The business side of blogging has been occupying quite a bit of my time lately. I love blogging. Love it! I do it for free most of the time, but on occasion I do get compensated. Trust me, it’s nothing big, but it’s something and I would love for that something to grow into something more.
I’ve gotten free products, a trip, gift certificates, and cold hard cash. For the most part, I have not gone looking for these opportunities, they have found me, but I’ve decided to get more organized about the whole thing and started the year by (amongst other things) updating my disclosure policy.
Since my family likes to eat and I like to be able to feed them, I have no qualms about pimping myself and my blog out because I still get to choose what I say yes to, I am honest, and I only write about products or services that I can incorporate into a post that is personal. This blog is a reflection of me, not a billboard. If I have nothing to say about a product or service that relates to my life then I pass.
Anyway, in the spirit of full disclosure, I thought I would share my disclosure policy on the front page once before it goes to live in its own little corner of my blog. If you are a regular reader it might be of interest to you or if you are working on your own disclosure policy it might be of use. The policy I was using before was pretty standard, you’ve seen it on many blogs. I wanted to create one that was more a reflection of my “brand” and showcased a little more of my personality. So without further ado, UnknownMami.com’s disclosure policy…
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am Unknown Mami, the most interesting woman in the world. I can not tell you my real name because then I wouldn’t be “unknown”, but if you have questions about this blog, please contact me at unknownmami@gmail.com. I promise the real me will read your email.
I like to blog and have no problem accepting payment for blogging. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions, contextual advertising, or other forms of compensation.
Blog topics will sometimes be influenced by sponsorship. For example, if a site about clothing sponsors a post I will write about clothing (keep in mind that I am naked under my clothing). The post topic may be inspired by the sponsorship, but the content will be mine and the opinions expressed will be honest. I respect my readers and will not compromise my credibility. I only accept sponsored posts about things I can tie into my life experience or feel that I can write an interesting piece about because in the end this blog is all about me, not the sponsors. All sponsored posts will be identified.
I am compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites and various other topics (good thing I happen to be opinionated). Even though I receive compensation for certain posts or advertisements, the opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences shared about those topics or products will always be honest. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are mine and mine alone (unless you share them too and then it’s just a coincidence). I do not claim to be an expert on anything other than myself and what I like. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.
My life is a conflict of interest, so it is quite possible that this blog will contain content which might present a conflict of interest or not.
That’s all I have to disclose for now. This policy can change without notice.
There you have it. You can no longer claim ignorance.
And now a little link love you might find helpful if you are creating your own disclosure policy:
- A Screamingly Effective Blog Disclosure Policy: How (and Why) To Get One : great inspiration for why you should not waste the opportunity to sell your blog persona, also provides links to well-written examples.
- How to Write a Blog Disclosure Policy: pretty much does what it say.
- DisclosurePolicy.org: will generate a policy for you. It is pretty standard, but you can use it as a template (I did).
Wait! One more disclosure: I am a nut for comments! Make my day, leave me one.
I would love to make money from my blog! Sadly, no one has offered to pay me anything for my opinion!
Good luck with your money making endeavours.
All this nakedness, I don’t know. Personally, I’m fully clothed under MY clothes. 😉
Which reminds me, 2 years ago we went to an historical reenactment conference at which there was an underwear seminar. People reenacting all different periods of history from ancient Rome up to the 17th century stripped down to their underwear in front of the audience. You’d have been right at home in ancient Rome*, whereas the 17th century types had underwear covering anything the outer clothes covered – including their hats!
*actually, the woman demonstrating that period had a strip of linen wrapped around her chest and a tiny pair of linen panties on, but she told us it was quite common to go without.
I was contacted by a company and asked to do a review of one of their products. I gave it a lot of thought and even asked other bloggers who have done it what factors went into their decision. In the end, I decided that it wasn’t for me at this time. That’s not to say that I won’t reconsider in the future, but for now I’m content with my blog the way it is.
I say more power to you! I follow a few design/decorating blogs and they do remodeling totally sponsored I say they are brilliant!
compensated for opinionated honesty – could that be a shorten version? But one thing you could of added is “with a funny Latina twist”.
I got a little excited hearing that you were naked under your clothes, because I am, too. Nice to know I’m not alone!
Nice disclosure policy :).
I would accept just about any sponsorship or product advertising if I can use it….and there isn’t much I can’t use.
(laughing) Oh girl….only you could write a disclosure statement that could also double as comedy. Right on…love it!
hope all is well?
Best,
Tina
We gotta do what we gotta do. Making money is a-ok!
OMG, that’s hilarious, mami!
Heck, makin’ money for bloggin’ would just be the icin’ on the cake. Truly the only reason I eat cake!!! Heeehehehe!!!
Best of luck to ya sweetie!!! God bless and have a beautiful Spring day!!! :o)
You are so funny! I love it. : )
I am glad you are able to get a little cash sometimes. Cash is king : )
This must be the funniest darn disclosure I’ve ever read! Love it.
I say good for you and the other blogs that make money with their blog. I hope you make enough to support your family and keep your husband home with you and your girls.
Wouldn’t that be nice?!
You are the coolest =]
naked, are you? ::raises eyebrows::
Nice job Mami. I hope sponsor come flooding in for you. This is a great blog!
xo jj
You are too kind.
excellent idea – I’ve neglected to formulate a dp but I need to get crackin’ not that the offers are flowing in – but just in case.
Like you I do not seek out offers but should they happen to fall in my lap…… 😉
Awesome, I like it. Job well done! Have a wonderful weekend.
Love your disclosure. I am afraid I can honestly still claim ignorance, however.