- Image may be NSFW.
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- So far, more than 200 bloggers – like the author of White Trash Mom (above) – are displaying Blog with Integrity buttons on their sites.
The blogosphere has recently been gaining some attention from the FTC regarding the integrity of its posts, thrusting questionable practices like paid editorial content, curiously positive product reviews and swag-bought contest placements into the limelight. Earlier this month, this culminated in the call for a “PR Blackout” instituted by Mommy blogger community, Mom Dot, which challenged bloggers to refrain from posting giveaways, reviews and press releases – for one whole week.
Now more mom bloggers are at the helm of a new movement, “Blog With Integrity,” a consortium of bloggers asking their fellow writers be more transparent about their post content – and the motives that inspire it. It is essentially a bloggers code of conduct that not only protects a blogger’s relationship with their readers, but the relationship between marketers and bloggers, as well.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
With this pledge, bloggers are asserting their editorial integrity and respecting their readers by providing full transparency. It also a bit of a silent cry for marketers to think about smarter ways to establish trusted relationships with bloggers to help provide balanced value between blogger and consumer. These bloggers are pledging their allegiance to their readership, not dollar signs.
It’s important to recognize the value of transparency and true earned media. As stated in 360i’s Social Marketing Playbook, “the most successful Digital Word of Mouth programs start with transparent, authentic and personalized communication between brand representatives and bloggers” – and these “bloggers with integrity” are showing that the transparency should also translate to their readers.
So for marketers that wish to easily identify the “unbribeable,” look for the following badge on a blog near you:
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
And always remember to pledge your allegiance to honesty and building strong relationships, because relationships that provide value to both marketer and blogger require both parties to take a stand.
