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A final 2p

Posted by on Oct 28, 2009 in Uncategorized | 11 comments

There was a bit of an explosion yesterday amongst the Blogging Community and Twitterverse. Discussion about commercialism in blogging, about reviews and advertising, and about a competitive element to the whole business that seems to be springing up and leaving people feeling uncomfortable. I littered my two pennies worth in the comments of most of the various blogs in involved, in fact if you want to go and track them all down there would probably be enough to buy you a sandwich or something. I’m really hoping today we can move on to other things, and in a moment I’m going to post my usual Wednesday Writing workshop, but before I do I need to clarify some things.

1. Reviews. I love reviews. Hell, I deputy edit a toy review site, how could I not? But for THIS blog I’ve chosen not to include reviews. The reason? No moral superiority it’s just a matter of integrity and aesthetics. Firstly I think I’m just finding my rhythm here and am not the writing the sort of blog where reveiws would ‘fit’ – I think it would just interrupt the flow and muddy the waters. Second – so far I have only been offered pretty crap stuff to review on here. If I was to start reviewing every weird and wonderful pitch that got thrown at me my blog would loose it’s soul very fast. But if, one day in the future, I was offered something really pertinent to this blog or me and my family? I would review it. Of course I would. So no judgement from me.

2. Competition. Yes, I do feel that Blogging takes on a competitive edge sometimes. Too much preoccupation about what makes you look good and perceived status, the number of pitches you’re getting, or the number of exciting opportunities. And I don’t like the bitterness from those that don’t get these things and the sense of entitlement that they should. But. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being proud of your blog, of wanting to improve it or wanting to promote and increase the number of people that read it.

The answer to the competitive vibe isn’t some kind of insincere holier-than-thou attitude where you pretend not to care what anyone thinks. So yes, you will see me continue to plug posts and features, to talk with pride about my blog. But you will also see my comments continue to pop up across the Blogosphere, offering connection and support and encouragement to all of my fellow bloggers, no matter what their ranking or how ‘big’ their blog is.

And finally.

3. The Tots 100 Index. The index didn’t create the competitive spirit – bloggers did that. It’s intention was always about fun, about a way of finding new blogs to read, and a spirit of healthy competitiveness coupled with mutual encouragement. If people got a bit too obsessed with the figures then that was not the index’s fault. After all, it is voluntary and you could always opt out if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

There is also a person behind the index. A person who works extremely hard for no return. I can’t post a link to the index because, if you look, it’s not there anymore. I hope only temporarily. Because if that’s the only thing to come out of this debate I shall be very sad indeed.

Ok so that’s it. Moving on…

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  • http://sandycalico.blogspot.com/ SandyCalico

    Well said Josie. Hear hear x
    .-= SandyCalico´s last blog ..Oh g =-.

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  • http://mwaonline.blogspot.com Mwa

    I don’t really get the whole controversy. People can do what they want with their blogs, right? I have decided not to do anything other than my very own private thoughts for my blog, not even memes or awards or anything, and I roam the internet for similar things.

    Having said that, other people can do what they damn well like and I can click away. When I see a post is a review or fiction or (gasp) poetry I can click away and I don’t have to read it. That doesn’t mean that other people don’t enjoy that kind of thing.

    And if the offer was good enough, I’m sure I wouldn’t be so “pure” for long. I’ve seen bloggers get offered holidays, free weekends away, that kind of thing – who wouldn’t be tempted? If my family got a free holiday out of it, I’m sure we’d be going.

    Also, a laptop, camera or iPhone? Done. Steve Jobs, phone me!
    .-= Mwa´s last blog ..My retail life is shit =-.

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  • http://www.slugsontherefrigerator.com slugs on the refrigerator

    the whole thing is actually make me sick…physically sick to my stomach. I honestly wish I’d never said anything. In fact, today has me wishing I’d never strayed out of the craft/creativity blogs where the culture is very different to mummy blogs. However, then I wouldn’t have found lovely blogs like this one, so ultimately, once the storm has died down, I hope I will see it all as a good thing.

    And you are right, if people leaving blogging or the Tots100 stopping are the only things that come out of this, then that is the worst thing of all.

    [Reply]

  • http://prem2pram.wordpress.com/ Prem2pram

    I love reading other peoples blogs it’s like a snippet into their lives, often I will come across a post on a blog that makes me laugh or even makes me stop and take stock of my own life. I have met some wonderful people via blogs some of whom have gone on to become close friends.

    Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as a more personal online diary. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs – web pages and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs, however one should always remember that being able to leave a comment is a privilege and not a right and as such can be taken away.
    .-= Prem2pram´s last blog ..Premature Baby Clothes & Accessories =-.

    [Reply]

  • http://dadwhowrites.wordpress.com Dad Who Writes

    Agreed. What bothered me was 1) the way a number of quite distinct issues were somehow wrapped into one catch-all and 2) the fact that, as you say, people were getting hurt by other people who I do think had no intention of causing pain. I’ve said my piece at slightly greater length on my own blog. And as I said there, I’m seriously in the market for a new all-tube guitar amp…

    I do think that the ethics of embedding branding in blogs is something that should be discussed – but in an issue based, questioning way, not with regards to specific individuals. I need good, honest reviews to make decisions as a consumer and will probably be trawling the Great Toy guide in a week or two for some reason…
    .-= Dad Who Writes´s last blog ..It’s all about me =-.

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  • http://rosiescribble.typepad.com Rosie Scribble

    I agree, if that is the only thing that has come out of this debate, it is a great shame.
    You are right, let’s all move on now.

    [Reply]

  • http://www.amodernmother.com A Modern Mother

    Hear, hear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    .-= A Modern Mother´s last blog ..This is what makes it all worth it! =-.

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  • http://potty-diaries.blogspot.com/ Potty Mummy

    Well said Josie. And can I point out that if the Tots 100 has been taken down for good, not only will it be a great shame given all the incredibly hard work that Sally has put into it, but it’s ridiculous since there are a number of other blog rating systems out there in any case? Rating systems that pretty much reflect what she says (except hers is more up to date), and which will not be affected by any petty nastiness because they are not run by bloggers. So no matter how much you want them not to be there, it’s too late; Pandora’s box is open and we just have to live with it.

    (Have I come across as pissed off? Because I am…)
    .-= Potty Mummy´s last blog ..British Mummy Blogger of the Week =-.

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  • http://potty-diaries.blogspot.com/ Potty Mummy

    You know, I just read my comment back. It came across as an awful lot more aggressive than I meant – I’m very sorry to have dumped that on your blog, particularly since I was actually agreeing with you. (And the foot in mouth award for this week definitely goes to me…)
    .-= Potty Mummy´s last blog ..British Mummy Blogger of the Week =-.

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    Josie Reply:
    November 3rd, 2009 at 7:43 am

    @Potty Mummy, Ha! Don’t worry. I was cross too. In fact I nearly deleted this stupid post half a dozen times over the last week. I think we’re all having a better week this week though – onwards and upwards! x

    [Reply]

  • http://www.slugsontherefrigerator.com/ slugs on the refrigerator

    the whole thing is actually make me sick…physically sick to my stomach. I honestly wish I'd never said anything. In fact, today has me wishing I'd never strayed out of the craft/creativity blogs where the culture is very different to mummy blogs. However, then I wouldn't have found lovely blogs like this one, so ultimately, once the storm has died down, I hope I will see it all as a good thing.

    And you are right, if people leaving blogging or the Tots100 stopping are the only things that come out of this, then that is the worst thing of all.

    [Reply]