Blog Voices and Blogger to Blogger Courtesy
October 8, 2009 by Karissa
Filed under Info You Want to Know
Let’s talk today about blogger to blogger courtesy and blogger’s voices.
I for one feel like I am on a team with most bloggers. We are the blog media, and we have pretty powerful voices. Some are much louder then others, but I have seen some pretty powerful things happen because of blogger’s voices. Why do you think these companies want us reviewing their products? Because we are a loud voice!
Take a situation that happened with two friend bloggers. Miss Blondie and 
Kim of Accidental Mommies. See Blondie has purchased a premium WordPress template, and basically was not getting what she paid for. Because Kim has a louder voice online, and because she was trying to help Blondie fix the issues she was having, BLOGGED about it! Here is GoodGollyMissBlondie’s Version too.
So the end result? Blondie got exactly what she had been searching for, all 
she needed were some answers. It came included with the package that she PURCHASED, plus the owner felt bad for the hassle and even refunded her purchase and price and then some! ( I purposely didn’t mention the WP theme creator, because I don’t want this to seem negative to them, they corrected it, and lets move on!)
So simply blogging an account of the torture she was going through (yes coding can be torture) she received her answer!
Remember my hair disaster? Of course you do! My Dad keeps calling me Morticia. ha ha Dad. =) But 3 weeks after the whole incident happened. I got a call from the PR rep that I had been in contact with. She wanted to set up a phone call for me and the owner of the Advanced Cosmetic Technologies. I agreed.
I was worried he was going to try and pay me off and ask me to take my post down. When I talked to him, he said that he still believes he has a good product, but he wants me to get my hair “fixed” on his company’s dime, and that he wouldn’t dream of asking me to take the post down.
See we all have a voice. You have to own it and use it!
So tying this all together, if you look at the comments on either one of those posts, you will see that other bloggers are the ones to help you get the word out. They tweet it, even post about it as Kim did, and all in support each other.
Kim even wrote a post recently about befriending your fellow bloggers. I made the mistake early on! I wasn’t friends with any bloggers. Didn’t comment back on their blogs, nothing. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to be friends, but believe it or I am afraid of “friend rejection.” So the next time you see a blogger post on your site, comment back! Or reach out and ask to exchange buttons, anything to get the conversation flowing!
Now I have made several friends and I value that. We are able to bounce ideas off of each other, share posts, like Kasey from All Things Mama and I do on Make It Mondays, God Bless Marianna over at Green Mama’s Pad, she always lists my contests for Green Giveaways Fridays, and I never ever remember to go over there and do it for myself. She has been selflessly doing this for as long as I can remember. 
Even before we became friends.
The other night I was exchanging emails with another blog buddy about how other bloggers “cherry pick” our giveaways and reviews. And how irritating it is! Trisha at momdot.com once told me, that it is out of your hands. If a company wants to work with that other blogger, that is on them.
And I do agree with that but only to a degree. What I have an issue with, is spending time, some time days, going out and finding companies I want to work with, simply by entering a few google search terms, and either emailing the company directly or looking for a PR contact. I don’t think it is right, or ethical to come to other people’s blogs and contact EVERY company I have done a review with. That equals cherry picking.
I really don’t mind if someone are starting out or if you are experienced and one or two products I review just really stand out of the crowd to you. All I ask is to state that you either that you found the product from seeing it on Prissy Green or even more simple then that? Only use a couple ideas. Not just clicking on my reviews and giveaways tabs, and going through them one by one. I find that disrespectful. And frankly, a little bit of a slap in the face. I worked hard, and now someone else is reaping the benefits.
And I can truthfully say that I was 100% guilty of this starting out. I was so starved at first my first three reviews and giveaways were on products I purchased!
When you are contacted by PR, ask them if they need other bloggers. be ready to pass around names. You scratch my back I scratch yours.
Or if you get a pitch and don’t want to do it, or can’t, pass it along! See it really isn’t a blog on blog battle. We all have enough drama in our lives, and their is always going to be drama online, but if we can help each other and be supportive of each other I think we will all gain more then friendship, be gain additional readers, and opportunities, with out even working at it.
Or find another group of bloggers that are attempting something similar. SheBlogs is trying, but seems to not have a way of connecting bloggers to bloggers, just giving bloggers PR info. (in which the PR usually do not write back!) But I think SheBlogs will get better.
Added proof that bloggers can work together and be friendly, and not stab at each other?
I even recently had one bad seed try to ruin the whole bunch. Basically by lying to a PR rep about me. BUT the kicker is now that PR rep won’t work with that blogger, and took the time to call me! People do see good people for that they are.
One more quick example of good blogger to blogger interaction?
My Green 
Chic Weekly Update posts. I was contacted out of the blue to join that group, they are all eco-friendly bloggers, that sometimes rap about the same product types, but that doesn’t mean we can’t befriend each other. And a special shout out to Jen at My Beauty Bunny as she was the person that recommended me.
And thanks to Tracy of Ascending Butterfly, my fierce competitor at 
Divine Caroline for the Love This Site Award, for knowing we are both up for an award, yet she sends me a Blog Award. What a sweetheart!
Stay tuned. My next post for bloggers is going to be about not selling yourself short!
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I’ve found that the blogging community is the greatest … it seems that everyone is willing to lend a hand to their fellow bloggers. We are, it seems, an example of how the world should be. Great, isn’t it?
You mentioned that bloggers have a huge voice. It’s true … and we can use that voice for great things. For example, tomorrow (Oct. 15th) is Blog Action Day 2009. It’s an opportunity for bloggers all over the world to speak with one voice … this year about Climate Change. I’m even using it as my “green” challenge this week. If you’d like to check it out, here’s the direct link:
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/2009/10/change-world-wednesday_14.html
I hope you’ll join in!
And thanks for all you do … you and everyone who reaches out to help another!
Small Footprints
Small Footprints´s last blog ..Change The World Wednesday
Great post, Karissa – well said!
I totally agree with you! You have to work together to get anywhere in life AND in blogs. It’s better to work with someone than against them anytime!
I love our Make It Monday posts and was so excited to work with you on them! You’re a great person and blogger! Can’t wait to see your followup post to this!
Kasey@All Things Mamma´s last blog ..Technorati Claim Attempt
Hi .
I have something to say, about aloe vera, something about which you wrote above, about health and cosmetics… For a long time, I and my good friend use the products of the flp. We usually see the fine results and also we earn money for our families and we are happy. My friend works with Aloe Vera in the company of Forever Living has more than 5 years (My friend works ONLY in the flp and has a wife and three children). I know Aloe Vera products for beauty for a long time, but a year ago, began working as a distributor in the forever living products company.
Of course, job is some difficult, but in no other case, You really can earn so much money with so much much fun and good smiling faces around…
So if you want to discuss something about your post, and about my experience with Aloe products for weight management, I’ll always be glad to talk.
Best regards from Seattle and have a nice day!
Andrew – Aloe Vera Distributor
P.S. http://www.mybeautybunny.com – THE BEST!!!
[...] from Prissy Green mixes things up with a post about Blogger to Blogger Respect & Support and discusses how loud blog voices can be! She even mentions Green Chic [...]
Thanks so much, I am still trying to find my way through the dense fog of my blog. One day, I will find my way and it will be due to the help of people like you!
Karissa,
This is wonderful information for a new blogger such as myself. Just last week I discovered Momdot and joined! I have just met a few wonderful people already. I will be hosting my first giveaways soon, people I randomly contacted about items i liked. I would love some info about how to get the word out on giveaways when I have them. I would especially like to hear some contacts from you since you are a “green” blogger as I am too. Please check out my blog http://www.greenbabiesblog.org
[...] than wear the same dress for a year Karissa from Prissy Green mixes things up with a post about Blogger to Blogger Respect & Support and discusses how loud blog voices can be! She even mentions Green Chic Updates! Share and [...]
[...] from Prissy Green mixes things up with a post about Blogger to Blogger Respect & Support and discusses how loud blog voices can be! She even mentions Green Chic [...]
Great post…for me it’s not that I’m afraid of meeting new bloggers it’s that I have these weird trust issues and I wonder how genuine they are, kwim? You hear such horror stories that it’s just easier for my to stick my head in the sand, do my thing and that’s it. I suppose maybe I should open up a bit because I know there are a ton of AWESOME bloggers out there.
And yea, totally understand the cherry picking. It’s hard when you spend hours and hours and hours searching for unique companies, had to work really hard to get them on board because it was their first review and giveaway with a blogger and then see them pop up on another blog who just linked from your site. I don’t think I’d mind as much if the blogger emailed me and said, “hey! awesome company…thanks for finding them, etc. etc” it’s really no different than being in the workplace, doing all the legwork for a project and having a co-worker steal your ideas. Yes, we’re all happy that great companies are getting awesome buzz about their products, but it still stings a bit no matter what.
Anyways, it happens…all I know is I’m thoroughly enjoying the emails that come in from sponsors who say, ” {insert blog name} just emailed me within hours of you posting your review/giveaway – do you know who they are?”
That was so great Karissa! You had a lot of really great and valid points. It makes me realize just how much we can help and compliment each others. I think you have a really nice genuine feel to your blog.
Trisha you said it back so well. We can all get up the hill together, but if we all start shoving each other, most likely we all will go tumbling down!
you guys are all so kind for the sweet words too. it was a post that had been on my mind for a couple months and I just had the urge to spill it. =)
What an awesome post. You mentioned so many things that I was just thinking about today, as a matter of fact! The cherry picking…yes, I am familiar with that. We all start out somewhere and I imagine that is where we get ideas, but I’ve seen a few people doing products/companies that are in my current event lineup – I found them myself and I just wish people could wait until the end to contact. That might sound silly, but I know what you mean about it feeling like a slap in the face. I found these companies doing a Google Search – anyone can do it!
I like to be friends with everyone in the blogosphere. I feel that I am one of the nicest people you can meet, however, many bloggers unfortunately, don’t like you if you happen to like someone that they hate. Which really is so high-school “ish”. I like bloggers from everywhere. I enjoyed MD while I was there – I really did. I would love to be back in the forums. It was very helpful and I learned a lot. I don’t understand why I cannot communicate with all types of bloggers – apparently it is taboo.
I am off to check out some of the sites you mentioned above – I love new “finds”.
Thanks again for the great post – I loved it and cannot wait to read your next post!
Great article.
I started blogging in April and I have never even thought to do such a thing.
Although, I know some newspaper advertisers do that. They go through another papers ads then call those advertisers and offer them a deal and try to steal business.
I go to blogs and try to win, and wondered why so many blogs have the same items. I just thought the company asks a lot of bloggers to run the same contests.
I want to start doing reviews, but I think there’s a better way to do it.
Barbara
Barbara Platt´s last blog ..Feel Your Boobies Week is Oct. 9-16; Create a BOObicon and help save a life
Great post!! Pretty much said everything that’s been on my mind lately so I can’t really add much else except a pat on the back! You put a ton of work into your blog and it shows!
Great post! I’m a new blogger and just today got my first review and giveaway offer! I can’t wait!
Hi! You are my team leader at momdot! I am so excited – you have an amazing blog
talk to ya around the boards!
New blogger as well. I was actually contacted by a PR person to run a giveaway. I know the company and like them but I’m just not sure if it’s the right move for my blog. However, since I like the company and it’s products I don’t want to say no now and never get another opportunity. I guess I should wait for your next post.
Jenn H´s last blog ..A Thousand Words Thursday 10-08-2009
Oh boy. I am currently in the “new blog” category. I have been tweeting and visiting blogs for awhile now and just this week have started adding content to my own. It isn’t ready yet – probably next week. I have heard a ton of stuff about blogging drama too..it sounds like high school??? Anyway- my blog is smilinggreenmom.com (we know each other on Twitter) and I hope we can be friends
Do I sound like a dork? LOL. I am excited to have a Make stuff monday category and am wondering “do I give you credit for this” because I think I saw this category idea someplace else? Or did you start it? Either way- it is sooo cute 
Okay so, hope we be bloggy buds!
Lynn
OMG what an interesting post.. you HAVE to let me know what hair company messed your hair up, i think i might know who it is, and i might be doing a review for them soon. PLEASE email me and let me know lol so i dont try it..
courtney´s last blog ..All About Yoshi Giveaway!!!!
What a great post, an very informative too! I am very new to blogging (less than a month) I know this post will help me a bunch! Thank you!
Bethany Larrabee´s last blog ..The benefit of Brick and Mortar
I totally agree with the friend rejection… it’s hard to deal with and even harder to put yourself out there.
One another note, I’m glad you had such a good experience when it comes to the Morticia hair. You deserve it, darling.
Love,
Jaime
Jaime´s last blog ..Fashion Week Blues
Very well said! I really believe that everyone can get along and not compete if people have the mentality of being helpful. Honestly if people work together climbing a mountain you’ll get a lot further than trying to do it on your own, or heaven forbid, trying to push someone else lower than you while try to climb yourself.
Trish´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Softball Game
Thank you for the info. This was a great post. I have only been blogging for 2 1/2 months. Enjoy it! Have seen some drama already so i stay away. But I have made some great blogger buddies on here.
I haven’t done any giveaways. I would like to do a couple maybe in the future sounds like fun but right now I am just trying to build my base, write some interesting stuff, and make connections.
Oh ya and Tracy is a sweetheart I LOVE her blog!
Thanks again!
Grissell
Grissell´s last blog ..For LOVE of blogging contests CAN I JUST win!@#$% Will you just read this! @Iamenabled
Great post Karissa! You’re right, its not a competition…there is plenty of room in this HUGE Blogosphere for everyone. I think the connections and friendships we make online are so valuable. And not only because it gives us a bigger voice but you can develop strong bonds that can cross over IRL. The products we receive will only last so long, but the friendships can last a lifetime.
Oh and thanks for the linky love!!
Great post Karissa! You are so right, it is not about competition. We can all work together to help each other and support each other. I was amazed at how friendly and just plain awesome other bloggers are, yourself included. Thanks for everything!
And thanks for the shout out to me! When I started back in January I found your blog right away and was hooked. You always have kick a$$ giveaways so when I started my Green Giveaway Friday linky I always made sure to include yours.
Marianna @ Green Mama’s Pad´s last blog ..Is Coal Ash Toxic?
I think the big key that you mentioned is not seeing it as a competition. Early on I was completely enamored with the idea of reviews and giveaways taking basically every one i could find. I’d see someone had reviewed a really cool product and like a little kid, I wanted one too!
Over time I learned that really isn’t what blogging is all about for me and shouldn’t be about in general. You really shouldn’t compare yourself with other bloggers, rather get to know them and help each other to grow through support and community.
Thanks for linking to my articles, I appreciate it!
Kim @ What’s That Smell?´s last blog ..(10/31) Sam’s Club Savings Made Simple with eValues – $100 gift card GIVEAWAY