Written on May 27th, 2009 at 07:05 am by Darren Rowse
Have You Ever Written Paid Posts On Your Blog
It’s been a few years since services like PayPerPost (and others) controversially came onto the scene and gave bloggers the option to be paid for writing posts about products, companies or services.
So I thought it’d be interesting to see how many bloggers have done paid posts (and how many still do).
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Have You Ever Written a Paid Review on your Blog?
Feel free to expand upon your vote in comments below.
74 Responses to “Have You Ever Written Paid Posts On Your Blog” - Add Yours
Greg Ellison
May 27th, 2009 8:11 am
I would also like to know the results of this survey. I picked I do them regularly. I need to get away from that get into other revenue streams. If you are a new blogger then it is easy to get into it. Greg Ellison
The Bad Blogger
May 27th, 2009 8:12 am
Would like to ask if ownself does paid review without the setup of review site, does that also count as done before?
Stephanie - Green SAHM
May 27th, 2009 8:15 am
I did them regularly in the early days of Pay Per Post, but these days I don’t. I on rare occasions review a book that has been sent to me, but that’s about it.
The revenue gets tempting at times, as it’s one of the easiest ways to make money, but I want revenue streams that are more long term.
Jacob
May 27th, 2009 8:26 am
I used to do it, but after a while, it became sort of pointless. It almost seems that it only fits on a blog like a MMO. Is anyone else paying for them?
DJ @ Fermentarium
May 27th, 2009 8:32 am
I wrote one Pay Per Post article. I didn’t like how I felt after writing the article. It felt wrong, even though it was listed as a paid article. I don’t like the paid advertisments in the newspaper, so I thought it was probably hypocritical to be putting it on my blog. I figured if it didn’t feel right, I should be looking to other ways to pay the blog bills.
Joel
May 27th, 2009 8:42 am
I did one, once. But they didn’t pay, so I took the post down.
Christina Gleason @ Phenomenal Content
May 27th, 2009 8:48 am
I used to write paid posts for Blogvertise. Then I joined BlogHerAds and had to quit. I’m glad I did. They weren’t genuine like the rest of my blog posts, and I was compromising my integrity for dirt cheap prices. That made me feel even dirtier about the whole thing. Since I only got like $5 per post, I didn’t feel guilty when I removed them several months after posting them. I’ve learned a lot since then!
Eric
May 27th, 2009 8:49 am
I do one per week. I found a sponsor (through the job board on ProBlogger) that pays me to write a post containing a link to a press release on their site. I think it is more of a link building drive than a sales drive.
Because the posts are relevant to my readers, it does not seem like a bad deal. Until the AdSense picks up, this is the best way to cover the costs.
Spyros
May 27th, 2009 8:55 am
Not really, haven’t got into that.
Smarmy
May 27th, 2009 9:00 am
Payperpost is going bankrupt. They keep trying to re-tool and re-invent themselves to no avail. All of their good bloggers have left. Most of their traffic is from the Philippines and India, etc.
Amir
May 27th, 2009 9:01 am
Never have and don’t plan on doing so.
Gerry Faehrmann - YourLawnAndGarden
May 27th, 2009 9:07 am
I only write for my own sites, and I am new to blogging world.
I guess if one was to write for others then there is a possibility of loosing focus on the Main Game, that is, your own business.
RaceDriven
May 27th, 2009 9:11 am
I have written one Natural Blog Post Review in just over 4 years, a great car insurance post which included two separate links, however the article was pulled two months later by advertiser. I accepted a second one on a site I manage and its still up, but looks good.
However I have decided that Natural Blog Post Reviews are not a good idea, but I might do a Sponsored review from an advertiser in the future, just to try it.
I also have done three reviews on products I received, (2) for DVD’s and (1) for a book, however I’m thinking full discloser at the top of each post saying I received this item free or money to review this item, but this is my own opinion.
Advertisers are interested in trying new forms of advertising and bloggers are interested in finding new forms of advertising, its a trial and error area, just like a lot of things in life.
Technology Slice
May 27th, 2009 9:13 am
I haven’t and don’t think I will in the near future.
Giorgio Marandola
May 27th, 2009 9:16 am
Of course i do! I wrote the first of my life around 2 weeks ago, and i earned 6,50 dollars.
This is the post: http://www.technicoblog.com/la-gfi-annuncia-la-release-di-gfi-faxmaker-in-italiano.htm
TryBPO Outsourcing Solutions
May 27th, 2009 9:27 am
I wouldn’t be so against it, personally. We’ve been looking for a blogger in Davao City, Philippines to do write some blogs for us on a semi-regular basis. It makes sense as a business, especially on subjects that someone else knows more about. We’ll avoid more controversial things like promoting a product from which they’re receiving a paycheck, paid political posts, etc. Sticking to the basics and using as much of the blogger’s creativity as possible is key.
StockTradersBlog
May 27th, 2009 9:43 am
I will definitely interested in doing that but first of all there have to have someone interested in posting on you site and your site’s traffic is critical. I don’t think my site will attract people to pay me at this momment. But I definitely think it will in the near furture
Watch my stock trading account balance grow day by day
Dane Carlson
May 27th, 2009 9:47 am
I do them occasionally, and really don’t get what the big problem is. Magazines and newspapers do them all the time — on specially marked pages call “advertorials”. Paul Harvey mastered the art of doing them on the radio, segueing seamlessly from the news into an advertisement.
What is everyone’s problem with them?
needmoney.com
May 27th, 2009 10:00 am
Is anyone in the developed world actually making real money doing this.
J.B.
May 27th, 2009 10:12 am
I’ve never done and never would. I definitely get what the big deal is. Nowadays most of those services make you post a disclosure notice but that wasn’t always the case. Wouldn’t you feel a little betrayed if you found out that impassioned review for that awesome product was really just a paid ad?
Harris
May 27th, 2009 10:13 am
I think for English blogs this is very possible. I don’t think it will work for me.
Though i am not going into monetize my blog yet at this time, but Darren, do you think this will work with non-English blogs?
David Turnbull
May 27th, 2009 10:24 am
I liked the idea at first when it came around, but I’ve still never participated in paid posting and never will because I’ve seen how much of a credibility-killer it is.
Duane Johnson
May 27th, 2009 10:44 am
I’ve never done them, but I’m open to the opportunity.
Maria
May 27th, 2009 10:54 am
At first, I thought it was an okay idea as long as the product made sense with your blog and you could be honest, but the reputation of being a pay per post blogger would destroy my cred, which is important. And the money is not worth it, at all. I’d rather get sponsorships by real companies or products to review.
dede
May 27th, 2009 11:58 am
I’m never do it because I think it’s only wasting time
Rick Vaughn
May 27th, 2009 12:09 pm
Don’t know of many bloggers that actually do them. Personally, have a hard time dealing with someone else profiting from my content.
Ellen Britt, PA, Ed.D.
May 27th, 2009 12:18 pm
I’ve never done paid posts…too busy working on my internet business, which is the reason I left the “trade hours for dollars” world in the first place. Pay per post is just not worth it, when I can apply my time in so many more productive ways.
mickerlodeon
May 27th, 2009 1:24 pm
I have done them in the past. I’m of the opinion that my thoughts on a product aren’t going to change, even if I get a little cash for the review.
The reason I stopped is simply because the majority of readers who are interested in the things I write about don’t agree with my opinion on the topic. The fact is I’m not going to do anything that makes my readers question who I’m writing for.
Matutu
May 27th, 2009 1:49 pm
I love to write for free and perhaps Pay someone to do it for me,but never participated in the venture of writing for money. It’s not my thing.
http://www.frogblogger.com
Roseli A. Bakar
May 27th, 2009 1:53 pm
Wow.. from the poll results shows that many blogger haven’t done paid post before.
This month I’ve received 3 requests to do paid reviews but only did one because the other are not related to my blog.
Bryan Karl
May 27th, 2009 2:40 pm
I’m in the middle. One blog does it and three more don’t. The paid post economy is not very strong right now.
Strength and Fitness
May 27th, 2009 2:58 pm
I’ve done hundreds of posts on my blogs, but never one paid post. In theory I’d be open to it IF it were a product I could recommend in good conscience.
Brian
May 27th, 2009 4:48 pm
I never have, but I would definitely do it if I felt that it was something I could write well enough about and perhaps promote after posting.
axel g
May 27th, 2009 4:52 pm
This somewhat sneaky form of advertising has been around offline for years.
Before posting paid reviews ask yourself, would it create value for my readers?
Kang
May 27th, 2009 5:10 pm
Before I started my blog, I stumbled into this site which paid £1 to write about set topics (10 ways to eliminate debt..) , they only needed like 250 words, but they made you sign away the interllectual property of your work, anyway, the answer is yes I’ve done paid-per-post.
It gets alittle more complicated, since as a foodblogger, I don’t neccesarily get paid (in monetary terms) to write reviews but instead I get free food.
Restaurants do approach me to offer free meals as an ‘invite to review’ a restaurant. There’s raging debate about the validity and objectivity of a paid review – is it ethical? Will it drive away my readers? Have I submitted my soul to the dark side..etc.
To separate the ‘paid’ reviews against the ‘real’ ones, I’ve stated clearly in the headlines which ones are reviews and which are ‘invite to reviews’ just to make it crystal clear to my readers what they are reading. Of course, I strive to remain completely objective regardless of who paid for the food, but at the end of the day, there is no denying that these pay per post things are a complicated thing, which may or may not put a blogger’s reputation and integrity on the line.
John Bradford
May 27th, 2009 5:36 pm
I’ve not written a paid post, but one of my posts did get picked up by an SEO agency that wanted to insert some links back to their client.
They didn’t want my written disclaimer so I put a big html table around the links and coloured it in – pretty obvious (even without Sponsored Link). None of my other posts have similar tables or links out of context, and rel=”nofollow” should keep me out of trouble with the Googlebots.
Since I’m trying to offer advice as an introduction to my consultancy services, a full paid post would be problematic unless clearly labelled as an “advertorial” or similar.
Sue
May 27th, 2009 8:03 pm
I did a couple for one of the “paid to blog” services (I genuinely don’t remember which one now). Then I had a couple of offers from them that said the advertiser required a positive post: I queried this with the company – whose T&Cs said that advertisers *couldn’t* require positive coverage – and they said, meh, if they want to require you to be positive… That frankly felt like selling my soul for $20 a go, so I didn’t write any more, and really don’t regret it.
I’ve also done a few book reviews of books I’ve been sent for free: that doesn’t feel nearly so bad as taking actual cash. Plus I’ve never been told that if I don’t like the book, I have to send it back and not write about it.
Todd
May 27th, 2009 8:39 pm
I’ve done it for quite some time. Now I actually request that the company send me their product so I can evaluate it first. It certainly has been quite a revenue generating portion on my site.
Deepak @ BusinessAttitude.com
May 27th, 2009 9:16 pm
It seems that many bloggers haven’t made the maximum money possible out of their blog.
Katten Försvann
May 27th, 2009 10:14 pm
Yes I have done (since March 2009.) Honestly i like to write such posts, usually I have problems with ideas, if I have already got an idea then I can write a post very easy :)
Wish to have more offers :)
Musings of a Housewife
May 27th, 2009 10:18 pm
I responded that I do them occasionally, but I ONLY do them if I’m paid WELL ($10 is insulting) and I always disclose UP FRONT, not just at the end, so my readers don’t feel duped. I only do them if I feel the content is a good fit for my site and valuable to my readers AND if I can write it in my own voice. There. That’s a lot of caveats, I know, but I value my blog and my voice and I’m not willing to compromise that.
Dean Saliba
May 27th, 2009 10:21 pm
I make almost all my money form paid posts. I see nothing wrong with it. People who come to my blog come to find out about ways to make money and this way is incredibily popular for my readers.
PraShawn
May 27th, 2009 10:28 pm
I see writing for payperpost as a serious income source it is a good alternative to selling ad space because selling ad space to companies requires a large readership. Thanks!
seo services brisbane
May 27th, 2009 10:46 pm
I don’t do paid posts unless you count a review or two on products that I have affiliate links for.
I guess I would consider it if I could get paid for writing a post that also created some benefit for my readers as well.
Otherwise I think doing a paid post simply for the sake of getting paid may lead you to churning out content that is not really relevant.
Luis Sandoval
May 27th, 2009 11:50 pm
Paid blog posts are a sticky situation, something I’ve been involved with in the past. I was guest writing for a site that did paid posts, and I remember being told “be nice” before I started. Implying that the post has to be positive.
As a writer/blogger, I’m not comfortable with that. I started off as a journalist and related my experience there to what I do now. Is it fair the readers to read something that perhaps is not entirely accurate? There’s a trust you build with your readership, and that trust is key to your success.
I no longer do paid posts, and if I was ever approached with the offer, I would be up front with them that I would be transparent at the beginning that it was a paid post and I would not promise a positive review. I value honesty in writing, and the expectation of paying for a positive review does not fly with me. If you’re confident in your product or service you won’t have to tell me to “be nice.” The product or service will speak for itself.
agentmango
May 27th, 2009 11:56 pm
I want to do them, but i think i’m lazy haha. Im getting problem with writing. WTF?! am im dumb?
Jody
May 28th, 2009 12:09 am
In the early days of PPP I did them regularly (and made some great $) but lost my voice. I’ve found that, if I pick & choose and only pick topics that make sense to my blog(s) then we all win. I’m not compromising my voice and I am sharing information on something I can stand behind.
David Stillwagon
May 28th, 2009 1:16 am
How much do you get paid for them on average and where do you go to find out about them?
Lee
May 28th, 2009 1:29 am
Hi,
Is writing paid posts a bad thing to do? What if I already write them on my blog and get paid for it? Is it harmful to my blog?
Share your posts at: ArticlePinger.com. :)
Lee
May 28th, 2009 1:31 am
Hi,
Is writing paid posts a bad thing to do? What if I already write them on my blog and get paid for it? Is it harmful to my blog?
Luis Sandoval
May 28th, 2009 1:36 am
@Lee
I don’t think writing paid blog posts is necessarily a bad thing, I think the fear of having your voice compromised is probably the biggest concern. For some paid blog post equals favorable mentions, and for those that pay out, that is an expectation.
While I may not personally involve myself in those transactions, I do not see anything wrong with being up front prior to accepting payment with the understanding that they are not paying for a favorable review, but instead an honest review.
BloggerDaily
May 28th, 2009 2:56 am
wow. I never imagined that most of the voters never do paid post. But it’s a common to see the difference between bloggers who write paid post regularly and occasionally Some bloggers writing for money and some them just accept writing proposal as they get cash and never lose anything by doing it.
Paid post is a good way for the advertisers to spread the words about themselves and for bloggers to earn some cash but it’s better not to tell others that it’s a paid post. Or you’ll regret =)
Make Money Online
May 28th, 2009 3:55 am
Used to do it before. But write now that stream has quite died down.
Karen Chaffee
May 28th, 2009 4:02 am
I am not new to blogging, per se, but I am very new to SEO and monetizing a blog, creating a brand, and writing an e-book.
Also, I basically know next to nothing about paid reviews.
It was an education just reading the comments.
Drew
May 28th, 2009 4:58 am
I have never done it.
Does problogger ever do it?
Internet Marketing Blogs
May 28th, 2009 6:23 am
Am just planning to, i think its an additional methods to make money from your blog
Blogger Make Money
May 28th, 2009 12:24 pm
I was signed up but I don’t get any review because my blog’s rank is too low.
Paul
May 28th, 2009 12:39 pm
Never, but I write several paid posts for other blogs every week which is a nice earner.
Lee
May 28th, 2009 1:50 pm
Hi,
I learn from some sites saying that doing paid posts will reduce PR of our blog.
R Kumar
May 28th, 2009 5:44 pm
Paid posts are something that most of the bloggers, just starting out adopt as a means of earning some quick money. This is because it is easy and the requirements of paid posts are not too difficult to fulfill. In addition to this there is content being added to your blog. But the problem arises when the number of paid posts become so huge that it starts to become obvious. Hence it is important to ensure that you are not filling up your blog with too much paid content.
Lee Ka Hoong
May 28th, 2009 9:19 pm
I do them when there is advertiser look for me. Between, all my paid posts are with no-follow links as per discussion earlier. I don’t wanna lose my Pagerank, so they have to agree my requirement before they want to buy a review. :)
Regards,
Lee
Gary Sanet
May 29th, 2009 2:35 am
Does Google punish you to have pay-per-post articles in your blog ???
shannon
May 29th, 2009 3:28 am
32 out of 622 on May 28th doesn’t look like many people are taking advantage of this or don’t want to.
shannon
web mktg
http://www.eighthorses.com/
Shawanda
May 29th, 2009 1:06 pm
It doesn’t feel right. I don’t want to compromise my integrity or relationships by encouraging my readers to buy something I don’t genuinely support.
Electronic Advice
May 29th, 2009 3:46 pm
I used to do it. but seems the economy has affect to a lot of businesses. So not to many advertisers available.
Full Contact Lifestyle
May 29th, 2009 9:44 pm
I too would find these results interesting. I shall keep reading!
I’ve been blogging for a few years now, but it’s only recently that I have decided to moneytize my blog.
I’d also be interesed to know if paid articles has an effect on the credibility of the blog/author. Any input, guys?
Mark Daymond
May 29th, 2009 10:04 pm
I do them from time to time as long as they have some relevance to my blogs, so I don’t accept everything. I am getting quite good now at weaving in some useful content around the prescribed anchor text. I know it troubles the conscience of many people, but as long you are not giving false positive reviews and you are reasonably choosy about what to accept I don’t see it as a problem.
Brad Vertrees
May 30th, 2009 1:30 am
Paid posts always seem to leave a bad taste in my mouth. But that’s just me. I think as long as a blogger is up front about it and discloses it to his/her readers, then it’s probably okay.
Personally though, I like to write posts about stuff I’m passionate about, to share that passion with my readers. Paid posts take away from that I think.
Smooth Skin
May 30th, 2009 2:44 pm
I have never done one, but that doesn’t mean I would rule it out if someone asked.
I don’t think it is wrong as long as you write the review honestly. I mean if it is something you honestly like and can get behind, why not take a little pocket change for your trouble? As long as it is a win – win situation, I don’t think it should matter.
pregnancy
June 2nd, 2009 6:45 pm
I have never done that. I have payperpost account though,
Sue
June 3rd, 2009 3:48 am
Hi,
I have done several but so far I haven’t received any money for ‘em cause I hadn’t reached any payout yet…and also I’m kinda new at this…
My blog: http://ajasinfoportal.blogspot.com/
Tommy Kirt
June 20th, 2009 8:49 pm
I have to say I have an informational website which has been operating for about 6 months now, plus I have just launched a blog that I hope will cover all of the topics that I just can’t discuss on my main site. So I am completely new to blogging, but I just can’t see myself ever doing this in the future. I guess I’ve been well and truly scared by the big G as to what to do and what not to do. I’m just not willing to risk all of my hard work that I hope will serve me for years to come by selling links and posts, especially considering I’m still not fully educated as to how all these things work.
karsten h.
July 10th, 2009 9:52 am
It’s funny. I think that this post was set up towards proving a point about how it’s not such a great idea anymore. But, according to the poll results, it seems like they were never very popular at all =)
Excel Matic
July 13th, 2009 7:35 pm
Darren,
I think I need your help here. I have tried with multiple websites which are pay-per-post types. But i have not been able to come across a single one, which pays to bloggers outside US also.
I would just love to write!! But am not able to find any such websites. Help!!
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