On Why I Don’t Want To Be a Professional Blogger
- On September 8, 2011
- By Kate
- In Blogging
31
There are many conferences dedicated to blogging of all types (general, fashion, tech, travel, food, etc). A few weeks ago everyone was talking about the BlogHer conference. This week it is IFBCon. And in March of next year it will be all about the Texas Style Council Conference (TxSCC). And while there are thousands of bloggers who attend these conferences, there are thousands more, who cannot make it. Instead they sit at home (and work) reading all the live tweeting from all the attendees. If we can’t be there in person, at least we can follow along on Twitter right? Yes it is a bit annoying that you see the same quoted information from a dozen people, effectively clogging up your feed, but some of the information that comes through is really fantastic. However, there is something that has been bothering me, especially after reading all of the tweets from the first day of IFBCon. Reading the tweets, transcripts, recaps and watching live streaming of panels, it seems that a large portion of these conferences seem to be focused on the following:
- Building Brand Relationships (& Getting Sponsors)
- Monetizing Your Blog
- Making Your Blog Your Profession
Ok, I understand that there is a lot of interest in all three of the topics. Many people love sponsors as it helps to offset some of the costs of blogging, and you can often receive free samples/items to review and promote. Same with monetizing. Who doesn’t love a bit of extra money lying around, you know to go shopping, or buy that new computer, or go on a vacation? And yes, it would be pretty cool to have your blog make so much money that it can become your job, allowing you to quit that dreadfully boring office job you can’t stand, with stuffy people who do not appreciate your quirky fashion sense.
But what about those bloggers who do not want any of this? What about those who are not interested in sponsors? What about those who don’t want to deal with the stress of monetizing a blog? What about those who actually enjoy, if not love, their current job and have zero interest in becoming a full-time blogger? Is there a place for these people in the blogging world? And if someone does not want any of this, does it make him or her a bad blogger? Less ambitious? Less professional? Less enjoyable to read? I certainly hope not. You see, this is the group of bloggers that I fall into, and I am not the only one.
There are many blogs out there who choose to not have sponsorships (some of my favorite blogs are over a year old and still don’t take sponsors and have no plans to do so in the future). There are many who are not interested in monetizing (though often I do feel this may be because of the effort it takes). And for every blogger who wants to their blog to become their job, there is another blogger who has zero interest in doing so.
Let me say it loud and proud; I blog as a hobby and have no interest in my blog becoming my job. I like the job I have; some days I even love it. I work with great people, I do interesting work, I get paid well (which is good since I have a ton of student debt), and when I leave the office every day, I don’t have to think about work until the next workday. And to be honest, it is quite unlikely that if I chose to become a professional blogger, that I would be making anywhere what I make now, at least not for many years. Furthermore, blogging is a source of relaxation for me. When I am feeling stressed, depressed, or lonely, I write a blog post. It is my own personal therapy and a fantastic creative outlet. My concern is that if my blog became my job, this outlet for stress relief would disappear, and instead, would become a new source of stress, because this it only natural when your livelihood becomes dependent upon something.  I made a promise to myself when I started blogging 9 months ago; if it ever felt like a job, or a chore, or was no longer enjoyable, then I would stop. That is a promise I intend to keep.
Ok, so I don’t want my blog to be my job, but why not at least monetize it, or open it up for sponsors? For the exact same reason that I don’t want to blog on a professional level. Building brand relationships and getting sponsors is not an easy task. It takes time and effort to obtain them and keep them. I do not want to be worrying that the content I may be writing is not good enough for my sponsors (or my readers), that I may be losing my personal voice, or that my readership isn’t growing fast enough. I blog to relax, and to form friendships with my fellow bloggers. Because I have limited time (due to my real job and other responsibilities), if I start focusing on cultivating brand relationships and obtaining sponsors, something will have to give, and it would likely be building those friendships that I value so greatly (and which right now, are keeping me sane during this difficult time). Unfortunately I have seen this happen with a number of bloggers, where they lose their voice, and it always saddens me, as it causes me to lose that connection I had to them as a reader (though just as many bloggers do keep their voice even when they start monetizing their blog). For me, it is extremely important that I stay authentic, true to myself, and true to those who do come to read my blog, just as it is now.
On a sub-note, I have seen some blogs accept sponsors, but no more than that. And often these bloggers do this to offset certain costs such as hosting, bandwidth, and domain maintenance (all of which can be quite pricey). Other bloggers take the money they get from sponsors and put it right back into the blog through a giveaway or buying sponsor spots on other blogs to help promote and grow the blog. This approach is something that I would possibly consider in the future, if I did ever decide to open up the blog to sponsors.
As I bring this to a close, I want to stress that though I do not want to be a professional blogger, or even monetize my blog, I do not negatively judge others for doing so. If this is what your goal is, more power to you! It is a lot of work, it isn’t easy, but I do know that it can be rewarding. Just remember, to keep your voice and authenticity when you do so. And to those who are in the same or a similar boat as me, don’t feel you are any less awesome just because you don’t want to be a full-time blogger.
What are your thoughts on sponsors, monetizing and becoming a full-time blogger?
Ria
This is really wonderful piece!
I think every so often I come across a post like this that really helps me remember why I started blogging in the first place. I never started my blog to make money or get readers, I just wanted a place to write about what I like, express myself, and record parts of my life.
Thanks for reminding me it’s not all about readership and money, though as a College/Uni student it’d be nice to get a little something from blogging lol
xoxo
Erica
I think this is perfectly and beautifully written. I, like you, have a blog and a day job and never intend on the two becoming one. I’ve talked to many bloggers who do have sponsors, and it’s work! It’s hard to get and keep sponsors! It’s stressful! And while I fully understand why they do it (the amount of work and effort into their blog is equal to at least a part-time job), I never want to go that route myself. It’s a hobby, and I want to keep it a hobby. Thanks for putting this wonderful post out into the interwebs!
North Meets South
Jane
I think you’ve worded this amazingly, I can basically relate to everything you wrote there! I’m a hobby-blogger and I definitely don’t expect to blog professionally. I can see how accepting sponsors/monetising can help offset some costs, but at the moment for me, the trouble wouldn’t be worth it.
Elissa
This is an extremely interesting and well-written post. As an attendee of both conferences you mentioned, I agree that most of the focus at both concerned monetizing blogs and developing brand relationships. There has been a definite shift in the blogsphere towards seeing a blog as a potential money-making venture, as opposed to just a hobby. Considering how much success a few lucky bloggers have had at achieving big time status, it’s not hard to see them as a role model and want to walk in their footsteps.
I admire your candor in this post. However, I have to disagree on some points. I attended both conferences to learn about all aspects of blogging – photography tips, SEO and social networking tricks, and advice for improving my content and fine-tuning my focus. As you know, I am sponsor and affiliate free. If you’re active on social networks and have relationships with other bloggers, naturally your Twitter feed is going to be filled with tweets from conference attendees. Frankly, complaining about seeing these tweets is a little infuriating. You’re friends with other bloggers, you comment on their blogs – they are effectively a part of your life. They might attend conferences for the same reasons as I do, which have little to do with monetizing. They are excited to share what they learned. You cannot expect your Twitter feed not to be inundated with their tweets from the conference. If it’s that much of an annoyance, spending time away from Twitter would be more wise than complaining about it.
Furthermore, I believe that there can is considerable grey area in having sponsors, cultivating relationships with brands and maintaining friendships in the blogosphere. You can definitely do both. Finding balance is hard, but not impossible. And having sponsors does not mean that your voice is sacrificed. There are many bloggers who offer giveaways, have affiliate links, and dedicate an occasional post about a brand but still maintain relationships with their readers, and post about what they want to.
I suppose I’m asking you to have a more open mind. You’ve been blogging for less than a year, and you cannot predict where your blogging will be in a year. You might decide to open your blog to sponsors. You might be looking more into affiliates. You may even want to develop relationships with brands. Who knows.
Kate
Elissa, you make some valid points, and I agree with you on many. I think it could be really interesting to do a poll of the attendees of these conferences to find out why they decided to go. Give a handful of the most common reasons and see what they say. It would be really interesting to see how many are there for similar reasons as you. In regards to the Twitter feed thing, it wasn’t so much that all the information was coming through, as I really enjoy living vicariously through those who get to go. It was more that a lot of the information coming through was only focused on brand relationships/monetizing/professional blogging. I would have really loved to see some information about SEO, managing time, networking with other bloggers, etc.
About Sponsors, I don’t think that the minute you get sponsors or decide to monetize your blog you immediately lose your voice. I don’t think this at all. Yes, these happens to some bloggers, but for every blogger it does happen to, there is another one who it doesnt. I was actually referring more to myself. With my current limitations on time, energy and focus, something would have to give for me if I focus on building brand relationships/sponsors, and right now I dont want to give anything up. Perhaps in the future, once I have some more free time, or once I get better at managing the time I do have, I will be able to look into opening up to sponsorships/brand relationships. It is definitely something that I am open to. I know that things change, and you are right, in a year I may be in an entirely different place and decide I want sponsors, or to make this my full-time job. And if that happens, that’s totally ok. I am just talking about how I feel, today.
jodi
I LOVE this post. I feel the exact same way and I’m glad you wrote about it. I feel like you have a very open mind about both sides of blogging. I think whether you accept sponsors or have an ad free blog, you have to remember why you’re writing and (like you said) keep an authentic voice. While I don’t have sponsors nor do I make any money from my blog, I tip my hat to those who do and somehow manage to keep their blogs authentic. I am like you, I write because I enjoy it and love the friends I make through it (you!), yet who knows, maybe one day I’ll need to take on sponsors or maybe I won’t…either way I hope I’m able to keep an authentic voice.
Rebekah
I totally concur. I feel like if blogging were to become my job, I wouldn’t enjoy it anymore. It would be fun to get free stuff and earn extra money, but I would be worried about the responsibility taking the joy out of it for me. For now, I’ll just be content to make new friends and post randomly.
No Guilt Fashion
There is always a spot in the blogging world for you, and anyone else that doesn’t want to blog professionally. Like I mentioned on Twitter yesterday, just be you. That is why I keep coming back to your blog. BTW, glad to see you are still blogging therapeutically!
Clare
This post is outstanding. I’ve had SO many of these thoughts so frequently in the couple of years I’ve been blogging, but I’ve never been able to sum up my feelings as perfectly as you did in this post.
Rlutz
So well said!! Amen to it all!!
Heather
Very interesting and well-thought post! I have a hard time drawing a straight line for myself, since while I can’t fathom actively seeking out sponsorship, I do think that I would be open-minded to working with companies that I’m somewhat informed about/already have a consumer relationship with. Some of that comes from the knowledge that you, I, and anyone else who publicizes where their stuff comes from (or answers the question “so cute, where did you get that?” so I don’t think I’d feel uncomfortable accepting something from a company that I already endorse of my own free will, or would probably buy from. To that end, I really like the guidelines that Indiana of Adored Austin follows (would I buy that with my own money/do I have the money to afford that).
I think another part of it is that I’ve been thinking about it from the other side, when I (eventually, since oh grad school, why are you getting in the way of my grand plans) launch my etsy store for jewelry and accessories, as in, will it be worth it/in my best interest to work with bloggers to get my name out there, and I can see where someone small, independent, and just starting out would benefit from this, and be able to provide something in return. As you can see, I’ve been thinking about this- and it doesn’t hurt that I was recently contacted by a company about doing a product review, so I’m now trying to figure out the best way to navigate this.
Kate
I definitely think for me, there is a difference between actively looking for sponsors and simply being open to brands approaching you. For me, I simply do not have the time or energy to focus on seeking out sponsors and building those relationships. I am distracted by a million other things right now, that if I were to focus on that, something else would have to fall to the wayside. That being said, if I brand I loved, or even liked, contacted me about working with them, I would most likely do so. I strongly feel in promoting brands that I enjoy and respect. Like you, I think that Indiana’s approach to things is quite refreshing and a great approach to take (and would be an approach I would likely take).
On your second point, regarding the blog and how it works with your Etsy store, I am going to be very interested to see how you approach it. I know that for many small business and Etsy owners, the blog acts as an extension to their business and is excellent for helping them reach out to their buyers, find new buyers, and build relationships with other bloggers and small businesses.
For the company that contacted you about a product review, I would say consider the following. Is it a brand and product you would still be interested in if they had not approached you? If so, I think it could be really interesting to do the review!
dusanabotswana
Fantastic article! I really liked how you were so open about your own intentions without criticizing those with different intentions/goals, and that you even applauded them at the end. And it’s so cool to find someone who loves her job & uses blogging as a stress-relief. Can you tell me where you work to get into this profession? ; ) I definitely think it’s completely understandable for bloggers to accept sponsers to compensate the costs but of course agree that everyone should keep their voice. If not, what’s the point of blogging? When someone’s outfit is almost entirely “courtesy of” I definitely find it a turn off. Great writing & good job getting this all out!
Mode Plus
My experience is that blogging (even as a hobby) takes time and effort. At least it is for me, since I do not blog in my mother language. So for to be blogging full-time would take double the effort and time. Many bloggers at IFBCon also stated that the blogging world was oversaturated, that it would take unique, continuous content to get noticed. Or tap in a specific niche. I follow these types of conferences because I want to learn to do the best I can. Going into my second year, I’ve made quit a growth and I did consider sponsorships. At the moment I cherish my creative freedom too much to revise any part of my content. Does this saddens me with the prospect me staying a small blog? Not at all, I love my online life, happy I took that step last year. But I also have a great offline life too.
Stephanie
Great post. I think it’s great if you can make blogging a full-time career. But like yourself, I blog because I enjoy sharing what interests me and it’s great that my interests can be shared with so many people around the world. I also like the fact that I don’t have to be “on” most of the time. If there’s a day or a week I don’t feel like blogging. I’m too shy to approach brands for sponsorship but if someone from say, Comic-con, wanted to sponsor me I would accept it in a heartbeat.
Cynthia
I’m right there with you. I have invested over 20 years now in a career — there’s no way I’m giving that up to try to scrape out a precarious income from blogging, even if it somehow seemed vaguely possible, which it does not (the extent of my “income” from blogging has been one free skirt given to me to review). Of course there is room for you — one of the great things is that the internet is infinitely big. No one can say to you “stop blogging, the internet is full already”.
Rocquelle
This is such a well written piece!
I was just talking to someone about this earlier today!! I have seen many blogs loose their identity and voice as a result of sponsorship, monetizing, and such. I also don’t like when outfit bloggers where outfits full of pieces given to them by a brand. At that point they are no longer sharing their personal style.
It would be great to someday make a few dollars off my blog, but that is SO not my mission at this point, and I rather enjoy it that way!!
Vivian
I think that the point of not wanting to blog for money is to be respected, of course, but this has nothing to do with the fact that in conferences the topics are almost all about that.
I mean, what do you think they should talk about? How good it is to talk of your day? How right it is to be yourself on your blog? This is obvious stuff, and if you are a blogger, you’re obviously doing this. The suggestions are made when it comes to bringing the blog to another level, like a brand, as they talked a lot in IFBcon . I don’t mind blogs who don’t want to be sponsored and so on, but I don’t think either you should critic conferences because they’re most on the “marketing” part!
I don’t know if I got my point here, but if you want to be a blogger and not monetize your blog, you can do whatever you want to, even changing your name everyday. You are completely free. What’s the point in giving suggestions in something that it’s completely up to every and each different person?
Kate
I definitely wasn’t criticizing the conferences (or those who attend them) at all, and was hoping I made that clear in the post. I understand why they focus so heavily on that aspect of blogging, and it makes sense that they do this as there is a significant interest in this aspect of blogging. I do think, however, that they could also bring in other elements of the blogging world, without only focusing on making money and going professional. Some example topics could include instruction in SEO (which can help any blog), how to create fresh and unique content, how to write a post, how to network, etc. Just because some people do not want to take their blog to the monetization and job level doesn’t mean they don’t want to continue to improve and grow their blog.
Also, I wasn’t giving suggestions in this post, I was simply stating why I choose not to be a pro-blogger, as well as letting other non-pro bloggers know they aren’t alone.
Kionon
I hope there is a space for those of us who do not want to be professional bloggers, because I certainly fit into this category.
Vivian
Of course, I wasn’t criticizing you for criticizing anyway haha! They do talk about networking in conferences, and they also tell you to be yourself someway! Regarding SEO, I think it’s too much of a complicated thing to put into panels, it’s all about codes and technical stuff so… I think they have to keep it simple and talk about what most people want to hear, that it happens to be going pro in these days! I appreciate your choice, though, but I wouldn’t make it a statement! I mean, if you’re yourself and you write about what you care and want, would it be so bad if someone was interested in you and wanted to pay you back for your work?
Kate
Oh goodness, if someone wanted to pay me for my work as it is now, I would absolutely love that. The thing is, right now, I just don’t have the time (or energy) to do this. Perhaps in a distant future where I am not always tired and have more time, I would look into this, but for now, I am quite happy where I am. I would worry if I took the journalistic approach that I would start to dislike it because I am terrible at working on deadlines!
Vivian
Haha I’m with you in this, I’m terrible at deadlines, too! I can’t even get to post my personal “Links I love” every week! I guess the whole money thing is for constant people! ;D
MJ
This was a very well written post! Kudos to you for loving your day job and having a creative outlet. There aren’t a lot of people who have both and in this past year the prospects of someone’s hobby becoming a full time is a lot more possible than it has been. I think that’s the reason why this year there is such a focus on the business side of blogging.. I’ve been blogging for two years now and I remember last year there was a focus on the creative side of blogging. Today conferences like IFB are just riding that wave.
When I started my blog was nothing more than just a hobby and a way for me to get back into my real passion which is writing. Being blessed with awesome opportunities over time I see pro blogging in my future and I’m a lot more open to the idea of making this business. I think for next year there should be a focus on staying true to yourself once you made it business, which is an excellent point you brought up.
teddi
that quote is perfect! it feels kinda nice to know i’m not the only one.
http://honeybeelane.blogspot.com/
Victoria
Hi Kate
I am so glad somebody finally said this! I’m with you on this one, I blog because I love blogging not because I want to make money. I totally respect people that do make money from their blog but at the moment in time it’s just not for me. It didnt come across at all that you were criticizing people who want to be professional bloggers. Every individual blog has their own way of doing things and long may it continue!
Victoria
Heather Fonseca
I found your post on Links a la Mode and what a great post it is! I too have no intentions of becoming a professional blogger, but at the same time I work in fashion, so my blog is something of an advertisement for me. It’s also a creative outlet and a fun project too.
I find what’s happening with fashion blogs really fascinating. A lot of “regular” people are using it to promote themselves, their writing careers or their own businesses. It think it’s a great thing that we have these opportunities!
Heather
http://thestyleconfessions.com/
Catherine
Kate, thank you for writing this! As someone who is overwhelmed at the idea of some day maybe having sponsors/monetizing my blog, it’s so wonderful to hear the other side. You bring up some amazing points, and this post has definitely given me something to think about.
As a person who is looking to have kids in the next few years, being a fulltime or even parttime blogger would allow me to work at home and look after my family. But I have no idea how this would work, or how to even get there. It’s so far off that I’ve only started researching with the vaguest idea that I may be interested in monetizing my blog some day. For now it’s about writing amazing content for my amazing readers.
Ana
I completely agree with you. A few months ago, I got too caught up in the “blog world” and started worrying about traffic, networking, growing my blog, wanting to monetize, etc etc and it really sucked the fun out of it. Now when I think back, I realize I got sucked in because I was trying to avoid things happening in my “real life” and that I really have no interest in any of those things.
kelsey
I love this! You make a lot of great points. I do accept sponsorships and items for review, but it takes a lot of work and time to do so. There have been times where my blog feels like a job, and I have to re-evaluate everything. Jentine of My Edit has no plans to monetize her blog and she has been super successful. She even attended the TxSCC last year, I’m assuming, to form friendships.
Lauren
This is a great post. I am glad I stumbled upon it.
First off, I have often been disappointed by the apparent money needed to become a sucessful blogger. I am of the opinion that a successful blogger is one who has loyal viewers, followers, and an active commenting community. I personally don’t get the opportunity to go to conferences (at least not yet, anyway…) and to meet other bloggers in person. I live in a very small town and it’s tough to get myself out there. It’s so much work to even get people to LOOK at my blog right now.
I can see the benefits of monetizing a blog and getting sponsors. However, I am saddened to see so many NEW blogs trying to do that. Like, BRAND NEW. I think it’s important to find you creative voice and really build that throughout your posts before you let anything influence what you want to post and when you post it.
I of course would love to work in fashion and the fashion industry in general, and I wouldn’t mind my blog becomming a jumping off point. But, as in ALL areas of fashion, you have to work your way up. I don’t mind spending lots of time on a blog that doesn’t provide me any monetary benefits, because I look at it as a reflection of me, my skills, and my passions. If good things come of it, great. But, it’s disappointing to me to see blogs that are very young and green trying to get their stuff monetized and sponsors right away. It makes me question their authenticity a bit. I don’t know… I hope that makes sense!
Lauren
bangbylo.com