An interesting article today on CNN.com about the ongoing question of ethics in blogging. In particular, they are discussing the issue as it relates to the so-called "mommy bloggers". "Readers have complained they can no longer trust their favorite blogger's advice. Veteran women bloggers grumble that newcomers sully the genre's reputation by demanding free products and trips. Newsweek.com published an article last month headlined, "Trusted Mom or Sellout?"No doubt, if you read the blog of other book bloggers you have seen this question discussed recently, including the question of this Blog With Integrity site.
Folks, books are one thing....but TRIPS! Ok, I might sell out for a trip, a really nice trip...lol
Speaking of selling out, those who read here regularly may remember my post last Tuesday about the Amazon Vine program. I was not very positive about the Vine Program and not very positive about the Evil Amazon as a whole. I am still not. But here is the truly ironic part. Yesterday, I signed on to my home page at The Evil One, and there is an invitation for Caite to become a member of the Vine program.
What to do, what to do? So in the interest of full disclosure, let me report that, after careful consideration and in the interest of HUGE curiosity, I signed up. It's like being allowed into the Secret Clubhouse. You have to at least take a look in the door when they hold it open, don't you think? I figure I can always quit....or get tossed out which is something that it appears has happened to some people. Not sure yet what you have to do for that to happen...
But now I know the secret password, was shown the secret handshake and accessed the special member only Vine Forum.
One of those actually exists.
The term mommy blogger offends me greatly. And I am not easily offended. So what the hell are they saying? That the fact that I am a mom and a blogger makes me some sort of sell-out? I haven't seen one red cent nor one trip come my way, thanks. Honestly a few free books is not payment for what we do, but we do it because we love it. I have also very recently seen very reputable bloggers get totally slammed for giving "improper" negative reviews or be judged for their incorrect punctuation. I just shake my head. Live and let live, people.
ReplyDeletemaybe you can spy while you're in there and leak some information out to those still on the outside :)
ReplyDeleteI don't really read these blogs that they are talking about, (heavens knows I can barely keep up with reading some of my fellow book bloggers) so I don't know what is going on there. But if it makes CNN....
ReplyDeleteYou know, you can either trust what someone writes, that they are being as honest as possible, or not. Some people will sell out for a bit of praise, some for a trip to Fiji..and some will not. They can sign anything or not, or say anything or not...I'm not really sure what effect that has.
As with everything, it is still buyer beware....
kaye, I am looking for a good secret decoder ring as we speak....
Welcome to the exclusive Vine club ;)
ReplyDeletewhy do I see you wearing devil horns as you say that? ....hmmmmm..... ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your Vine membership! I've been a member for just a short time, and, so far, I don't see what all the fuss is about.
ReplyDeleteIt's just another place to get some ARC...and I must admit I love getting my hands on brand new releases...
ReplyDeleteI think the only thing that makes it 'special' is the invite part. Bur really, if they have gotten down to me.... ;-)
Congratulations on making it onto the Vine programme - I'd love to be a member of that secret club!
ReplyDeleteI'd probably sell out for a trip to Fiji, but I'd ensure everyone knew about it!!! Unfortuantely no one has offered me a trip to Fiji yet, so I'll have to stick with being honest for now!!!
I have to say I'd sell out for a good trip, or a cruise.
ReplyDeleteI am starting to think that a few of us would...lol
ReplyDeleteThe trip would have to come with a nanny for my kids or I couldn't take advantage of it :)
ReplyDeleteI closed my Amazon account a few months ago, so I won't be getting any invitations from them. I hope you have fun with it!
closed your account Dawn? that sounds very strong.. very drastic...was there a specific reason why you did. because as I said, I am a very curious person.
ReplyDeleteoh, I feel so torn. ;-)
You got in!!! I'm so jealous! One of my modest goals is to get into the Amazon Vine program. If you want out, maybe we can swap identities!!!! I will get in there! I vow!
ReplyDeleteplease, begging does not suit you! ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats! But Trust no one Scully ;)
ReplyDeletemy next vacation will be at Area 51.
ReplyDelete