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.
The debate that was stirred up by the T magazine piece is very interesting. I have loved magazines ever since I was a preteen begging my mom for TigerBeat. Since then my taste has gotten better as I’ve spent thousands on subscriptions and at stores on magazines. I have made my poor boyfriend, now my husband, move boxes of “must keep” magazines until he questioned my sanity. He still doesn’t get it, but he loves me so he tolerates the stacks of magazines in the closets and random baskets. The height of my magazine obsession was when Domino magazine was launched. I LOVED it from the first moment I opened it. I had finally found a design magazine that spoke my language. For the first time, I saved every issue and bought other people subscriptions rather than lend them my copy. Then Conde Nast shut down Domino. This was the beginning of the end of my love of magazines. When Domino ended, I started looking online to fill the inspiration void left. Magazines at the newsstand just didn’t have the look I was looking for, but I discovered the many blogs that did. I find now that my magazines sit unopened for weeks as I now prefer to go online and check out my regular blogs, Elements of Style being at the top of my list. Instead of tearing out pictures from magazines and putting them into inspiration binders I now save images to my Pinterest page.
I don’t think I’m alone in moving away from magazines. I still have ten subscriptions, but I just don’t love them like I used to. Suzy Menkes reminds me of a jealous ex-girlfriend bad mouthing the new girlfriend. EVERY magazine makes an effort to feature advertisers in their editorials. When editors go to parties and shows they often get gift bags containing free swag. Editors also get invited to luxury brands private sales where a $2000 bag can be had for only $200. The idea that bloggers are only after free swag is a joke. Bloggers are maybe after a little piece of the pie that the editors have had a monopoly on for YEARS. No wonder Cathy Horyn and Suzy Menkes are spending so much time trying to prove that they are above bloggers, they are two of many dinosaurs in the publishing industry.
When you blog about your amazing kitchen renovation you are reaching thousands of viewers who trust your style and opinions. The businesses and products you use BENEFIT from your stamp of approval. Why shouldn’t you get something in return. I have no problem with you making $$$ from your blog, you absolutely should. Readers can tell when a blogger is pushing items just for the benefit they receive and those bloggers don’t get repeat readers.
I also think some editors may not like that the more photogenic editors are making names for themselves just because they dress well and are beautiful. Suzy Menkes is bitter and sad. She reminds me of a quote floating around the blogosphere, to paraphrase:
What Suzy says of Bloggers, says more of Suzy than of Bloggers.
Kudos Erin! As a reader, I have a lot of respect for you.
I love your blog and am so sad you felt compelled to devote an entry to defending yourself. I actually find your sponsor posts to be very helpful and have purchased several great products from the folks you affiliate yourself with. Keep up the great work & thanks for your continued inspiration!
well said..
Good for you. I totally agree. Send the nay sayers to me.
Once upon a time I read EOS every day and I credit it with directing me to some of my favorite blogs. However, I recently found it to be more vapid and less informative than it has been in the past. There are certainly legions of readers, so the departure of one is no biggie- just thought I would throw my reason out there.
Tracy- I want to clear something up you, I never marketed my renovation as a low budget one, it wasn’t at all. I saved for years to be able to do it to the level that I have, and the vendors who gave me discounts were not so steep that it put me in another affordability bracket as you suggest, they were just courtesy discounts given after I selected to use them (not vice versa). I paid handsomely for everything in my kitchen-full price for appliances and the like and trade pricing on everything else as any other designer would. I am never going to disclose my personal “financial situation” or our dollar budget for our kitchen because that’s our business. I don’t market myself as DIY or budget focused, I prefer to blend budget friendly and high end together. Since I spent so much on my kitchen, which felt like the best use of my hard earned money investment wise, I’ll be saving on decor and accessories. And will probably be eating out less and spending less on clothes for the next year too.
Erin,
I love reading your blog and I believe you are one of the most charming women in the whole wide world, however.. I did feel a little bit of the bitter taste after I read posts about your kitchen renovations and the company you’ve hired to do it. I’ll be honest, I think you mentioned it few times too many… I simply felt that it was your way to repay the discount and I had to do my share reading about it. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with it. I still adore you.:)
As one of your many readers, I have to chime in, too. I’ve been reading your blog for years now, from way back when your Jamaica Plains home was featured. I’ve never once thought of you as a sell out and I understand the point of your sponsor “shout outs.” These people are paying money to advertise on your blog, so of course you’re going to give them props.
Even though I sort of think of you as a celebrity (come on, I know I’m not the only one), it’s reassuring when you remind us all that you’ve got your insecurities, as well. That’s one reason (of many!) why people can relate to you so well.
I can’t wait for more renovation photos, fashion posts, pictures of dogs and wine, etc. Plus, you’ve got a great sense of humor and wit and it cracks me up daily. Keep up the kickass work!
I read a lot of blogs (in fact, I read blogs because of EoS – didn’t even know what a blog was until you announced yours on MySpace what seems like a bazillion years ago) and all of them who have sponsors do a post about their sponsors. Are they my favorite? No, but often I learn about new brands and that’s definitely not a bad thing – esp. since your sponsors in particular are clearly well-curated.
It’s so obvious that EoS is successful because of your commitment to it. Why shouldn’t you get paid for it? Why not reap the rewards of your achievements? I think it’s up to each blogger to choose their revenue-generating scheme, and each reader to choose whether that matters to them. The writers of Young House Love and Bower Power are best friends with very popular blogs – and each one handles “swag” and advertisers very differently – and neither way is bad.
Thank you so much everyone for your comments and feedback. I am overwhelmed. :) And pondering a disclosure notice on the blog for sure now!
I love your blog and it’s one of the few I read daily. If anyone (although I cannot see why) doesn’t appreciate your blog and/or has an issue with anything you post about, then they can simply move on and not read your blog. I LOVE seeing your kitchen as it’s coming along. I mean how often do we get to see what a designer does in their own home from day one of moving in?! I think it’s fascinating to read your perspective and see what changes are to come with your designer touch, and let’s not forget that you are hilarious as well, which is an added bonus. I will be around for the long haul, with or without your posts on sponsors or promotions, etc… Live it up!! Get what discounts you can! You deserve it! and why should you have to answer to anybody? This blog is your space. I say do with it as you wish!
Well put Erin! It is apparent that you have stayed grounded and stayed true to yourself and your tastes. Most of us wouldn’t return day after day if you hadn’t!
And to speak to Tracy’s comment that you have had faster work done as a result of your position, I don’t think that is true. From what you have shown us your renovation has gone along at a pretty typical pace. I know this because I have undergone a very similar renovation in the Boston/South End area simultaneously and the timelines have been quite similar (and painfully slow when you’re living with them!) I think the onus is often on the homeowner as much as contractors to be well-prepared and ensure timelines are met. I have really enjoyed hearing about your experiences with it and seeing your progress!
Perfect. I am beyond fine with this approach. Good grief, we all have to make a living. If you can some money and provide me with tremendous pleasure at the same time I call that a win-win!
Congratulations on your blog-a-versary! You have worked so hard to get where you are! You are loved by many for your style and transparency. I appreciate the hours you have put in to this! There is a lot more to your blog than just style. It is a reflection of you are as a person. I wish you many more years of success…
Bloggers are editors, writers, photographers and (sometimes) publishers all in one. Like so many others have said, if these people get paid for their time and effort, who should successful bloggers not get paid?
The general consensus among informed readers is that if a post is directly sponsored, that should be disclosed. That line is ALWAYS blurred in magazine publishing, yet it seems like no one really cares to complain.
But let an individual person gain in any non-traditional way from their work, and the jealous ones crawl out of the woodwork.
Two years ago I left the corporate world and bought my own business The Inn at English Meadows. After we reopenned the inn a guest mentioned EOS to us and suggested we contact Erin. I fell in love with EOS and made contact with Erin and decided without being solicated to become a sponsor – I didn’t even know how that worked. Using bloggers for advisertising has become the new way toadvertise and reach your target audience. We couldn’t be more thrilled with being a sponsor on EOS. EOS is one of the only blog spots we can afford and Erin is true to her viewers by only allowing sponsors who fit her image. How many blogs do you go to that have Kraft, Kellogs ect as advertisiers, to me it’s a big turn off it dilutes the blog brand and looks to commercial. As far as bloggers getting “free stuff” you tell me what business doesn’t – free dinners, free show tickets, sporting event ect…it’s the way business is done! Most people I know read blogs to see what the blogger is up to where they have been, what they have cooked, ect. We are thankful for EOS, it has brought us many a happy guest and we can’t wait welcome more readers of EOS to our inn. We love what you are doing so please keep on doing it!
Erin, thank you for taking on this topic. It was great to read your thoughts & feelings on this new world that’s been created! Congrats on a successful 6 years :)
thanks for your honesty erin.
absolutely refreshing as always, and congratulations on your anniversary!
Personally, I like your high-lo style and I think it’s been very clear from the beginning that you were high-low style (Target meets X,Y, Z) and I appreciate that. Even if I don’t have a big budget at all a girl can dream! It’s sort of aspirational. I’ll tuck away the name of, for example, the wellbuilt company, and maybe one day I’ll be able to use them. If not, I can peruse your other budget friendly ideas and blog posts. I can see why some people might be skeptial, I guess.
But perhaps, they can express it in a different way? I don’t know but I still like your blog. Just keep being you and putting in the effort you do. It’s your livelihood and your passion so I think you’re doing a good job as it is. It must not be easy even if it is your dream. I actually would like to start a blog but when I start thinking about it I get a little overwhelmed with it.
I would love to see another blog post like this from you with tips or advice. The ‘blogophere’ has changed so much as you touched on. It went from kind of diary to a mix of that with business. What would it be like to start a blog now? Anyhow, thank you for your transperancy and information. I really appreciate it! I think yours is the VERY first blog I read and I’m from MA so that makes it doubly cool too.
Hi Erin,
I have started to employ a response I call the “Madonna” answer. Back in the early 90s, when Madonna was at the height of her popularity, she did an interview with Oprah. Oprah (of all people) went on and on about how much $$$ Madonna was raking in. She finally tried to skewer Madonna by saying, “What do you say to explain the $20 million a year that you make? Madonna looked at her and said, without flinching, “Lucky me.”
You’ve earned your “perks”, whatever those might be. So when people ask about your discount or trade pricing, or whatever, I am always amazed at such boldness, and frankly, the audacity of it. If people think your life is one big gravy train, by all means, they should feel free to try and replicate it.
They might see that for all the good things, there are considerable difficulties as well.
I feel the same way when people try to rile me about my summer vacations as a teacher. I used to go on and on about the summer classes I take, the part-time jobs I have had during the summer, etc., etc. to try and justify it. Now what do I say about the time I have off? Lucky me.
Erin, your blog made me start reading other blogs, but no other has hooked me more than yours. You do it so well, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you on another level, really through reading your blogs now that we are years away from when we were neighbors in the republic :-) I have always thought how incredible it is that you have so many great companies advertising on your blog and it seemed a very natural way to get introduced to products. Kudos to you girl!
Keep doing your thing, Erin! I love reading your blog, sponsored content or not, it never seems out of place, and I look forward to my lunch break everyday so I can escape from my soul-sucking day job for a few minutes :)
I read your blog every day and I think I was the one who pointed out the issue that you were given and were paid for things as a blogger. I very much appreciate your follow-up piece today and it has made me respect you as a person in addition to your taste. I think all bloggers should adopt a code as you do…if you by chance saw this week-ends NYtimes Magazine section where a fashion journalist brings up EXACTLY the issue I brought up about the issue of bloggers getting free stuff and pointed out that fashion journalists have a code among themselves not to accept swag….I think your approach will make you have longer staying power and more credibility in the long run.
Very insightful and well-written! I’m relatively new to the blogging world, but love it very much in that it can be so honest and genuine. And yes, those who blog solely for commercial purposes – they exist and they can sometimes make this wonderful world look a bit gloomy at times, but it’s important to realize that so, so many are here for very true purposes. The world of blogging is such a new “industry” and is constantly changing and we all must learn how to adapt with those changes – I, for one, am excited to be a part of this in the here and now!
Whether you are “a housewife with a hobby” or a woman creating a career in a non traditional way, if you get to the point where you are able to take on advertisers and make money, good for you! It is all about content, being current, trend setting and showing us product we have not seen before. Love your blog, love your advertisers. I like clicking on the buttons and discovering something NEW!
*applause!*
Erin – Thank you for your response. It makes me appreciate your reno posts all the more to have this information about your process, especially as I missed the earlier discussion you reference. Knowing from the outset that these discounts existed but that you chose vendors prior to getting them would have been lovely and would have helped enhance the credibility you’ve built with me over the years. Like others, I’d encourage you to have a disclaimer/disclosure. http://www.ohjoy.blogs.com has a great one. Designer discounts and whatever a ‘courtesy discount’ is are not really as clear to those of us non-designers as they may be to you. Honestly, until a few years ago I didn’t know designer discounts even existed.
SLC – Despite me (ahem, obviously) being a squeaky wheel, timeliness by vendors has not been my experience during multiple Boston renos (one of the many reasons recommendations from someone you trust are so important). All projects are different, but I do think that publicly chronicling someone’s job progress has an effect on that progress, through no fault of the individual writing about it. Not to say these vendors aren’t always on-target, but … let’s just say I’m sure I wouldn’t be at work reading this discussion if a blogger were writing about me.
BRAVO. well said my friend.
Erin, I am with many others in that YOU introduced me to the world of blogs many, many years ago. That being said, thank you. I have never left a comment, but after feeling as though I’ve “gotten to know you” over the years, I realize this issue must really be upsetting you. For you to take the time to defend yourself, some readers must have really hit hard on insecurities you have. First of all, you are successful and need not to shy away from this fact, but embrace it! You have worked your ass off and saved money in an extremely greedy economy. Your house has turned out absolutely stunning- as well as the decor which includes PIECES FROM TARGET! Touche! I still may be jealous and call you a lucky betch :) but I KNOW you have worked extremely hard! You deserve what good happens to you, which I believe is also known as KARMA… So what if you recommend a product that may benefit you, we don’t have to freakin’ like and/or buy it. I know you have been trying for years to escape insecurities you dealt with in the past; and I’m sure your sweet Andrew is probably telling you now, do not let the words and thoughts of others get you down. Surround yourself with good people and good thoughts. Plus, they’re probably jealous your dogs are so damn cute! Repeat after me, I am a beautiful, talented, and amazing woman!! Your readers love you and please don’t ever stop believing this. I look forward to your posts every. single. day. You rock! So go put on those sexy leather leggings, pop a bottle of champagne, and celebrate you and your success! Cheers!
PS here is a little quote that I feel is fitting,
If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.
Well put Erin!! Very interesting post to read as a designer who does sell product and advertises on blogs. I myself, have a blog but it is more like an online journal where I write about a different artist each day. That way if I want to go back and read again about an artist or browse it is all organized for me via my blog. I do not take on sponsors, but I certainly understand and appreciate those who do as well as those who do not. It’s so interesting to think how the internet has changed things for us in such a short amount of time!
Thanks again for sharing!
Love, Jamie Herzlinger
I’d like to chime in here. As someone who has attempted to blog, I can attest that it requires WAY more work than it seems. Coming up with ideas for posts, items/images that are applicable, hyper linking, sourcing, etc etc. phew! So with that said, I understand profiting on some level for your hard work. Had I stuck with the blog and achieved some level of success, I totally would accept advertisers.
However with that said, I think that having a blog for anyone in a creative field is used as more of a platform for your business. A freelance writer is able to gain exposure through a blog showcasing his/her voice to potential clients, photographers showing their images, graphic designers giving the world a feel for their aesthetic…you get the idea. By readers seeing your taste and your work, it gives you the opportunity to grow your design business. As another commenter alluded to, there is something a bit contrived with “sponsor posts”. I think you handle it more tastefully than others (Joanna Goddard having a kiss on the Empire State Building sponsored by Coach? Ugh) but this seems to be the growing trend. Maybe I’m the only hater out there who seems turned off by this.
As someone who is able to use a successful blog to catapult your design business (and upcoming book deal) and thereby improving your finances through these avenues, I’m curious why sponsored posts are necessary. I guess it’s just one more cash flow avenue, which there is nothing wrong with that, but it seems the least “natural” of all advertising. I don’t mean this to come across as an attack, so i apologize if I have come across that way, and I’m not trying to pry, but I do wonder how advertising within blogs will evolve.
Awesome post, Erin. You deserve every penny you make from this blog. It takes a lot of time and energy to keep up with and maintain a blog, and if you happen to earn a few bucks while doing it, then why not? I think though, as you mentioned, it’s important for you and your readers to stay true to yourself and not be swayed in one direction or another because of the profit that could be made.
I know everyone says this, but I started a blog to share my ideas as well as keep up with all the other bloggers out there. There is seriously an INFINITE amount of inspiration and ideas out there. It truly is an awesome “virtual” community. If it weren’t for blogs, I would have never discovered my insane passion for home decor/design and DIY. I hope blogs/bloggers don’t take on a negative connotation due to some of the situations you listed. I would truly be saddened.
Anywho, enough with the serious stuff. Time to crack open that wine bottle.. I know you want to ;)
Hi Erin.
I just want to say that I read a lot of blogs and I look forward to reading yours the most. So long as more sponsored posts etc don’t change you, then I don’t mind whatsoever. You are an inspiration. I am from Manchester in the UK. I am slowly but surely getting ready to create my own blog and if I am half as successful as you then that would be amazing.
Thank you,
Claire
You go Erin!! I appreciate your opinions. Your site is like an online magazine. Also, well said Lisa Stevens.
Could not agree with you more Erin. This is why you were my first blog love and will allways be the first I mention as an example of good, inspiring, honest blogging. I’m not a housewive but an interior designer who works 10 hours a day and still insists on spending 2 more on my blog everyday from the day I realised I had about 10.000 people comming to read me every single day. And ohhh I do know what you are talking about, when you say; I deserve to make money for all the hard work and time I invest in this blog! Absolutelly! And if someone can do it so you can keep doing what you do best! I wish they pay you tons of $$$ so you can have not one but 5 dream kitchen! To all that crap you get from ignorant people just keep calm and drink a glass of Champagne Sangria (it’s a big thing in Portugal ;)
Erin-
Once I discovered your blog, I spent a night reading old posts, realizing I loved your story and voice. I am sorry you had to defend yourself, but it is great info to know. I love your high/low style, I love your sponsors because I trust your taste and judgement 100%. You have led me to great companies for my house and style (I recently bought that clutch you coveted and also have!). As a neophyte decorator, with no apirations other than to update my house, I learn from you and hope you continue to share your journey with us, whether that is a great find for the bookcase, an overpriced item that we can lust after for our next life or your fashion Friday. I start each day with an EOS read. Thanks for your honesty–I have learned to expect nothing less from you. Hope there is a BIG glass of wine in your hands tonight. :)
keep on keeping on, Erin.
I would love to see more transparency about this issue across the blog world, in the form of disclaimers/disclosures. You are one of my favorite blogs though and I definitely trust you to not stray from products/vendors you love and feel are your style. There are other blogs that I started to not be able to tell whether they just wanted the freebie and so I eventually stopped reading. Your readers absolutely trust you and a disclaimer/disclosure would just be icing on the cake!
You go girl! Your creativity, insight and talent is what keeps us coming back for more! Why shouldn’t you be compensated in some way? Every one deserves to earn a living!
Hi Erin – great post (although I would rather your kitchen reveal which I eagerly anticipate EVERY DAY i open up your blog). Fair game to you. If you can make a buck and not have to make compromises then go right ahead. As others have pointed out – that is the way of the world in business. I think you are dealing with some jealous people here and I don’t think you should give them another thought. Maybe stick on the disclaimer and if they don’t like then they can go elsewhere for their design fix – it will be hard to find better than yours, so their loss ultimately. Not all of us want DIY and we like you like to mix high and low and am happy to (make sacrifices) and SAVE for the things we want. Envy is a sin people, so leave Erin alone! Keep uu the great work, I think you are fantastic. What you do design-wise is awesome. What you stand for; and your honestly both personally, and professionally in your blog is downright refreshing. You ROCK!!!…. now when are we going to see your kitchen and what lights did you go with????
Well done! Personally, I like the vendor mentions, product reviews/recos from the bloggers I choose to follow. I see it as another source of information and when it comes to favorite blogs that I’ve followed for some time (like EOS), it’s like getting input from a trusted friend. :)
Thanks for all of your hard work, now and in the past, on this little corner of the Internet. I look forward to stopping by to see what you are writing/thinking/doing.
Not much to add to that, except that I was actually just thinking about this, and your blog, yesterday when I saw your latest sponsor welcome post. It is so obvious that you only partner with businesses whose products/services you truly love, and I for one feel they add a great deal of value to your blog. I have been introduced to wonderful sources for home decor through EOS that were previously unknown to me, and I’m so grateful for that. I do think there has been a uptick of vocal cynics who like to tear down successful bloggers on their turf and accuse them of awful things. It’s really too bad, and I hope they don’t discourage you from continuing to do what you do!
Great post Erin! I wish I could like so many of these wonderful comments…I am choosing to ignore the negative one’s…umm Kate…
I don’t think anyone who is reactive negatively has ever tried to write a blog. It is hard! It’s rewarding as most people who have one do it because they love sharing their content with others but it is hard. The creativity it takes, the time and work…you never understand unless you have attempted to write a blog. And not just a blog when you throw up a picture and write a sentence each day a blog of the calibar of EOS where you create original content daily. Those who have negative comments I ask you – could you as one person hold a full time job+ and develop, write and publish approx. 240 articles per year…and Erin has been doing it for 6 years. Interesting when you think about it in numbers isn’t it? Anyone who has worked so hard deserves to be compensated for their good work. Like the song says “She works hard for her money…..so you better treat her right.” Congrats on your blogaversary Erin and EOS! Enjoy your kitchen, it is well deserved! Cheers!
Just another fan of yours! Your blog is the first I read every morning and it makes me happy. EOS has definitely helped influence some of my finer purchases and design decisions ( I saved for and bought the Colette bed due to your recommendation and I am still in love with it a year later)!! Keep doing what you do.
The only thing that would ever turn me is if your started doing Free Giveaways. Giveaways, in my opinion, are the WORST! To me it seems like a cheap trick for traffic and usually its a wasted post. I do like your (monthly?) sponsor posts b/c I really believe you have fabulous sponsors and I often click on them just to check things out.
Thanks again!!!
As a paid blogger for many people in the design industry I think it is time that bloggers, you included, stop making excuses for what they do. You write and you get paid for it, pure and simple. We hope that you write from your gut and that you are honest in your endorsements but we dont get that guarantee from any writer these days…proof is in the form of all the “legitimate” journalists who have been caught and/or admitted that they plagiarized or worse, out and out lied about the things they wrote about. And I dare say that their topics were much more “important” to the world than our little design blogs.
I agree that blogland began as an outlet for bored housewives but today’s blogs are a far cry from the blogs of three or four years ago. And I also agree that blogging creates opportunities that were simply not available years ago. I am a freelance writer and paid blogger and an interior designer and I have been able, via blogs, to incorporate all three of my passions into a way to make money and that is not a bad thing. So no more excuses from you…those of us who enjoy and are inspired by your blog do not need an explanation when you mention a freebie or endorse a product and the time it takes to defend your actions uses up time that could be spent sharing the latest and greatest in the design world or provide us with an update on your home remodel. I’m just sayin”
Bravo! You summed it up quite beautifully. It’s funny how magazines flagrantly promote products in the editorial pages, but the moment you put an affiliate link up on a blog, there are people up in arms. I don’t think people realize how much time goes into this “little hobby” of ours. You’ve done an excellent job creating content and a name for yourself on this blog and I commend you for it. Thanks for being a constant source of inspiration.
Here are a few words from Germany. I read this blog constantly. Who thinks that bloggin is no job and that jobs must not be paid, has not arrived in real world. Gon Erin
I read your blog daily, and thoroughly enjoy your style, your wit, and your energy. I may be naive in believing that those who criticize are in the minority. Keep doing what you are doing, and enjoy!
I don’t think you should have to defend making money from blogging. That’s half the point. However, as others have mentioned, you would avoid questions like the one that started this if you simple posted the disclosure that is required by law. The FCC is clear on this: if you have been paid to review a product, received a product for review for free or received a discount on a product or service in exchange for a mention on a blog you must include a disclaimer to that effect in each post in which the mention happens. I don’t know if the FCC is running around busting people for this, but they can fine both the company and the blogger if such a disclaimer is not included. So, legally, you have to do it anyway and it seems like people are seeking more transparency anyway, so problem solved, right?