Blogging: Dealing With Dishonest People (and brands)
Blogging: Dealing with dishonest people and brands.
There's no sugar-coating in this post, just the truth about the blogging industry and what no one seems to talk about..
There are times when I don't write as much as I want and there are times when I can't help but write what's on my mind.
People seem to think that blogging is this 'perfect' industry where everyone is nice to each other, everyone looks out for one another and everything is as perfect as what it seems on Instagram but guess what - it's not like that..... at all!
I haven't really written much about how I started blogging (I'll be writing about it in another post) but I just fell into this crazy world by chance.
It was a way for me to express my thoughts on different products and I never thought that I would be able to make a career out of it HOWEVER through blogging - I've been on quite a journey.
Everyday I learn something new, I've seen (and heard) a lot and I now understand people pretty quickly but most importantly I know how to deal with dishonesty and negativity.
In this post, I'm going to be sharing things that no one seems to speak about.
Dealing with dishonest people - and brands!
Blogging: Dealing with dishonest people (and brands)
I have never looked at blogging as a competition at who's more popular.
I look at blogging as a wonderful way for EVERYONE to express themselves in their own style.
Sadly, a lot of well-known bloggers (a lot of which I've met) seem to forget where they came from and how they started.
Suddenly, they're able to spend thousands on a handbag and exclude anyone with a 'low' amount of followers from their group of 'friends' or even unfollowing them on social media.
Yes, people are that shallow and sometimes, blogging really reminds me of school and the days when I got bullied.
However, through my own journey - I've learned to keep myself to myself, by focusing on my work, my blog and making sure that I'm constantly growing and developing this website for YOU - the lovely, loyal readers that I have.
Dealing With Dishonest Brands (1)
It's not only dishonest people that you have to deal with - there are dishonest brands out there too!
I'm not talking about smaller agencies or brands that want a blogger to do a drop-down list of things for free, no.
I'm talking about big, well-known brands who are nice to your face and then not so nice behind your back.
I'm not going to name names however this has happened to me recently with a brand that I absolutely loved.
Dealing With Dishonest Brands (2)
Working with them on different projects and collaborations - I suddenly realised that the brand had actually been taking advantage of how hard I work.
I always took the time to produce quality content for them, making sure that my readers will enjoy the posts too, taking professional photos and writing full posts BUT then, I found out that other bloggers were getting paid to simply share an image on social media - whilst getting invited to their events.
I raised the question with the brand however they didn't address the situation - the only thing I'm still waiting for, is to hear from "the correct" person to assure me that they're not taking advantage - this was over a month ago.
Since then, even though the brand had said I am on their 'VIP' mailing list - I wasn't invited to their recent event again.
Dealing With Dishonest Brand (3)
For me, it's not about the payment or events - I blog because it's something that I love and enjoy but what I don't appreciate is when a brand takes advantage of you.
Just because a blogger is kind doesn't mean that they are weak and for me, when I see a brand doesn't appreciate the work and effort - this is a where a partnership or collaboration ends.
So, how should you deal with dishonest brands?
Simple - you remove yourself from them.
Always remain polite but get your point across to show the brand that you're unhappy with the situation.
This way you're showing that you value your own time.
You value your work and you stick to your principles.
You need to show that you respect your work (and yourself) by not letting any brand, no matter how small or how well known they are, take advantage of the wonderful blogger that you are.
I really liked this honnest post showing people what it really is sometimes.
And it’s great to hear that some bloggers like you don’t sink into it.
Céline from France
https://merrygoroundgirl.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much – glad you like this post! 🙂 xxx
An excellent
Post and you show yourself to be above the fray. Life it too sort for competitive meanness, and your blog is well done and high quality. I appreciate it.
❤️❤️
Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Thank you so much – really appreciate your comment and it’s so nice to see so many people who enjoy reading these types of posts. We should all be helping one another and supporting one another, not bringing people down etc… xxx
I appreciate your honesty about the situation. When working with brands, developing a mutually beneficial relationship. If you don’t feel like you are getting your work’s worth, then end it, just like you did.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you so much Jess! Glad you enjoyed the post and it’s nice to share things which other people may not know! x
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had to deal with dishonest brands Layla, you don’t deserve that! Your honesty truly does make your blog stand out though, it’s always interesting to hear your thoughts! Have a lovely weekend babe 🙂
aglassofice.com
x
Thank you so much for your kind comment, the support on here has been so lovely to see and it’s nice to see that people understand the situation! It’s nice to share what other people might not know about and I like the fact that blogging gives you a type of platform to do so! 🙂 x
Yes to removing yourself from dishonest brands! I feel as though I’d only work with brands who represent what I believe in, and kindness is so important when working with someone. Being real is not always something you can get from blogging, so I think it’s important to stick with those who are honest, and not mind those who aren’t. Good for you for speaking out about this! xx
http://mylovelierdays.com
Aww thank you so much for your lovely comment and it’s so nice to read all these comments and see that many people also agree! I enjoy writing posts like this as I do feel many bloggers shy away and don’t want to say anything about what happens but I feel it’s good to share these types of posts and let other people know that things aren’t as perfect as what they may seem…. 🙂 xxx
Omg obsessed with this post! So brave to be so honest. I hate seeing people starting up blogs just for free things and not doing it because they have a passion for something and want to share it with similar people! Love this xxx
Awww thank you so much for your lovely comment. I agree with you and think it’s great to see people appreciating posts like this – we need to share what goes on as a lot of people think blogging is perfect but it really isn’t You need to have a passion for blogging and many people do simply set up a blog for free things…. xxx
I’ve known negative bloggers ever since I started, it’s annoying as well when they fight online. So I really distanced myself from them. However, I notice not much bloggers talk about dishonest brands and agencies. I’ve experience working with those kind of people as well, and luckily, networks like Her Campus and Revfluence are helpful. In Her Campus, members can share their experience from certain brands and agencies to inform other bloggers. While Revfluence suspends brands that violates the rules and agreements, which is the same with dishonest bloggers.
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Thank you so much for your kind comment and for your support. I don’t like seeing all the negativity online so I try to exclude myself from it all and focus on what I’m doing to hopefully provide some happiness, motivation and positive energy to others! 🙂 xxx