Comments on: Now Bloggers Really Can Be Journalists

By: robhyndman.com » Blog Archive » On the Inevitable Commercialization of the ‘Sphere

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 18:12:26 +0000

[...] Much has been made in recent months about efforts by commercially-minded folk to hop on the social media bandwagon. Stealth corporate blogs, PayPerPost and other examples come to mind. Today Mathew cites another example of this issue: a cautionary tale that readers – in this case mothers looking for advice – need to be wary of the candour and honesty of the blogs they’re reading. The issue is troublesome because the ’sphere’s appeal is fuelled at least in part by its authenticity – an authenticity that tends to be, um, lacking in much commercial speech, which is by nature oriented towards persuasion and advocacy. [...]

By: George Tsiolis

George Tsiolis — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 19:03:58 +0000

Hi, Rob. Anyone who attended Mesh in Toronto heard one very loud and clear question – how do I make money from my blog? As a business heavy, tech light attendee, my mind immediately started racing on how to capitalize on the opportunity. As such, this comes as no surprise to me and should come as no surprise to most.

In fact, I’ve already started speaking to bloggers about helping market Agoracom and our clients through their blogs.

The difference, however, is disclosure. Despite the fact that securities regulations would require any participating bloggers to disclose working with me, I would have demanded it anyway. Partly because I believe in ethical communications but an even bigger part stems from terrifying fear that we would be outed by the blogosphere and potentially cause great harm overnight to a business that I’ve built over many years.

As such, I have to wonder how many advertisers are going to take advantage of PPP. More importantly, how many advertisers are going to participate when the very first advertiser is bashed by other bloggers. It won’t be very difficult, just go to PPP and take a look at the “opportunities” section.

There is definitely a gap to be filled between bloggers needing to make some money and adertisers looking to leverage their network. I’m going to do it but I’m also going to make sure the whole world knows it when its happening. This assures zero backlash from those not interested, while providing great upside from a community that may find interest in my messages.

Best,
George

By: links for 2006-07-02 » Project Syndicate

links for 2006-07-02 » Project Syndicate — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 05:28:18 +0000

[...] Now Bloggers Really Can Be Journalists Rob Hyndman has the right perspective on the Pay-Per-Post brouhaha: Bloggers who take up offers for shilling hang themselves, not the blogosphere. Credibility takes time. Blog-shills are a niche, at best. (tags: Pay-Per-Post Shilling Blogs Blogging) [...]

By: Mark Evans

Mark Evans — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 13:19:58 +0000

since you asked for a comment…:)…..i’m with you on payperpost. it’s just another blog services – niether good, bad, evil or whatever. at the end of the day, it’s probably a positive development because it could separate what’s real (i.e. insightful, credible, objective, trustworthy) from all the useless flotsam floating around in the blogosphere. yes, we’re all tainted in one way, shape or form (i.e. the inclusion of adsense is just another way of begging for money) so all the criticism of payperpost is just a waste of energy.