Some 8% of bloggers are earning revenue from their blogs according to the 2007 Report on American Journalism. Advertising is a popular way these blogs make money. In most cases, this involves placing ads around your content.

However, last year, a new model emerged. Companies like PayPerPost, ReviewMe, Blogsvertise started offering bloggers money for reviews. The reviews didn’t have to be positive. They didn’t dictate that bloggers simply post their marketing and PR messages. They merely had to talk about the product, website, or service on their blog.

Advertisers like this model because they can reach niche markets with lots of readers. Bloggers like it because they can earn money for their efforts. But what about the readers?

Blogs have an interesting dilemma because they have a core readership that trusts what the blog writer says. So the question becomes, is it ethical for the blogger to write about something they’re being paid to write about and not disclose that it’s a paid review?

As you might imagine, there are all sorts of opinions out there. My own belief is that you should disclose to your readers that you’ve been paid for the review. Then, make sure your review is balanced and truthful rather than a rah-rah pitch for the company who paid you.

Random Posts

• The #1 Mistake Most Small Businesses Make with Their Marketing
• What’s The Purpose of Gibberish Comment Spam?
• Anonymous Comments: The Problem With Not So Friendly People
• Get Listed With Google in 48 Hours
• Your 7 Step Email Marketing Strategy