Comments on: Blogging & PR Relationships

By: pickel

pickel — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:56:37 +0000

I turn them down as well. Or, I tell them I will look at the product and go from there. Often times the product sounds good in type and I just can’t give it a bad review.

I am also very wary about giving my address out. Make sure you are emailing or talking with a legitimate company.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:24:52 +0000

This is an excellent post.

I find myself turning down more offers for reviews than I accept these days. I want to be sure to maintain the integrity of my blog and to think of my readers instead of just scrambling to get free products. It’s a tough balancing act, but slowly I’m finding my way…

By: To Think Is To Create

To Think Is To Create — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:21:54 +0000

Great post! I think it’s important for those of us that are dipping a toe into this whole PR world, to always remember our “brand” when accepting any pitches. Working with the right people can definitely be a win-win, but not sticking with your brand and who you are will make you feel under appreciated and not respected. It’s all a balancing act, but a great one when done the right way!

`Arianne

By: Ashleigh (Heart and Home)

Ashleigh (Heart and Home) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:40:07 +0000

Great tips, Steph! I’m just starting to get PR contacts, and have been feeling a little lost!

By: Jo-Lynne (Musings of a Housewife)

Jo-Lynne (Musings of a Housewife) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:58:02 +0000

Well said!

By: dolly

dolly — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:40:25 +0000

great post, stephanie. there’s definitely a wide range of expectations from PR reps toward bloggers. like you, i try to be very discriminating about which products i choose to review, and to provide an honest review (areas for improvement, and reasons why i do love something). if i wouldn’t use it, think it’s unnecessary or possibly harmful for my son or me, then i kindly decline.

i’d love to hear about how you built up a relationship with various companies to earn trips! now, that’d be a great follow-up post!

By: Kim @ What's That Smell?

Kim @ What's That Smell? — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:45:38 +0000

Thanks for the great article.

I have trouble seeing the perspective that I am helping them too, so this definitely helped.

By: DesignHER Momma

DesignHER Momma — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:01:26 +0000

great article. I think reviewing and working with PR companies can really be a “win-win” situation if done properly.

Us moms do love getting “free” product, but is it really “free”? I feel my time and energy to review and then provide a thoughtful response in a post is exactly free time.

Don’t get me wrong, I love reviewing product, I just love being respected for it.

By: Jennae @ Green Your Decor

Jennae @ Green Your Decor — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:29:33 +0000

Very, very helpful post. I have had some contact from PR reps, but most were form letters or related to products or services that were irrelevant to my blog. I signed up for Mom Select, and appreciate your tips.

By: Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)

Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:48:57 +0000

Great insights Steph – I totally agree with you. Respect is so important in all relationships on this planet – isn’t it? From children, to spouses, to PR reps, respect is the way to go.