This week, my integrity was called into question on another person’s blog.
She accused me of lying about my earnings (still unsure why that would even be beneficial for me to do), and advertising for unethical companies just to make a referral fee (which was also untrue).
I have been meaning to write this post for awhile but after being publicly attacked, I decided it was high time for me to openly address a few things with each of you.
Yes, I do make money on this blog, I’ve written about it several times because if you are a blogger I’d love to help you make money too. In fact a blogger friend and I opened a new blog devoted to helping other bloggers succeed.
We were able to buy a house this year because of my blog. As of last month I am making almost as much blogging as my husband makes working in his career out of the home.
That being said, I don’t just promote any old brand. I actually turn down more opportunities than I take. I will never be dishonest in my writing. I will not promote a brand I don’t agree with to make a paycheck.
Losing your trust as my readers is not worth any amount of money brands offer me. So I write about kid-friendly stuff. I write about food and drinks and silly things, but I won’t compromise my ethics for money. That’s just not going to happen.
So when you see a sponsored post here, know that I’m not just doing it for the money. I’m doing it because it’s a brand I believe in, or something I truly think you would be interested in or entertained by hearing about.
Yes, I want to make money (don’t we all), this is my career and like every one who works for a living I make money doing it. That being said, I draw the line at promoting things that are unethical or that wouldn’t be beneficial to you, as my reader. I get multiple emails a week from brands asking to working me. Direct emails along with opportunities that come along with some of the blogger programs I associate with. There are literally THOUSANDS of dollars worth of work that I have turned down this year alone, because I didn’t agree with the brand, I didn’t think it would be relevant to you and so on.
I care about you as my readers, I want you to love the time you spend on my blog. I know you could choose to spend time in a billion different places and each time you choose to spend some of your precious minutes on my blog I feel so honored, and I value that time! I don’t ever want to waste it!
I want you to know what I’m all about here and continue feel confident when you read my blog.
If you ever have a question about something I’ve written or something doesn’t work for you, please email me! I am more than happy to talk to you about any concern you might have! — BeautythroughImperfection(at)gmail(dot)com
(hugs)
Paula
Emily @ My Love for Words says
I have never gotten the sense that you were promoting something you didn’t believe in for money or acting in an unethical manner. I am totally inspired by you and have been helped immensely by BOTS. Your work and willingness to be so open about what you make is so appreciated. I hope you know that. {hugs}
Paula says
Thank you Emily! I’m so glad you have been encouraged here and on bots <3 Hugs!
Kristi Gore says
I’m sorry there are people in this world that their words mean to do harm. Jealousy and hatred maybe. I personally truly enjoy your writing and never have I thought you were a sell out. Keep up the good work.
Paula says
thanks Krsiti!
Sarah says
I’ll chime in and say I know Paula personally (and have for years!) and she has too many real momma friends around her in real life to promote anything that is crappy or unethical – we’d all call her on it because we love her and value her reputation.
We love you, Paula – thank you for being transparent and honest!
Paula says
Thanks sarah! Both for your support and willingness to call me out! :)
Keri says
So sorry that happened Paula. You are such an encouragement to me as a newer blogger! This was perfectly written!
Paula says
Thanks Keri! Glad you have been encouraged! THAT is my goal <3
Lauren Tamm says
You are doing an amazing job, and you have helped me with feeling encouraged as a mother here on this blog, in addition to massive help from blogging on the side. The hardest part about blogging for me is the negative stuff. It’s really hard not to take it personal, and I’m working on that. You are incredibly brave to respond to negativity in such a respectful way. Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re doing a great job!
Lauren
Paula says
Thank you Lauren! I am so glad to have you here and happy you have been encouraged by BOTH sites!!! <3
Paula
Erik Matlock says
Grandpa used to say “Some folks would complain if you hung them with a new rope.” With my writing style, I get some amazing criticism and attacks. I respond to the legitimate questions, ignore the foolishness and write articles about the real nuts.
The folks who criticize a blogger for trying to earn a living are clueless. Blogs are our voices, our ministries, our effort to add value to the world. It costs money to do it. This stuff ain’t cheap to operate. We need sources or revenue. And our time? I spend 20-30 hours each week on my blog and books. Along with a full time job and a family. Nobody puts out that much effort without hoping to be rewarded for it.
I suggest anyone who needs to critisize folks over money, brand representation and ethics go straight to Washington and do it where it matters. Or at least to Walmart. Or your local tv station. Leave Paula alone.
Don’t make me write about you.
Yasmina @ Mina and Her Blog says
Paula , so sorry this happened to you. To bad this person couldn’t see how down to earth and helpful you are . You are very encouraging and BOTS do inspire me with this blogging journey
Shanêy Vijendranath says
Thank you for your honesty! Great read, I respect you even more :).
Sandra Lynn says
WOW. And boy HOWDY. I’m sorry this happened to you. I can’t thank you and Becky enough for the support you’ve given to me and all of us…I’ve rarely felt pushed (and it was probably more my mood than anything else) into anything and never that you were…oh never mind. Some folks just can’t accept tis what it is. Period. That’s okay. Really.
You cannot control people, places, or things – only your reaction to them :)
Leanne says
Paula, I’m sorry this happened to you. Having met you and being a reader of both of your blogs, this had never (not once!) crossed my mind. You were so sweet at the conference to make me feel more comfortable. Oh, and because of you I didn’t feel the need to wear make-up the next day! LOL I actually felt more myself! Love your blog and all you do! Keep up the great work.
Stacey says
Are you serious? First of all that person must have serious issues. I think it’s wonderful you make a living blogging and that’s something I’m striving towards. If someone reads your blog or anyone else’s blog for a while they can usually tell when that person is a sell out going for the money. It’s petty jealous people who write things like that, and to be perfectly honest you don’t have to divulge how much money you’ve earned writing your blog. It’s no one’s business but your own. If you want to share that with your readers then that’s your right to do so. I truly believe there are more bloggers with integrity out there. I wrote two posts about honesty and being ethical writing blogs and making videos because liars just erk the spit out of me.I think the people who lie to their followers, not only serve a disjustice to their readers, but the entire blogging community as well. The Liars make the honest people look crooked. I hate that!