Something that Sally from Who’s the Mummy said in a recent post has got me thinking:
…many of the parent bloggers I speak to are desperate to make some money from their blogs. As one blogger told me last week: “I’m just so sick of working for free.”
Now I recognize that I’m as much of a corporate whore as the next man (free blu-ray player and trip to London anyone). But seriously? Complaining that blogging without being paid is “working for free”? Do you charge for taking family photos too? Demand money for doing your garden or reading a book?
I’m being unfair. I don’t actually know the context of that particular conversation and so shouldn’t really comment. But it does raise a wider issue – the increasing commercialism of parent blogging.
Its pretty widely accepted that UK parent blogging today is probably at around the same point that US Mommy and Daddy blogging was three or four years ago. When I first started All That Comes With It people like Clare’s Dad and Idaho Dad were able to list just about every Daddyblogger in the world on their blogroll. Sure, it was a long list, but it was doable. What’s more, If you go back two or three years again you could do the same with Mommy bloggers as well. These days however US parent blogs of both genders number in their tens of thousands.
Here in the UK parent blogging is now slowly gathering up more steam. Mummy blogs are popping up everywhere, becoming so numerous that you couldn’t follow them all even if you wanted to. Daddy Blogs are less common, but new ones are slowly starting to appear here and there and the momentum is growing.
However there is a fly in the ointment. Currently it seems that every second blog that is starting up is doing so with a hearty scream of “SHOW ME THE MONEY!!”. The ethos of blogging appears to be moving from the ‘zine mentality of the 70’s into the greed is good mentality of the 80’s. We’re sliding from do-it-yourself punk into slick and commercially driven new romanticism.
But I don’t want to be a new romantic damnit. I don’t suit the makeup.
This could all be sour grapes. I could be taking this attitude because other people seems to get more PR pitches and free stuff than I do. I could well be sticking out my bottom lip and proclaiming “I don’t want to play your stupid game anyway”. But still, I’m becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the compromises I’ve already made on this blog to commercialism (the blu-ray reviews, the advert I filmed for Disney, the walking sock contest I recently held).
In my day job we frequently get visits from pharmaceutical reps. Ostensibly these visits are to inform us of latest research on their products and discuss medication side effects and treatment strategies. But in reality the research they present has been so heavily spun it can’t be trusted, therefore any claims that rep visits are updating our professional knowledge is completely laughable.
So why are the reps let in the door? Because they bring lunch that’s why. Bribery, pure and simple. They bring cakes and flapjacks and buns; crisps and sandwiches and fruit. All paid for indirectly by the taxpayer through charging the NHS inflated pharmaceutical prices.
And that’s just the nurses. The doctors get free holidays and weekends away out of the fuckers.
I made a decision a few years ago never to accept anything from a pharmaceutical rep. So while my colleagues are munching on chocolate eclairs and pringles I sit self righteously in a corner, pointedly not eating anything and smugly reveling in my highly evolved sense of ethics.
Of course none of my colleagues notice my silent protests. And even if they do they often mistake the smug look on my face for an expression of gastric discomfort and assume I’m not eating because I’ve got trapped wind. But still, it helps me sleep at night and that’s the main thing.
My current dilemma is that I’m unsure if I should extend my “no cake” policy to blogging. The reason I blog is to document my family life and connect with friends. Bringing commercial aspects into that seems to sully it a little. I feel tainted somehow, like I’m exploiting my family and my friends in order to get free stuff.
On the other hand I have developed a pretty strong editorial process. Every blu-ray review I’ve done has been completely honest and I’ve turned down a few very tempting freebies because I felt them to be incongruous to the blog. But I still feel uncomfortable. Like I’m teetering on the edge of a slippery slope
Then again, I seem to be uncomfortable with everything at the moment, as evidenced by my propensity for “thinking aloud” posts recently. My mojo is back, but it seems to have brought a tendency for rambling and wordy introspection with it.
I must make it clear that I’m not judging others for taking up these freebies and PR offers. In particular some of my best blogging buddies are in that grey hinterland between pro and hobby blogging, and so their relationships with companies and professional media types are wholly appropriate and I would not criticize them for them .
But I don’t want to be a journalist or a copywriter. I thought I did in my early twenties, even getting myself the ubiquitous media studies degree. But then I quickly realized that life wasn’t for me and chose to be a nurse instead.
So now according to Erin I have to come up with my traditional poignant open-ended morality statement. I think the best way to describe my dilemma is that I’ve always viewed blogging as an extension of my home life rather than my work life, and the potential to get material gain from writing here has muddied the water for me somewhat. My fear is that by treating All That Comes With It as a commodity rather than an artistic expression (*snort*) I’ll spoil it for myself somehow. But the lure of cool free stuff can often seem very tempting.
So far I think I’ve struck the right balance, but I need to be mindful that my greed doesn’t tip my own self imposed see-saw of integrity.
How about you, what are your thoughts?
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Re freebies etc. I reckon if they suit you and your blog then there’s no harm. But a blog only about freebies is very dull. Reviews of other peoples trips are like looking at other peoples holiday photos, just plain old boring. There are only a very few bloggers out there who can make them remotely interesting.
But as very few people offer me freebies (I like to say it is because they can’t be arsed to send them out to Bosnia and not because my blog is just a bit rubbish), I’m probably full of the old sour grapes and week old milk myself.
Brit in Bosnia´s last blog ..Bosnia, back in the spotlight.
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Dan Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I think most people’s blogs can get away with a few freebies now and again, but once they start being the focus of every second post I tend to hit unsubscribe.
I suppose my standards/prejudices for my own blog are just different to ones I have for other peoples. I’m not as worried about the motivation behind the blog I guess. To be honest I’m still not sure exactly what point I was trying to make. Sometimes I just need to write stuff down.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I’ve come to realise though that I will not make money from blogging per se, but it might help me realise my dream of becoming a published author and dong some freelance writing. I’m hoping it might becvome a platform for that, but if it doesn’t I will still blog. If all the ‘extras’ stop tomorrow I will still blog. I am always open and honest and I will never be a ‘review’ blog as reviews can be very boring unless you are interested in that specific thing.
I’m happy to use my blog as a platform to help others ie charity stuff, but it will always be my place and an extension of me so that makes me fiercely protective. I also feel uncomfirtable with the ‘competititveness’ that seems to be appearing in blogging and am thinking long and hard about this.
Ack, I blog, therefore I am.
And you sir, are a gentleman and a very nice man. x (almost a hug, but virtual so you’ll survive it ok?)
Jo Beaufoix´s last blog ..Off to Spain with Mrs Cain
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Dan Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I think both you and Ian have got exactly the right balance. You both would like to move into pro writing, and therefore your work on your blog is to some extent a springboard – but you’re able to maintain its honesty and integrity at the same time.
There are others who try to maintain this balance, but come across as shallow somehow.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 11:46 am
And some people simply need the money, which is always fair enough (to a point).
You’re keeping it honest in my book, Dan. As I said in another post on my blog, the point shouldn’t be to say no to everything but to question everything. And if there are more adverts than copy on a blog, I vote with my feet.
What I do wonder about are the impact stats of this kind of blogger outreach – I know from my attendance at things like Measurement Camp that no-one really knows how to systematically measure the impact of this sort of thing and all of the really commercial bloggers seem to spend their time addressing each other – are these campaigns actually achieving their goals? I suspect the marketers driving them probably haven’t got that many clear metrics.
Personally, my audience etc are way too small to attract those kinds of offers. I was starting to field tiny ones towards the end of my previous blog but shuttering it sorted that out. And I don’t have the time to do the sheer graft of networking and so forth that it requires to build a big enough audience. I’m not saying I wouldn’t say no to people sending me CDs etc – I’ve always written about music – but as with your blu-ray policy, if I don’t like something, I won’t write about it. Or I’ll shred it. Anyway, there’s clearly a difference between promoting a brand and reviewing a piece of art (though perhaps High School Bloody Musical stretches this more than a little).
And above all, I write for myself and I don’t want to self-censor by avoiding writing about things that might drive my ‘audience’ away or by emphasising popular topics.
The other thing is that I’m an embittered Puritan who doesn’t believe in fun.
dadwhowrites´s last blog ..Assault
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Dan Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
i too have noticed that all the top UK blogger people appear to be media types. As you say perhaps these people are the ones who naturally market themselves as a matter of course.
My presence in any of those top 100 lists is purely down to the fact that I’ve been blogging in the same place for a long time. I’ve just built up a nice number of friends thats all and it gives me an advantage (if you can call it that) over people who are still establishing themselves. I’ll continue to grow slowly, but will never get proprely big as I don’t have the energy for it.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 11:48 am
The movie reviewing thing is of course damn (Danm) close to commercially whoring yourself..but as long as you are able to make decissions on what you write and what you dón’t write (or like) I’d say go with it.
Like yourself I didn’t follow the entire discussion, but I like blogs better if they are written because the writer wánted to write about a passion, not because they wanted to get paid to write about it.
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Dan Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I initially said no to them, as they were offering to give me something from their site worth up to $65. However then I thought about donating it as a prize for the walk and contacted them again and said yes. when they heard about the walk they more than doubled their offer, which was very nice indeed of them.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I find the whole ‘commercial’ aspect of blogging a bit of a mine-field. I’ve featured one review on my blog (and that was a bit of a joke) and turn down most stuff thrown my way as it just isn’t appropriate or so naff I’d be embarrassed to write about it. I’m not sure ‘how’ you get noticed by PRs or offered more things or even if I’d want to. I do write for a review blog which has thrown me a few freebies but I see as a different matter – it’s a review site, that’s why people are visiting it. But for my own personal blog it all feels a bit soulless. The same with the advertising really – obviously a few extra pennies wouldn’t go a miss but I doubt it would be worth it for the hassle involved and again, I’m not sure it would ‘feel’ right.
But then my blog is not a money-making scheme…
It’s an creative project and a fun one, and yes as an aspiring writer it’s also a project to increase my exposure and develop and engage with a readership, but money? Hadn’t even crossed my mind to be honest!
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Dan Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I don’t get as many as a lot of people. Probably because I respond to so few of them. Certainly I’ve found in the past that answering one has lead onto something else then something else etc etc.
I’ve turned down reviewing books and washing powder and things like that. But when I was offered a blu ray player I felt that the offer was too good to pass up. Especially as our DVD played had recently stopped working.
However I do feel a little soiled by it.
I always said I’d have no adverts on the blog mainly because I would have little say in the content of them. At least with a review you get to choose your own words and can give your honest opinion.
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Josie @Sleep is for the Weak Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 7:59 am
THAT’S when it feels soulless to me – when you start compromising your content for the sake of the odd freebie or just to feel ’special’ because you got noticed by this or that PR.
I obviously just need to get offered better stuff ;)
Josie @Sleep is for the Weak´s last blog ..Writing Prompts #3 – Exhilerating Adventures & Ridiculous Recipes
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
As the writer with a green/simple living/ do it yourself vibe about my life and blog, it seems deeply critical to support an industry in my writing that I do not support in my life. In many ways, I see my blog as performance art and I need to be try to myself, no matter how tempting the prospects may be.
While of course I would like to say that my soap box is built solidly of morality (and that is some of the truth), some of it is actually that I simply can not be bothered. I do not want to write about ‘Smelly Washer’ (yes I actually was offered this as a giveaway for my readers) or offer Boden discount codes (what is Boden exactly?), because it sounds far too much like hard work. So let the people that WANT to do the work (and whose readers want to read that kind of writing) pursue the money. I would rather be happily poor…
Have you seen Keri Smith’s Add Free blog work? http://www.adfreeblog.org/ its a very strong line that has developed in America
Slugs on the Refrigerator´s last blog ..Pumpkin Lovin’ Volume 2: How to Cook a Pumpkin
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dadwhowrites Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
dadwhowrites´s last blog ..Assault
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Dan Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I choose not to got the big blogher advert route though, although I did consider it at one point. If I’m going to sell out I’d rather do reviews than have adverts – as I have far more control over what I review and what I say in it. I’m still not entirely comfortable about it though (hence this post)
I really respect your choices however. And I also respect your decision to avoid the competition of the top 100 list (I seem to remember a you opting out).
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Slugs on the Refrigerator Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Slugs on the Refrigerator´s last blog ..Pumpkin Lovin’ Volume 2: How to Cook a Pumpkin
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dadwhowrites Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
dadwhowrites´s last blog ..Rocking my iPhone #4 – David Sylvian, Fuck Buttons, Black Sheep, Fever Ray
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:55 am
I too have fortunately lost my initial obsession with stats. I think these days they are less useful anyway because so much reading is done through feedreaders.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
My blog is just me wittering on about stuff that swims around in my brain, be it family, stuff I’ve read in the news, TV etc. If I suddenly feel moved to ramble I will.
I’ve never done a review, had a couple of pitches but nothing that I felt strong enough about to give time to. The one I did accept was a charity one and the event fell through, which was a shame. Often times, if I open a blog and the post is a review I will just click away. For me to pay for content on someones blog it’d have to be pretty unique.
I’m still new to this (and a little naive I suspect), and to me the community aspect is more important that reviews/freebies/monetising etc. I hope that I am more than just an extra reader/page view/statistic. I’d like to think that somehow I might be making actual connections.
Having said that, times are tough and I have considered maybe taking small ads in my sidebar. The product would have to be right though relevant to me, my family or something I am passionate about. The thing is, even by typing that I feel like a sell out. Hmmmmm.
When all is said and done I just enjoy it, even if no-one else does. I’m not from a media/PR/journalisim background but it is nice to be read, just as I enjoy reading many others.
I’m sorry for waffling. I just find it to be a total minefield. Thanks for making my cogs turn this morning.
:)
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..The X Factor and the unstoppable force that is John & Edward
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Dan Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
There is a danger that you can assume that the bloggers in PR and other media occupations are in the majority. They aren’t – it’s mainly “normal” people, but as Dad Who Writes says, the media people are natural networkers and self promoters and so tend to have rather loud voices.
You’ve inspired me to do a sort of “things i’ve got from blogging” post.
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Insomniac Mummy Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I shall be interested indeed to read your post. :)
Oddly, today I have been offered a review opportunity that is actually relevant to my life at the moment.
Now if just got to decide do I do it? Hmmmm…..
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..The X Factor and the unstoppable force that is John & Edward
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Insomniac Mummy Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:47 am
I decided to do it.
Live and let live.
:)
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..The X Factor and the unstoppable force that is John & Edward
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:12 am
What is it? sleeping tablets?
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Insomniac Mummy Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:39 am
LOL! Now that would be a review to do!
I once tried those herbal Nytol tablets. Gave me hallucinations. Husband thought I’d lost it. Probbaly have. :D
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..The X Factor and the unstoppable force that is John & Edward
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I blog because it’s therapeutic, I write and I feel like someone listens – like a counsellor gives a dedicated audience for a short-time, so my blog feels like someone read, someone listened to me – so getting a comment on a post is a great reward for me and reward enough.
When I open up a blog that looks commercial I often just close it and don’t bother to read. I switch the TV on and a zillion pounds invested by clever people twist my mind into buying stuff I didn’t know I needed, I don’t want the same from a blog. When I invite friends round for coffee I wouldn’t want them to sell me stuff at the same time *shrug* that’s how I feel about the blogging circle I am in. It’s coffee with friends not opening the door to a salesman.
but remember I’m tainted!!!!!! ;0)
Kelloggsville´s last blog ..Parking Violations
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Kelloggsville Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Thanks – you helped me clear up some inner confusion for myself
x
Kelloggsville´s last blog ..Parking Violations
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Insomniac Mummy Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I just removed my Amazon Affiliates Store too. Was never entirely comfortable with it anyway.
:)
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..The X Factor and the unstoppable force that is John & Edward
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:00 am
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Insomniac Mummy Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Never made a penny. :)
Insomniac Mummy´s last blog ..The X Factor and the unstoppable force that is John & Edward
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Some people are very comfortable having avon parties or (dare I say it) ann summers parties where they sell stuff to friends. And that’s fine, nothing wrong with that.
I personally however wouldn’t feel right doing it, I’m just not a salesman.
Perhaps that same discord is what I’m trying to express about blogging.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
The life of a vegetarian glamor model is not all Cristal and quorn, you know.
JJ Daddy-O´s last blog ..The Internet Is….
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:01 am
You should see the size of my cucumber though.
It’s tiny.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Ads, I mean. I don’t really care either way about the ads or the promotions/reviews/give-aways. Content is what usually attracts me to a blog and content is what will keep me coming back.
Ed´s last blog ..Southerners Don’t Introspect—-But We Will Watch a Movie
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:05 am
In the UK blogging scene there has been a huge explosion in commercialism – and because our bloggersphere is still so small there is sometimes the illusion that it’s almost completely taken over. But as Mark suggests further down in the comments; it’s probaly just a phase and will be over soon.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
However, I’ve never been offended by any of the PR stuff you’ve done. Especially the socks thing. And that’s not just because I won a pair. Although that is the main reason.
I like the way you’ve handled the PR aspect of blogging. You’re clever and funny, and you deserve positive attention for that. The blu-ray thing makes sense, because you have kids. The socks make sense, because we’re all doing this walk. But the moment I get a whiff of you accepting a freebie that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with your life/blog, I’m outta here. Unless of course you invite me along to benefit from your popularity.
Erin´s last blog ..Bodies in Motivation
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Tjhe socks thing was appropriate for this blog. The blu-ray less so, and I do sort of regret it. But the prospect of getting a free blu ray player was too tempting and if i’m honest I’d proably do the same again. After all its not like I don’t do the odd movie post now and again anyhow.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Always Home and Uncool´s last blog ..The Sex Vacuum
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I agree, ads do tend to be white noise. Especially as a lot of my reading is done on google reader these days so I don’t see them unless I’m clicking through to comment.
There is noting wrong with doing reviews and givaways, and I hope I don’t come across as critical of people that do. However there is a balancing act surrounding the frequency of doing stuff like that and the congruity with your everyday blogging.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I like what you, and Jo have said. I’ve used my blog primarily as an area to write under no pressure. I am quite happy to take something if I feel it of benefit, but equally, or even more so, I enjoy ignoring the ridiculous. I actually think that attitude back-handedly makes you more appealing to an advertiser/PR agency, but my attitude is far from deliberate. Plus it would absolutely amaze me if a blog ever actually paid. I know it has contributed to me getting work elsewhere, and that is great, but definitely more of a bonus than prime focus.
SingleParentDad´s last blog ..My mother is totally boiling my beetroot man
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Ian is a bloody idiot.
There, hope that balances things up a bit.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
But I must say, I applaud your stance on not accepting gifts from drug reps. I hate to think about how much misinformation is being spread through these types of sales pitches, though admittedly, I know very little about the laws that govern this practice here in the States.
Holmes´s last blog ..Go Fly A Kite
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:30 am
Here in the uk all prescriptions are subsidized by the NHS (which is funded by taxpayers). So no matter how expensive the meds you pay a flat fee (of around £7).
So, using mental health drugs as an example. This means that while it’s a pain in the arse paying £7 for something like and anti anxiety drug like diazepam (which costs about £0.05 a tablet to produce), however it’s pretty damn good if you are getting a months worth of the anti psychotic Abilify which would normally set you back about £60 for a months worth at a relatively low dose (of course if you’re on benefits then the prescription will be totally free)
Now I accept that drug companies need to make a profit. And that they also need to pore money back into research. But what they don’t need to do is send doctors on weekend breaks to Scotland and inundate nurses with pens, mouse mats, and free cake. Because the cost of that goes straight on the bill to be paid for by a health care system which is struggling to resource itself properly. We were going to buy the medication anyway damnit.
Bah!
At least here in the UK drugs companies are banned from advertising their pills to the general public. I couldn’t believe it when I saw adverts for antipsychotics on bus shelters when we visited Chicago. I’m all for patient choice, but surely it has to be a better informed choice than the man on the poster looking happy?
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I have to confess I was one of those that started blogging trying to make money. I had no direction, and it wasn’t until I discovered ‘Daddy Blogging’ that I found my niche.
I’m still not making money or getting many freebies, but I enjoy it and the chance to tell funny stories about my kids or find advice from fellow parent bloggers.
Consider yourself added to blogs that I follow, and thanks for your point of view!
Justin Howe´s last blog ..The Homeless American Girl Doll: An Alternative Perspective
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:31 am
As I say, I really wasn’t about criticizing other people’s choices for their blogs. More trying to work out what my thoughts are.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I’m astonished that bloggers think they should make money from their blogs. Some, of course, will get ’spotted’ as utterly brilliant, genius writers and will get some kind of remuneration because of that. Others will take freebies – some more, some less – and that’s fine too. (Like the Blu-ray player – incidentally I had to laugh when I saw the ad. It looks like me, my toy-boy and our kids on the sofa!)
But complaining about ‘working’ for free? Since when was writing a diary a paid job?
Maggie´s last blog ..Half term already???!!!
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:33 am
I’m sure I must have taken that “working for free” comment out of context. But it sparked a train of thought in me.
Some people do make money from blogging, but rarely their own blog as far as I can tell.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I started my blog because I am interested in writing – and also in the possibilities of new media for aspiring writers. First and foremost the words must be intrinsically valuable in themselves – and not as a means to ‘deliver an audience to an advertiser’ as my old employer used to say. Two years later my motives have not changed.
Returning to advertising and its like – if you can keep your integrity, fine. But the moment you write ‘for’ the advertiser you change the game. That isn’t wrong – but it is different, and fundamentally so – and it’s not somewhere I am interested in going.
Mark´s last blog ..Clearing the decks
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:35 am
I suspect you are right. Companies are testing the water and the phase will pass soon enough.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
But really, I don’t mind random ads on a site, but once we get into paid reviews that’s a real turn-off for me as a reader.
People in the Sun´s last blog ..I’m not afraid of CUTE
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:36 am
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Kevin Spencer´s last blog ..California – Day Three
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Send me your bank account number and I’ll see what I can do.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
I don’t want ads here. Even if I could put ads (which I can’t due to company blogging rules) I don’t want them.
Now if someone wants to give me a book to review and give away sure I will pass on the love. As long as it gives me good content.
DCUrbanDad´s last blog ..Beer, Bojangles and Beaches – what did you do this weekend?
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:40 am
I think the thing with reviews is that they have to be the sort of stuff you’d be talking about anyway – otherwise it just feels wrong.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
bon bon´s last blog ..foxy
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:40 am
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Wow this one must’ve hit a nerve, lots of replies!
I only read a handful of parent blogs, and when it comes to sponsored posts I, er, generally skip them. Even yours. Sorry. It might be different if I had any interest in the product. Is that too honest?
I *do* think that advertising can work on a blog but only if it’s supporting a company the blogger really loves and believes in and wants to promote. So, for example, “A Practical Wedding” has sponsored links and posts to various small and reasonably-priced vendors, like the little website which sells beautiful ethically sourced rings ah shite more waffle for you to read… I only bring it up because it’s one of the few examples of a blog where I feel that sponsorship really works.
ps Sorry I haven’t replied to your email yet the ruddy hotmail isn’t working.
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:43 am
The reason I’m not too keen on ads on my site is that, because I use real names and real photos, I worry that if I make money then I’m in some way exploiting my family for money. And exploiting my friends who come here too.
But as I say, these concerns are solely restricted to my blog. Ads on other’s blogs doesn’t worry me at all. I have no idea why i have these double standards, but I do.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
But this isn’t about everyone monetising blogs. It isn’t about everyone taking ads or sponsorship or freebies. It was actually just saying, “Hey, if you create new badges or widges, or recipes, or you publish a novel in chapters, or you create a methodology for doing something cool on a website, why not ask people to pay a few pence to access your creation?”
And, frankly, it’s a model that was good enough for Charles Dickens, so I’m cool with it.
Sally, Who’s the Mummy´s last blog ..Pay the Mummy blogger: because you’re worth it?
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:48 am
I do understand the original focus of your post was about the method of charging for content. The reason I didn’t mention that specifically was that i didn’t think it was really relevant to my blog – and it was my blog I was blathering about.
Perhaps i shouldn’t have linked to you, but it just seemed to fit as a way of getting into the topic.
Again, sorry if you feel misrepresented.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Therefore, I just do it for the fun of it.
Seattledad´s last blog ..Full Stream Ahead
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:51 am
Once the companies realize the insignificance of the UK blogging reach, then there will be no more free stuff for us either.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I don’t think you “sell out” if you make some money from your blog. All total, I probably made about a thousand dollars or more myself. But, beginning about a year ago, I began declining all offers from promoters and advertisers. In the past six months, because my writing has become so infrequent and hits have dropped, the offers have disappeared entirely.
Thanks for the mention today. There are probably a few people who saw the link and thought, “Who’s he?” or “Whatever happened to…?” or “He’s still alive?”
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am
My interest in blogging waxes and wains, and I’ve taken a few months off now and then. The main thing that keeps me at it is the friends I’ve made.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
As a reader, if I get a whiff that a blogger is being dishonest in their entries for the sake of a few quid then I’m out of there and just won’t go back. I’ve left a few of the ‘daddy blogs’ in the dust for that very reason.
But if people can make some money out of their blog then go for it, it’s a tough world at the moment.
Myself, I don’t get a fraction of the ‘offers’ I would if I were US or UK based so the dilemma is taken out of my hands somewhat.
I’m holding out for the offer of a mini-series.
Xbox4NappyRash´s last blog ..Snot and a wave
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:13 am
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Xbox4NappyRash Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Interesting one though, bloggers who go on and maybe publish books or step into other media for financial gain are deemed sucesses, but those who take 20 quid a month in ads are deemed sell outs at times…
Xbox4NappyRash´s last blog ..Snot and a wave
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Personally though i’d still have to think about writing about my family in a book, because of the same concerns about exploitation. I think I’d still do it mind you, but I’d think carefully about it.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Today I still stick to my (as you rightly suggest) “punk” ethics: be honest, use our real names and pictures, don’t monetise and above all don’t try to attract readers or climb charts, simply respond socially to likeminded bloggers. At most the blog will then grow organically.
I have to admit I cringed a little when you started the blu-ray reviews, not because you were “selling out” or anything but simply because it didn’t sit right for me in what felt otherwise to be something much like my own enterprise (only funnier… git).
And anything in support of the the charity stuff is absolutely to be applauded and outside this discussion, I hope that goes without saying.
Finally, to prove that I am not moralising, I have also considered starting an entirely separate blog with almost the opposite ethos to allow me to develop a bigger venture with a bigger audience, still with honesty at its core, but where I can be more expressive and won’t be worried about my kids identity being too public. In fact for that latter reason I’ve many times come close to quitting blogging, but that’s another story.
Steve´s last blog ..BBC NEWS | Africa | Malawi: A mother’s race against time
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I do sometimes feel a little funny about the charity things – like I’m taking advantage/pestering people. On the whole I think it’s ok though, and people have been amazing in their support.
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on Oct 26th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I also blog because I have felt for a very long time that I had very little to say, but in fact I do have a lot to say. I’m busy findng myself at the moment and using my blog as a way of doing that. It’s a voyage of self-discovery really.
I’ve accepted a few freebies recently and enjoyed a couple of trips to London. I’ve done this for several reasons – I’m studying marketing and it’s an area I’d like to work in so I’m very keen to see how PR companies operate. I used to work in the commercial world and lived in the south for 15 years. I miss it. I mis the buzz of the place and the commercialism. I’m happy to go to these events and experience some of that again. I’ve also been sent some interesting products which, as a single parent, I could not otherwise afford so there is gain on both sides. I don’t accept everything, some of it has no connection to my blog.
So it’s a complex relationship, really. I’m blogging for fun, not for profit. When it’s not fun, I’ll stop doing it. If it ever reaches the point where it takes over my life and reduces the time I spend with my daughter then I’ll stop doing it.
Family comes first, blogging is really not that important in the grand scheme of things.
Rosie Scribble´s last blog ..Out of this world
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:20 am
It’s one thing to have some me time, and it’s another to ignore your children because you are too busy posting about what a wonderful dad you are.
I’ve taken a break at points like that, and have always found it to be a good way of recharging the batteries.
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on Oct 27th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Do I write about them all? Hardly. I only review the ones that I want to recommend for readers. Just like you’d do in real life to your friends, “Oh, check out this awesome CD.” I’ve never written a negative review simply because I don’t see the point of it.
Around the same time, I was invited to join BlogHer ads. I’d already been at this blogging thing for three years, so my initial intent was never to make money. Like you said, it’s a wonderful way to do three things: journal my family, spread a bit of news to other parents, and last, relax at the end of the day with a bit of creative nonsense.
Funny thing about the recent explosion of dad bloggers. I must be old and set in my ways. My Google Reader ways. I haven’t added a new dad blog in a long time. I’m just stuck on the 50 or so I already read, and pretty much at my breaking point, time-wise. Actually, I think the only blogs of any kind I’ve added in the past year were my fellow Hadrian’s Walkers, and I’m really enjoying Erin, Jo, DadWhoWrites, JJDaddyO, and a few others.
Oh, and when you’re feeling sorry for yourself, consider that of the hundreds, even thousands, of items I’ve received for consideration on my blog, it’s mostly books and CDs. Nothing anywhere near as nice as a Blu-Ray player or free trip.
Regardless, I started my blog for fun. And I’ll continue it for fun. Ads or freebies have little impact on my reason for blogging.
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 1:57 am
I wouldn’t choose to run ads myself for reasons I’ve gone into. But they certainly don’t worry/bother me on other’s sites and I think no less of people for them.
I often long for the old days too. Remember when we actually knew everyone? Or at least it seemed that way back then. Remember when Whit used to comment on your post before you’d even hit send. Ahh those were the days :)
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Idaho Dad Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I think the secret is that I don’t have time to think too much about it, so there’s none of the usual overthinking and obsessing that I’m prone to do.
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on Oct 27th, 2009 at 1:14 am
http://www.whosthemummy.co.uk/2009/10/paying-the-mummy-bloggers-part-ii.html
But ultimately, I think you’re being a bit unfair. This isn’t just someone who thinks they should get paid for an online diary – there are still plenty of absolutely non-commercial blogs out there, mine being one of them, as it happens. Then there are blogs like Ian’s where he accepts freebies if they’re relevant, then there are blogs that are set up specifically as commercial ventures like Babyccino or Bambino Goodies.
I don’t think any of these models are any better or worse than any other – it’s about what’s right for particular people in particular situations, surely?
PS – I don’t think I’m single-handedly responsible for destroying parent blogs by devising a top100. But just in case – sorry about that.
Sally, Who’s the Mummy´s last blog ..Paying the Mummy Bloggers – Part II
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Anyhow, my previous response to you still stands I think.
I appreciate I was being a little unfair. In fact I even said it in the post. I don’t know the context for that quote and so perhaps shouldn’t have commented on it.
However it sparked a train of thought in my head that I wanted to follow and so i used it as sort of an introduction. Everything I wrote after the 3rd/4th paragraph wasn’t about your post at all – but the issue of commercialism in blogging in general, and commercialism in my own blog in particular.
I’m not looking to start some kind of flame war. I was just bashing out a few ideas. i agree completely that it’s all about what’s right for the individual. i was just trying to work out what is right for me. Perhaps i didn’t put that aspect across very well. If so then again i apologize.
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Sally, Who's the Mummy Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 3:34 am
Sally, Who’s the Mummy´s last blog ..Paying the Mummy Bloggers – Part II
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on Oct 27th, 2009 at 1:30 am
But, I don’t expect anything, at all, if a company wants to send me something they are more than welcome and I will give the product whatever attention is warranted. I don’t guarantee a good review (far from it actually) and in the past I’ve actually knocked back a couple of things because I won’t have the time to look at them or have no interest.
I generally despise blogs set up to make money or to get free stuff, they don’t impress me at all, I particularly dislike sites that blog about blogging for money, they just aren’t for me.
I liked your Blu-ray reviews and wasn’t put off in the slightest knowing that they were supplying you with free goods, I’ve followed your blog for a while and amongst a growing sea of plastic blogs yours has a real authentic voice which is what I like in my blogosphere – give me real any day!
So I guess my opinion for what it is worth is keep on doing what you’re doing which from my impression at least is being honest and genuine – can’t really go wrong with that.
In the words of LOLcats Blogging: You iz doin it right.
Lee Sargent´s last blog ..So who’s getting some Shatner love?
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:22 am
As you know yours is one of the blogs I enjoy the most. You too have a very honest voice. Even if your favorite film is spiderman 3
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Lee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Ummm…
Did you get my podcast email?
Lee´s last blog ..Where’s my money – featuring Tiger Cub Girl
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Dan Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:43 am
I did get the podcast yes. Sorry for not emailing you back (I thought I had. i need to get a new PA)
It was great, just what I was looking for. Hoping I’ll be able to put something together for this weekend. I’m not plannign on singing myself you’ll be glad to know.
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Lee Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Yeah that Catwoman movie was so…? WHAT?!?! Noooooooooo….
doh.
Lee´s last blog ..Where’s my money – featuring Tiger Cub Girl
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on Oct 27th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Lindy´s last blog ..the one where you are what you eat.
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Dan Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 8:56 am
I think it’s important to think about the implications of having Ad’s and freebies before you blindly do them however. I know I wish I had.
Dan´s last blog ..Reasons to love blogging, part 1
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on Oct 27th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Ahem, onto weightier matters. I don’t do ads or reviews purely because so few people read my blog that it wouldn’t be worth it. Also, my blog is part family record and part place for me to whine about things going tits up (or that’s how it feels at the moment anyway) – not really advertising fodder! If I had the sort of blog that would be good for adverts, to be honest I don’t know if I would or not. Probably not, I’m too lazy.
Barbara´s last blog ..Prepared
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Dan Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 8:59 am
However, I certainly don’t think any less of anyone who accepts ads.
Dan´s last blog ..Reasons to love blogging, part 1
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on Oct 29th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Anyway i’ve always been adament that i wouldn’t do any ads or any of that ad sense stuff, not that i mind it on other peoples at all, but i just didn’t want to go there. Freebies on the otherhand have held quite an allure, i admit i was sucked in and couldn’t believe i was being offered stuff for free, Generally though i haven’t really responded and have only accepted one or two sporadically, which i felt was totally relevent to me and my family and i think i’m happy to stay that way for now. My blog is purely an outlet to vent and just for fun, any freebies along the way are a bonus but good luck to anyone out there who can make it pay, why not!
Wife of bold´s last blog ..I wanna dance with somebody…
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Dan Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Freebies are incredibly tempting aren’t they. I think that if they are relevant and fit with what you want the blog to be about then it’s fine to accept them. I however sort of regret getting involved in the whole thing (although I’m not sure what I’d do if I were asked to send them back)
Dan´s last blog ..Reasons to love blogging, part 1
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on Oct 30th, 2009 at 10:46 am
I’m happier at the bottom of this particular pyramid…. I like to merge into a crowd. If I don’t make money there’s no pressure to offer quality, I can be as crap as I like… that’s my comfort zone.
MrsW´s last blog ..Fix it Friday #34
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on Oct 31st, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Dan´s last blog ..Reasons to love blogging, part 1
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on Nov 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 am
I need to blog about this I think.
Wanted to add my 2p about the working 2 days a week thing – that I hope you can do it if you come down on the side of it being what’s best for you and yours, money being worse is not the be all and end all. I cut back from 3 days to 2 and then 1 when yours and Maggie’s kids were younger. :)
Good day.
x
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Dan Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
As for going even more part time, I’m hoping it can happen but it all depends on my manager really.
Dan´s last blog ..Pop pop pop pop pop
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on Nov 4th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Linda´s last blog ..Twin Tuesday: Jedward are just the latest twins to rock the X Factor!
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Dan Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 9:24 am
I’ve pretty much made up my own mind for my own blog. I’m going to stop doing reviews/accepting freebies unless they have an impact on the Hadrian’s walk thing. Reviews and the like irritate me on other peoples blogs (and yes I know I don’t have to read them. In fact I’ve stopped reading a few blogs all together due to the density of reviews and sponsored posts) so it is hypocritical of me to have them on mine, so i really should stop. Plus, as I say I don’t feel comfortable with it. I’m not a journalist or pro writer, nor do I want to be. I certainly don’t want to be a corporate spokesman or ambassador.
But, for people who do, then that’s cool. It’s your blog, it’s a free country, you can express yourself how you like, live and let live, and all that stuff. I think it’s a shame that there can’t be a debate about it without calling people stuck up and snobby, but a blog is a very personal thing and I suppose any perceived criticism can often be interpreted as a personal attack. I suppose I’m as guilty of that as anyone too.
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on Nov 4th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Linda´s last blog ..Twin Tuesday: Jedward are just the latest twins to rock the X Factor!
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on Nov 5th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
What a fantastic post attracting that much interest – now imagine if you had put a click here advert right in the middle of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*kelloggsville ducks the shoe flying in her direction and runs away*
;0)
Kelloggsville´s last blog ..This time I’ll get it right
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