in moderation.
Interesting discussion. I have to admit that I stopped reading blogs, all of them, a little while ago because of the sponsored post. I saw this discussion from Twitter and thought I could add my 2 cents.
I was a long time reader of the “HLB blogs”. I didn’t mind the sponsored posts at first when it was relevant to the discussion and just part of the blogger voice.
Then it started to slowly feel like I was, as a reader, just a mean to get cool free stuff and compensations. Most of my favorite bloggers lost their unique voice and I felt like I couldn’t relate anymore. I was completely done when some bloggers did some very weird reviews for generator, diet gimmicks, expensive trips, etc.
But as many said in these comments, if you don’t like it, don’t read it. That’s what I did.
Thank you for your honesty and for allowing this discussion. It’s definetly an interesting subject and I appreciate all the information that you gave. Personally I don’t like sponsored post. First, I don’t like reading a scripted infomercial, as someone previously said. When a blogger do a sponsored post the tone is rarely genuine. I would never buy something based on a sponsored post as I feel like the blogger have to like the product and can’t express her real opinion. Previously I stoped reading your blog for a few month because I felt like every post was a sponsored one. I’m glad to see that it’s not the case anymore. And I’have definetly stop reading other blogs because it was only sponsored post and those posts are usually the most boring. I would rather read you talk about a race, your training, what you eat before a race, even your cat then how to organise your work space using storage cube that were provided to you. When it’s about products relevant to your running blog (like shoes or clothes) it doesn’t bother me that much (event if I still never would buy the product based on your review). In that case I understand that it might be relevant to some of your readers. But when it’s to review stuff like Whiffits then I kind of loose a lot of respect for the blogger and I question his jugement.
Worst thing ever spilled? Pumped breast milk. You know the phrase, “Don’t cry over spilled milk”? <- They were talking about breast milk for sure. I think it's great we can live vicariously through you while you enjoy the freedom of a self-employed, travel, race, find natatlie dee cartoons and get paid. Wouldn't it be great if we didn't need money, but we do, so keep selling me more hummus, soy milk, bras and running shoes!
Oh that’s the worst! I did that once, it almost made me physically ill!
Just wondering, did you quit your “day job”? I really enjoy reading your race and training recaps. Honestly, I skip posts about Silk, Sabra, and other sponsored stuff, just like I ffwd through commercials on my DVR.
I was a contractor and they don’t need me right now.
Have you ever accepted a sponsored product, not liked it, and therefore not written a review of it? I’ve honestly never come across a negative sponsored review. I get that you all are teaming up with companies that you already enjoy/think you will enjoy, but to never write a bad review leads people to believe that you (and many other bloggers) may not be honest all the time when it comes to these types of things.
Recently actually! I was sent a product that I didn’t like and I reached out to the company to tell them my feedback. I didn’t commit to a review beforehand so they took my feedback and I decided not to mention it. It’s not something that I see anywhere or I’d ‘warn’ you guys to save your money.
Hey yeah Monica, I recall something you mentioned re a new yogurt with jam or fruit. This was recently. So you just tried for the sake of it right? The product was not advertised. In any case, I did take your word for it …. saw in dairy section and passed the item up. So, yeah …. I listened to your advice. You got power
I love this post and I like all of these comments. Honesty is helpful and I actually get really annoyed when paid things are not disclosed but then I hesitate to do it every time myself. What a weird world we work in and is continuing to evolve daily. Wonder what will come next…
They’re not what I necessarily consider useful or particularly interesting, but as an adult I can skip them and I can’t fault a girl for workin’ hard for her money.
Sponsored posts can get old when a bunch of bloggers do the same product at one time. I don’t know why people get their chonies in a wad about it. If you don’t want to read it…don’t! The upside is, I have found some of my favorite products by sponsored posts though, so keep doing your thing!
I have no problem clicking “mark as read” in my RSS reader for a post I’m not interested.
However, if I am interested in finding a review about a product, I always like being able to find a good blog post (sponsored or otherwise) about it. Actually, a lot of the blogs I am subscribed to are blogs that I found through their sponsored review posts.
Also, I love winning free stuff 🙂
Sponsored posts would be great if you were forced to say one negative.
great post mi amiga!! keep doin’ *your* thang!! 🙂 have a great day/weekend/racing month!!! xo
Great post Monica and comments from everyone – I may not agree with all points but love reading everyone’s perspective.
Monica, thanks for your honesty! At times sponsored content can get annoying but it is how you get paid! I just wish Brooks would sponsor me- a no blog nurse/mom! Ha!
Hey! Send those 83% of contacts you turn down my way! Advertisers, if you’re reading, I’m available for sponsored posts!
My only beef with sponsored posts is when the blogger loses their voice because they’re promoting and just don’t sound natural doing it. Like at one moment you’re talking to a normal person, and the next they sound like a scripted infomercial. I think it takes a lot of skill to deliver a sponsored post in the same tone and voice that you would write your own unique post. I’ve never done it so I don’t know how hard or easy it is. But if I’m reading a post and notice that they sound just weird or too much like an old school print ad, I may skip it if the product isn’t my thing.
I’m sure the people who are upset about sponsored posts are just mad that their blog hasn’t gained that popularity yet! Who cares…people will always find something to complain about!
Awesome post – your honesty is appreciated. For me, it’s not so much what I’ve spilled, but what I’ve broken. Pretty much every glass ever, including my oven door. I use a lot of plastic.
Worst thing ever spilled – green paint while painting sorority posters on my parents’ dining room floor. I think the bottoms of a few chairs still have green spots (30 years later!) ;o)
I don’t mind the sponsored posts at all. I, like many others I’m sure, understand that this is how my favorite bloggers make a living or at least supplement their income, and I often enjoy reading those posts, too.
I hate having to clean raw egg. I am apparently horrible at cracking eggs, because this happens far more often than I care to count…
As someone who spent several years doing marketing and strategy for a Fortune 100 company, I get it. Blogs are a marketers dream: focused topic, loyal followers, and in all honesty, more value for every dollar spent.
As a reader, ail so appreciate learning about stuff I didn’t know about, or had wondered about. What I hate, is when someone is clearly reviewing crap they would never actually choose on their own. Its weird, and honestly makes bloggers look less trustworthy.
I think you sum it up perfectly. :o)
Agree!
I third it …. for real.
Would not mind seeing Aspercreme or Icy Hot as sponsor ships. These products are helpful for aches and pains after running, etc. Also, I purchase. (No. Not an employee of either.)
Perfectly said.
Great post Monica! I don’t mind sponsored posts on anyone else’s blogs. I just skip ’em if I am not interested.
Thanks for this candid info on sponsored posts. I’m personally one of those readers who tends to skim or skip those posts, but my gosh, I’d never begrudge a blogger making a living this way. Nor would I ever expect someone to turn down free soymilk or race entry fees. 🙂
I’d personally prefer to see the sponsored post disclaimer at the top of the post. As a reader, it can be really frustrating to dive into a post and then get halfway in and realize I’m reading an advertisement.
I don’t normally comment…but I have to share my worst spill. Maple syrup is the worst spill ever!! It’s sticky and horrible to clean up. Btw, very informative post!
I completely understand why bloggers do sponsored posts! I think it’s incredible to be able to make an income (even a living) doing what you love. When I see sponsored posts on blogs, I think: “lucky them!” As long as bloggers continue to produce great content and foster a sense of community, who cares if they are gaining financially? Like you mentioned, a lot of time and work goes into a blog. I think people have a distorted idea of what it truly means to blog for a living.
Anyway, great post! Really interesting topic.
Sponsored posts don’t bother me. Life’s too short to get your panties in a bunch because a blogger has a sponsored post every once in a while. ONLY sponsored posts? Stop following/reading if you don’t like it. No need to lash out. Just my opinion, though.
A little peek behind the curtain – I like it! Loved reading from the professional blogger’s POV, and every commenter’s thoughts as well. High 5 for the Monican Discussion Panel.
Thanks lil bird 🙂
This is so interesting to me. I don’t really have any stories about acts of desperation for money, but I don’t feel that sponsorships is a bad thing as long as the reader knows what’s up. If you got it, go for it, I would not hesitate if I had that opportunity.
I see nothing wrong with sponsored posts & I like to see what others think of products. I can see thru those that just do it to do it but others really have great pros & cons. Like you, I pick & chose based on what interests me & something I think I can believe in & I write an honest post!
As a fitness blogger, I’ve struggled with the sponsored post thing too. How many? How frequently? How to keep the post real and authentic and not alienate my audience.
I love how transparent you are with it all and have shared this post with my readers so they better understand why I sometimes accept sponsored posts!
I dont mind a sponsored post every once in a while, but for the most part i’m not a fan. I feel like 99% of bloggers have starting doing way too many sponsored posts, and i read more about compression socks than anything else.
Also there is no way the $$ doesn’t affect the blogger’s opinion of the product. I dont care what the supreme court said in citizen’s united, money sways people.
Finally, a lot of the posts make me feel like i was taken for a ride. In Europe TV shows DO have to say when there is product placement going on. On blogs the fact that the post was sponsored comes at the end and tends to be in tiny print. I get that bloggers want income and work hard to generate posts every day, but that doesn’t justify an onslaught of sponsored posts.
I never understood the whole “OMG, your blog that I can read for free has some posts that I don’t like so I’m going to get all grumpy about it” thing some people have. I like your blog and your humor, I read it often because what you’re talking about interests and amuses me, sometimes, I’ll skip it if I’m not into what the post is about. Thanks for the behind the scenes info though!
I spill everything, so I’m not sure how to answer your question there. I’m pretty good friends with the 5 second rule, if it makes sense to invoke it.
I don’t mind sponsored posts (that’s how I found pro compression, nuun, asperis, etc.). The only time I take issue with sponsored posts is when the partnerships make absolutely no sense! For example… saying you only use diva cup then have a sponsored post by kotex…or saying you don’t eat dairy and then having Sargento sponsor a post about all your cheese snacks! That shit pisses me off!……but with all that to say, I think you are doing a great job blogging and I appreciate that you only choose appropriate sponsors! Excellent post!
YES. I hate the reviews of products that don’t fit at all with the blogger’s message or normal lifestyle choices. The hypocrisy is infuriating, and it’s SO obvious that the blogger is selling out just to get paid.
Kudos to you for addressing this topic in a thoughtful way. It is interesting to hear your perspective on how/why this trend is happening. I totally get that full time bloggers need to make money and think sponsored posts that are clearly labeled (at the top!) can be fine when mixed with other content. One thing my friend and I have been discussing a lot lately: we started reading all of these blogs when the bloggers had full time jobs and were showing how to balance work and fitness. When the blogs became their jobs and income had to come from the blog, it seems like content became totally brand-focused and bloggers all started blogging about the same things (see, e.g., Old Navy week, the health e-book bundle promo, etc., etc.). As others have noted, you do seem to try to keep some variety and that is appreciated!
I find blogs more interesting when the blogger doesn’t have a full time office job. More fun things to blog about instead.
Worst thing I spilt was a jar of mayonnaise but the best tip ever to clear up any jar spillage is to use a diaper. Soaks up the liquid and the padding protects your fingers from the broken glass. I’ve always wanted to share that. I’m coming to orlando for vacation in two weeks and can’t wait.
The worst thing I’ve “spilled” would be a can of Pepsi. Sounds simple enough, except I left a closed can in the cupholder in my car in Georgia in August. And it “spilled.” All over the car, even in the trunk.
I’ve been blogging for over 4 years, and some what fell into the trap of blogging every review that got sent my way and got burnt out on reviewing and never gained followers. Now I’m trying to get a little more specific on my blog and actually build a job out of it, so those sponsors you turn away, send them my way!
I enjoy product reviews/sponsored posts because it’s nice to see if something works for someone else (especially running gear!) before I pay a whole lotta money to buy it for myself!
I once broke a 1L bottle of maple syrup. Maple. Syrup. It was a gross, icky, sticky mess.
At first I thought it was a bottle of wine, which just made me sad, because wine, but the syrup was defnitely worse than the wine.
Worse spill??? The truth…to my hubby through an email about his sister…and OOPS!..guess I some how hit reply all instead of just reply and SHE read it too….go figure our relationship has never been the same…hahahah!!!
Sponsored Posts? Love when its something I am interested in…otherwise, I don’t even read them. 😉
Bad spill!!!
Thanks for this discussion. My problem is not with sponsored posts per se, but with the way that some posts sound more like a press release than a genuine review. I don’t read blogs so that I can read the same press-release language on every single one of them. I want well-written and interesting insights into the issue/product/whatever. When that goes away and it’s all just copy from the marketing department of various companies, well, I go away.
Great post, Mon. 🙂
Worst thing I’ve spilled in a while would have to be a bag of chia seeds. I think I’m still finding them in the kitchen and it’s been over a month.
I spilled a container of chia seeds all over my kitchen floor the other day – WHAT A PAIN! Plus, they look like tiny ants. UGH! And yep, still finding them…..
I love your blog! The sponsored posts aren’t a big deal, people can be so ridic. After reading Heather’s comment, I have to say the worst thing I’ve spilled is breast milk!
worst thing I’ve ever spilled is a bottle of wine. not only is it so messy, but then I was out of a bottle of wine!!
I’m totally fine with sponsored posts. I’m less fine with my inability to stop myself from buying things I read about on a blog! but really I’ve gotten some awesome things I never would’ve known about without running blogs. my wallet doesn’t thank you, but I do.
The worst thing I have dropped is baby formula.. It’s so expensive!
I don’t mind sponsored posts as long as they are relevant. I actually have found quite a few new products I love due to them! I agree with others, though, that it’s annoying to read the same sponsored posts on like 5 different blogs in 2 days.
I honestly don’t mind the occasional sponsored post. I understand the purpose, and I don’t fault either the company or the blogger for seizing the opportunity. Some of them are actually helpful and have influenced my purchasing practices. My only complaint with sponsored posts generally is that even though bloggers write that “opinions are all my own,” they seem sometimes to be forced, and I don’t always believe they’re honest.
The “opinions are all my own thing” is usually required by the company/ad network. I always thought they were cheesy but once I started accepting sponsored posts I realized it was required language.
I think it’s more about liability, like if you talk smack about another company’s product in comparison to the sponsored one, they want to make sure that everyone knows that is YOUR opinion and not something you were paid/contracted to say.
Agree, though, that sponsored posts rarely, if ever, give me a sense that I’m getting someone’s unbiased view of a product.
Personally I dislike sponsored posts because, aside from the jealously that no one ever wants me to write one, what with my 4 readers and all, I don’t know if the content is trustworthy or not.
I mean, a sponsored posts that’s a negative review I would believe (although I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a thing), but a positive review of a product that is sponsored is completely useless to me because I don’t know if the blogger actually likes the product or has been influenced by the fact it was free/they were compensated. So I tend to skip over sponsored posts.
I think hey- you’re just doing you! and I like that all your sponsored posts are honest {seems to me}!
At a holiday party one year I spilled a glass of red wine on my husband while he was wearing a white shirt. The really funny part is that about 20 minutes later someone else knocked another glass of red wine onto his shirt. And the amazing part is that I got the stains out and you can’t even tell!
I have nothing against the sponsored post thing. I think its great to read someone else’s first hand experience with a product I might be considering for myself! As long as the reviews are honest I see no harm in them.
How did he get the wine out?!
Soaked it for a day or two in a combo of Oxyclean and Biz.
The worst thing I have ever spilled was red wine all over my husband’s new poker table. Not sure why I was drinking red wine at a poker party!
I broke a jar of asian hot chili oil all over the kitchen floor. awesome.
Mixed feelings. If it’s a product I’m interested in anyway, I love hearing my fav bloggers review it. If it’s a product I don’t care about, I won’t read the post. As long as the blog has good content most of the time, I’ll keep coming back. Worst spill – oil!
I spilled a 5 gallon bucket of paint all over the floor of the cabin we just built this weekend. Luckily, the floor is still bare wood and needed to be painted anyway. (I would have picked something other than orange though but I guess we’re stuck with it).
Sponsored or not, I think if you continue to be honest and truthful, no one will mind; and I kind of like hearing your opinions, especially if it’s a product that I havent yet tried and was curious about. I’ve actually bought a few things over the past year based on yours and a few others reviews, so, thank you.
I don’t mind reading sponsored posts at all. If it’s a product that you stand behind then I don’t mind reading about it!
I spill everything. All the time.
The worst thing I ever spilled – a glass jar of apple butter (dropped and spilled)
I’m all for sponsored posts as long as they pertain to the blog. I turn down almost all of the offers for my blog too because they would not benefit my readers. I’ve seen a particular running blogger post sponsored blogs about generators and pillows. What do those have to do with running? When it’s painfully obvious the blogger is just trying to make an extra buck, it’s annoying.
PS, I thought the disclaimer now had to be at the top of the post?
The disclaimer should be close to the sponsored content. So, if the whole post is sponsored it would be a good idea to place it at the top. If it’s a post about a couple of things with some content included it can be near that section or on the bottom. I don’t think there is a law for this, just a suggestion?
I think the thing that makes me sad about sponsored posts is that they completely alienate your international audience (which does include me). It’s almost always for products or events or giveaways which just aren’t applicable when your reader lives in the UK (or elsewhere). So on a blog like this where more and more posts seem to be sponsored, the less likely you are to have an international readership, which is a shame!
As a reader, it is tremendously annoying to start a post, notice something funky halfway through, & sure enough, you get to the end & “surprise!” it’s a sponsored post. It feels slimy & dishonest. If you’re upfront about it at the very top, giving me a choice to read what you’re schlepping or to leave, I have a million times more respect for you as a blogger.
The tiny, off-white text thrown in at the bottom of the post that I’m seeing in many bloggers’ posts is disheartening. I know you need to get paid. Just be honest about it from the get-go.
That could work better Kristy. Or maybe highlighted. Hmmm. Folks get upset about all sorts of things. I get it though.
I spilled corn starch all over my mom’s pantry one time. Like everywhere. And I didn’t even need corn starch…
Very well put. And best disclaimer ever.
If it’s a product I would be willing to try — then I’d be excited to do a sponsored post for it!
I dropped a glass bottle of olive oil on the kitchen floor. Of course it shattered and it was sooo impossible to clean up. A week later the floor was still dangerously slippery!
I don’t mind the sponsored posts at all. We all need to earn a living, so if someone is willing to pay you to do something you enjoy, I say take up their offer! And I like hearing about new products.
Olive oil – that is the worst!
Sponsored blogs don’t bother me, as long as the blogger gives their honest opinions and says it’s sponsored. I love learning about new products, books, etc. before I spend my money on it.
The ONLY sponsored blogs that bother me are the ones for the Citi Simplicity credit card going around right now. But, that’s just because I’m anti-debt and pro-Dave Ramsey!
I like the sponsored loads forvthe very reason you explain- I get to understand a product/item a bit more before I spend my hard earned cash on it. Win/win! 🙂
I don’t read bloggers that all it looks like are sponsored post. I do like to get others opinions and like most of the sponsored post I have read. If it is travel or running/health related I will be reading it
I think you do a great job at balancing it.
It sounds like you have a good approach to it, and I like your transparency about it.
I think a lot of the dislike comes because some bloggers take a different approach: a high percentage of the posts are sponsored, they don’t clearly disclose when a post is sponsored or in what way (free product to review versus cash compensation), and accept products that aren’t even slightly related to the blog as a whole (like, if a HLB reviews running gear and protein powder – fine, but if an HLB does a post about, let’s say, weather-proofing your window frames (just making that up, not trying to call out anyone specific, if anyone’s done a sponsored post on that it’s just a coincidence), that’s weird and kind of annoying) (I swear, there are bloggers where it seems like they must be *accepting* 83% of the offers they get).
“And I’ll try to space them out so you get a good dose of running poses and watermelon in between the sponsored stuff.” OMG HYSTERICAL!
Seriously though, thank you for this post. As a new blogger who doesn’t even have enough visitors to afford a stick of gum, I am always impressed and interested in how successful bloggers do it.
Worst spillage came one day when I had no power after a thunder storm and my parents a mile up the road did have power (they werent’ home though). I was so desperate for coffee (don’t ask me why I didn’t just drive to a dunkin donuts) So I drove to their house, let myself in and made an entire 10 cup pot of coffee. They had no milk though. So my bright idea was to drive with the carafe of hot coffee at my feet and use the milk in my fridge (which hopefully was still cold but I never got to find out). Pulled into my driveway, opened car door and as I was stepping out i spilled the entire pot of coffee INSIDE the car. So not only did I not get my caffeine fix but I spent the next hour cleaning the carpet in my car. I was so annoyed with myself. It’s so ridiculous!
AH! That is brutal. Lesson is = go to Dunkin Donuts, right? 😉
Karma is trying to tell you something – that G-stuff is awful (at least I think it is). There are, IMO, much better choices (using Skratch Labs mix since summer ’12).
Sponsored reviews are fine as long as you disclose it’s sponsored and honest about the product. dcrainmaker’s reviews are an example of how I think it should be done.
Worst spill – dumping a 5 pound bag of flour on kitchen floor when fetching it for one my darling & long-suffering wife’s baking marathons.
If it were not for sponsored posts I wouldn’t know about Procompression, picky bars, nuun, Oiselle and many other items. Things I love and have helped me and my running. I don’t have a problem with it. At the very least it leads to comments from readers that either agree or not and I get a good review of the item before deciding to spend my money on it.
Worst spill ever…blood from an elk roast that was in the refrigerator. I had no idea the blood had leaked out of the meat and onto the plate, so when I grabbed the plate to start cooking dinner I ended up flinging very rich smelling blood all over the floor, cabinets and refrigerator.
My thoughts on sponsored posts: I don’t mind them because I know you guys need to make a living too. My only issue is that since your blog friends also happen to be the other blogs I read, sometimes you are all writing about the same stuff! That can get boring and then oh I’ve already read two other posts about these new ear buds, or silk…so then the companies are losing out due to overexposure because I think oy they just want to sell this stuff and I am bored reading about it over and over. So I would say be diverse, all your blog friends going to the same sponsored event…skip that one and find something new and fun that no one else is doing. I’m glad you brought attention to this!
Oh, yes, this too! I’m not sure if the advertisers are trying to just saturate the market so you’re hearing it everywhere and therefore think you’ll try something, or if they just don’t realize how much the audience overlaps for blogs within the same genre. But I find it so annoying to read essentially the same post a dozen times in a week, and it usually backfires and makes me want to avoid that product or company. (Just like if I start seeing the commercial on tv all the time – it makes me dislike it!)
Agreed! This is what keeps happening and it’s too bad. I love those blogs for their individual voices and outlooks on those things that interest and connect all of us (food, fitness, relationships, etc) – so when I sit down with my coffee and all 5 of my favorite bloggers have the same sponsored posts up …. oops! Those are a few less blogs I’ll read per day :/
I’ll echo everyone in saying that I TRULY appreciate your candid approach to this post. I do think it’s great that these opportunities allow you to blog and focus on your running full time! Infotaining, for sure 🙂
I like learning about new products. I like the sponsored posts!!
My entire container of cocoa powder dumped…all into my drawer of clothes. This was a year ago, and I’m still finding cocoa powder.
I made a lemon pie one time. I was in high school and I remember my mom helping me with it. As I was pulling the pie out of the oven it caved in and I dropped it all over the floor. It was a sad and very messy day! I made said pie again though, don’t worry! 🙂
Awww! That is the worst to spill something you cooked 🙁
Thanks for your honesty and for being up front about when something is sponsored…most bloggers do not do that, and it drives me crazy! Partially because I’m a lawyer and it’s more or less false advertising/against the law, and partially because as a regular person, I read blogs because I’m interested in the blogger/daily life/exercise/good recipes and not to experience another stream of advertising.
As a blogger, it’s important to help make a career and helpful for making a name.
Gotta do what you gotta do!
Worst spill? Fingernail polish remover on my mom’s table. I had no idea it would take top coat of the table off. ooops.
I don’t have an issue with sponsored posts at all – if it’s not of interest to me, I’ll skip it.
Worst thing I’ve spilled? There are several – coffee all over white pants, a freshly made dark cherry smoothie all over my light coloured t-shirt and freshly cleaned counter. Salad dressing on a silk dress. The list is endless. 😀
I have appreciated your sponsored posts because your opinions are obviously all yours. You don’t always LOVE the product. Some bloggers do to a disgusting level at times. I also appreciate that the posts are pertinent to your blog and that you decline the majority of them.
Recently I spilled egg whites down the fridge and onto the floor. I had them sitting on the end of the stove with a fork in the measuring cup, ready to put into the pan when I was done my husband’s regular eggs. I turned towards the fridge, hit the fork that was sticking straight up, and egg white was all down the corner of the door and sorta under the corner of the fridge. Super gross and super invisible, like water. Triple washed for sure!
Really interesting post, Monica. I like that you’re upfront about it and actually addressing the elephant in the room 🙂
For me, I am fine when I see you review shoes or snacks or a sports bra. I like aspiring to be as fast and as fit as you. But when fitness bloggers (not you, yet) review a weekend trip to a resort that costs $1000/night, it’s no longer relevant to my life.
I second this sentiment.
I third this.
I enjoy sponsored posts especially from someone who shares the same intrerests as me. Keep up the great work!!!
Keep doin’ what you’re doing! Maybe I understand sponsored posts because I work for a company that works with bloggers, but I get you have to get paid somehow!
I think it’s great that you are able to make money and love that you choose only some of the companies that contact you – makes a lot of sense to me!!
Very well written ~ thank you.
Of course it is. Monica can us make understand anything! She is good at what she does.
You crack me up! Not two seconds after I saw your spill picture on IG, I dropped my toddler’s sippy-cup half full of milk. Gross!!!
It’s crazy the number of companies that contacted me even when I wasn’t blogging these past few months. I think it’s ok to do sponsored posts as long as every post is not a sponsored post. I don’t want readers thinking that I’m only doing it for the free stuff/money. I turn down a lot of offers simply for that reason.
Great post! I think it all depends on the voice of the blog author. If it comes off as genuine enthusiasm for a product (especially if it’s something they were already using and/or talking about) then I’m on board and I support their career. If, however, it starts to feel like endless ads and as if I’m being used just to click for revenue, it can feel “icky” and inauthentic.
Very informative, thank you!
I understand why bloggers do sponsored posts. The thing I don’t understand, and this is in no way directed at you or your blog because I don’t believe you do this; is that every dang post some bloggers have started to post are sponsored. Which just makes me feel like the blogger is no longer interested in their readership and just a paycheck.
Melissa @ The Redheaded Runner blog and I were talking about this. We both have been blogging a little over a year and have started to become race ambassadors, etc. We are concerned with commercializing our blogs too much, but we also want some cool opportunities through the use of our blogs, so it’s a delicate balance. Thanks for being totally transparent in sharing this info with us!
I dont really understand why people get so grumpy about it, a runners gotta make a living somehow! And if there’s a giveaway involved high 5.
Worst thing I have ever spilled is probably all things I have ever come in contact with. I spill a lot of things.
because running isn’t a career and they’re jealous!
that was a very informative, thoughtful, and fun little article. thanks for sharing <– also sponsored by my own damn self!
I have to say, it’s so refreshing to finally see someone address this on their blog. Obviously, if you’re a long-time reader of a blog and it suddently turns into a giant sales pitch, you know something’s up and I think readers rightfully can ask what’s going on. I personally don’t love some of the sponsored posts I have been reading (not just here but on all the blogs I follow), but it’s easier for me to continue coming back to the blogs I love when the products being reviewed aren’t totally redundant – i.e. when bloggers have an “ongoing partnership” with a certain company and they have multiple sponsored posts per week about the same product over and over. I think it’s on the blogger to make the decision of which products make sense for their readers, and how often they intersperse those posts with regular ones. I think you have been doing a really good job of that, while also including lots of the stuff we came here for in the first place – running and eating!
This post was incredibly informative! Thanks for letting us know everything behind the sponsored posts. In my opinion, I like product reviews (assuming that most bloggers will only take on the ones that are relevant to their readers).
My only issues with sponsored blog posts is that I am never really clear if the product was really liked or liked because of sponsorship. I get that you can’t bite the hand that feeds you but makes me skeptical.
The worst thing spilled – not so much what but where. Dropped a full canister of flour in the pantry – it was in and on everything. Still finding it weeks later.
When we were moving I opened the trunk and the giant container of dog food fell out and popped open and dog food spilled all over and rolled down the driveway. Super annoying. I honestly don’t care if your posts are sponsored or not. Everyone needs to make a living. And I’d rather you try a product and tell me if it’s good or shit before I spend $ on it myself!
I spilled sugar all over the floor. Cleaning it was a pain. I missed a granule or two and kept on hearing this awful crunch. Then there are the ants ready to start a little party in the kitchen.
I get it. It’s your job! If I’m not that interested then I don’t read it in detail.
Ditto. Of course. Most likely we all pick and choose. My baby-blues do see all the ads. Am I supposed to purchase, etc.? If interested and needed, I might. Up to now I have not been sold. No biggie. Keep entertaining us!