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Along with all my other issues, I tend to be one that takes things to personally and basically even taking things not totally about me, in internalizing them.
As such, I wanted to speak up about the whole affiliate thing...
First off, I am a new blogger – I have only been at this whole thing since October. Granted, I also run my own photography business, and before that ran my own All Natural Store...I have had a blog of one kind or another for nearly 5 years...though I have never blogged about books before, it's roughly the same kinda thing (though photographers can be kinda cut throat). Right now I actually have 2 blogs, though, if you look at my photography blog – it's sadly lacking, gotta start devoting some more time over there – and soon!!
Secondly, I never took on or wanted affiliates to alienate anyone, I never would want to do that. I know as a reasonably new blogger that there can be the “big” blogs you look up to, I actually have a couple of those girls as affiliates, and I am SHOCKED they wanted to work with me – I am humbled and honored. But I would never want to think, I was trying to “shun” anyone – I have felt shunned in the world by far to many people to ever want to do that to anyone.
Third, my reasoning being affiliating – is first, because honestly I like to have some “gal pals” to chat with, bounce idea's off of, as well as to have someone to kinda back me up...for whatever reason. Not only that, but aside from the whole cross promotion part of it, I love the idea of being even MORE part of this awesome community you all have here...For me my affiliates as well as my readers/commenter's most often make me feel more welcome, and part of the fold. In addition, I hope to do some fun events with my affiliates, scavenger hunts, or read-a-tons hosted together... things like that, so it's not just about cross promotion for me.
Forth, I don't have a “form” to fill out, nor do I have anything posted about how many followers you have, or how long you have been “blogging” - I have affiliates that have lots of followers and one's that don't have to many – I love them all! I know how HARD it is to gain followers, and to gain followers that actually follow, read and comment...I love this blog, but honestly it takes a lot of my time and effort to make it work – posting on other's blogs, posting, reviewing – and LOL getting Aubrey to read and edit all my posts before I post them (being that, I cant spell or use punctuation very well, yes I know...I am weird, to have my 10 year old helping me...but it works for us).
I run this my book blog, because I love it, I love this community, I love reading again, finally, and I hope to be involved for a LONG time...doing just what I love, and I hope I have not offended anyone by affiliating myself – because I love each and every book blogger I have met – well maybe love is to strong a word, but I look up to, and admire anyone ANYONE who takes the time to share there thoughts – weather it be about a book, a movie, a song or even politics – it takes a lot of “guts” to put yourself out there like that...hoping that you might convince one person that your opinion is a good one.
For me it's about helping someone out there, find there next “best book they ever read” book. It's about community, respect and love...so please accept my apology if I have offended, it was never my intention!
2/25/10
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I have no affiliates and I'm not really sure if I'm ready to.
ReplyDeleteTry not to worry about it, Jenn. :]
Blogging is hard and difficult but it should be a release for you. Isn't that what's it all about? That's why I started, at least.
Awwww don't worry one bit about it! Blogging should always be fun, and if people are getting offended, something is wrong...chin up! :)
ReplyDeleteI really don't have a clue how the whole affiliate thing works. But I agree with Robby -- don't worry about it. Blogging is a fun hobby and a creative outlet. it shouldn't be stressful for you.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is, if you want to have affiliates, have affiliates! If you don't, don't! I'm personally kind of in awe of people who manage to not only get their posts written but write posts for other blogs as well. I'm jealous, pure and simple.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you're happy with your blog and what's on it, it doesn't really matter what other people think. Keep up the great work!
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing blogger. The fact that you've only been doing this since October surprises me. I thought you have been doing this longer! Just remember you can't always make everybody happy. Keep your chin up, you're awesome!
People get confused when things change.
ReplyDeleteDon't let them decide what you do with your blog.
Two things: First, I may not always comment, but I do read most posts. Second, I love this layout & your button.
Do not worry about what every one else says. If you think that they are a good fit for you and what you want, then you are doing the right thing. In my opinion, they are about making blogging buddies to an extent. You and the other blogger have a mutual respect for one another and want to explore your options together. Keep your head up and remember it is your blog and you do what you want.
ReplyDeletehmmm.. how do affiliates work? How do I get them?
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome. Well said post. =) Do what you want to do and let yourself have fun. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so honest! I think it's great that you have affiliates. And I really love the look of your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteHonest opinion even though I love the whole book blogging community and every book blog I visit is awesome :) I'm really against the whole affiliate thing.
ReplyDeleteVery honest! I hope my post on Tuesday didn't contribute to this post? I wasn't looking to upset or offend anyone...just get a better understanding of an aspect of our community that was confusing and frustrating to me.
ReplyDeleteI personally LOVE your blog. I'm not always able to comment...mainly because I have to share a computer with everyone else at our house...but I do read it a lot. Recently, several of the books that I have invested in have come from your recommendation.
Have a great weekend!
I'm happy that you've got affiliates and this is something that works for you! Do what you want with your blog and don't worry about what others think. I know it's easier said than done, but you'll never make everybody happy, so just focus on making YOU happy. It's obviously worked well for you up to now, so I'm sure it will continue to work for you now and in the future.
ReplyDeleteawwww sweetie don't ever let any offened you!! Your blog is awesome!!! If you want to have affiliates then have as many as you want!! (wow flash back to my mom) I totally agree with the above comment. You'll never be able to make everyone happy. Just focus on you and Aubery and making you two as happy as you could ever be. You deserve to be happy! Your a mom, thats the best and hardest and most rewarding job in the world. I say if someone doesn't like your blog who you have affiliated with then poo on them. You're a great mother, I have no doubt, to a 10yr old who seems so happy. Your great no matter what anyone else says!!! And I for one LOVE your blog and your affiliates!!!
ReplyDeleteI understand that this is a bone of contention for some people. I don't know much about the issue (being a new book blogger and a new affiliate of yours myself) ;), but I think that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and they should be allowed to have affiliates, or none at all. It's their choice. What you do personally is your choice. I was always under the impression that it was a great thing to promote other blogs on your blog, and to have contests, or have some fun and games going through other blogs. I enjoy reading every blog that I come across, and I don't have any qualms if they do or don't have affiliates. That is not the big picture. The big picture is having quality content, which they do. If someone has affiliates, they're not focusing on the affiliates every day of the week, they're focusing on their blog, and the books they read and review. If someone doesn't like the fact that someone else has affiliates, and it comes time for the affiliated person to post their affiliate news, then said person doesn't have to read the post. Again, it's their choice. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is just my $0.02. :)