Blogging is still incredibly popular, and new blogs are always being added daily, some impressive blogs with huge potential, most not so thrilling. It is estimated that about 900,000 posts are added to the blogosphere every day! (source: onlineeducation.net) The niche categories of making money online and blogging advice are crowded and full of overdone posts. Bloggers are always attempting to find new angles, or redo posts that have been written hundreds of times before in their own words and with their own style. Every blogger has a voice, and has to learn to use that voice.
Which Door Will You Walk Through?
If you’ve been around the blogosphere for a while you’ve likely read posts about generating comments and how a tip handed out often is to play with a little controversy. Controversial posts often generate a lot of comments and discussions. People are quick to voice their thoughts and opinions when it comes to controversial topics, and bloggers are successfully building up their reader bases on controversial posts. I’m concerned however as I think the drive for traffic, comments, and ultimately money can easily veer people away from integrity and truth. I’ve read posts that are intentionally controversial with ridiculous advice that appear to be designed only to stir up comments and generate traffic. Here’s what I mean…
Services such as Pay Per Post, Social Spark, Sponsored Tweets, My Likes etc. all offer you money in exchange for your willingness to promote, tweet, link to, or write about a product, company or idea. These companies are utilizing social media to take advantage of your ability to influence, your peers, followers, friends, and readers. Affiliate Marketing gives you the opportunity to promote products and internet marketing tools in exchange for commission on sales. Bloggers are constantly being bombarded with opportunities to make money.
I want to submit to you that a blogger needs to be prepared for this bombardment. You’ve got to know who you are, what your purpose and focus is and where you intend to go with your blog (If you haven’t thought about where your blog is headed, you need to read this post on developing a niche blog!)
When you’re offered money, which door will you walk through?
If you’re looking to make money online, you’re going to be involved with services like the ones I mentioned above (and they are good services), you’re going to get offers that perhaps don’t fit with your blog, or you’re going to be offered a chance to promote a product that you may never personally use or endorse. Are you treating your online persona differently than your real life one? Where’s your blogging integrity? The attitude you bring to your blogging is the way people will remember you, make a point of having a great and positive attitude! (Don’t be a troll!) One way you can establish yourself as someone people would want to get to know and a blogger that can be trusted is by helping promote the blogs of others – bloggers you respect, and trust. Freely promoting other blogs is almost always reciprocated in some way, (check out how this works, here)
Early in my blogging career I made a decision to have integrity with my blog. I only write what I truly believe or agree with, I don’t create false controversy just for traffic, I don’t use deceptive link bait, I don’t promote products that I wouldn’t use, and I don’t write sponsored posts for businesses or products that I wouldn’t personally recommend to my best friends. Sticking to this plan requires that I sometimes turn down some easy money, but your readers will thank you for it in the end.
I would hope you also determine to have integrity with your blogging. Perhaps you’d never considered this, or maybe you could care less about online integrity – since all that matters is your bottom line. Well let me know your thoughts with a comment, let’s start the conversation.
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{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: lavenderuses
November 26, 2010 at 7:49 am
Hi Daniel
Like you, I decided from the get-go I would blog with integrity. When it came to sourcing products I wanted to sell; it took longer to find them and yes I could have started making money sooner.
But I waited and now I am pleased that the products I do sell are the ones I can recommend and use myself. They are a match with the ethos of my blog. In the long run; I have to live with myself and be content that I am giving of my best to my readers and prospective customers.
I know people appreciate the integrity and honesty. Glad you and others I have met on my blogging journey are doing the same.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia recently posted..So Little Time- So Much To Do
Hi Patricia, thanks for the positive feedback. If I look at any successful blogger I know they are following this model (more or less), I’ve noticed the people that seem to jump at money from any and every angle don’t seem to last long.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
Twitter: Blognetworking
November 26, 2010 at 8:57 am
Good to see you here, Daniel !
I will and am going for integrity. The only time I have written something against my opinion is for school essays – when its better to write the opposite opinion. But there are Bloggers who write against their opinion. And the sad part is that someday they will write their own opinion which will counter against their older post.
I am glad about one thing – There are many bloggers like you and me who value integrity over money, getting comments etc. Anyway, You have created a thoughtful post. Thanks, Daniel !
Jeevanjacobjohn recently posted..Google Voice Enables Outbound VoIP Calls via iPhone
You’re right Jeevan, if you’re all over the map say anything to get a rise out of people, or selling any product – eventually you’ll contradict yourself, and just sound like an idiot! Better to be honest ALL THE TIME.
Thanks man.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
Twitter: bbrian017
November 26, 2010 at 10:40 am
You know I’m always being offered money to allow ads that my members would just hate. I get offers from poker websites, health websites and weight loss websites. It’s amazing how often they contact me. I will be honest they offer the most money out of any other offers.
I also say no to many contest sponsors because I don’t think it’s appropriate for our members to have to link to these types of websites on their blog.
Many bloggers in the beginning have to understand the difference between right and wrong before they can even blog with integrity. I’ve offered my members services from advertisers that I wouldn’t do any more. But these are things we learn as we grow I think.
Creating controversy to get blog comments in my opinion is silly. I tried it, heck most bloggers have but at the end of the day it’s not worth it. It’s very hard to control and stay positive.
Thanks for the write up Dan I always enjoy your stuff.
bbrian017 recently posted..Blog Engage 1200 USD Guest Blogging Contest
Brian, that’s awesome to hear that you’re putting your members ahead of your income stream. People will respect and appreciate you for that (I know I do), honestly some of the ads I see on respectable sites these days is ridiculous. People will compromise so much for money some times. Recently noticed grooveshark was running an ad that played music over halloween! The music ad over ruled whatever music you were playing at the time interfering with the entire purpose of their website. Couldn’t belive it!
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
Daniel,
It is interesting how you call this blogging integrity.
I think the bottom line is personal integrity. It comes down to you and what
you promote. It is who you are and what you do.
It may seem easy to hide behind a keyboard and a computer screen. But when the
rubber meets the road, you are the one that is shining through, good or bad.
Sheila Atwood recently posted..How to Get Better Visibility on Google
Sheila, you’re absolutely right, really this does all come down to personal integrity, if you don’t have it in the real world you won’t exercise it online and vice versa. Gotta live with yourself! Thanks for your comment and for clarifying.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
Good piece, Daniel.
It’s something that many of our fellow bloggers should consider. Is your reputation really worth the money you made off of the less than satisfactory product you promoted but never even tried? Pitching products and services can be very tricky when you’ve not experienced the results. If you have not tried it, be certain it’s from a highly trusted source.
Each decision we make works on our branding, it’s a matter of whether the decision works for or against it.
Those controversial posts that are offered for the mere sake of driving traffic really have little if any long-term value or benefit. The traffic spike will soon flatten and you’re left with what is often a bitter aftermath.
I stay on the ethical and helpful side of things, not because it’s what we should do, but because it’s who I am anyhow. This is where the vast majority of our online citizens hang out, thank goodness.
Thanks for the post, man.
Jimi Jones recently posted..How to Create an Effective Daily To-Do List
Jimi, thanks for the fantastic feedback – you’re right about the branding aspect of things, this is who we are and how people we know and remember us. I know I attach words to bloggers, and there are many who I call friendly, inspiring, and brilliant – but there are also many who I’d call bitter, greedy, or ignorant. How do you want to be labeled? That’s a good question to ask! Seems everyone agrees about the controversy topic – in the long run it’s not worth it. Wish some other bloggers would read this and take it to heart.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
Reading from expert is always influential. Yes, you are absolutely right. There are many who play tricks to be succeeded, in many cases they can be. But in the long run integrity gets its rank higher. Most of the human beings don’t want to work hard to get better result, they search for the shortcuts. In think a blogger is a teacher, because readers get various important information from him. So, he shouldn’t exploit his readers.
Thanks, Daniel and as you say, we should have integrity with our blogging and it should be our promise.
Thanks Rahul for your feedback, absolutely integrity ranks higher than anything else, it goes beyond blogging and making money as we’ve discussed in the comments here. Bloggers are teachers you’re right – and leaders too! We need to use our influence properly.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
Hi Daniel,
I’ve got quite a few offers to write about a particular topic and also offers that pay for reviews. My blog policy is never to write about something I don’t know or that’s not related to my blog at all just in case my readers see that and start thinking “gee.. why is this post even here? It’s not even related..”
I agree with you about blog integrity but I think more of it comes from your personal integrity that has become part of your blog integrity. It is hard to stick to a principle if you don’t believe in it or you don’t live by it.
Bryan recently posted..The Number 1 Monetization Method For Your Blog
Bryan, your first paragraph reminds me of the lesson I learned when I wrote an article outside of my area of expertise, I got hit quick by someone who knew more than I did that I was provided some wrong information. Oops! That was a big mistake I had to rectify, and in this context it works to remind myself (and others) to stay focused and on topic. You’re not the first one in this comment thread to mention it really comes down to personal integrity! I agree.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
Twitter: richescorner
November 27, 2010 at 3:02 am
Hi Daniel,
I too try to stick to recommending products that I use myself. In fact, many of the services that I recommend on my blog are free and I make no money at all when people use them, but I want to be conscientious of their money as well when I recommend a product.
Richard recently posted..How to Make Money on Twitter
Richard, I think when people get to know you as someone who recommends the BEST not always the most expensive or the product that gives you the best commissions they will trust you when you recommend pricier stuff. In the same manner, I’ve always encouraged people to use FREE antivirus (Why pay for antivirus?) even though I can and do earn through affiliate marketing of Antivirus products… I’m not pushing it
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Are you a fan of twitter
The excerpt:
“Early in my blogging career I made a decision to have integrity with my blog. I only write what I truly believe or agree with, I don’t create false controversy just for traffic, I don’t use deceptive link bait, I don’t promote products that I wouldn’t use, and I don’t write sponsored posts for businesses or products that I wouldn’t personally recommend to my best friends.”
I’ve adhered to this not only in my blogging but in my real life as well. And as you said it is rewarding.
AB recently posted..Does an Orange and Luke warm water only diet for 30 Days works
Good stuff! I honor you for your choices, well made.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Article Spinning- Do you Steal
Great minds think alike Daniel, awesome article.
Everry good/smart blogger leaves money on the table from time to time.
One of the oldest and best sales adages states, “It’s easier to keep existing customers then it is to constantly find new ones.”
Change customers to readers and you have the ethical blogger. )
Dennis Edell recently posted..Looks Like You’re Stuck With Me HAHAHA
Yeah – I’ve had some pretty silly offers that had I taken would definitely make my readers go, “what? this guy only wants money”… I’m out to offer quality content, ultimately money will be a by-product.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Article Spinning- Do you Steal
Twitter: JustKissie
November 27, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Hi Daniel, thanks for the candidness. I’ve learned early on to stick to what it is that I’m doing the way I started doing it and that is for fun and for trying to share an encouraging word. Whatever rewards come from that decision is enough for me … and learning on the go is a much added benefit!
Kissie recently posted..My Favorite Movie Contest and Winner
Hey Kissie! Thanks for your comment. The comments on this post are all agreeing with me, I wonder if there are any bloggers who could care less? Maybe they are too afraid to post their thoughts. haha.
Us bloggers are always learning aren’t we. (I hope!) Chat soon.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Article Spinning- Do you Steal
Your frankness on blogging ethics is refreshing. Indeed for most bloggers, they have to deal with sponsored posts at some point of time, and it depends on individuals to keep paid posts at a minimum and relevant to the content.
I respect what you have done of writing what you truly believe in and not swayed by money. Kudos!
Paul Tech recently posted..Cristiano Ronaldo’s WAG Irina Shayk Furious Over ‘Naked’ GQ Photos
Thanks Paul. You know I don’t try to be frank so to speak, I’m just telling it the way it is – people are either going to be ethical or not, but honestly there’s only one way to go! I’m going to stand firm, but money is a huge temptation of course, so we need to have a plan in place and our integrity firmly decided before that temptation comes.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Article Spinning- Do you Steal
Well, I always remember to not post just to stir conversations this way. Yes, controversy creates money, but at the cost of loyal readers who might not agree with you.
So, while you will get some instant cash, you will lose something more important, loyal readers!
Ishan recently posted..Which Social Bookmarking Site Is Best For Me
Thanks Ishan for your comment. I’m happy to have regular / loyal readers on my blog, and it makes a person have close friends that will let them know if they are going astray as well!
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Article Spinning- Do you Steal
Twitter: dragonblogger
November 29, 2010 at 9:42 am
Integrity and Reputation are extremely important and can be lost very easily. I just consulted with a blogger who was offered $400 per month to do a promo package for a casino/gambling website on their blog which was in an unrelated niche. I wouldn’t recommend damaging your site reputation with readers or Google.
The ironic thing is the same blogger did a review on an iphone app related to slots and Google Ads put a casino ad on it, so really maybe it isn’t a sell out
Justin Germino recently posted..Best Dashboard Widgets for Apple MacBook
Justin, $400 is tough to pass up, but if it doesn’t work for your blog a person would have to say no. For some it would work, for others it would turn off readers.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Protect Yourself Don’t Let Guest Bloggers Upload their own Images
I have so much integrity that I don’t get any comments on my blog lol. I do some paid posts here and there but I turn down about maybe half of what I’m offered because I don’t really know what to say about a certain website or their service. I don’t always feel comfortable talking about golfing but I don’t mind talking about traveling or Myrtle Beach.
I have made a few posts where I get comments immediately with people yelling at me like when I accidentally insulted Clay Aiken. My intention was to say that I was going to listen to his music more but apparently I offended his fans in the process and got bombarded with nasty and threatening comments. I’m not sure if I want to purposely create that kind of controversy where I have to worry about my own safety, you know?
At any rate, this was a great article. I think it helped me when it comes to my own blog.
Mike
Mike, haha! Comments will grow over time, when you get some loyal readers who comment regularly – their comments will help attract more. Glad this post helped you out!
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Protect Yourself Don’t Let Guest Bloggers Upload their own Images
Twitter: marketsecrets
December 1, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Intentionally starting drama for ratings or in this case comments is one of the oldest strategies in media history and unfortunately it works! Although I don’t employ the tactic it has happened to me non intentionally like Mike above.
@Mike McDonald and others,
Sometimes ppl do not comment because we give them too much info and forget to give room for their input. Now this does depend on the goal of the particular post of course, but we just got to remember to leave it a bit open-ended so readers will feel invied to respond
Caleb recently posted..Your Own Unique Facebook Address
I agree, often a blogger will not set out to be controversial – just convinced of something – however others are convinced of the total opposite. Let the controversy begin!
an example is the Mac vs PC debate which will rage on forever. I enjoy this one, and it is normally good natured and fun to participate in, I’ve written Mac vs PC posts on my blog and they’ve done well. I’m not attempting to stir up controversy, I’m just taking advantage of something that is already there. 
And I LOVE PCs! haha
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Protect Yourself Don’t Let Guest Bloggers Upload their own Images
Twitter: marketsecrets
December 3, 2010 at 4:07 pm
C’mon Daniel everybody knows MAC rules, but since so many ppl use PC it’s best to have one just to know how your designs show up there
Caleb recently posted..ClickBank TopSites Review
hahaha. I’m not biting on this one today!
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Is Google Ditching PageRank
well written danie.. The first time am visiting your blog and impressed.
Srivathsan G.K recently posted..How to Develop Mobile Web 20 Applications
Thanks! But I hope you mean my blog which is actually at infocarnivore.com this post is a guest post for Ileane at Basic Blog Tips!
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Is Google Ditching PageRank
Right on, Daniel! Strong ethics establish trust, which establishes real authority and is the basis for genuine influence. Anyone can get clicks, but few are truly “above the line” with their ethics.
Brandon Cox recently posted..Introduction
Brandon. Thanks man, I like getting clicks as much as anyone else, but I want them to be valuable too… I aim to be trusted online!
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Is Google Ditching PageRank
You show me a way Daniel, i was thinking of creating my own blog where i can share my day to day experience in it, but the negative thing i had in my mind was i am a person who likes to write seo,movies,even sometimes on cooking recipes. So this thought was hunting me for a while on will it work if we write on a wide range of topics. But this article made clear to me that its what we like we are going to write.
Beth
Beth Owens recently posted..Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Thanks Beth! Glad you can be encouraged. You may enjoy this post at info carnivore about developing a niche blog: the journey … that’s a little of my experiences with exactly what you’re talking about.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Is Google Ditching PageRank
Very nicely written, Daniel. I also don’t stir up controversy just for the sake of doing it, but I will add that every once in awhile I’ve got a few things on my mind and I write about them, ready for controversy if it comes, which mostly it doesn’t.
Mitch recently posted..Don’t “Stink” Not Quite A Rebuttal
Thanks Mitch. I’m with you on the controversy issue – funny though my most recent post (see the comment luv link) stirred up some friendly controversy, though not intentionally… It’s a valid rumor that was on my mind and I wanted to discuss, lots of differing opinions though.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Is Google Ditching PageRank
It seems any discussion involving page rank gets interesting. I don’t trust it as far as having much value myself, but I won’t go there here. lol
Mitch recently posted..Twitter Chats
Well thanks for popping over to Info Carnivore and adding your thoughts there… Appreciate the conversation!
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Is Google Ditching PageRank
Twitter: dragonblogger
December 8, 2010 at 10:31 am
I only did a few video presentations about blogging and blogging with Integrity was one of them back on my YouTube channel. I couldn’t agree with you more about integrity being critical to establishing trusted reputation with readers.
Justin Germino recently posted..Sync your Amplify Blog with Google Analytics
Thanks Justin! I will be checking out that video. Also, I will be guest blogging with you in the New Year for sure – I haven’t forgotten!
Talk soon.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Is Google Ditching PageRank
Hi Daniel,
This sure is a thought-provoking post. I have started my blog as a way to express myself, share my thoughts and to learn from others who have been blogging before me. Thanks for sharing!
Johanna recently posted..10 Simple Yet Effective Tips on Writing that Everyone Should Know Part II
This post is full training course about blogging. A good addition to my knowledge.
Eventually it all comes down to money. If you’re greedy you’ll do anything it takes to bring those visits, even if it means stealing content, faking news, selling yourself.
If that makes you happy, go for it. But some of us know better.
Maria Pavel recently posted..CNA Training in California
Hi Maria. Unfortunately you are so right. Greed takes it all out of someone. The things you describe happen on the internet every day.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Home Safes- a buyers guide to fireproof safes
Well thanks for that!
Have a great day.
Daniel Snyder recently posted..Home Safes- a buyers guide to fireproof safes
Great post Daniel. I also recommend my friends to use different free software’s instead of using paying S/W. however when they starts using they tell me all about their features and pros , cons and then i tell my readers about it why to use them and what not to use. g
anyhow its a great post for all of us to get motivation. thanks again Daniel for your hard work that you puts here in that post.
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