Lee, I believe the debate over there is a bit self-righteous: can I be pure if my blog is a revenue source?
Sure. GoogleAdsense, for example. I would never believe a blogger is biased because of Google Ads. Ditto for Amazon Associates.
For payola or gifts directly related to a post, it's more complicated but still not an issue for me:
1) a book or software sample? Mention it in the post.
2) anything bigger? €25 or more? Can't be justified. No thanks.
Talking about or mentioning a client or one of its main competitors? Say so. Ditto with important suppliers.
And finally: You can't buy my good words, and you can't pay me to shut up.
For me, that sums it up without being complicated. Anything more edges into navel-gazing hand-wringing (just picture that and you'll laugh).
Amy Gahran
· 4 years ago
Yes, I agree, I think transparency is the key issue here. A blogger is free to make whatever policy she/he wants regarding payment for coverage (or no policy), and then be held accountable accordingly.
And of course, the audience is free to think whatever it wants about a given blogger's approach. One thing's for sure: Any blogger who makes and publishes such a policy will offend someone, somewhere -- and they'll complain about it, loudly. It's impossible to please everyone, especially online. So bloggers should do as their conscience dictates, expect inevitable criticism, and roll with it.
IMHO, of course.
- Amy Gahran Editor, Contentious
Lee
· 4 years ago
"Expect inevitable criticism" - that's the killer for me. I always find it a touch sad when something niche (like the web was at first, like blogging was at first - a small community of like minded souls) becomes popular and a part of the masses.
Egoism becomes rampant, flame wars start, context is discarded, vitriol is an unfortunate but beomes an accepted part of life.
Of course, that's life; but I must have a bit of old hippy in my soul somewhere because I detest conflict (and I'll beat the living daylights out of anyone who disagrees).
But back to the topic: Yes, the 'cash for questions or comment' issue will never go away, because each person's ethical boundaries are not only different to others', but also different to themselves, dependent upon context. What is okay for me to shun this week might not be okay to shun next, and so on, because of different circumstances or context.
All Comments
Sure. GoogleAdsense, for example. I would never believe a blogger is biased because of Google Ads. Ditto for Amazon Associates.
For payola or gifts directly related to a post, it's more complicated but still not an issue for me:
1) a book or software sample? Mention it in the post.
2) anything bigger? €25 or more? Can't be justified. No thanks.
Talking about or mentioning a client or one of its main competitors? Say so. Ditto with important suppliers.
And finally: You can't buy my good words, and you can't pay me to shut up.
For me, that sums it up without being complicated. Anything more edges into navel-gazing hand-wringing (just picture that and you'll laugh).
And of course, the audience is free to think whatever it wants about a given blogger's approach. One thing's for sure: Any blogger who makes and publishes such a policy will offend someone, somewhere -- and they'll complain about it, loudly. It's impossible to please everyone, especially online. So bloggers should do as their conscience dictates, expect inevitable criticism, and roll with it.
IMHO, of course.
- Amy Gahran
Editor, Contentious
Egoism becomes rampant, flame wars start, context is discarded, vitriol is an unfortunate but beomes an accepted part of life.
Of course, that's life; but I must have a bit of old hippy in my soul somewhere because I detest conflict (and I'll beat the living daylights out of anyone who disagrees).
But back to the topic: Yes, the 'cash for questions or comment' issue will never go away, because each person's ethical boundaries are not only different to others', but also different to themselves, dependent upon context. What is okay for me to shun this week might not be okay to shun next, and so on, because of different circumstances or context.
Oh, and love your work with Heidi Miller, Amy...