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Hi all -

I have learned a ton in the past month about blogging for pay. I have found that many people have no issues accepting a gift card and writing about the product. Thank you to the lovely folk who have said yes!

I've found that some people never want to do that. The only types of reviews they'll give are the ones that they decide to do on their own.

I have found some people would normally do a review, but have gotten busy at this time of year. Totally understandable.

What I've found the most fascinating, however, is that people who don't do reviews tend to be people that are already making a gazillion dollars on their blog. This makes sense. After all, they don't have to.

There is definitely a fine line between making some money (which you know I have no problem doing) and still being true to your own voice. After all, some of you write just to write. Others write for pay. (Me.) But at the same time, I have built up my audience based on "me" - not my product pitches. So... and here's the real tip I've learned from my job:

FULL DISCLOSURE.

Can we say it again? FULL DISCLOSURE.

This means that should you do a review for pay, always say you've been paid to do it! This at least makes you credible.

And so, on that note, I am giving FULL DISCLOSURE to say that Leapfrog has paid me in the past to write about their products. They have been very good to me, and I do really like their stuff - especially their TAG readers (these are books with electronic pens...less stimulation than a computer but still interactive for little hands... great gift for the 3 - 7 year old crowd) so I am letting you all know about their sale in case you have little ones to shop for.

At some point, if I keep doing product review, I will put a new tab up. Then, all the people who are into freebies can go there. And all of you who just don't give a rat's booty about discounts but want to hear about me - God bless you - can simply stay here.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

DISCLOSURE! I'M PROMOTING LEAPFROG HERE! (WHO I LOVE!)
BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY DEALS, STARTING 10 PM PST TONIGHT! ·         25% to 75% off sitewide

·         Select Leapster games as low as $5

·         Select Tag Books as low as $5

·         Up to 75% off on our gift packs

·         Spend $50, get free shipping

·         Black Friday Bonus, Spend $100, get $10 off

 

Gobble gobble!
 


Comments

Brooke G

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:49:53

Love the up-front approach! You make me laugh. Seriously, thanks for the heads up on the all good deals. We are Leap Frog fans over in these parts too ;)

 

Deb

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:30:39

Totally underwater here with school, kids, work, (blah blah blah) but I had to stop by, see what you were up to and wish you, Rex and the kids a Happy Thanksgiving!

We have a lot to be thankful for :)

Hugs, Deb (gobble gobble)

 

Arwen

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:11:29

I've wondered about the tag. We have one of their old preschool systems, and it has never gotten a lot of use. Their videos, however, get played a lot at our house.

 

Texas Lizzy

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:48:39

Hi Andrea, we love the Leapfrog items. Thanks for the heads up on the black friday deals. I will take advantage. I'm all about shopping online. Hey, save us all a spot at the Birthday Table for Stink, we're coming to Cali.

 

His Girl Amber

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:14:49

I think full disclosure is the only way to go... and making money only would be shameful if you did it falsely (like saying that I love Ralph's grocery store, when I CERTAINLY DO NOT)- so if you love leapster products (which I did when my kids were small) why not tell us about how to get them cheaply and make a little cash for yourself as well?

you go, girl... and thanks for sharing the love.

 

andrea frazer

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:17:27

Thanks all! Actually, I didn't make any money on this post, but Leapfrog has sent me products in the past.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

 

gretchen

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:15:47

Lurve this. Kinda wish my kids were still the age for Leapfrog stuff, now. :)

 

Just Jiff

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:17:43

I don't make money on my site (though I have BlogHer advertisements...never received a penny. Sniff.) but I am always interested in reviewing. When I read blogs who review, I appreciate when I am given full disclosure. :)

I have an almost 2 year old and a 7 year old, so not sure the products fit in their age ranges, but I'll keep them in mind for when my 2 year old is old enough. :)

 

phd in yogurtry

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:48:08

Too bad my kids have leaped out of the leapfrog years. Have never done a paid review. Been offered a couple that were not applicable to me. But I do worry, once the offer is on the table and the committment made, whether I would develop a giant dose of blog fever.

 

Heidi

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:21:19

Oh dear Lord, I'll blog for a gift card!

When my sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told her, "Ummmm wow. Maybe some nice wine and if you wanna pay the rent this month, that'd be great too."

 

phd in yogurtry

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:56:31

dropping by to say happy, healthy holidays to you and your family!

 

Arwen

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:38:47

Hi there. He did love the Eve pillow. He was very surprised and exclaimed something like, "I've been wanting one of those!" Thanks for the card, btw. :)

 



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