MomCrunch
Is Your Content Alienating Possible Sponsors? (The Answer Could Surprise You)
For years I have wanted to write a blog post about the ridiculousness of brands who refuse to work with bloggers who swear. The working title was, “Who gives a F*%* about the word F*%*?” I never got around to writing that eloquent essay, but I’m kind of glad, as I think there has been a bit of a shift in the paradigm here.
My favorite bloggers have always been the ones with filthy mouths (yes, I realize what this says about me). I myself swear like a sailor, so that kind of content resonates. Often, the most influential bloggers are the ones who “tell it like it is.” And, the thing is, those of us with filthy mouths need consumer packaged goods just like everyone else. I often think back to Seinfeld. That show was overrun with product placement, but the show topics weren’t always family-friendly (remember King of My Domain???). My frustration with the refusal to work with bloggers who cover racy topics or use racy language was partly due to my suspicion that there was a double-standard at play. Would Snapple have put its bottles in Seinfeld’s fridge if he were a mommy blogger?
Interestingly, the above situation is not a huge concern of mine these days (though the double standard still pisses me off). I have started to see a new situation arise, and it is really surprising to me. I am now being confronted with clients who have no issue with bad language at all. What they do have an issue with is the mention of religion.
A few months ago, I had a client turn down one of my bloggers for a paid program. The reason? On her Bio page, she describes herself as a political junkie, feminist and progressive Episcopalian. Another blogger was refused because she has a section on her site about prayer.
Many of my bloggers happen to be religious, and a lot of them share this on their sites. Sometimes this is done very subtly (with just a little graphic in the sidebar). Sometimes religion is part of the content itself. I have to wonder if this is going to affect their ability to monetize moving forward. And if so, should they stop mentioning it? I have had no problem suggesting to bloggers that they tone down their language if sponsorship is super important (even though that bugs me). But… somehow asking someone to stop talking about their religion feels inappropriate to me. I also have to wonder where these clients are drawing the line. Would I be out of consideration because I share my family’s Passover recipes?
I’m really eager to hear people’s thoughts on this. Would you stop swearing or stop talking religion if it meant more opportunities for monetization?
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15 Comments
Elizabeth commented on Oct 27 11 at 5:21 pmThat is very interesting. I know I am seeing more and more blogs with a religious tone. I have to think there are certain companies that would welcome working with them.
I supposed companies have the right to turn down opportunities to work with certain bloggers, just as the bloggers can select which brands to support. But I am curious as to which companies find religion so controversial they are afraid to be associated with it. They don’t seem to shy away from other topics I would consider to be far more so…
Sarah commented on Oct 27 11 at 5:23 pmI’m not very religious, so that’s not a concern, but I swear like a sailor, and it tends to pop up on my blog. I would rather write how I speak (and use my actual voice, instead of coming off contrived) than tone it down for a sponsor.
Also, I want to know about the religion of other bloggers. Whether you are a run of the mill Christian or a cultist, I want that insight in to you. Personal blogging requires a higher level of connection. If religion is a big thing to you, then avoiding it isn’t good for you or your readership!
mom101 commented on Oct 27 11 at 6:15 pmYou have to love the irony of brands wanting to work with mom bloggers for their authenticity…but without all that icky authenticity.
Powermommy commented on Oct 27 11 at 7:16 pmIf not being myself (a follower of Jesus), prevents me from monetizing my blog then so be it. That part of me is such a big piece of me that I refuse to let it go. I agree with you, where do they draw the line?? Cursing is okay but Jesus is not? Married is okay as long it is not same sex?
If I have to give up myself to work with a brand, I would not want to work with them. Don’t put a limit on me.
Petit Elefant commented on Oct 27 11 at 7:43 pmI think that’s ridiculous and completely inappropriate for brands to ask. No, I wouldn’t stop talking about religion just to keep brands happy, that’s part of who I am and the authenticity of my blog. To do otherwise would be lying about my identity and that of my family.
fitvsfiction commented on Oct 28 11 at 2:22 pmAs a reasonably new blogger, one of the things that appeals to me about it, is the freedom to just say what I want, how I want to say it. The idea is that if someone doesn’t like what I have to say, they can stop reading my blog or, even better, leave a comment and we can discuss it.
I always find it frustrating when people miss the “message” because they get distracted by things that have nothing to do with what’s being discussed. I would rather read an impassioned piece of writing that includes some colorful language over a something boring but “clean”.
I also have a hard time judging someone on the fact that they find comfort in their religion. While I’m not a fan of those who try to force religion on others..simply being open about their dedication to their faith is a weird reason to lose sponsorship.
Why are people so scared these days?
Frankly, I find the fact that people are so easily offended these days, quite offensive. Time to lighten up a bit,no?
Kristen Howerton commented on Oct 28 11 at 2:31 pmInteresting. I also try to hold a balance on talking about my faith, because I never want to alienate readers with too much Christianese. But it is disheartening to hear that brands would shy away from overtly spiritual or religious blogs. I wouldn’t hold back for that reason. It seems like a poor choice on a brand’s behalf to discriminate that way, given that there are so many people who read faith- based blogs every day. Huh. It’s a little shocking to hear that. And kinda sad.
Lynette Young commented on Oct 28 11 at 3:14 pmSounds like the brands are falling back to old habits – the ones that make them want to be so middle-of-the-road and vanilla as to attract EVERYONE. Hint, it impresses no one. I say go niche and be bold about it.
Elizabeth Norton commented on Oct 28 11 at 6:08 pmI think I have felt this….actually…..because I started being real a lot more in the last year or so. I am more concerned about being real to my readers than being perfect to the brands. The brands have got this wrong-unless they are trying to market drugs or something they are the ones missing out.
Anne (@notasupermom) commented on Oct 28 11 at 6:12 pmI have no trouble not swearing or not talking about my faith because I see my blog as a job.
Sure, I may have a passion for it, but it’s no skin off my nose to meet profession standards set by brands, if working with brands is what I want to do.
Monetizing through working with brands isn’t for everyone. There are many other ways to make money from a blog.
Good article. I enjoyed your presentation at Bloggy Boot Camp last weekend as well.
Kayt commented on Oct 31 11 at 9:09 amAs an atheist, I read plenty of blogs with varying degrees of spirituality. I follow Christians, Mormons, Jews, atheists, and blogs that don’t mention it at all. I find it offensive that companies would exclude a blogger because of their religion. I could understand if the blogger pinned that religious view to a controversial or exclusionary message, but frankly, I’ve never seen that in the blogs I personally read.
heather commented on Oct 31 11 at 10:09 amI tend to unsubscribe to blogs that include religion in their content. yes, I want an authentic voice, but if I’m reading a blog about decorating or parenting or cooking, I don’t think leaving your religious views (or political views, for that matter) out of the conversation compromises your voice or authenticity in the least. by all means, don’t censor yourself, but know that readers (or even sponsors) might opt out – not because we necessarily disagree with your views, or are too ‘vanilla’ – we simply like the content you produce to exist within the scope you originally established; e.g. food, fabric choices, or timeouts.
rachel @ even one sparrow commented on Oct 31 11 at 12:57 pmWould I stop swearing or stop talking religion? Absolutely not. Now, I happen to be more on the religious-bent here than the language-bent, but either way, I wouldn’t change who I am or what I write for the sake of sponsorship. If someone doesn’t want to sponsor me, then so be it. I will find someone else who will, or I just won’t be sponsored. I do not think it’s worth giving up my voice and my writing.
Now, if someone’s whole point on the blogosphere WAS to make money, that might be a different issue. But I am writing online for writing’s sake. And that’s that.
evenonesparrow.blogspot.com
tanya commented on Oct 31 11 at 8:42 pmi agree with heather…i follow many blogs for their content (which is not religion) but if you stray to far into the “witnessing” part of religion – i leave. i do not mind small forays into your religion as long as it doesn’t go so far that i feel you are going holy roller. i am not on your blog for that. feel free to share your customs, etc but don’t bring the pulpit (or your version of it) if you want to keep me around.
Hannah Pratt commented on Jan 15 12 at 12:22 pmI might be criticized for this but I’d be willing to stop talking about religion. I don’t think I really have it in myself to stop swearing completely. It’s a rough thing to do. Now, religion on the other hand. I could understand leaving it off the table. There is a lot I don’t understand about other people’s religions. I respect the idea that people have different points of view. Religion or the lack there of isn’t always an easy topic to digest.
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