Through the years, I have tried to write posts that help new bloggers reach their goals. This is a hard business to break into and few bloggers truly make a living at it.....well, a living that includes more than Tide coupons and free movies. But I would say for most 'mom bloggers' the goal isn't to make a full time salary- we do it for more personal reasons. One of those being, we find our bliss in it. Last month I was able to go to the Blissdom Conference in Nashville. The level of talent among the speakers there was amazing. But I couldn't be everywhere at all times and there were plenty of sessions I missed, most regrettably the Photography Track with Me Ra Koh. Thankfully, as a Blissdom Community Leader I was given the gift of a membership to Blissdom at Home so now I can take my time and work through all of the sessions at my own pace. Blissdom at Home is just like being there. All the sessions were taped and you can watch the videos of the presentations, listen to the audio (I fell asleep last night listening to Shoot Like a Woman session) and have all the handouts and slideshows as if you were sitting there. This year Blissdom at Home is trickling the information in ...
PR Monday: PR VS. Advertising
Last week I complained about irrelevant pitches and why I think bloggers should start using the NO word. I got a few emails. Just a few but enough to make me want to clarify the difference in my mind (which is a scary place to be) and when the situation warrants you charging.I want you to say NO when you are being used for free advertising with no personal gain to you.I do not charge for every pitch I do! If someone approaches me with a pitch that is relevant to my blog, I am interested in or truly think you would be, I happily accept it. NO CHARGE. That is PR! That is the two way street "Win-Win" I am always preaching about here. Kinds of pitches that fall into that category for Elementary Spirits: educational games, science info, and experiences I can share.BUT, if I am approached with a pitch that is irrelevant, I am not interested in and I know you wouldn't be either than in my way of thinking they are asking to use my platform to spread their advertising. That is when I would charge! Kinds of pitches that fall into this category for me are:" tell your readers about our contest" and "our newest product that has nothing to do with families."I just want to add in that there is ...