Every week or so I receive emails from companies that would like me to review their products/services. They want to pay for the review, but they don't want me to write that I have been paid. So far I haven't said yes to this. I have been paid a few times for writing reviews, but when I have, I have always written that it was a paid review. What do you think, is it ok to get paid for writing a review and not writing that it was a paid review? Jens
It is a question of ethics. When you have a blog that has a regular following, writing a sponsored post can be difficult because some of the readers believe that you are taking them for a ride. ( Especially if you do not write '' paid review '' in there) On a smaller blog, it is probably all right, but on a bigger blog, I will state that it is a paid review. On the other hand, big companies do not generally lay down stipulations, and are quite happy to allow the blogger to post in the manner he wants.
Well said. When the review is paid one and if you tell so, your visitors may think that the review may not be neutral (since it is paid) and when you insist that the review is paid, the company may not like it because people like to read only honest but free review. You have to tread the cautious path
You are absolutely right. It's difficult, but I think that I will write unpaid reviews, it's a lot easier and it's also fun... but I won't earn any money from it though
Hi all, The fairy meets the devil? haha, well just ask yourself, why you started in the first place? Interest or money? Interest? then dont do it... Money? Why not... I might be wrong but I feel there is no right and wrong. Hey, those big names, driving fancy cars, big houses, pretty ladies (if you are not married :-p) dont come by just by interest... On the other hand, if you feel its unethical, dont... My 2 cents worth Cheers
If depends if the advertiser or the paid-to-blog site is requiring it. Some sites requires you no to write and some site is just the opposite.
It's up to you, but if you want to start making money from paid reviews on a regular basis, then I would include them in a "Sponsored Reviews" category. Then other companies can see that you do paid reviews and they can read your reviews to see how you write. That's actually the best way to get MORE paid reviews is to include the paid reviews or sponsored reviews section on your website. In my opinion, the company has to know that it's possible for you to "critique" a couple of things within your review in order to be fair and honest. Your readers expect that. Either way, the company gets noticed, gets promoted, and will get traffic if your site gets traffic.