I’d like to talk to you about the monetization of blogs, and specifically of my blog, Making it Lovely. I announced a new sponsored project earlier this week and the responses were mixed. I feel that it’s important to address the negative sentiments that were expressed.
I am approached daily with offers of items for reviews and giveaways, free trips, sponsorships, and various advertising opportunities (such as text links). I politely decline nearly all of them. To imply that I am thoughtlessly and greedily accepting every freebie that comes my way is hurtful and insulting. I have always taken great care to be ethical, honest, true to myself, and true to my readers. I don’t publish anything that I’m not proud of, and I hold myself to a high degree of integrity and accountability. This blog would be very different if I were only in this to make money. I have always been very selective, choosing only to work with companies that I have used or would use personally regardless of compensation. And now that I’m able to work with a sponsor to share a new project with you that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise? I think that’s wonderful.
Many have lamented the fact that so many blogs are being monetized, and they would prefer to see them remain free of advertising. I respect those individuals that blog without any form of payment, but I also have respect for those that have been able to be fairly compensated for the lovely sites that they have created. It takes a considerable amount of time, effort, and money to keep a blog like Making it Lovely going. I pay for childcare so that I have time to write and edit original photos for the blog. I have upgraded my web hosting to ensure that the site loads quickly and without problems for every visitor. I am always taking time to file away ideas, thinking of new ways to share inspiration with you, and documenting projects for the blog. I’m honored and amazed everyday that Making it Lovely has taken off the way it has, but you must know that there is a lot of work involved.
I am lucky to be able to earn an income via my blog. I have been working toward it for years, and I’m proud of all that I have accomplished. I will continue to accept advertising and explore new sponsorship opportunities in a mindful and responsible way, and I thank you for your support.
301 comments
Dave
My site… btw is http://www.TheHolleringStump.com I didn’t add it to the above in case this seemed somewhat distasteful to you Nicole. You could delete this if you don’t like it or don’t like my message. Either or both won’t change my mind about what I said but this way you can just delete this! Some other web sites were showing on some posts. I thought they were automatically added.
Dave
Ya know?… I started blogging again not only to get my message out but to make new friends AND see if I could make some money on it. I’ve got a job after being laid off in construction as this recession set in, didn’t apply for extended unemployment benefits, couldn’t get a job until after I had to move out from my wife of 24 years (with our youngest daughter who knew she needed to be with me, finances the major breaking point)at minimum wage until I secured the job I have now. And I am thankful. But I ain’t satisfied! I’m not making nearly what I’m worth. I’ve been looking for over a year almost on a daily basis. I’ve sent out and followed up as best I could over 100 resumes with one response. As soon as I could afford a laptop and ISP I started blogging again with the intent on getting my message out and see if I could be compensated for it. Although… making friends is a great side benefit the way I approach it! I don’t believe my sites as lovely as yours (!) but I like it and think you handled this issue well. It does take a lot of effort. If there’s a demand for something that’s worth monetary compensation in an honest business arrangement what’s wrong with that? There will be bloggers that are sponsor free, but as their talent and audience develops why can’t they get paid for being good at entertaining, informing or serving their audience? My site launched 9 weeks ago and its gotten 1,500 hits as well as international readers. It takes effort to get results. I’m all self taught at this puterin’… writing, marketing, seo, site design, images, layout, html… Honestly, i’d be dream come true for me! Makin’ a living doin’ what I love? Making friends, sharing laughs, learning together! Is America great or what?!
The Evolving Blog
This was a great post, glad we ran in to it this morning! We love honest + true blogs :)
Alisa
It’s a shame that anyone would try to make you feel badly about sponsorships you choose to accept. Clearly you put so much of yourself into your blog. No one should reasonably expect you to cover all the expense that goes into the maintenance and creation of such great material out of your own pocket. That’s ludicrous!
Alisa (mrsbcs)
Thank you, Nicole, for what you give to us daily. You are an inspiration to me and I appreciate what you do.
Robin
I think you do a fabulous job! Keep up the good work!
Rebecca
A little late,
but I love your blog,
your ideas,
your style…
And I *love* the fact that you’re able to make a living from it. You are not a sell-out.
Keep on keepin’ on, Nicole.
The Design Boards
I’m so sorry that you have received negative comments and feedback about your new sponsorship. I am always so happy for other bloggers when I hear about the opportunities that have come out of blogging. Blogging is a lot of hard work and you do a great job at it. You deserve to be compensated for what you do!
nina {nina renee designs}
You absolutely deserve to be compensated for your TALENTS… not everyone can do what you do {the way you do it}! How much time do you dedicate to your blog/business??? 1000 hrs a day? Yes, get paid.
:-)
Shannon
Just catching up to this post; I am perplexed as to why anyone would gripe. Making it Lovely and Pink Loves Brown are your work, your business, your brand. End of story.
gia
Love your blog! Keep up the good work.
Ez
Well said Nicole! I couldn’t agree with you more. I think that it’s important for us all (blog writers and blog readers) to keep in mind the massive quantity of time and thought that goes into creating such a lovely blog as yours. Those who have been featured on your pages have surely benefited from all your hard work, and you absolutely deserve compensation…just as any business woman does in her chosen field. Blog on sister…blog on. : ) xo Ez
kim
Well said! Researching and creating original content is very time-consuming. Readers need to remember that similar professional bloggers are making $50+/hr. With that in mind, you also deserve to be compensated for your expertise in driving eyeballs, clicks and sales to everyone you write about and advertise.
Abby
You handled this very well, Nicole. I think you should be able to take your blog in whatever direction you see fit. Congratulations on your new sponsership, it is well deserved recognition of your hard work! Your blog is gorgeous and inspirational, and so are you :)
Lynne
Sorry, I hit reply to someone and it posted here instead of as a reply (and I can’t even find their post now) so my comment is completely out of context. As I said earlier though, you have become successfull, and unfortunately you are experiencing Tall Poppy Syndrome. Ignore the negativity and carry on doing your thing because most of us do not have a problem with the way you run YOUR blog.
dai
Nicole, I love you blog, and thank you for all your efforts! I believe that yuo’ll make the sponsored project very YOU that we all feel comfortable.:)
jessica
Aaaand, this is why I don’t have comments. Bookmarking just in case I ever need a reminder for why I have them turned off. Lovely comments, polite questioning comments, out and out angry comments – all of ’em stress me out. :)
Renee
When I began my blog six months ago I had no idea how time consuming it would be to create a posts that appeal to people in both content and artistically as well. When the time is right I hope to monetize my blog as well. In addition, I don’t think people realize how great it is for small businesses to have a reasonably priced place to advertise as well.
As a business woman and mother you need to create a life that works for you and your family and you should not have to explain or defend your choices. You have an interesting and beautiful blog and I support you 100%
Julie
Just wanted to add another supportive comment to the long list. You’re a beautiful, conscientous writer who never fails to brighten my day with your amazing sense of style. I’m happy to know that the posts I enjoy for free are supporting your family, your business, and your continued success in whatever you choose to do. I love your blog and want it to continue to be a source of happiness for you!
beth
I find it inspiring that you can get paid for doing what you love.
Alana
I work for a large ad agency in Chicago. Our PR team does product placements all the time. They just did one for a garage door opener manufacturer at Jay Leno’s house for the show Garage Mahal. At no point did Jay Leno turn to the camera and deliver a disclaimer that he received it as a gift and is therefore giving publicity to the product by using it in his home. They never do.
Product placements, endorsements, product reviews…they’re everywhere.
Ev. Ry. Where.
At least the author of this blog is forthcoming about what’s a paid endorsement and what isn’t.
Kris
Well said! Keep up the good work, and don’t let the haters keep you down. You’re putting positive things into the world, and they are not.
JuliaL
:-) I wonder if all the complainers would be willing to pay for a subscription to your blog? I mean, a girl’s got to eat and decorate!
marybeth @ www.babygoodbuys.com
I wish you wouldn’t even feel a need to explain yourself or apologize. I think as long as you write quality content and provide material that prompts readers to return, you can choose to monetize or not monetize your website in any way you choose!
Thank you for all the amazing information and inspiration you provide! You very much deserve to be compensated for all your hard work.
Kimberly
Since everyone is telling you how wonderful your blog is (and I agree) I feel the need to add my two cents and let you know how much I appreciate your proper grammar! It’s so refreshing to read a blog that doesn’t confuse a possessive with a plural and knows the difference between “your” and “you’re”….it’s great. Bad grammar is so distracting. I can tell you thoughtfully edit your posts.
Valerie
Making it Lovely is one of my favorite blogs. I’m only disappointed when there is not a daily post! I have become so enamored with Eleanor … she is such a cutie and I have enjoyed watching her grow! If people don’t like your blog, Nicole, they have a choice not to read it. It’s as simple as that. Thank you for all the inspiration you share with your fans!
Charlotte
Where are all these haters everyone is referring to? Did I miss something?
EvY
They’re just haters. Your site is awesome. You SHOULD get compensated for all the work you put into it.
ECCO
I agree with everyone else, you just keep doing what you’re doing Nicole. I love your blog, and I am not afraid to admit that I have clicked on more than one of your sponsors links because they seemed like products I would use and appreciate. Don’t let the haters get you down!
Patti
Long time reader who has no issue whatsoever with monetizing blogs.
An enormous amount of time, effort and expense go into the best of them – like yours……
Keep doing what you’re doing – you should be compensated for your work.
rachel
I can’t catch up on all the comments here, but by golly! you deserve to make money. Anyone who thinks otherwise obviously isn’t thinking. You do a fabulous job and I have been reading since the very beginning. Keep up the lovely work! :)
Jenna
I am so glad that I get to enjoy your blog for FREE! There is obviously an enormous amount of work that goes into a blog of this quality, and I am happy for you (and for me) that there is a way for you to be supported so I can keep reading.
Julie M.
I’m sorry you felt you even needed to write this post. You are a success and should be proud of it. The fact that you are contacted at all is a testament to that. And thank you for being selective and only sharing with us, those products that do meet your standards. Wishing you much more success!
Penny Cook
I just wanted to throw my support out here too. I think the choices you’ve made are really smart. I love your blog, and will keep reading! Go Nicole!
Best,
Penny
(mom of 3 boys: 8,5 & 1)
Mary
Nicole, I think you totally rock and I will continue to read your wonderful blog regardless of advertisements or sponsored posts. You are an amazing person, and have clearly put your heart and soul into this blog, so why shouldn’t that be rewarded? People are paid for the work they do in many forms, and why would that change how much I love reading this awesome blog. You are one amazing blogger, and I feel honored to get to read along with your adventures. And I just love your sweet baby–she is the cutest! Best wishes to you always. Keep rocking!
Carrie
Your blog is amazing. To be paid for your creativity, spunk and lovely inspiration, is very well deserved. The best to you always!
grace
Nicole,
I was one of the people who left a comment expressing concern in the original post. My comments (hopefully) expressed first and foremost respect and admiration for what I called your ‘lovely’ and excellent blog. And it is! It simply put is one of the best out there in my opinion. My original comment was that I like hearing your voice and the tone of that Amex post seemed to not be your voice. I read your blog to hear what you have to say and I could not agree more that it is evident in your writing and posting that you seem to hold yourself to the highest of standards. Your blog is a wonderful, well-thought out and just plain beautiful place to visit. All of that said, I hope that it is okay to express opinions that may or may not differ from both you and your other readers. On the rare time that I do so, it would only be done with respect and only because I care. Yours (as I said in the last post) is a place of beauty and thought, and I do wish you the best. I have carefully re-read the original comments on the post and it does seem that those who had concerns were trying to post them in a respectful and thoughtful way. Thanks for the additional clarification in this post – as I also noted in my first comment, of course this is your blog and your business, but your transparency is admirable in this clarifying post.
Very best,
vangurl
I agree with this comment. Anyone that supposedly question the tone in the original ‘sponsored’ post was not doing so in a hateful and hurtful way.
a lot of folks that have commented here need to put down the pitchforks and torches and relax.
Clair
Sustaining yourself and your family while doing something you love is a dream for most people. Not only does your blog make me happy but the fact that you are able to do it is inspirational!
Mama Nailah
Thanks, for sharing this :-) but honestly as a huge fan of you blog. I don’t even believe you owe me an explanation. I enjoy what I read on your blog. I keep coming back because your post is interesting, I can relate but mainly because I can sense the authenticity of your posts. If you are able to make some income from your posts that’s great! If anyone has a problem with that then they shouldn’t visit your blog, it’s as simple as that!
Again, thanks for sharing this but I have come to learn in life that if you try to justify your actions to others, they seem to develop this convoluted notion that they now have a right to tell you how to act or need justification for your actions and they don’t!!! The only people you are accountable to is family and ultimately God!
daiseeboo
Don’t let begrudgers get to you. Once you choose advertising and sponsorship that you believe in and that is true to your blog you have nothing to answer for. It takes a huge time investment to produce such a fantastic and popular blog and you should be rewarded for that in some form. Keep doing what you are doing and ignore petty people.
meta
I’ve admired you since the first time I stumbled upon your blog. And now I admire you even more! Go girl, I know how much money, time, and energy it takes to keep a blog running. You’re a truly inspiration for us mom bloggers!
Sarah
I think this is a wonderful and very smart decision on Nicole’s part. As many people have stated, blogs are free for us to read. All of the fantastic tips, advice and imagery Nicole has provided for us over the years are free!! Sponsored posts will allow her to keep rockin’ on and providing us with the content we love. Just because a sponsored post mentions a particular product, you do not need to purchase it. But you probably will because you know Nicole picks out the most fantastic things for your home!! And that is why are here, to be inspired! Love Making it Lovely, Nicole and cannot wait to see the new project.
Emily
Hi Nicole,
just putting my 2c in. I didn’t read the comments on your ‘sponsored’ blog entry so can’t comment on them, but admit to thinking something like “isn’t it great to get rewarded for your efforts”.
Keep doing what you’re doing. It doesn’t cost me anything to read your work and I’d like it to stay that way! I think its great that one can earn money (whether it is one’s sole income or additonal pocket money) from one’s talents (eye for design, writing skills etc).
So keep up the good work!
Cora
I for one wish for you to be paid more so that you would do more posts since I really really enjoy your site! You go girl and you do what you have to do to keep being stylish and raising that beautiful little doll!
Fiona Richards
You’re so cool Nicole!
Do as you do – cos you do it so well!
Impeccable taste and judgement.
Fiona
Kimba
I am constantly amazed by how angry some people are! I don’t understand why anyone cares that you and anyone else is making money from blogging. The world is a constantly changing place, and lots of people make money with internet businesses, and I don’t see blogging as any different! Keep it up, I absolutely love your site, and I for one don’t mind at all if you make a gazillion dollars blogging. :)
oniont
who was angry? there as a concern no one attacked anyone, unless comments were deleted while moderating.
Alaina
Go Nicole! I am a mostly silent reader and I can’t wait to see your project.
jill
for every negative comment you receive, you have dozens of silent readers ( maybe more!) that are just fine with your decisions. I applaud you for putting yourself ‘out there’. Negative commenters are generally people LOOKING for things to comment negatively on. Your fine……. keep working.
Alicia (Atypical Type A)
Nicole, your blog is wonderful and please don’t doubt your decision to accept sponsorship.
It is obvious that you put a considerable amount of work into Making it Lovely and I say good on you for being able to receive some compensation from a company you would already recommend regardless. You did the right thing in fully disclosing it as a sponsored post. I have no doubt your professionalism and integrity will ensure that the monetisation (if you will excuse my Australian spelling) of your blog will be kept to a reasonable and non-intrusive level.
Congratulations for having built up such a strong readership. I will still be keenly visiting here every day.
Kristín
you go Nicole! Love your blog – often brightens up my day :)
I’m excited to see the outcome of the sponsored project!
Anne
keep doing what you’re doing, negative nancys get no where in life!! I’ve used links and sponsors on many blogs including yours to find great products. I feel that I can trust them more because of what you say.
your blog, your time, and I thank you for that! :)
pam
congrats on building up a strong enough brand that you are attracting sponsors!
maybe one way to ensure these are called out would be to put them in a box with a different color behind them. i’ve seen these done on another big blog, and it seems to work really well — it is crystal clear to readers that it is a sponsored post.
as a blogger, i’ve thought about this whole topic a lot a lot. unless readers are willing to pay a subscription cost (like a magazine) bloggers are going to need to take ads and the like. costs are indeed high for servers, tech support and the biggest cost of all: our time.
good luck, nicole. you go, girl!
Goody
Good for you!
blogging is definitely a LOT of work and I applaud anyone who is able to reap some of the benefits of all that work.
i think its really sad that people think its their place to tell others how to conduct their business and blogging no matter how personal the content is in fact a business.
women should be applauding and appreciating because great opps like yours only opens the doors for others..
Debbie
There is a wonderful thing on a computer- it’s called the “delete” key, and anyone who doesn’t like your blog can just not follow it, right? Didn’t blogs start out kinda like online diaries? You can write and do what you want honey! I for one am glad you have advertising, because we are trying to revamp our website and do a little blog advertising ourselves. We will be contacting you for rates- love your blog. (you can check it out now if you want- http://www.vintagescout.com)
dinah
WELL SAID! I didn’t realize there were such haters! That’s pretty selfish and ignorant of them!
Your blog and you are amazing! Keep up the good work and happy mother’s day!!
alison (semi-fab lane)
to anyone who has a negative comment about sponsership-shame on you. that’s like telling anyone who has a job and puts many hours into it-might i add- that they shouldn’t take their paycheck at the end of the week. it’s none of your business and it’s not even your place to comment on something like that. it’s sad you had to address this and waste your time writing about nonsense. i love your blog by the way–if you can’t tell! happy mother’s day!
elise
On a slightly different topic….Happy Mothers Day!
You make a tough job look easy and fun,
which is why I keep coming back.
Color Collective
Amen! To maintain a beautiful blog where you can post almost daily and really put your heart into it is a full-time job and you should be compensated for it. Your readers appreciate all the thought that goes into your posts, and should support you 100%!
mandi
There’s a very simple response to this problem: haters to the left!
It’s like the internet comes with a free entitlement plug-in these days. Stoked to see your bedroom re-do! Congrats on the free cash to make it happen!
Peg
It’s your blog and you can do whatever you want with it. And I love the ads. I have found some of the neatest and unique things from blog ads. You go girl.
NANCY
Your blog is amazing and I can’t believe people are judging you this way. It is obvious that you spend a lot of time and money managing your blog please keep doing exactly what you are doing. I truly do believe that you would never push a product you don’t like or believe in. Good for you and thank you I looks forward to reading all about this project!
Angelina
Sounds good to me! You’ve earned every penny.
Maryam in Marrakech
I read the original comments to see what was going on and I, too, found them to be really sweet for the most part with just a couple of comments that voiced a concern. I think it is great that your readers feel close enough to you that they feel they can do that. I don’t think that they were implying that you were greedy, etc.
oniont
I agree. This is blown way out of proportion and the use of the word “hater” is a bit redundant. Just concerns is all I saw and I saw nothing spiteful.
Denise
Scroll down a little and you will see the 5 or 6 (out of 247 and counting!!) who respectfully disagree called “selfish and ignorant”. This is seriously out of hand, and I am very disappointed. I was hoping, as I stated above, that the “Ugly” comments were deleted, but a supposed personal friend of Nicole’s says she doesn’t delete them.
Nicole, you started this by responding to only a few respectful comments on the original post by saying: “To imply that I am thoughtlessly and greedily accepting every freebie that comes my way is hurtful and insulting.” In my opinion, you should have made a statement in the comments section. Your quote implies you are not willing to hear any critism or comments that are anything less than fawning. No one is “hurting or insulting” you. You were politely questioned.
So– did you delete the ugly comments or not?
jbhat
Well said indeed! I am happy for you and love to visit your blog. Thank you for doing what you do…the way you do it, however it evolves.
jbhat
Bile
Well said! And yes, congratulations for being able to make a profit from all your hard work and the beautiful things you share with us.
nick klaus
There are millions and millions of blogs out there. Most of them never get enough readership to make sense to monetize them. The best ones require the author to put in hours of time. To me, that’s worth dealing with any kind of advertising.
Marci
You are doing a lovely job and I enjoy it. seriously if those kind of people have a problem with it then why the heck are they even on here reading?!?! leave already! they’re are plenty of us here to fill the space and time who truly appreciate something as great as your Making it Lovely blog.
Jane
Nicole, I have followed your site for some time now and it always brings me such joy. I don’t think you need to explain yourself at all or second guess your decision to monetize your blog. You put such hard work into this blog and it shows. Keep up the amazing job, and don’t listen to the criticism. Thanks for bringing a bit of eye candy to my day each time I check in here.
Debbie
I really enjoy your website. I see a variety of companies mentioned on here and I don’t feel that I am required to patronize those vendors. I simply enjoy your blog for the ideas it represents. I would not change a thing. I look forward to checking in daily and am disappointed when there is not a new post!!! Keep doing what you do so well!
Kate
I’m really bothered by the tone of the comments on this post.
I was mildly put off by the Amex post because it felt too much like reading an ad. I didn’t bother to post on that thread because it is Nicole’s choice what she posts and how she uses advertising. But if the voice of the blog shifted into that of the Amex post, I’d probably stop reading.
The handful of people who have posted that they didn’t like the Amex post are really being attacked as ungrateful haters. I would bet that a lot of people who didn’t like the Amex post aren’t commenting because they don’t want to be attacked. Which I think creates a missed opportunity. This could be a chance for Nicole to think about the best way to integrate advertising while keeping readers happy. Increasing advertising won’t increase profits if readers go way down.
Jenny
I read your blog every week and I’m a huge fan. I think it’s amazing that you can make a living off your blog and I have a ton of respect for what you’ve done. It’s inspiring! Keep it up!
For every negative comment, I’m sure you have tons more positive ones. If you can make money off of the blog that you work so hard to maintain, then GO FOR IT! Why shouldn’t you jump on those opportunities? You deserve them. Thanks for brightening up my weeks with your awesome blog!
Callie
Clearly you deserve to make money writing your blog! The amount of original content and design you develop is breathtaking to anyone with a clue. Most people have no idea how much work this all is. It is a job. One that you enjoy- but isn’t that the point of life?
I do think it was good that you wrote this post. After I read the American Express post the other day, I did think to myself, “wow, she’s got big time sponsorship”. It definitely stood out from your regular posts. It didn’t turn me off, but I can see how it might for some people. So, I think it’s good you took the time to share with readers your approach to the behind the scenes aspect of how you run your blog.
mia
I love your site and your wonderful sense of style. This post was well put, keep up the great work!
Liz @ Violet Posy
Someone just shared your post on my google reader and it made me so sad I had to comment. It’s your blog to do with as you wish and no one has the right to tell you what to do with it. You have bills to pay and unless they want to pay them for you, then they have no say.
I look forward now to reading more of your blog and adding it to my reader. Good luck with your new sponsor x
Kate
I have never commented on any of your posts, although since being on maternity leave 8 months ago I have followed all of your postings! I do not think that you should apologize or hesitate in any way for accepting sponsorship of your blog. You are lucky to have found a way to make a living from something that you love and that should be commended!
Mandi
I have been a long time reader and usually just stand back on the sidelines reading. But I feel compelled to tell you that I love your blog and you have a long established reputation of well curated posts that you write because you believe in their content. I would never have thought twice about any sponsorship you receive, but of course… there are silly people out there. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I appreciate what you take the time to write and how you stay true to yourself.
Joy_UK
Just wanted to add my full support Nicole.
There is nothing wrong with what you’re doing and people who don’t like it should just move on and get a life.
Lots of love,
Keep it up girl, we’re behind you all the way :)
Kate
Keep doing what you’re doing, so many people love your blog, and I hope you don’t listen to the people that are putting negative comments up!
Marie Pier
Don’t EVER be ashame to make money out of your blog. You work for it girl and it works!
Lauralou
First of all, it is YOUR blog and you can do whatever you want with it…and if you can make some money from it, you should. Second, I love your blog…I am so inspired, I love the visual presentation, and I’ve even shown it to friends when they have been looking for ideas. Please, keep up the good work and have fun with your new project. I can’t wait to see it!
Mary G
Man…some people are just angry…I just read more of these…the hell with ‘m. People lash out when they are jealous. Just wish them the best and move on.
Mary G
I think its clear that you have more supporters than naysayers. I for one, think that you have found a wonderful and creative way to make a living. Good for you…and good for you for standing up for yourself. Woohoo!!!
tara
It is called business, people. If you came to this site thinking that it wasn’t, you’re not very bright. I knew from the lucky moment I found this blog that it was attached to her business site. What is the big deal? If you don’t want to read something you feel may be “tainted” by commercialism, then just move on. You don’t have to be negative, you just have to be a grown-up. I’m pretty sure that Nicole is a mature and smart-enough woman to not allow a corporation to fill her home with ceramic elephants or turn her living room into an Edith Wharton nightmare. She is very clear about what is sponsored and what isn’t. In the current economy, I feel that negativity surrounding any ability to make money to support one’s family is selfish and petty.
matryoshkas
you DO NOT have to apologise or even clarify. i love your blog and many do too. As long as you do not make readers pay, i will continue to come. i might still come if i need to pay though :)
i love your advertisers, links, recommendations etc and if anyone thinks that you shouldn’t get rewarded for blogging, they shouldn’t visit!
don’t let these ‘sour grapes’ get to you!
joanser
I love your blog, and can see how much time, care, discrimination goes into each post. Some people just have to “steal your joy”. Can’t wait to see your next project from start to finish. Press on, Nicole.
Marmalade House
that being said, please don’t ever turn out like YHL. :x
Faith
I agree! Way overboard at YHL. Please don’t turn out like them. I actually encouraged my friends to read your blog and vote for you on the BHG porch project last year because I respected your responsible use of advertising over theirs.
Marmalade House
i think there is definitely a difference between random ugly ads for toilet paper/life insurance/aesthetically displeasing junk and the adorable companies you prefer advertising for. many of them sell such lovely things and i never would have discovered them without your blog! what is wrong with people? you are not a nonprofit charity and reading your blog ad free is not their god given right. if they want your blog to be ad free, how about they pay your utilities or come babysit for you? >:(
Glenda
I found the negative comments intriguing. I was hearing a lot of “I am a victim” in them. Be an adult – if you don’t like a sponsored blog post, don’t read it.
from a fellow blogger – who is working hard on becoming more emotionally mature.
Maria
good for you on two counts. one – it’s great that you’re able to make the blog pay. and two – it’s even greater that you took a crummy reaction to a sponsored project (i didn’t notice a different ‘tone’ in your post) and elegantly addressed the underlying issue of the ethics behind monetizing a blog. that’s why you have such a large and loyal following.
PhillyLass
There is absolutely nothing wrong with turning all the hard work of blogging into a career. And, typically, that means accepting advertising dollars. Advertisements like the ones confined in banners along the top or margins of a blog are fine. Their purpose is clear and the reader has the option of ignoring or clicking as she/he wishes.
I am, however, troubled by advertisements disguised as posts. And that’s exactly what started this controversy. I had to do a double-take as I read the previous post. At first I thought, ‘oh, cool. PinkLovesBrown is redoing her bedroom. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with.’ And then I realized, ‘oh, PinkLovesBrown is redoing her bedroom at the behest of a company and will be cherry-picking the items she features in a blatant and cynical attempt to get me to spend my money to enrich said corporation.’ Please excuse me for stating the obvious, but that *is* going to alter the voice of this blog. And it *is* a qualitatively different transaction from a simple exchange of money for ad space confined to the ad banner.
PinkLovesBrown– It’s obvious from the relentlessly rosy comments contained in this thread that you’ll be deleting this post as soon as your eyes fall on it. So, I’ll just say directly to you that I’m offended by the advertisement-in-disguise and I’m even more offended by your refusal to allow dissenting opinions to remain in what should be a forum for open discussion. I was about to place an order for the cat-eye glasses stationery for my sister’s birthday. But I’m no longer willing to do business with someone who has so little respect for her buyers and readers. You just lost a fan and a customer.
Lindsey
Just have to mention that bloggers are now (or will soon be) bound by FTC guidelines/regulations which require them to disclose any sponsorships, gifts, freebies and the like when it is mingling with content. I’m pretty sure that Nicole did just that when she said that “announcing a new sponsored project.” So if you think that she “disguised this as a post” then maybe you shouldn’t be buying cat-eye glasses stationery but rather glasses for yourself.
Nicole. Rock on!
xo,
L
Jules
That’s it. Nicole is too gracious to respond to this sort of comment, and I told myself I wouldn’t get involved, but Nicole is my friend and the assumptions need to stop.
Never, not once, has Nicole deleted a comment on this post or any other. People have assumed that she has and (based on an assumption made by a random comment on this post!) have already found her guilty without the benefit of anything like, you know, facts. What, are we in a Kafka novel now?
Those of you convinced of Nicole’s tyrannical comment policy have failed to consider the obvious. Perhaps there is a relentless number of rosy comments because the majority agrees with Nicole. It’s called Occam’s Razor. Read up on it.
Sarah
PS: I wholeheartedly agree with Melissa’s comment above mine!!
Sarah
You shouldn’t have to justify what you do – you have a beautiful blog that is earning you income – good for you! its time people realize this is a very, very tough economy- many, many people are still out of work. So, if you can be creative and find avenues of income, it really is no different than say, Avon or Mary Kay or something of that nature. I love my blog and I would love to create an avenue of income if I am to devote the time to it that you mention. It is work coming up with ideas and posts…be true to yourself…you know why you do what you do…xx
Melissa Allam
Oh my goodness, I didn’t know there was such controversy about blog adds. I say if you are fortunate enough to have people who want to advertise on your blog then by all means you should. I know blogging takes alot of time and alot of work and if you can get a little compensation for all that hard work the better. Good for you and I love your blog.
Rebecca
Regular reader, rare commenter here….I love that blogs are like magazines…except that I don’t have to buy them and then look through page after page (after page) of advertisement to get to the paltry content. Your blog is wonderful, and your advertising is subtle and never gets in the way of the (wonderful) content. Thank you for all the hard work you do for ME. I hope you make a freaking fortune!
Claire
ohhhh blog away and get as many sponsors as you can. you deserve it! you should also feel honored that people want to advertise with you, it is their way of telling you how much they value what you do!
LuLu
What is wrong with people? I love this blog and get a lot of inspiration from it. I also find it a beautiful, calming oasis in my crazy, busy world. I’m SO happy that you are able to earn income from it. Some people have no idea how much work something like this takes or for that matter how long one has to work at something like this BEFORE they begin to earn some sort of compensation.
Please do not let the naysayers steal your fabulous and creative energy. It’s beautiful here and I sincerely appreciate each day the effort it takes to create “making it lovely.” Many thanks.
LuLu
Stephanie
You do a great job! If you recommend a company or product, I’m sure it’s great so thank you for being selective in who you choose. Your home and blog are beautiful, and I always look forward to your posts and design insight. Really, one of my favorite blogs.
Juliette
I just want to give you props for the classy way you handle things here.
Blogging takes a lot of time and energy and with the quality and frequency of content you put out, you deserve to be reimbursed for it.
I don’t think any of the posts you’ve written that have mentioned a product/company (either paid or not) has ever been done in a way that comes across as pushy or tacky. Sadly, I can’t say the same about a lot of other blogs.
I think you’ve been done a fine job and it shows. Keep up the good work!
Stacy/InkSpot Workshop
Well Said! By the way…. NOBODY works for FREE! in order to keep this wonderful blog afloat and allow you to give us the content we ♥ it is necessary, end of story!
Sheena
Tell it like it is :). I was actually crushing on your bedroom. I think it’s lovely. I can’t wait to see the room transformed!
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