blogger ethics | around here, free swag does not equal free praise

 (ffffound)

I should have written this post a long time ago but to be honest I didn't think it was necessary. However, in light of the recent debate regarding bloggers and free swag, I thought I would address my blogging ethics and what you can expect from me.

I get free stuff. That's no secret. I've always disclosed it and never played coy about whether or not I purchased it. Why should I? My readers aren't simple...you know it was free, I know it was free. However, there's more swag that don't make it on this site than do.

All my product reviews are honest. I have never given something a positive review because I received it for free. When a company wants to send me something, I consider 2 things:

1. Does it fit my blog and would my readers be interested?
2. Am I required to review the product even if I don't like it?

If I am required, I won't accept the product. I don't like being forced like that and having to lie to you if it turns out to be a dud. I don't know how many times I have contacted a company letting them know that I wasn't too impressed and wouldn't be able to write a favorable review. They've all been very gracious and appreciated the fact that I didn't trash their product and I was honest.

I hate it when something is raved about but turns out to be crap so I won't do that to you. I will always be honest and straightforward and any time I review something or promote it, you can be sure that I truly like it and I felt it was something you would like, too.

I think the old saying "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" sums it up when it comes to blogging and life.