Getting Paid To Blog?
September 6th, 2005Regarding a comment from John Hubbard that basically calls me out for mentioning a really cool book catalog tool that I have become enamored with over the past week, I should have been a bit (and I mean bit) more forward in my write-up.
Yes, it’s true. Tim Spalding did provide me with a paid account to Library Thing which I, indeed, did not pay for (I feel like Bill Clinton, circa 1998). Which means, yes, I was paid off to blog about a product. I’m ashamed and regretfully resign my post as a blogger for the library community.
/sarcasm
Are you kidding me, John? Do you think that I could be bought for $10 worth of an upgrade? ;It would take a lot more to ensure that I blog favorably about a product (For those that think that the ads that run on this blog are a result of being “bought” by ITI, think again. It was I who approached ITI to sponsor Library Stuff, not the opposite – I have complete control of the content and have NOT been told by ITI what to write about). In fact, I’m ashamed that you, John, think that I would do such a thing. Have I not been completely honest with my readers so far? Haven’t I set a precedent?
So, yeah. Tim provided me with a paid account. The thought process that turns this into a pay-off not only scares me, but baffles as well. By providing me with a paid account, does it ensure that I will use the product in the future? Nope. Why? Because I’m only plotting my reading activity. Do you know how long it will take to reach 200 books? A very long time (I read slowly). Does the paid account mean that I won’t pan future implementations of Library Thing? Nope again. Why? Because I’ve always provided accolades when they are due and provide negative commentary as well. Remember, it was me who mentioned to Tim that he needed RSS feeds (of course, this was before I had a paid account – I wonder if I would say the same thing now that Tim has enabled me to put Hallie through college with his generous pay off).
Also, John, thanks for the links to the other sites, but I still see very little blog marketing going on there.My post recognized the fact that Tim was blogging his experiences and new features, which, if you read about anything that goes on in the syndication/blogging world, means a heck of a lot in terms of reach. So, excuse me for patting a guy on the back who is doing a great job of marketing his work.
But if it makes you feel better John, I’d be glad to give up my paid account if it means that you will come back to Library Stuff knowing that I didn’t accept a “gift” from someone that I was blogging about. Now, where is that check you promised me for plugging LISWiki…