Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York

The advice is nice, but at the end of the day you're simply being a big fat snob. Who are you to tell people what they are and aren't entitled to? It's like you want to "keep people in their places".

Why shouldn't a blogger get free product or access to events? Oh, I'm sorry all the good things in life should be reserved for "special people", some of which were literally BORN with entitlement versus those who have to work for it...be it by starting a blog.

Do you really think your boss Pierce Mattie came from a middle class to lower middle class background and started his PR firm out of thin air? I highly doubt it. He probably had the backing of family members and their money.

So why don't you take a moment to find some empathy in your being and understand that not everyone is born with the benefits and luxuries that others are born with....and if they need to blog to get what they want, then why not???

Bianca, you most obviously missed the point.

What I am saying that people had to work hard to gain the readers they have, to gain the contacts they have and to gain the respect that they have. I am where I am in my career because of hard work and dedication for the past 4 years. What I mean by "entitled" are those who launch a blog and by day two are approaching brands and PR firms demanding product simply because they are a blogger.

It doesn't work that way. Nor should it. It's unfortunate that you don't understand that.

I already know that I may take some flack for what I'm about to say-- but I too have recently been very disappointed in the influx of "entitlement" I see from my colleagues in the blogosphere. And to be honest, I see it from seasoned bloggers as well as bloggers who may just be starting out. It took a LONG time before I ever received a single press sample or press release from a brand for that matter, and I spend a considerable amount of time developing and maintaining the professional relationships I have. It's hard work, and certainly not a right-- but a privilege! It's definitely not some "luxury" either. It's not like one day I woke up and said "I think I'll start a blog today and I'll get a bunch of free stuff." If you have, you're clearly not going to make it. Sorry.

I don't ever look down on anyone just starting out. In fact-- I encourage it! Start all the blogs your heart desires and I wish you great success in your endeavors. But all I ask is that everyone, regardless of your experience-- adhere to the basics of professionalism at the very least. Please utilize the tips and tricks that are being offered by public relations professionals, I honestly think they are not meant as insults but as complimentary advice. Even if you take away just one thing, it's priceless wisdom they are sharing with all of us.

What I take exception to is anyone who thinks their blogging experience makes them an expert over anyone who hasn't been blogging as long as they have. Just because I've been blogging for 17 months, and someone has been blogging for 10 years (random number I came up with, not talking about anyone specifically), it puts a bad taste in my mouth because I often feel like I'm being "talked down to". This happens EVERY DAY on the message boards and on Twitter. So I understand where someone who is new to the industry could also be offended by some of the comments I see. But still, no excuse to let professionalism go out the window!

I think a little more humbleness is in order (all the way around), and the entitlement needs to stop. It does make us ALL look bad. I won't let anyone take the love I have for beauty blogging away. Your work will speak volumes about you, all by itself. Keep that in mind!

Bravo, Shannon! That is SO true. I consider myself a relative newcomer to the blogosphere as The Gloss Menagerie has only existed for a year and a few months, and I have the utmost respect for bloggers who have been there, done that because you are the ones I learn from! To come on the scene as if I'm the bees knees already would be demeaning to all of the hard work you gals have put in to your craft and an insult to the many times I have learned from you all.

I must admit though even I am pretty insulted by the attitude some "newbs" have about being entitled to press samples and attention from organizations & brands etc. because it taints everyone else's reputation and reduces the legitimacy of us as journalists. Mainstream media touts the blogosphere as a world of freebie-grubbing dummies willing to sell out for a bottle of free body wash. I really hate that stigma and these 'cloggers' are to blame.

Amber, I can certainly understand what you mean about feeling talked down to. And I remember all too well what it was like for me in the beginning, which is why for me personally speaking, while I may vent my frustration over bloggers who go throwing their weight around when they have nothing to back it up---I try really really hard to also help them.

Gloss Menagerie or Alyson as I like to call you (lol), that's the point--it's one thing to be confident but another to be cocky. That's where it crosses the line for me.

I am relatively new to the blogosphere (nearly 1 year now, will accept treats for my anniversary! time flies...I digress...) and certainly to the world of makeup and beauty, at least on the professional level. By day I am an attorney and have been working hard by night to become acclimated to the blogging world of beauty, fashion and style, which is where my passion lies. I have worked hard to earn roughly 1000 readers a day.

I certainly agree with Shannon that there is a sense of entitlement among some newbies but I think they're giving the rest of us "newbs" a bad rep. I mean we all have a friend who created a blog after watching you get free beauty stuff who quit once they realized what hard work it is. As you obvs know being contacted by PR companies to attend events and review products is def a perk but also alot of hard work to write up a thoughtful review.

I completely agree with many of your suggestions, Shannon, espesh those about professionalism (not just bloggers could use that lesson either lemme tell ya) but just want to remind some more seasoned bloggies that it's not ONLY the "newbies" who are cloggers (love this word, Amber). Some of us work very hard and the sense of entitlement that I've experienced sometimes comes from girls who work in the industry and feel like they should receive everything on a silver platter, whereas some of us newbies are still more than content with a sample size tester.

I didn't start blogging to "get stuff" though I have been approached now and then. Some I have accepted, others I turned down.

At the same time, I see nothing wrong with approaching a company concerning a product, or an author about a book. The worst they can say is no and I can accept that. But sometimes I am fortunate, get a yes, and who knows where that may lead?

Very good points made, though, thanks!

Bianca - darling anyone that knows me knows how the agency was started. I moved to NYC with $50.00 in my pocket and slept on a friends floor in a sleeping bag for a year until I could afford a bed. The agency began years later with three clients in one room with no staff. No investors - the rest is history. When you do good things, good people follow.

I couldn't agree more! As a journalism student, I'm constantly researching consumer opinions/thoughts/insights about various products via blog websites. However, nowadays I can't even decipher which blogs are endorsing a product based on paid compensation vs. actual opinion. This damages both the blog's credibility AND the product (brand's) credibility!

Shannon,

I am SO glad that you wrote this article. I swear the entitlement I have seen over the past 4 years is RIDICULOUS. Bianca, you really did miss the point. Nobody is saying that being a blogger entitles you to certain things that others are not. Just work hard at being professional and not begging someone to send you a La Mer cream just because you want to try it but its really expensive and you can't afford it. Don't clog up message boards asking for PR contacts, just write good content and trust me, they will come...just like field of dreams.

Like another commenter said earlier, I have worked very hard at cultivating and maintaining my professional relationships. You know what, yes I think that is a right or a privilege to have the relationships that I do. I know that they trust me to write honest reviews, if I don't like something I don't like it and I always say when something doesn't work for me. But one persons trash can be another persons beauty treasure so I try to be objective and let my readers know that if it didn't work for me it may well work for them.

Professionalism is something that is sorely lacking the blogosphere and I am happy to mentor/help anyone that wants to start a blog. Educate yourself instead of bashing those that have taken the time to use the professional experience they have gained to advance their careers.

I couldn't agree more on the entitlement part. I thought it was hilarious when someone who approached me asking for help with getting a few PR contacts, when it was exactly two days since he/she opened the blog. This is WRONG on so many levels. I blocked that person.

That being said I don't think it is right for seasoned bloggers to go on and on about it on social platforms. Unless there is a good amount of passion and writing skills involved the blog is not going to sustain. Nobody wants to read a boring blog and no PR person even if contacted multiple times is going to send a product out without knowing what the viewership is. No PR rep is going to extrapolate a few bad experiences to all bloggers. It comes with territory for them and I am sure they know how to handle such requests. The relationship you have with each PR rep is unique and yours completely to keep or destroy. A few sample requests from a newbie is not going to change it
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Personally I don't think any time needs to spent on coming with names for such people unless somebody has too much of it on their hands. The web is free - just as aonymous hate comments come in everyday , blogs will come up and go too unless the people behind it are passionate to keep it running.

I love the advice given here. Lots of new bloggers don't know that most brands require a certain minimum number of readers / unique visitors to qualify to receive a sample from them. This article is a great starting point & should clarify a lot of doubts.

Bloggers who have been around for a while do a lot of this entitlement thingy too. They do a lot of copy pasting of press releases too. Most newbies learn from what exists.

I have to say that this is pretty much the very reason that I have removed myself from working with PR recently.

I don't WANT to go to any more events or on anymore trips because I don't want to be included in THAT group. I have been saying No left and right and it feels good to say no.

I've been around the type of blogger you speak of- I've seen them look me up and down and ask "who's your contact for Ivy's shoes? That sling? Her outfit? Your diaper bag?" I bought them all myself!

It's uncomfortable and unbecoming. I don't like to be around it. I am happy to keep my blog all to myself and my content my own. I've learned a lesson and will only work on occasion with a brand that FITS me and my personal content. That doesn't happen often, so you won't see it often with me from now on.

Also, regarding traffic- I always wonder if PR looks at quality over comments. You can have a really crappy blog that does a giveaway so it gets a ton of traffic & comments on giveaway posts but does that really reflect on influence and accurate traffic? Do people come back if there isn't a freebie?

Steph

Thank you for providing such valuable insight on this subject matter. It helps to know what brands really desire out of bloggers, and it's reassuring to know that some PR firms can see through the ploys and intentions of disingenuinous bloggers. I am proud of I have conducted myself as a blogger, and hope that more PR companies will favor blogs such as ours http://www.4tunate.net that are building powerful relationships with their audience and creating a positive impact in the community, both online and offline.
Again, I truly appreciate your honesty and input!

Wow, lots of great comments here!

@Katie, I agree not all newbies are like this and sometimes "veteran" bloggers are.

@Headacheslayer No, there's nothing wrong with approaching a brand at all. What I was talking about was in "how" some bloggers are approaching brands..and again by approach I mean "demand."

@Rachel, look for personality and watch the blog comments. If a blogger in genuinely involved and has written the post from the heart, then they are worth reading.

@Lianne Agreed.

@little italy I think bloggers are beginning to become more vocal about it as the news media paints a negative picture on us. And now with the FTC looking to enforce their guidelines only on bloggers, that's just another reason you are hearing about this a lot more now.

@Steph You can bet that traffic is always checked and looked at over a period of time, not just based on the current month for the exact reason you state. The other thing is that client's have certain expectations and standards. A blog one client might might feel is a good fit, may not be a good fit for a different client, so yes, aesthetics and quality of content are looked at too.

@QuatroMama Yes, we see right through it. What many bloggers don't realize is that many brands and firms are buzzing about these bloggers. We all know who they are, it's just unfortunate they aren't so self aware of how they come across and how they are reflecting on the rest of the blogosphere.

I just happened upon this rich and informative dialogue and i just have to say thank you to everyone. I am new to blogging so all of this information is invaluable. I had no idea about recieving samples or requesting them..lol I post about products or brands i have personally used or i am interested in trying .

As a beauty professional, I have always faciltated worshops and conferances and people would ask if i had a blog. I did really have a clue about blogging so that led me to start reading and researching. As mentioned previously you can tell the difference from a copy/paste post and one that is written from the heart. From my short time in the game i see a good blog requires patience, professionalism, passion and dedication. (lol, i hope you didn't expect a 4th P) I wish us all the blessings in our endeavors.

@Shannon - thank you for this article which was the catalyst for a wealth of information
@Mr. Pierce keep inspiring the world! Your story changed your life and will change many others.

QuatroMama - blantantly listing your url, nice way to give yourself a plug. T-A-C-K-Y! No one needed to hear "how you do it on your site." You missed the whole "being professional" part of this article.

When I first sat down with Shannon and we discussed the creation a post on the topic of entitled bloggers we were both experiencing it from a fellow blogging perspective and a PR outlook. What transpired were many responses, tweets, Facebook emails and posts. There were however a few chords that hit a good note that I haven’t been able to put out of my mind and would love to amplify.

Adventures in Babywearing hit the spot when she painted a picture of being at events having bloggers wanting to swap PR contacts like baseball cards. On average we receive about 3 to 5 emails a day of new beauty and fashion bloggers who have just launched and would like “stuff.” They also want to be added to our media lists and kept in the loop. I hate to say this but we 9 times out of 10 will delete those emails, the blogs are just not client worthy. This has nothing to do with being a blog, rather we wouldn’t pitch our clients to magazines that are poorly designed, public access cable shows that are only viewed by a handful of people or a local newsletter that will wind up on the floor of litter box. It’s simply too time consuming as everything hit we get runs a metric ROI report and then has to be quantantively explained to our clients, it’s goes into more detail then just a pitch.

Adventures in Babywearing also said that the PR specialists will find you if your blog is good enough. I think for us that is the best advice ever. Very few magazine editors or segment producers of top TV shows call a PR agent and ask for items. They do good work, we watch all media outlets, we follow along, we pitch them and the synergy begins. If your blog is the best, it’s ranked well, it has SEO, it looks good, it reads well, you have people following you, we will not just find you but we will create a professional relationship with you that is mutually beneficial for both you, your readers and our clients.

On the subject of traffic, PR people don’t really look at track backs or comments, rather we look to see what your monthly impressions are, how do people find your website, what other sites do they go to after they leave yours. Also, more importantly what is the demographic of your reader. Those are the types of questions our clients ask. They don’t care about blog giveaways.

SanTara – thank you for the compliments on life changing stories. I have many more.