tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.comments2023-10-08T20:53:14.164+11:00Deep Dish Dreamsstickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861830835308131738noreply@blogger.comBlogger989125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-30575699703512002282015-04-22T11:18:40.007+10:002015-04-22T11:18:40.007+10:00So I'm quite late to this article of yours (an...So I'm quite late to this article of yours (and part 1) but I must say it's all still highly relevant. I really enjoyed reading through this article - it's rare to get this sort of insight that's so relevant to what we as bloggers do.<br /><br />Personally I only write about products/events if I feel like it's a relevant fit for my blog, and something that I genuinely think my readers will be interested in.<br /><br />It can be tough for many to avoid being unwittingly manipulated but it's so important to remember that PR firms are just that, PR firms. They are not your friends and they don't honestly think that you are great. Do what you feel comfortable with and don't be afraid to say no, or to write a critical piece (or decline to write a piece at all).<br /><br />Ultimately, the only obligation that bloggers have is to themselves.Paulhttp://thecitylane.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-45337508214712600292013-02-21T14:03:02.337+11:002013-02-21T14:03:02.337+11:00Thanks for the great post here! I find it very imp...Thanks for the great post here! I find it very impressive and informative subject. Excellent share!!open hospitality point of salehttp://www.hlaustralia.com.au/solutions-posnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-21872025934087066582013-01-18T19:08:04.287+11:002013-01-18T19:08:04.287+11:00The key is to make sure your service is impeccable...The key is to make sure your service is impeccable and food is excellent or at least measures up to the advertising put out for it. As for negative comments, be proactive about them.Sedona Restaurantshttp://www.hillsidesedona.net/dining/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-11534660805773817662012-09-18T23:42:38.371+10:002012-09-18T23:42:38.371+10:00All nails in the head sticky, and all reasons why ...All nails in the head sticky, and all reasons why I lost all taste in the foodblogasphere maybe a year and a half ago...both in reading posts after posts of sycophantic 'ads' for the latest 'it' opening in town (shit a half-boiled egg is still a half-boiled egg even if it's boiled by Andrew McConnell et al.!). It also killed my inspiration in continuing with my own considerably 'verbose' blog @Spot4Nosh. Oh and the arrival of a little angel that is my firstborn may have had something to do with it too :-) Towzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01996327483125590878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-18522923917113391042012-09-13T16:22:08.556+10:002012-09-13T16:22:08.556+10:00Very interesting insights and observations, thanks...Very interesting insights and observations, thanks.ChiTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10126315588888760641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-34397404170704129232011-12-22T09:56:59.651+11:002011-12-22T09:56:59.651+11:00long article but very helpful and well written .Th...long article but very helpful and well written .Thanks.Banglarecipeshttp://www.banglarecipes.com.au/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-15330845945055804842011-12-19T12:57:46.701+11:002011-12-19T12:57:46.701+11:00Interesting read and enjoyed getting your marketin...Interesting read and enjoyed getting your marketing take on it. Your claim that traditional media criticises blogging to get a spike reminds me of how TV programs used to run programs about the people with the TV ratings boxes in their houses - guaranteed ratings through the roof!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15550630880349913974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-24547052804393765752011-11-12T11:29:43.826+11:002011-11-12T11:29:43.826+11:00Thanks for such an insightful article. As a new bl...Thanks for such an insightful article. As a new blogger, I have also thought about these issues but have not read or heard sufficient debate and this is a great forum. What I have found useful in guiding the stuff that I blog about is asking "why am I doing it". As long as one is clear and focused about the "objective" or "goal" of blogging, then I think gratification will come. I have been invited to freebies and understand that I reserve the right to write objectively or even choose not to write about my experience at all. I do not hold back when asked about the food and will always give my own honest opinion. Integrity first and all else come after.Chopinand @ ChopinandMysaucepanhttp://chopinandmysaucepan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-36997219379909405422011-11-07T11:06:35.113+11:002011-11-07T11:06:35.113+11:00Thanks for that - much food for thought, so to spe...Thanks for that - much food for thought, so to speak. As far as link bait goes, as well as the Carolyn Webb story on Bali check out the Paul Sheehan haka yarn as discussed here: http://thefailedestate.blogspot.com/2011/10/turning-off-noise.htmlKennyhttp://considerthesauce.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-30367409468195809872011-11-03T17:47:56.228+11:002011-11-03T17:47:56.228+11:00On the issue of reciprocity - I'm not sure abo...On the issue of reciprocity - I'm not sure about Australia, but in Hong Kong (and I dare say much of Asia), it's not only bloggers who feel obliged, but writers and journalists in traditional media too. They might try to mention brands in an article without disclosing a prior relationship to the editor. And some editors don't really care or mind, as they're so hungry for content.<br /><br />That said, I think it's totally ok for PR to invite bloggers and writers to certain events or try out certain things, but they should never expect or demand something immediately in return (e.g. "you must write about this particular event"). It is a PR's job to infiltrate minds (or, well, to be more neutral (?), promote) their clients' brands and this can be done by just keeping their clients top of mind for content producers. So that, for example, when someone mentions a category of product, their clients' brand immediately comes to mind. (Soft drink -> Coke!)<br /><br />I totally agree that what essentially are advertorials on blogs should be paid for, and it's also the blogger's choice whether to accept such offers. I just hope that there's a more holistic approach than just listing a set of demands and having nothing to fall back on but Acts and legal contracts. After all, a lot of people want to read about cool brands, and a lot of people like to report them - there must be a way of having the two sides meet harmoniously. <br /><br />(Obviously you're going to have crappy products/brands and crappy people/publications rah-rahing on about them too, but that's been around since the existence of mass media.)<br /><br />This was a very insightful read, thank you for taking the time to write it up. It's always interesting to hear from an insider.e_tinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06767791378980354563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-39878678015193087692011-11-03T00:57:08.196+11:002011-11-03T00:57:08.196+11:00I don't know if we're reading the same blo...I don't know if we're reading the same blogs... but the ones I read have always been great at disclosing conflicts of interest. <br /><br />I've started to attract interest from PR & marketing companies and so far I've not accepted any offers. I'll be honest, I do kind of feel wistful rejecting the monetary rewards but if it doesn't fit in my blog, it doesn't go into my blog. <br /><br />I don't necessarily have an issue with talking about specific businesses and products, but so far it's always happened naturally - I write about them if I feel like it, simple as that. Perhaps one day I'll get an offer that aligns with my interests. I think I'd still feel a little weird because I didn't stumble upon it myself and write about it purely through my own initiative... so who knows. But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!leaf (the indolent cook)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-70681765228829097552011-10-29T21:02:58.590+11:002011-10-29T21:02:58.590+11:00Really interesting read. It's an issue I'v...Really interesting read. It's an issue I've been thinking about quite a lot recently.<br /><br />Many bloggers seem to love the 'special' feeling of being invited to an event by a PR person. I've stopped reading several blogs because they are full of non-credible gushing praise following freebies. I want honest reviews.<br /><br />I'm no pro-blogger and don't get contacted by PR agencies, but have been lucky to get a few crumbs from the kings table (or invites to group events). I go because I'm still relatively new in the Sydney food blogging scene and I want to meet like minded people. However, it does concern me that I'll be selling out and turning (the few) readers I have off.<br /><br />Speaking to some fellow bloggers I've noticed 'PR' fatigue setting in and them beginning to turn down certain events. However, because the events are so cheap compared to traditional advertising and the number of bloggers so high, the ad agencies can just move down the value chain. I'm not expert, but I suspect from the ad agencies perspective we are nowhere near the tipping point of where they'll say are these second or third rate bloggers worth it?<br /><br />It will be interesting to see where the balance of power between bloggers and traditional media lies in one or two years time. Will it be much different from today?Richard Elliothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00565380446421416586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-33096306652120356632011-10-27T18:21:12.431+11:002011-10-27T18:21:12.431+11:00Good read Sticky, as a newbie blogger, I would say...Good read Sticky, as a newbie blogger, I would say, wow, I didn't know the tricks ..thx for info. I have only done one ad blog so far and must admit I did not know about disclaimer but on my post, it was transparent that I was road testing a product from so and so. Thx for your info. I think too, at the end of the day, I call a spade a spade and I stay true to myself. For me this is a hobby, not a business.Jackie Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141441974339412821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-88588464150310523292011-10-27T14:28:47.213+11:002011-10-27T14:28:47.213+11:00Thanks for taking the time to write this rather co...Thanks for taking the time to write this rather comprehensive post. It's interesting to see how things are viewed from the other side. There's certainly some things to ponder over and think about. <br /><br />Have written what you have, how deeply do you feel Australian bloggers are unknowingly sucked into the various marketing tactics or worse still, not being clear with their disclosure of the nature of their involvement, acknowledge payment for services etc.? Do you feel its a wide-spread issue or a niche problem?Simon @ the heart of foodhttp://theheartoffood.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-91271489147624393622011-10-27T14:27:33.331+11:002011-10-27T14:27:33.331+11:00J, I am proud of you that you could utilise such b...J, I am proud of you that you could utilise such beautiful wordings to present this nasty reality. For me, I could have been #!$* a few times (in Cantonese so Simon, Ed and Steve don't understand ^_^)<br /><br />I agree that some active Australian food bloggers are lacking maturity on a certain thing. Perhaps because of their age vs experience in this field, plus the PR companies are enhancing it. On the other hand, PR companies didn't do anything wrong, it is only the individual whom need to understand what they are blogging on, and who actually they are blogging for. Temptation over ruling.<br /><br />Either way, this issue will get worst, and I hope new generation bloggers could stick with their principal (similar to how lots of genY did to charity and volunteering work). Great example would be ThankYouWater, STREAT Melbourne, Scarf Community to name a few. <br /><br />I have no issue with bloggers accepting freebies, however fact still need to be told. Bloggers can't take freebies, and converted their believe of a overcooked steak to a beautiful juicy medium steak. This is not an acceptable behavior. This is luring audiences into a dream world. It will ruin the reputation of the blogger + creating a bad scene within the Food & Beverages industry, which is suffering from honestly fact. (this is how the real estate industry is with a few bad sales persons)<br /><br />Views are my own.<br /><br />MeowMeowhttps://twitter.com/#!/eMeownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-59558786003319316582011-10-27T12:56:58.923+11:002011-10-27T12:56:58.923+11:00A few thoughts.
Very interesting post, but you se...A few thoughts.<br /><br />Very interesting post, but you seem to be implying that the 'new' food bloggers are 'wrecking' food blogging as a medium, and I take issue with this. I also take issue with your assertion that these bloggers are brand puppets.<br /><br />I think what is missing in this discussion is the human element. I mean, say a pr rep from a company (a person) contacts, me, a blogger (also a person) and invites me to a restaurant she works for. I go, maybe I pay for my meal, maybe I don't. I write a post about the place, including the fact that I was invited, what I ate, whether I paid etc, etc. <br /><br />I don't see anything wrong with that, although I'm yet to receive a free meal. I know I would feel pressured to write positively, but I would also feel pressured when asked at a dinner party 'How did you like the food?' to say 'it was fantastic!' whether it was or not. <br /><br />A lot of this comes down to politeness, it's not always about brands 'using' bloggers. Blogs can be very personal, they ARE word-of-mouth. A lot of us do this for free and for the love of it - we may not seek out sponsorship or freebies. <br /><br />I am not a big fan of food blogs that are all photos or all promotions either, but then again, I just don't read that kind of stuff. I agree that we have seen a decrease in written content over the years but that's not always a bad thing. The length of a post in no way indicates its value.Lau@corridorkitchenhttp://www.corridorkitchen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-6149059251355732172011-10-27T12:43:29.234+11:002011-10-27T12:43:29.234+11:00My blog is only just now of an age (it's one y...My blog is only just now of an age (it's one year old) where legitimate PR companies have started to contact me to place text based ads or become a 'brand influencer'.<br /><br />I nearly signed up as an influencer with one company as they seemed to be very transparent and also were selling goods and services that fit with the ethos of my blog. They were happy for bloggers to make it clear that they were 'influencers'. You were able to opt out of any or all promotions they ran.<br /><br />In the end I decided against it. even though they seemed legit, the rates were ok and their products were a good fit, in the fine print they stated that although they don't seek and exclusive relationship, any company that contacted me to place a link in my twitter feed or on facebook would have to first contact them. To me, that sounds quite exclusive. <br /><br />But what gets me about these companies is they email you asking you if you'd be interested in something and give no indication of how much they pay or how it all works. I've had to ask a lot of questions of these companies and in most cases, it's not worth the effort of 'applying' (even though they contacted me!). <br /><br />And now I'm asking myself if I even want any kind of ads on my blog at all...<br /><br />Thank you for this post, it has shed a lot of lightLau@corridorkitchenhttp://www.corridorkitchen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-90164195136324442452011-10-27T11:53:56.088+11:002011-10-27T11:53:56.088+11:00Thank you everyone for taking the time to comment ...Thank you everyone for taking the time to comment and for those who've also shared their thoughts and RTs on Twitter.<br /><br />Simon, the ACCC and ACMA promote self-regulation. My understanding of the guidelines is that it does not prohibit non-disclosure of negative aspects of products, allowing ads to focus clearly on the positives.<br /><br />Ed, I have no issue with people accepting freebies, however I reiterate that if they are posted then the blogger needs to be transparent, declaring that they are promoting the brand as a blog advertorial.<br /><br />In terms of Link bait, while journalists may not be aware of these techniques I have it from former marketing directors of major AU dailies that it is employed. Take the current Carolyn Webb story on Bali for example.<br /><br />I have had a criticism from a reader on Twitter that this piece was too subtle and could have gone further. To clarify, it is not my intention to vilify and it would be impossible to reveal all I know on the subject, short of writing a book. My aim here is to help others be better informed when making choices.stickyfingershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14861830835308131738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-64258589975716947462011-10-27T11:26:31.071+11:002011-10-27T11:26:31.071+11:00Thanks for all the good info. We are so blasted wi...Thanks for all the good info. We are so blasted with advertising in one way or the other everyday. <br />It would be good to have just plain old truthful recommendations or ideas or whatever you are offering on the blog. Hopefully more bloggers will take note, my filtering system is already overworked!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-37473793512098619692011-10-27T11:04:14.213+11:002011-10-27T11:04:14.213+11:00I've fresh from two great freebies where I'...I've fresh from two great freebies where I've been sucked in to praise Sydney's food and food festival and last weekend to Wellington in NZ. I saw them as nice weekends away and an opportunity to eat at some places that otherwise I wouldn't get to visit as part of my budgetary constraints.<br /><br />Otherwise I'm turning most down nowadays.<br /><br />I'm not sure the link between anti food blog articles in papers is about building links as the journalists don't understand that stuff and in the quality papers there is no commercial link (in theory).<br /><br />Simon, the way to stop spam comments is to enable the "no follow" in comments so even if people do follow the link Google won't. I usually just delete or spam them though.<br /><br />Nice link baiting Sticki btw ;-)Ed Charleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00579789564673979283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-32001272283213113272011-10-26T21:47:08.309+11:002011-10-26T21:47:08.309+11:00Excellent follow up to part 1.Excellent follow up to part 1.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15074005234609879061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-67186543600248291362011-10-26T20:31:17.654+11:002011-10-26T20:31:17.654+11:00Great article Sticky. Now I'm convinced more t...Great article Sticky. Now I'm convinced more than ever that I am apparently missing out on the huge blizzard of PR freebies being lavished on bloggers but not me! I even taken to getting a sandwich board and a ships bell and treading the footpaths of Hobart with my sign reading: 'Will spruik for Cred' so far I've just had some yobbos throw stubbies at me from their WRX's.<br />Oh well...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-11513444956343446642011-10-26T20:06:43.888+11:002011-10-26T20:06:43.888+11:00Top post! Bloggers definitely need to be more awar...Top post! Bloggers definitely need to be more aware of how and why they're being used (and why they let themselves be used sometimes).Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07603439515198469948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-5010666007693288862011-10-26T18:24:42.643+11:002011-10-26T18:24:42.643+11:00A long read but a great read. So if traditional me...A long read but a great read. So if traditional media criticise Food Bloggers then does that just mean that they are actually validating that they exist in the first place. Interesting about the linkbaiting. Haven't heard of that before but makes sense. It does mention about fallout though — so maybe this means traditional media being discredited? Love the terms 'Blogger Outreach Programs' and 'Blogger Bribes'. I'm learning a lot of jargon in this post. I'm wondering how many bloggers (food in particular) ask and get paid a fee to post something for a PR company? I think the blogging community is mostly unaware that some blogs out there are getting paid to post — so I've heard anyway. Not sure about the ACCC Advertising and Selling standards. Clearly 'Honest' and 'Advertising' should not be used in the same sentence — refer back to your previous point 'manipulative psychology'. Hence why I don't watch the news, read the papers or take notice of advertising promises. I was wondering if there's any way to stop spam comments. There seems to be deal websites that add comments just to advertise their sites but don't relate to the actual post. I wonder if I added the 'Australian Spam Act 2003' would that stop them doing it? I fully support your three last paragraphs :-)Simon Leonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10876960777476668265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-72303883324362227162011-10-26T17:52:24.763+11:002011-10-26T17:52:24.763+11:00so very true, a very interesting read!so very true, a very interesting read!"Joe" who is constantly cravinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10394450113346260318noreply@blogger.com