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The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands

The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands

Notice her wiggling legs? Story of our life these days. #cantsitstill

The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands

Trying to avoid Kitty’s fingernails of death. J/K, but they are sharp no matter how many times I file them!

The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands The rather large elephant in the Room about Blogs and Brands

Alright folks, today I thought we could talk about the proverbial elephant in the room. You know the one… the elephant that is blogs and brands. In an effort to be totally transparent with you, I wanted to write this post now instead of just furtively sneaking in advertisements and pretending like you won’t notice. Because let’s be real, you’re all pretty smart and I recognize that.

So here’s the deal: I LOVE blogging. It has been so much fun and I have SO enjoyed being able to share this Capsule Wardrobe (and also my random musings) journey with you. It has been such a fun four months of pouring myself into this blog.

BUT. Blogging takes time. Like a LOT of time, and while I absolutely don’t mind because I love doing it… well…er… I’m a stay at home mom. Which means that we live off of one income. Which means that if I’m going to keep spending as much energy and time as I have on blogging I need to start thinking of how it can help support our little fam. You feel me?

So why am I telling you this? I’m telling you because you might start to notice a few ads pop up here and there. You may have already noticed some affiliate links and you’ll likely see more of those. You might also see a sponsored post from time to time.

But while I have you here, I also want to tell you that I will never, ever have something on this blog that I don’t believe 100% in or that I wouldn’t buy with my own money. In fact, I have already been asked to write about a couple of items that I didn’t think were a good fit, and so I turned them down. I’m serious about maintaining the integrity of this community. I will always give you my honest opinion and I will always be straight forward with you when doing a post that I’m being paid for.

So please don’t hate me (and if this makes you mad, please keep your anger to a dull roar). Mama’s got to bring home the bacon.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

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27 responses

  1. Jess

    I don’t think most people will have a problem with it. Most ads I skip right over, unless they actually are something I’m interested in x). Affiliate links are just things you’d be linking to anyway, so why not get credit for it? I think readers can tell when something is purely product placement, or something that is actually chosen with them in mind.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks for the feedback Jess! That’s great to hear!

      Reply
  2. Rebecca N

    I don’t have a problem with it. The only time it annoys me is when a blogger is sponsoring something you know very well they don’t use. I trust that you will only do sponsored posts of things you use/trust/believe in, so I see no problem with it! As far as affiliate links, I actually like them. Why should you not make a small little amount off of something you are suggesting to your readers? Love your look today! I think I’ll recreate it if I go out later tonight! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks for the feedback Rebecca! I always really value your opinion. And thanks! I’d love to see the put together outfit on Instagram if you feel led to share! 🙂

      Reply
  3. brianna

    Go for it!:)

    http://unveiledandrevealed.wordpress.com

    Reply
  4. Angela @ Setting My Intention

    Hi Karin, I’ve had these same thoughts…I started my blog with ads and do some affiliate links when it’s relevant and I use the product. I’m considering sponsored posts as well – but only of items that I support 100% and have been using or will continue to use. It’s tricky when you love simplicity and minimalism, but at the same time, there is a need to purchase items for daily living. I really dislike when it seems like every single post from a blogger is a sponsored post…then it just seems like the blog is one big advertisement.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      I know what you mean Angela! That’s also my struggle. Thanks for your thoughts!

      Reply
  5. Jaime

    You gotta do what you gotta do! =) I like how you’re 100% honest though, and won’t just do a sponsored post for the money.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Jaime! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jenn @ The Art of Better

    Blogging takes time, energy and resources so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with monetizing as long as it’s done in an authentic, unobtrusive way. Points for being transparent!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Jenn! It does take time doesn’t it?!

      Reply
  7. tots2travel

    It’s obviously a sign of confidence from the brands that they want you to write for them or feature them. Glad you’re being careful about your choices though 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Natalie

    As a fellow blogger, I say go for it! Monetization is just another layer of your blog’s growth. 🙂 Best of luck with the transition!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Natalie! I know you other bloggers feel me!

      Reply
  9. Heather Blaise

    Great article and great blog! Found you on FB GYB group. Let me know if you’d like to collaborate on anything in the future to grow together. My site is http://www.4hourbodygirl.com.
    All the best,

    Heather

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Heather! I will definitely check out your blog!

      Reply
  10. andi

    hard to get past that cute baby 😀

    Reply
  11. Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard

    I’m with you – trying to supplement my husband’s income with advertising on my blog is hard to do. I had an ad program working that was bringing in enough to at least pay for the blog, but the ads were not Godly and detracted from my message. So back to square one for me. If you find some good ways to advertise with control over your ads, let me know.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      It is hard! Good for you though for sticking with your integrity over a quick dollar. Not everyone would have made that same decision!

      Reply
  12. Chocolate Mama Loves Vanilla

    As long as there is great fashion, a happy blogger, and a unfollow link who could be mad!? 😀 Looks like you are all the above! Great outfit and thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you! You are too sweet. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Melissa

    I’ve been hobby blogging for nearly a decade, and I only recently got serious about trying to monetize. The monetization process is tricky, and I’ve been feeling sensitive to the idea that my readers might feel I’d “changed” or had become less sincere when I started incorporating affiliate links, ads, and sponsored posts. I like your approach of just putting it out there in honesty to your readers. I’m glad I read this!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Melissa! I figured honesty is always the best policy. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Abby

    Good for you and thanks for sharing your true thoughts on the subject. Monetizing seems great to embark on when it’s on your own terms. <3

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Abby!

      Reply
  15. http://www.rehabsandrentals.com/

    ATX: Glad you asked. Here are my choices for your CDs:First album: Crush, My Kind of Perfect, My Hands, DesperateTOSOD: Something About Love, Look Around, Who I Am, Falling StarsBEGIN: Somewhere Only We Know, True Colors, Pride (In the Name Of Love), EverybodyHurts

    Reply
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