My Newly Bare Sidebar and Why I Love Hosting Giveaways

Last week, BlogHer issued a revised editorial policy for their bloggers on the pages where BlogHer ads are served. The purpose of the new rules was to address some of the promotional content that had been creeping into blogs thanks to the courting of bloggers by PR companies. The two biggest changes to the rules were:

1. Posts discussing blogger events organized by a sponsor to pitch one of their products were no longer allowed. (No more blogging about the amazing opportunities currently available to mommy bloggers in the City)
2. Giveaways of items exceeding a $25 value provided by a PR company for the purposes of a giveaway were now forbidden on a BlogHer ad page.

When the guidelines came out, I went into a tailspin of indecision. I enjoyed being part of the BlogHer Network. Not so much because of the vast advertising revenue my blog was reaping. Don't get me wrong, a check is always nice, no matter how small, but the real draw of BlogHer for me was belonging to the community. Having them promote my posts every week along with those of talented bloggers like Cheryl from Twinfatuation and Zip 'n Tizzy was a great honor. 

But after much painful deliberation, I decided to quit BlogHer. You see, I just wasn't willing to give up my Saturday giveaways. 

Many don't understand why I like hosting giveaways. They seem commercial, different than the posts I do during the rest of the week. So I thought I would explain why I chose them over BlogHer.

1. As I drummed it into my kids, the message hit home: Sharing is good. This interest in the influence of bloggers has been very good for me and my family. We are routinely showered with toys and products to try. And we love it. Love it love it love it. But I love it even more when I can share it with others, especially those who amazingly read my blog day after day, week after week. Not only do I get great stuff to try for free, I also get to play Santa every week.
2. I can't lie, the traffic is nice too. I've found many great blogs because of a giveaway they were hosting. I got lured by the prize, and stayed for the great writing. I hope that the same thing applies with my blog.
3. I'm flattered that companies want to hear my opinion about their product, and thinks others value my recommendations. Doing giveaways makes that sphere of influence grow exponentially and that's just better ROI for advertisers. That shouldn't matter to me... why should I care about the ROI of companies? But the marketer in me is still not dormant, even after 7 years at home on and off with the kids, and I hate to see PR budgets underutilized.
4. "But why not just do the giveaways on your review blog?", they asked. Well, that's simple too. I just have too many great products to share, doing one a week would not be enough.

So this is my pledge that you will continue to see a giveaway, every Saturday, at both Chefdruck Musings and Chefdruck Reviews as long as the products keep on coming. And I have some great ones coming up!

And in the meanwhile, if you know of another advertising network that will allow me the freedom to do my contests, and talk about events I attend, please let me know. As I said before, checks of any amount, no matter how small, are always welcome!