And Obey the Social Media Law...
A reoccurring theme is popping up among the bloggers, one of "user-ship" and not in a good way. Women bloggers are beginning to feel used. Where do they draw the line between generosity, self-promotion and getting paid?
Today an email crossed my desk from one of my gal pals. She asked what we thought about an online magazine asking permission to reprint the full text of one of her blog postings. (At least they asked, two points for that.)
Magazine X is getting paid for drawing eyes to their site. Shouldn't they be paying for full blown articles of bloggers just like they pay for full blown articles by staff? Taking snippets of a blog post and linking back to the original posting on a site is considered ok in a word-of-mouth world, but a full article?
When business is involved, the answer is pretty clear - get paid - unless you really need them on your resume of experiences and then it's a case of mutual user ship. But what if the person asking is a new online fellow blogger? Let's take it a step further, what if they are asking for professional guidance on a subject because you're friends? What do you do? Give away free information or snub them?
The rules of social media dictate that you must give away more information than ever before - what used to be billable hours is now business development hours. How do you draw the line and still make a living? More importantly, how do you decide what's right without losing friends?
Maybe its time to invoke the Girl Scout Law as it applies to blogging...
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place and be a sister to every Girl Scout / blogger...
The "respect yourself and others" rings especially true when it comes to blogging. If you don't respect your opinion and the value of it, then how can you expect others to do the same?
Yes, we have to give away more teasers than before, but if writing is your business, don't give it away.
Amen to that! If I don't value myself, how can I expect you to value me, my talents, gifts and beauty?
Want your girlfriend to help you build your business? Than ask her who you can make the check out to. Believe me, what comes around goes around!
Love your reminder this week Mary.
Posted by: TWagner | January 12, 2009 at 05:59 AM
My philosophy is that I can give away all my knowledge on my own blog, but if you want me to give it away on your blog, you better have a reward in mind for me.
Posted by: Virginia | January 12, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Well stated Virginia. It's an odd place to be from a word-of-mouth standpoint. If you want sincere word-of-mouth, you can't pay for it and yet... Those who are doing the work to give your company permanent,positive promotion should get something if only a BIG thank you!
Posted by: Mary | January 12, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Was that company 'Now Public"?
Do you like using Typepad? I loath them because you have to pay 90$ a year when every other platform is free - and better?
Posted by: Roberrific | January 13, 2009 at 06:02 AM
R: I like typepad because it keeps me auto-updated on technology. It's worth it to me.
Posted by: Mary | January 13, 2009 at 07:35 AM
I agree with Virginia. If I'm spending my time and talent and you are going to benefit then I deserve to be compensated for my time and expertise.
Posted by: Sharon Wilson | January 30, 2009 at 07:10 PM