In some, (I have no idea how many) one had to fill out an application and apply for the privilege. Folks were clamoring for the opportunity.
A significant criteria in many of the offers was that the applicant blogger have no less than 100 followers. I understand some "big" blogs were overwhelmed with requests and had to shut down the whole operation, having quickly filled their quota of desired affiliates. Imagine the bruised feelings and sensibilities of those who didn't make the cut!
What's my take on this? I don't have much of an opinion really. I guess blogs, and book blogs in particular are becoming a business and job for many. They see it as an opportunity to use it as a spring board to bigger and greater things. It has an air of exclusivity to it, but that's human nature. People feel good when they can say they are or are connected to the "best." That's the psychology behind "designer" and luxury labels. I am a practicing therapist after all.
Imagine. All this going on and here I am, all by my lonesome, plugging along, getting followers the old fashioned way: one solitary, thoughtful post at a time. Well, for what it's worth, I'm extremely grateful to all those who have deemed me worthy to visit, read what I have to say and leave comments when you're inspired to do so. You know you have my sincerest thanks - now and always.
Toodles!
Amen! I agree.
ReplyDeleteThanks Red. I just try to keep things simple and sincere.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of it, but not joined any of them. I don't see anything wrong with helping each other out but I also don't think I need to feel out a application. Why can't I just say hey..would you like to be a guest on my blog..or something like that..lol. I like hosting other bloggers on my blog but I don't think they should have to feel out a application like they would a job. :)
ReplyDeleteWell that's what I found so intriguing. It is very much like applying for a job. As a therapist, it made me think of the psychological elements inherent in this for the blogger that requires the application and the blogger who is applying...interesting :-) Thanks for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I agree! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Jen!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, June, that I hadn't heard about that. I guess I'm one of those going about it the old fashion way too. Nothing wrong with that. ";-)
ReplyDeleteHey Sheri, retro is good!
ReplyDeleteGood old fashioned honest communication is the easiest way to make and keep followers in my opinion. Jumping on every new fad has never appealed and the thing about being an affiliate means you are "obligated" to produce something. Blogging is a "hobby" for me. It is for fun, it is not about being the biggest the greatest the best and or the brightest. Blogging is about having fun on my computer when I want to and how I want to, that simple..
ReplyDeleteHey June, good on you the old fashioned "gather followers one thoughtful post at a time"!
jackie b central texas
Of which I'm proud to say, you were one of my first! Faithful and true. Many thanks Jackie! I mean that.
ReplyDeleteI just understood the term "affliates" about 3 weeks ago! I'm like you, I am going along the old fashion way. Oh, and I totally deem you worthy to follow! I like to read your posts, especially ones like this one, that have lots of meaning and controversy tied in.
ReplyDeleteKayla, I just try to keep it real.Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot :-)
ReplyDeleteI see both sides of the penny.
ReplyDeletePersonally...I refuse to be held down man ;) *wink*
I swear that's a movie line :)
Happy Blog Hoppin' Friday!
-Juju
Tales of Whimsy.com :)
Sounds like a plan Juju. I'm with you on that. Thanks for hopping by.
ReplyDeleteI'm an amazon affiliate on my book blog and I've tried other affiliate programs on my other blog but I guess I don't get enough visitors because no one's clicked on my links. So I took them down. I think next time I try an affiliate I'll make sure it's for a company I really love and want to support even if I wasn't making any money.
ReplyDeleteAs for the mad rush to fill out a form, that sounds a little crazy to me.
Callista, I went to your site and clicked on the link about translation from Spanish to English. I like it, I'm saving it as a favorite! Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI like your thoughts about this and totally agree...I just read a really good article about losing yourself when your blog has too many followers...I will send it to you...
ReplyDeleteI am open to the affiliate idea but I like to think that when I see something note worthy on another persons blog such as a great post, a blog hop, a contest, etc I will post that on my website because my readers may like to know and...well I just think its a book blogger "best practice" and not because I am an affiliate. With that said I am always up for making and messaging new bloggy friends!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I believe in your method of "gaining" followers too. Blogging isn't a business, it's for fun!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I received The Language of Secrets the other day! It came so fast! Woohoo! Thanks again.
Patty, That's an article I want to see! It never occurred to me that a person could "lose" themselves with too many followers. I never thought you could have "too many"! So yeah, send it on. I've got to check it out.
ReplyDeleteLindsey, Yeah. I'm not against affiliates as such, I was just surprised at the formality of it. The idea behind it: to help each other out, is a good one. I just don't want people feeling bad or "less than" if they don't get "choosen".
Steph, I guess if some people want to make it a business and if they can pull it off, fine, but others who are not thinking along those lines have to be careful not to let themselves become intimidated by that. If they are only doing it for fun, that's cool too and they shouldn't feel inner pressure to try and be something else. Let me know what you think of the book when you're done!