To sum up the sponsor issues…

A lot of folks commented on the post; So, did I ever mention that I’m not Deb Ng? and I haven’t responded to everyone individually because of time, but to sum up…

Offering other choices doesn’t mean another place sucks for everyone:

When I say that I think you’re more likely to make living wages at one place over another it’s not a negative bash on Demand or any other site or venue. In my experience, I’ve made the most money in other ways via other clients who are not content sites so it makes sense I’d write accordingly.

I’ve heard from plenty of people who don’t want to make money off of content sites, and my posts, if you look back, offer ideas that reflect that. This was never supposed to be a site about JUST content site or JUST blog networks or JUST anything. It’s about HOW TO make actual living wages if you work as a writer/blogger. I write posts with this in mind. I post job leads with this in mind. How I do things as a working writer has worked for me – I’m able to pay all my bills doing things how I do them. The same things I do have also worked for other people who make a living writing so I try to share those tips here.

About new writers getting clips:

There are other places, besides content sites for new writers to earn clips. The post that this was all about did not simply say, “Don’t get clips from content sites” and fail to offer reasons why you shouldn’t or offer other alternative. I noted my issues with content site – which you’re free to take or leave. I also offered other alternatives and if that frustrates new writers then fine, but I’m here offering up my opinions and tips that work for me, not the opinions and tips of someone else.

About the ethics of choosing sponsors:

I don’t think it’s irony or in bad taste if Deb chooses a content site as a sponsor here. In fact in my opinion it’s a good business decision for both parties. There are readers here who have noted that they love working for these places so for them, the sponsor makes sense. No one sponsor or one blogger will make everyone happy all of the time. What the sponsors do accomplish is helping to keep this resource (FWJ) going for the readers who do appreciate it.

We put in a lot of time here posting job leads and posting tips that we think will help new writers, which I know helps many of you via comments and emails, and sponsors allow us to do that. Deb has criteria for choosing sponsors and I know that she tries to choose sponsors that make sense for at least some of the community here. And honestly, even if she didn’t have criteria, so what? Blogs are not free to run, especially a blog that’s popular. She’s paying the bills here so that people can use FWJ to get help, advice, job leads, and so on. If you know a better way than sponsors to make $ and keep a blog going that’s not more time intensive than this blog already is, let us know.

About me being honest in spite of sponsors:

I accept free products from companies for reviews at other blogs. I have sponsors and ads on my own personal blogs, and Deb has sponsors here, and while I appreciate that I get money or some useful products to review, and while I love that Deb finds sponsors to keep this blog going, if I lie and say oh I love so and so endlessly because I get a perk from them it makes me totally unreliable. I’ve seen bloggers who give kudos to each and every freebie or sponsor they get and I’ve read folks who never ever comment on the realities of a sponsor, and I don’t trust them. Nothing is ever all sunshine and rainbows, and if I write as if it is just to appease others that would make me a blogger not worth listening to.

Blogging is about honest opinions and while you may not agree with all of my opinions you can trust that I do always offer what I honestly think vs. what will make someone else happy. If you don’t like my opinions, tips, or the jobs I post here, you really don’t have to read my stuff. Deb posts here too, along with other bloggers, and their opinions differ from mine at times, so you can totally ignore me if you choose.

If you’re still miffed about my posts, if you hate that I won’t post lower paying job leads because you think I’m singling some sites out – find another blogger to read and look at other job leads. If you’re still miffed about sponsors but like this blog, read Deb’s new post about sponsors.

Speaking of job leads there should be some up later today, so if you are interested check back.