Well, less an address than . . . a post. Or a disclaimer. Or announcements. Whatever you want to call it, I thought it was about time we talked about some bloggy issues.
If you visit my blog at all (rather than just catching up in a Feed Reader), you’ve probably noticed a few changes over the past couple of months.
I’ve placed ads in my left-hand column and spruced up my header and navigation bar. Nothing too fancy, but I like the look. Of the header and nav bar, that is. I’m hoping you like it better than my short-lived experiment with a gingham background.
The ads are through the BlogHer network. After learning about it at the Blissdom Conference, I applied back in March and just got approved over the summer. Believe me when I tell you that I’m not rolling in the dough. My small earnings do, however, cover some of the cost of shipping for giveaways, purchased graphics and other blog-related expenses.
Speaking of money, though – because speaking of money is oh-so-fun, right? – let’s talk about affiliate links and product reviews.
First, the links. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn a small percentage – pennies – if you purchase items through the links I use to Amazon products. Based on the report I just got, my year’s worth of Amazon links might buy me lunch at Panera.
Second, product reviews. Specifically, I should say book reviews, since that’s all I’ve done. I participate in the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program and The Blog Tour Spot. That means I receive free books to review. Both programs want good reviews but do not in any way require it.
Maybe it goes without saying, but just in case it does not, I give you my word that I’ll never be dishonest with you. If something stinks, more than likely I just won’t talk about it. But if I say I liked something – or, even better, loved it – then you can rest assured that I truly do like it.
And now, on another, more comfortable bloggy topic: I would love to talk to you. And the best way to make that happen? Leave your e-mail address with your comment. That way I can e-mail you back! Hillary and Colleen have great posts on exactly how to do this. Check it out.
Okay, I think that’s all, folks. Other than – oh yeah – make sure you come back tomorrow for some news about a special Halloween feature coming up.
Now – it’s your turn. Do you have any bloggy questions for me? How do you feel about product reviews, affiliate links, blog ads and all that? Hit me with it.
Hi Mary! I've nominated you for a blog award! You can check it out at http://lifeoflt.blogspot.com
Have a great day!
I have no opinion on ads, etc., since I don't take part in that stuff. I just wanted to say that your title scared me. I was afraid you weren't going to do your blog anymore, and that would make me sad.
So, heaving a big sigh of relief here . . .
Sounds good. There is one blog that will remain nameless that gradually started doing more and more reviews until it was almost constant and she always pushed each and every product. This was not supposed to be a "product review blog" I got bored and just stopped reading. Other than that I am always happy about reviews and definitely excited for a blogger to earn a little money through adds etc.! Don't feel bad about it, I am not worried at all that you are going to sell out or go overboard, keep up the good work girl.
I think it's hilarious that I just e-mailed you on this topic before reading the post. Good thing we don't think alike or anything. That would be scary.
Looking forward to Glee tonight! Sad… but true. You got me hooked!
And- on topic- I love your blog, of course. We can talk details at BLISSDOOOOMMMMM!!! That's me getting pumped up.
Yay for free lunch at Panera! :) And just for adding links. I add links and don't get anything for it… ;)
Here's my question… I recently received an email about doing a product review or giveaway. How do you confirm it's not a scam or something? I can only communicate with the person via email (i.e. they didn't give me a phone number to talk to them) and when I went to reply onetime, I noticed that google gave an email warning saying "mail scanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "email address" claiming to be "email address". Thoughts? How does it work when you do giveaways?