I’m A PIG

I’m a PIG.  I have Pride, Integrity and Guts.   I don’t need a badge or graphic for you to know that. I fully disclose my advertising and sponsorship.

But right now I’m talking specifically about Integrity. There’s been a lot made of ethics, sponsorship, advertising, reviews and the like. I’m setting that straight for those of you who have any doubt.

First, there is no crime in accepting sponsorship or advertising. Its how the world works. There’s nothing wrong at the heart of the issue of working with PR firms or corporations in order to further their product(s) and corporate interests. But I suggest that you as a blogger consider a few things before you go headlong into the frey.

Does the corporation or company’s product fit. If you’d never purchase their product or go into their store (for what ever reason) why would you choose to allow them to advertise with you? Why would you want their sponsorship? Don’t sell out for the sake of a few dollars.

When seeking sponsors, carefully consider what you can offer a sponsor. A single tweet on twitter or mention casually on facebook isn’t what most companies are after. Let the potential sponsor know in detail what you can offer.  And if you’re lucky enough to garner that sponsor FOLLOW THROUGH completely. You’re entering into a contract. Ethically, morally and legally you have a responsibility to that sponsor. This applies to all relationships you might have with PR firms or corporations not just formal sponsorships. If you’re approached by PR and you’re burned out, overwhelmed or otherwise don’t want to deal with the offer they make you. SAY SO.  You’ll build a better relationship with the representative and a chance for future opportunities without burning bridges.  Shutting PR out for a week is NOT going to help you get your world in order. Honestly, if you’re facing this issue, step back for a period of time yes. But don’t completely cut yourself off from PR by participating in a Link Bait item that will not produce the end item you expect. PR reps are people too, they are capable of understanding IF you are capable of communicating. Just communicate, its simple!

Your integrity should be foremost when working with any advertiser, sponsor or firm. Just getting the “free” stuff is not what the relationship building process is about. If that’s all you want, there are a world of places to get “free” stuff. Don’t prostitute your blog for this attitude.

Remember the conversation. Participate in the conversation fully. That means asking questions. Answering questions and checking the smurf print out carefully. If you think you need legal advice, seek it. It will be well worth the few dollars spent to get a formal legal opinion, before you jump into an agreement.  On the opposite side, not getting that formal legal opinion, could land you in a world of tangles and could be a very expensive lesson.

So, Pride, Integrity and Guts. Be a PIG.  If you’re missing one element, you need to step back. Re-evaluate. And then make your mind up to either get that element in order or get out of the blogging world.

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