Giving It* Away For Free

* it = blogging or other social media services

This topic has come up over and over and over again, from back in 2008 when Walmart launched their 11mom program.  It’s a source of discord in the blogging world, while some feel that it’s their prerogative to work for free, while others feel it cheapens the entire blogosphere.

Kim Moldovsky, who I highly respect, wrote a fabulous post on this, and I’ve been thinking about this since then.  In fact, this has been on my mind quite a bit lately – especially with both conferences happening within two weeks of each other.  While I definitely don’t have the final word on this topic, here’s what I’m thinking now.

1 – Getting Paid Doesn’t Always Mean Cold, Hard, Cash…

There’s lots of ways you can get value.  From conference sponsorship to free PR, there are loads of options.  Even a link back may be worth it to you.  But don’t sell yourself short.  You need to get a fair trade.

A badge and a hashtag do NOT EQUAL VALUE…

And, I’m not talking about getting paid for reviews.  Those will always continue to be editorial (with free products received).  I mean campaigns.  Videos. Focus groups. Blog posts for other blogs. Consulting – etc, etc, etc…

2 – If You Are Looking on The Outside, You May Make the Wrong Assumption

I had conversations with three totally different people over the past few weeks who had the wrong impression about my relationship with a company.  They assumed I wasn’t getting value and were surprised to hear that I was.

3 – Don’t Second Guess Yourself

There will be times you’ll say no.  And then dozens of other bloggers will say yes, and you’ll be tempted to feel like you made a mistake.  If it feels wrong to you, it’s wrong.  That doesn’t mean it’s wrong for everyone.

4 – If You Promote Every Company That Asks, Eventually Your Voice Will be Diluted

Be selective, please?  Because if you keep saying yes, at some point your voice will mean nothing.

5 -  Don’t Lose Your Community

You are valued because of your community.  If you alienate your community, you aren’t valuable anymore.

Opinions?  Did I miss anything?