The Business of Blogging

I recently read this article from the NY Times titled "Honey, Don't Bother Mommy. I'm Too Busy Building My Brand" and while I don't think the title is necessarily fare to those who do capitalize from their blogs, I thought it brought up some good points.

I personally shy away from the 'bigger' blogs. I have seen many average mommy blogs transform over time into these advertising mega blogs, and personally that's when I stop reading. Its almost like they have gone "Bloggywood" (like the term going "Hollywood"- but for bloggers, something I just made up : ). I am not talking about popularity, there are still many great blogs out there that have hundreds of followers that have managed not to sell out (sorry if that comes off a little harsh). I hate going to blogs to follow someones story only to be constantly bombarded with flashing ads and constant pimping out products for money giveaways, to me that's not what blogging is about and that's when I lose interest. Obviously not everyone feels this way, as these mega blogs still have hundreds if not thousands of readers, and that's great for them.

I love blogging, reading and following others peoples blogs- because I am interested in THEM and whats going on the their lives, not whatever brand has sponsored them that week! Like the article says “I wish we could go back to where blogging was five years ago, when it was just about the writing and the connecting and none of the free stuff and the vacations and the swag bags,” and I too feel that way. I do think its different if someone starts a blog with the intention to make money, but I hate seeing blogs that I have enjoyed reading overtime go Bloggywood, because they change. The intent changes, the content changes, and I guess I don't like change in that aspect.

This is not at all meant to bash the mega bloggers, or those who sell advertising space, or bloggers that do giveaways, because I do see the other side to it. I understand why a SAHM, or a working mom would jump at the opportunity to make a little money while doing something they enjoy- I get that. And I do think that opportunities like this empower women and mothers and give them opportunities that they wouldn't normally have and I think that's great! I dont mind one little ad here or there, or a giveaway that relates to your blog in some way once in a while, I have no problems with that at all. But it's the blogs that are cluttered with ads everywhere and/or that are pushing a new product every week that is just ovewhelming! It turns me off. And at the end of the day, that's not what I enjoy reading about.

No matter how many followers I get over time, or how popular (or not) my blog becomes, it will always be about my life and my children. That's why I started this blog. Yes, it has evolved from a infertility blog, to a pregnancy blog, and now mostly a mommy blog- but my intentions with my blog are still the same. To have a place where I can go to document my life, write down my thoughts, and share my stories. Because that's what blogging means to me.