Bloggers or Hired Guns

In the last few months, those of us who write in these public spaces, share our thoughts, and often our  opinions have begun to question the unwritten ethics and guidelines underpinning what we say, write and do. Today, CK wrote Trust (and opinions), which reinforces her point of view that we should not be for hire because we owe it to our readers and ourselves to maintain a trustworthy and credible voice. Like so much we write about, I see grays in the argument, however, I also am in agreement with most of what my beautiful friend says. Here is where we differ.

Although we should not be hired guns for advertisers or other marketers in our blogs nor in the comment sections of other blogs, many of us earn a substantial percentage of our incomes through our writing. We are writers for hire. For 35 years, I have been paid for my thoughts and my friendship with the written word. Furthermore, I have served as Executive Editor overseeing several magazines and never once expected my writers to work for free. In fact, when I received writer queries submitting an article proposal and the writer said I could use the piece for free, all they wanted was a byline, I tossed the query into the trash. If you believe your words are worthless, then why would I force them onto my readers.

It is a different world today because of social media tools, including blogs. And I do not write for pay here at bizsolutionsplus. You will see no advertising here or a tip jar. But, honestly, I do not see a problem nor do I distrust those who do carry advertising or post a tip jar (as long as they do not write about those who advertise with them or give them money). I don't advertise or ask for support because my blog's purpose is to offer others information that you can use in your business or ideas that may provoke your minds. I also do not expect pay from MarketingProfs Daily Fix or the BrandingWire, where my work also appears. Other than that, I expect to be paid for my work.

To add to this conversation, I will share 10 writer's guidelines for blogging. They represent my thoughts only and are not meant as rules for the blogosphere. Your feedback is encouraged and welcome.

1. Be 100% truthful in everything you write.
2. Provide your credentials in the "About" space on your blog. Readers deserve to know our backgrounds and our areas of expertise so they can judge the value of our words.
3. Don't tell readers you are credible. Let the results of your words show that you are credible.
4. Do not accept freebies, if you plan to write about them. If you do accept a freebie and write about it, include a disclaimer so readers can decide for themselves whether or not to accept your words as honest opinion.
5. If you have guest writers, vet them and then include their bios. Ensure that they are not being paid by someone other than you to write on a particular topic.
6. Be kind, even when you are being critical. It is unethical, I believe, of any writer to smash another in the mouth, even if you disagree with or dislike their positions, products and services.
7. Don't borrow from other writers without crediting them.
8. Open yourself up to your readers so that they know not only your mind but also your heart.
9. Research your topics and write factually.
10. Recognize others in the blogosphere when they offer something you want your readers to discover.

As I said, these are not rules, they represent my thoughts on creating a voice readers trust and enjoy. To become a much better list, I invite you to add to, delete from or change any of the above. And remember, we are not hired guns, even when we are writers for hire.

For another take on this subject, read Old-school values at the BuzzMachine by Jeff Jarvis.