It’s been almost six years since I started this blog and as I approach that mind-blowing anniversary I feel the desire to address something that’s come up time and again in the comments sections here, in conversation and all over the interwebs as of late. And that is the delicate business of making money from blogging. A few weeks ago I posted about some vendors I was using for my renovation and someone commented asking what I was “given/paid” to link to these people in my post. I jumped to my own defense, perhaps in haste, as I felt incredibly offended by the accusation that I can be paid to post about a product or vendor- espeically when I’m paying a vendor to do work for me! But it did make me think about the business of blogging and how there is a huge amount of confusion and dilution of recommendations in blogging due to the fact that we are now seen as a venerable form of media and getting paid for it.
I am sure there are some bloggers who love the swag so much they will post about anyone and anything to get free stuff or money. There are bloggers who don’t take on advertisers and don’t make a dime off their blog. And then there are the rest of us who walk the middle of the road- we post about what we love and if we happen to get paid for it, well that’s just great. Yes, I get sent free stuff. Yes, I get offered discounts. Yes, I get commissions on some things I link to on this blog. Yes, I have advertisers that pay me a fee for a little button on the sidebar. But here is the most crucial side note to all that- I have a very strict rule for myself in which I ask myself every single time I link/post/accept an advertiser- “would I blog about this person/thing/service regardless of compensation? Does this fit with my aesthetic?” If the answer is yes, then so be it. If the answer is no, then I turn down whatever they are offering me and you don’t see any of it. In fact, I turn down way, WAY more than I accept. And if I’m sent something that I don’t like, I try to give helpful feedback to the company as to why I won’t post about their item and offer to send it back. I cannot be bought, but I do think I (and all other bloggers) deserve to be compensated when it’s appropriate.
While I never, ever want to turn into a “sell out”, I also have come to accept what people have been saying to me for years- that I deserve to make money for all the hard work and time I invest in this blog. As long as it does not compromise my content and what I recommend and post, then it harms no one if I happen to make a few bucks on the back end. It in fact propels me to blog MORE. After all, this is an entrepreneurial venture at it’s core. Leandra Mendine, the woman behind the famous “ManRepeller” blog posted a great piece this week about how “blogging” has somehow become a dirty word and how bloggers have entered a world in which we will constantly be questioned about our motivation to post about a certain thing-even when it comes from a totally honest and natural place. The true motivation behind all our blogs is to create a career for ourselves that wasn’t being offered up to us in the traditional manner of times past. No one was offering me a job as an editor at a shelter or fashion magazine– and so I became my OWN editor. And now that companies small and large see us as a valuable alternative to expensive print media- we are reaping some of the same benefits. But it bothers readers more, I think, because our blogs were born from a simpler place of influence-free opinion. They want to be sure that they are still getting honest content and not being hit over the head with paid advertorials. That concerns me too as a reader and writer.
I am not a housewife with a hobby (as I’ve been accused of as well- not that there is anything wrong with that I/my blog are just neither of those things)- I need to make an income in order to continue spending hours a day penning this blog. And it’s been so amazing to see so many other people be able to quit soul-sucking day jobs because their blogs have provided enough business and income to allow them to live out their dreams of self-employment. And others, like myself, who now employ other people because of their blogs. We’ve created this fantastic new economy of creativity, opinion and entrepreneur-ism, but we all have to make sure that we never lose what got us here- our unedited enthusiasm and opinion. Just as readers need to support us in our hopes to become financially independent and sound. It’s a fine balance, it really is, but I for one plan to continue to tow that line with all my might.
Well done! I believe most of your lovely readers are rooting for you to do well and know that you are true to yourself and us first. Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
RF
Its funny I read your blog every morning and I have never felt that way. I can tell from what you write about that it is all stuff you love and thats why your blog is so good its all you not some paid ad. There are some other blogs I used to read which I did give up on that all they did was plug there products all day every day you do not do that you share life stories, trips and treasures. Don’t let anybody get you down you are doing a fantastic job! And what are you supposed to do entertain all of us every day and not make a buck thats just silly!
I am a new mom – work full time for carpet mfg … and you inspire this momma to get out and do something to flip this gig on its head and build my own empire.
KEEP GOING! You are dedicated to staying true to yourself, admirable.
Well said Erin! Thanks for using your platform to address this topic. No one questions our teachers or nurses or attorneys or business owners for wanting compensation or attacks them for providing false opinions based solely on monetary gain. And yet bloggers are somehow exempt from this assumption that our work is valuable.
Your blog is always a breath of fresh air, as some of the other blogs I read have moved in the direction of more “paid advertorials” and a showy this is the latest free stuff I got. I admire and applaud what a great job you are doing with EOS! Cheers to you Erin!
Erin, thank you for this post! My dream is to become a writer, and one day soon I hope I can start earning a living based on readers who want to hear what I have to say, and how I say it. Yours is the first blog I started reading every day. No one questions a columnist’s desire to earn, so why would anyone question ours? As a new blogger, thank you for your honesty and staying true!
Erin- I’m over 50. I have been reading your blog for years. It’s clear to me that one of your character traits is that you hold yourself accountable. A very admirable trait. It is that trait which motivates you to share from your heart (and soul) -yes? Payment, discounts, freebies, from sponsors are simply by-products of an exceptionally well written blog containing rich content from a blogger with discerning taste and a generous heart.
You’re absolutely right.
On another note, people on the internet need to behave as they would in “real life”. If you wouldn’t say X, Y or Z to someone in person, don’t say it on the internet. I know there are very direct, blunt and even rude people who are willing to make rude comments to someone’s face, but (fortunately!) they’re in the minority. On the internet, on the other hand….
Also, anyone who reads your blog regularly would know that you’re not a “housewife with a hobby”, although that’s not such a terrible thing to be ;).
Keep up the good work, Erin!
I love your blog – read it as soon as I turn on my computer every day. If Wellbuilt gives you a discount on their services, they should. You are promoting them to all of your readers. And if they weren’t good (like the granite place that delivered the water-stained quartzite – ugh), they would be held accountable on your blog. You are honest and I think that is why your readers love your blog so much! Thanks for what you do.
You write a beautiful, fresh, and fun blog daily. It is the only blog I cannot do without in my daily routine. I’ve been a reader for years, and will continue to be one for many more. It would never have crossed my mind that you would promote a product for the sole purpose of monetary gain. Whoever said that must not follow you regularly, as so many of us do. Keep fighting the good fight, and thank you so much for all the entertainment and inspiration you’ve afforded me over the years. XOXO EOS!
I have always enjoyed your blog because it feels personal, not like a constant advertisement for luxury goods. It feels like you write the blog because you are passionate about it, not as a money maker. While you do have sponsors and do get discounts, I think that is fair. You are upfront and honest about it. Keep up the great work :)
I have always felt that most blogs are the writers own form of advertisement for their own business. You don’t need to defend your blog, if people don’t like the content, or what you are blogging about then they don’t have to read it, so simple. I’m happy when you share your experiences, good and bad. It helps me make a better decision if im working on the same types of projects.
Well done, Erin. You’re an inspiration and you DO deserve to be compensated for all your hard work. You never phone it in, and that’s obvious to your readers. Your blog was one of the first that piqued my interest in blogging/bloggers and it’s one of the few that I remember to check every day without a reminder or bookmark. You do fantastic work, both on the blog and in your designs. This IS a business, not a hobby, and you’re doing an amazing job. You should be proud.
Erin – love your style and the fact that you do so much legwork to let the rest of us enjoy your asthetic with much less work. I’m actually grateful that when I click on a link you’ve provided that you get a little tiny piece of my purchase (at least I hope you do!) since you’ve done the work to help me shop more efficiently. Can’t wait for your book – and hope you won’t be so famous in a decade that I can’t hire you to design the New Hampshire retreat my husband and I are building!
Well said!
Erin, I love your blog and also this specific post. I admire you have you have done this the last years, you well deserve the success, and by that I also mean money. When you posted about your renovation and linked to some of them I thought it was fresh and innovative. I’ve been in the communications and media business since University, 15 years, and I finally created my own blog to be able to fulfill a dream of being an editor in the subjects that I have a lot of experience in. Anyway, it’s nothing but hard work. What is interesting as well is the media landscape. Here in Sweden there is a huge debate about advertising on blogs. Mainly women run blogs here. Everyday the biggest blogs, and sometimes myself as well, get advertisers wanting to promote their stuff. But for a fraction of the normal ad cost. Let’s say A successful fashion blog, where the potential advertiser reach a very high percentage of their target group who can click and make an order direct from the advertiser, would never pay as much or even half what they are offering e.g ELLE magazine, where their ad most likely will bring nothing but awareness and no direct sales that can be traced and measured as in the case of blogs. This is upsetting to many bloggers wondering if this is the case because they are “women” and working in a new industry. Like they should be happy to get a free mascara and write about it and promote it for thousands of loyal readers. it doesn’t make sense! Whatever the gender, I think the ad market for online is hugely underestimated!! Even if you only have 200 readers a day, this would be an excellent chance for the right company to reach out to a loyal audience and everything this brings with it.
Best regards,
Caroline
Great post and I couldn’t agree with you more.
I think one of the most difficult things to accomplish with blogging is to balance professionalism with authenticity. If you make money off your blog, you should treat it like a job and put the necessary time and care into it. However at the same time, you want to communicate with readers on a personal level. It’s a tricky thing to do. A lot of bloggers also have the tendency to make themselves and their lives appear impossibly perfect at all times and that can alienate readers.
If someone lacks integrity it will always become obvious no matter how hard they try to hide it. Your blog has never lacked integrity or honesty in my opinion. It’s very obvious that you are true to your vision and your goals. In short- it always seems like you are telling the truth!
I notice someone above commented that being a “housewife with a hobby” is not a bad thing and I agree. I can’t imagine anyone would seriously put you in that category but what bothers me is that most women who are essentially housewives with a hobby will not admit it. They will claim to have a full time and busy career even if that just involves posting what they ate or wore that day on the internet. The people who are really just doing it as a hobby and treating it as such (inconsistent posting, no proof-reading, no original content, bad writing, etc.) but then claiming they are professionals is what is giving bloggers a bad name. It mudies the waters and the term “professional blogger” becomes a bit of joke.
Interesting post, and this is probably breaking all rules of civilized blog commentary, but…. Can we please get a kitchen renovation update??? I need to know what’s going on! Thank you for being willing to share your experiences.
Well Said! That’s exactly why I read your blog everyday. Your honesty. Please don’t stop. It’s how I begin my morning everyday.
Well said, Erin. Such a hot topic right now, too. I agree that there is nothing wrong with a blogger being compensated for their hard work – as long as it’s still genuine to their taste and style and voice. As a blogger I’m especially suspicious of other blog posts these days and motivations. But I think it’s clear when the blogger is being legit and not shady, as you are always a good like that.
Your mention of not being a housewife with a hobby did cause a head tilt on my end. I’m a stay at home mom who blogs. I treat my blog as a hobby so that my passion and enjoyment of blogging still trumps all, even though it has turned into much more than a hobby.
Keep on doing your thing, Erin. We all appreciate you and know you’re the real deal. :)
There are certain blogs that have turned me off because I have felt they are motivated by money. When that’s the case, I think it shows. It becomes more about the products they are promoting and it feels like I’m reading an advertisement. There are products we all love and will promote without a dime. I’ve done that and there’s nothing wrong with sharing things you love with an audience. That’s what I see you do and why I’m an avid reader. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Well said. I don’t ever comment but you wrote this very well – additionally, I respect your blog’s content whether it brings you some form of compensation or not. I feel like everything you post about does, in fact, fit your aesthetic and have never questioned the blog’s integrity. Well done! Carry on!
Well said Erin. People need to understand how businesses work.
Bravo!! What negative commenters may fail to take into account is that… well.. we (the readers) are not stupid! If we didn’t see a cohesive, honest style that you bring to the table time and time againe, we would just pop over to the next blog!
I always come back to yours because your genuine aesthetic comes through in each and every post, and like everyone else who has commented already, I never second guess whether you’re posting something for the compensation.
And yes… more kitchen pictures!!
Fantastic piece! As a blogger I saw Man Repeller’s piece the other day and really appreciated it too. I’ve posted about the blogging for profit camps I’ve noticed as well and I definitely give myself a litmus test before partnering with a brand or accepting an opportunity. It’s still confusing for some who don’t blog to understand the work that goes into maintaining a blog and building your brand. Pieces like this help all of us bloggers and non-bloggers. Thank you!
Chassity- I didn’t mean to offend with the housewife comment, sorry if it did. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a housewife with a hobby, it’s just that me and my blog are neither of those things so I don’t enjoy it when people say that.
To the others- more kitchen reveal coming next week!!!! :)
Thank you for the thoughtful post Erin. As a loyal, long-time reader, I’ve seen you and your business/blog grow in so many ways, and honestly, I have recently had the thought (not because of any “advertorials” but more from just witnessing your accomplishments) that maybe one day you’ll become too big and busy and we won’t have the honest, lovely voice of the blogger we’ve come to love, but rather a more detached “business” voice. This post really assured me that, even with growth and success, you will always stay true to yourself and to your readers. Thank you for your blog — like so many others said, its the first one I look at every morning — your design thoughts are truly inspiring to me as we begin some new home renovations this year!
I think your attitude towards the types of products and companies that you “promote” is a great one. One thing that might help give you peace of mind in your decisions and also educate your readers is to post a disclaimer whenever you are promoting a brand. Something to let them know that this is your personal opinion and you are not being compensated for writing about this group, or the converse that you have received some form of compensation for an endorsement in writing. It helps the readers to come to better informed decisions.
This blog has a really good overall disclaimer page if you want some ideas: http://mylipsbutbetter.com/disclosures-policies/
Can’t wait to see the kitchen updates!
Erin, I really loved this post, minus one thing..it did sound a little negative when you said “housewife with a hobby.” I know you probably didnt mean it the way it came out ( and I personally don’t fall into that category, I work about 12 hours a day at my job I love) but there is nothing wrong with the housewife blogging as a hobby.
anyways, great post.
Hear Hear! Well said, Erin. I’ve been a dedicated reader for over 4 years now and can say that you’ve never written like some of the other “bloggers” I’ve encountered. I work in fashion marketing and have heard/read my fair share of cringe-worthy “freebie trolling”. It’s evident that your posts are genuine and in line with your voice, which is the type of publication that brands want to be associated with. Keep up the good work!
Great response to this subject. I don’t know anything about anything but your sponsors always seem to fit in on your blog. And this is YOUR opinion after all, so continue on, I like it. If you get paid, or receive perks, so be it.
I think as long as you’re honest about it, no harm no foul. The trouble is where it gets murky. For what it’s worth, when I read EOS, I’m always able to tell what’s sponsored and what’s not and I don’t find it misleading or deceptive.
Thanks for your honesty in this post!! Very refreshing perspective, keep up the beautiful work, Erin!
While I enjoy your blog enough to be a daily reader, I must admit your sponsor shout-out/sponsor welcome posts are your weakest & take away from a day when a more inspirational post could be made. I personally have never been enticed by any of those posts to check out the sponsor and it definitely feels more contrived than a post about something you have not been paid to mention.
My real question is, how much time DO most bloggers spend on their content, anyway? Some posts obviously look like they took hours to prepare but others look like they took only minutes. What is average?
Caitlin- There is no post ever that takes minutes. Ever. I’d say I spend 2 hours a day at least on my blog- researching, writing, formatting, looking for images and content. Some days I spent way more than that. While I’m sorry you feel the sponsored posts are not enjoyable, they are necessary and a lot of people do find them as useful as any other product mention.
Erin, I find your honest approach to this topic so refreshing! As a long time reader and first time commenter, I feel it’s overdue that I express my thanks for all the hours you put into providing the content that makes my morning coffee more enjoyable each day. We all love your home renovation posts, and something has got to foot those bills! Personally, I love learning about new décor sources, especially if they are curated by a discerning eye such as yours. Live the dream!
Athough I’m pretty new to blogging, I must say that even the “softball” posts can take a really long time to create. Especially if there is a lot of art work. In order for a blog to be maintained long term, there has to be some kind of monetary compensation. It may be a passion, but it’s hard to sustain the rate of posting several times a week if there were no “carrot,” so to speak.
I believe that a blog should offer a disclaimer, but really, are people going to buy a rug because we recommended it, or because the costumer really likes it?
I agree with Angie in that you have to give your readers, well, most anyway, credit to see what your blog is all about. You are honest, forthcoming and genuine. I don’t second guess whether you’re looking solely for compensation when you talk about advertisers because I see the same advertisers your style represents, not ones all over the place. We have similar tastes and that’s why I keep returning, and your writing is a lot like what your readers are feeling. In the food world which is my first passion, every other blog looks the same in style ( same grey piece of driftwood to photograph the food on) and who is going to be the next to get a book deal. Again, nothing wrong with book deals but they lost the essence of what made them start the blog is the first place. Food.
Lots of people are so touchy about the word housewives, rightly so, as feminists and Hillary Clinton turned it into a dirty word and hobby can sound frivolous. I can see where you’re coming from yet you owe nobody an explanation.
Danielle you started out well until you added the caveat that you work 12 hours a day at your job. Housewives or homemakers do as well.
Caitlin I just have to add here as well that I used to think that about advertisers but when you read a blog that has the same style as you it’s nice to check out things that you need for your home or yourself. I was looking for a new rug for my bedroom recently when I saw Erin’s post about Lulu & Georgia. They were very nice, had gorgeous products and I now have a beautiful new one-of-a kind rug. It’s not like she does it daily. Just have your credit card ready when you read her blog ;) kidding. sorta.
Hey Erin:
Glad you addressed this topic. I read Manrepeller’s article, and found it thoughtful. I come to this as a reader and fading blogger, so I can see both sides. In my opinion, some bloggers are indeed responsible for reader backlash regarding compensation.
I’m so tired of seeing all the social media blips about the swag, perks, etc from “top bloggers,” ESPECIALLY when I also read feedback from things like ALT summit, where people experienced shitty, condescending attitude from “famous” bloggers. It’s crushing to think that individuals you admire for their creativity and entrepreneurship could demean someone simply trying to make a go of it themselves. So much for the Sistahood.
Yes, blogs have been so special because of the inherent democracy: hustle, put out good content, be real, and watch your blog grow. Now, it just seems so much less about being real, and more about showing how “FABulous it is to be me.”
I can honestly say I’ve never gotten that vibe from you, and appreciate so much your down-to-earth approach to it all. Yes, it’s awesome to do what you love, and work for yourself, but there’s a lot of behind the scenes BS, too.
ag
Your blog is always well written and honest — a rarity in the blogging community, so thank you for that. Dare I mention that you are a talented writer…a quality that is essentially nonexistent — especially on blogs!! Oh, and I love your new home, so beautiful.
for a daily reader of your awesome blog, this was never even a question for me. you are so clearly honest and passionate about everything from the award show recaps to your new floors to throw pillows to matthew crawley.
I really respect bloggers who clearly work hard to curate great content, and I come back every day because it’s coming from a real person who i relate to. you definitely deserve any revenue you take in, and I appreciate how tastefully and clearly your sponsors are presented. you’ve definitely mastered walking that line, and your readers definitely appreciate that!
Thanks for keeping it real Erin! I’ve been following your posts for years, and there is always something you’ve shared that catches my eye, touches my heart, or moves me in some way.
You have a tremendous talent and heart, and I thank you from the bottom of mine, for your pearls of wisdom, honesty and authenticity.
As Robert DeNiro said to Billy Crystal in one of his wonderful films. “You,you’re good” and “You have a Gift”! I thank-you for taking the time to sharing your gift with us. I wish you continued success, inspiration and joy on your journey!
Great post! I’m so sick of all of the blog haters out there. Why don’t they get a life and stop posting nasty comments. I love your blog. Don’t let those few meanies bring you down!!!!
Well said, Erin. I’ve read your blog for years and have never questioned why you are linking to a certain vendor, and when you do link it’s to something that is consistent with your taste, purpose, etc. That’s not the case with a lot of other blogs that I once read. You seem to be very authentic which is one of many reasons I get excited to see one of your new posts pop up in my reader. I always click on over. Thanks for doing what you do and keeping it real around here!
Lorrie- I guess when you put it that way I should try to check them out. Obviously the reason most of us read this blog or any blog is because we have similar tastes. Any you recommend to start with?
You do absolutely deserve to profit from your work and value yourself, and it is clear you love the things you blog about. That said, it does take away from the ‘real-ness’ of, I think, especially your home renovation choices and posts when your costs are offset by promotion. Many folks in similar financial situations (or what we readers glean is your financial situation from other posts) could simply not afford your vendors, because they don’t have that offset. Maybe they would hack some Ikea rather than custom-build wood cabinetry, for example. While I certainly enjoy the blog despite this (and in fact it may even make for a more beautiful reno to see unfold) it is nicer when it is acknowledged that this puts you in more of a ‘fantasy’ bracket than the ‘reality’ bracket. There’s been very little about how you’ve budgeted and cut costs for the kitchen, and quite a lot about the beautiful craftsmanship (and it is beautiful)! Your renovation timeline is another ‘fantasy’ vs. ‘reality’ element. As a reno veteran, I do think there is not a contractor in the world who would meet these deadlines were not their moves being publicly chronicled. Again, though, all this takes is acknowledgement, which, for me, would have been nice from the get-go.
You are the exception amongst your peers. This blog is the only one that I read daily and don’t mind your sponsor posts because they reflect your style. You’re honesty and transparency is refreshing.
Well said Erin, I have been following your blog for three+ years and you are the reason I started blogging myself. I absolutely get why people can think some bloggers are sell outs but anyone that has been following your blog for any length of time knows that is not the case with you. It is evident that you put your heart and soul into your blog and things are carefully screened I have no doubt. You deserve any kick-back or compensation that you get — no explanation needed for this follower!!
Well said! This and your entry on beauty in 2011 (http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2011/06/fashion-friday-on-beauty.html) are among the reasons why I’m proud to be a loyal reader.
This is why YOU are my Favorite Blogger!!!!