I’ve always been open and transparent about my dealings with brands here on the blog. You’ll find a pretty frank Disclosure policy over on my About page (if you haven’t seen it already) that outlines certain things – like how I handle third-party sponsored content, for example. I enjoy dealing with PR firms, by and large, because apart from being given opportunities, it can be an educational experience and, this is important, you come to realise your own worth.
Also, by and large, PR firms or businesses with their own internal personal relations representatives, are easy to deal with and have a job to do – just like me – and are getting better and better at not only judging the pulse of what attracts a blogger’s interest, but doing it in a way that is respectful.
In sum: some are delightful and work hard at creating a point of difference while telling a story. And some suck.
But how can that be? some of you might be asking. Let me explain why, using case studies of events that have occurred just within this past week.
Last Friday, I was invited to an intimate blogging event at Red Finch Boutique in Eltham – a consignment store that opened several months ago. I attended for several reasons.
- It was literally around the corner from my house, less than a five minute walk. (Amazing!)
- As you can see by my ‘Thrifty Thursday’ category, and my strong feelings for buying second clothing where possible, it was only natural for me to want to know a little more about how consignment – an area within this field – works.
- I wanted to support local business.
- I like clothes. Pretty simple.
The bloggers who attended that evening were treated to a fashion show, drinks and nibbles. The sort of thing one might expect from such an event. However, my favourite part was when boutique owner Sarah Woolway got up to talk and share her story about why she started the business, her hopes for it and her vision. She wanted it to be a warm, inviting establishment where women could come and feel special, and buy affordable designer clothes. Her passion for her business, and her family, was lovely to witness.
I was given a lovely thank you present as I left, and warm wishes. There was no pressure or expectation that I had to blog about it. I felt valued.
Now…
Apparently today is National Relaxation Day. But I do not feel relaxed, and the irony of that says a lot. I know its National Relaxation Day because I received a pitch related to it in an email the other day. I was told about the importance of slowing down and relaxing. Get pampered. I was offered a package full of products that would supposedly assist to this end.
I replied I would perhaps consider doing it as a giveaway instead. (I often say no to packages because I’m not big on ‘stuff’ and it can be hard to get down to the post office.) I didn’t hear back.
Yesterday, as it happened, I did manage to swing by my PO Box and I got notice of a parcel pickup. Which was odd, as I wasn’t expecting anything. It got even stranger when a box was brought out (badly taped) and looked like it had been battered a bit in transit. I brought it home and opened it. Inside was hair and bath products. And washing detergent. A electronic heatpack too.
No note, no letter. Nothing. I didn’t have a clue about it.
Later, I received an email from the same person who’d contacted me earlier, reminding me about National Relaxation Day and wondering if I had received the parcel, and how much they would love a review of one of them.
And then it hit me. THIS was the package?! The one offered to me and I then suggested to give to readers?! I simultaneously thanked God I hadn’t given it away and was aghast at the situation. How is washing one’s own hair relaxing? How is washing clothes in any way even close to be deemed as resembling relaxing? I sat and blinked, all the housewifely stereotypes flashing before my eyes.
I slept on it, held off replying until this morning (I’m getting better at that), and signed off my email with this:
“What sort of implicit message is that you’re sending to not only the bloggers you’re reaching out to, but that you then hope that we turn around and tell our readers?
I have no issue or complaint about any of the products on an individual level at all – I just find the link between the two lazy.”
I got a reply – and wait, there’s more.
I discovered that there was no tenuous link, such as I suggested, between these cleaning products and National Relaxation Day. They were specifically chosen with that connection in mind.
I was then again asked if I would be “inclined” to post something about this across my networks?
And, oh boy, will I. Just not in the way they hoped.
I’m not going to name the PR firm, nor will I mention the multinational company they are representing. I don’t see the need. Truth is, this happens. I’ve heard many a story about ridiculous campaign strategies and gimmicks. Some bloggers laugh it off. In some circumstances, there’s been a dialogue with the PR firm and they’ve taken feedback or criticism on board. And that’s heartening to see.
I take responsibility at my own part in this – I didn’t read the original email as carefully as I should have because all the products I ended up receiving were documented in it as being part of the package. This is why I’m thankful this story turned out this way, if that makes sense.
The main thing I’d like people to take away from this post is not the example of the bad, but one of the good. By knowing better you do better, and I count myself in the mix.
But you can be damn sure I’d never say to someone, Are you stressed? Perhaps your clothes aren’t soft enough. Here – try some softening washing soap. Feeling better now?
Because no. No, no, no.
{Image: Flickr}
