Comments on: The Blogging Truth about Reviews and Giveaways

By: Lorna d'Entremont

Lorna d'Entremont — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:05:49 +0000

Again thank you so much for this informative post. We are on the other side of this story as the company that sells the sensory tool Kid Companions chewelry. In March 2010 when I started reading blogs I noticed how many bloggers were doing reviews and giveaways. We have participated in a few already and luckily all has gone very well. We have always received honest, much appreciated feedback. Thanks to all the bloggers who really do a good job of letting readers know about the new products out there. Lorna d’Entremont

By: Idaho Jill

Idaho Jill — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:21:58 +0000

very good things to think about. I am here from a giveaway entry, but always stop by the home page & see what the blog is all about – have read all of the comments and it’s really great food for thought. I have the exact same pitch in my email, and am still trying to decide. Thanks!
.-= Idaho Jill´s last blog ..Win a $500 freezer! ends 6/11 =-.

By: Tara Bucci

Tara Bucci — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:38:36 +0000

Wow! Luckily I have never run into this but do often get company’s with crazy offers. I just kindly reply that I’m not interested. It’s absolutely ridiculous how some of these PR and Marketing people are. Although, I think there is a HUGE difference between the two. PR just want a well written post, Marketing want Mula from your post. :p

Pretty much every product I receive to review I love, but the ones I don’t…get a honest…no go :/ To bad…that’s the whole point of this gig! lol

Your great Thetamom! Love how you tell it how it is!
.-= Tara Bucci´s last blog ..LeSportsac Erika Tote $68 =-.

By: The Momma Stuff Blog

The Momma Stuff Blog — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:30:27 +0000

Great perspective and warning for a new blogger such as myself. Thanks for sharing your experience and providing some insight on this topic.
amber
.-= The Momma Stuff Blog´s last blog ..POM Wonderful Review & Giveaway =-.

By: franticmommy

franticmommy — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:02:26 +0000

This article is pure gold to me. These are questions and views and the real truth I have been looking for. Thanks for your honesty and intregrity Heather. THAT’s why your blog will be around for a very long time. You’re not a “fronter”. You don’t blow smoke. You rock my friend
.-= franticmommy´s last blog ..Mom Squad Central: Mom Squad Quotes of The Week =-.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:48:10 +0000

I think I've encountered this company as well (or someone that wanted me to do the exact same thing). I turned them down and it is probably good that you did as well. I don't know what's worse.. this or the companies that ask you to promote their product without sending it for review. I'm not sure how people can expect something for nothing. Anyways, I love this post and your tips! .-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Onto The Other Side =-.

By: Erin

Erin — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:57:24 +0000

I can see both sides of it. Part of it is…well, it’s just the way the PR industry works. (I’ve worked in PR in NYC.) HOWEVER, it is curious that the required links for that particular review were to a very specific page. Normally, though, it is typical to expect some sort of collateral is featured (images, links, what have you).

I completely agree with your four rules.

We bloggers cannot simply be regurgitating releases that PR pros send us everyday. Have some integrity and some standards. If you think of yourself more as a journalist (at least when it comes to working with companies) it should be pretty self-explanatory. You do, after all, serve the same purpose as a journalist who would write about a product/company.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Unpacking boxes of memories (and giving them to a rummage sale) =-.

By: natalee

natalee — Sat, 22 May 2010 02:59:35 +0000

You are sooo right my dear friend..i do very few giveaways for that exact reason...hugs and love .-= natalee´s last blog ..Did I REALLY????? =-.

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:42:58 +0000

great GREAT tips little momma! i have wondered how people pick and choose which ones they’re going to do and which ones they aren’t. thanks for the tips!!!

have a fantastic day!!!
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Thank GONZO It’s Friday! =-.

By: Life in the BAT Cave

Life in the BAT Cave — Fri, 21 May 2010 01:14:24 +0000

I recently received an offer just like that! I was all set to do it and then received the email I had to do a post with links to their sites BEFORE I'd receive the product to review. .-= Life in the BAT Cave´s last blog ..A Weekend in the Woods =-.