Bloggers and PR Blackouts

I’m somewhat attuned to the goings on in the mom blogger circles, mostly because I am one. But boy, am I a little bit late to this party. That’s okay, I’m going to tell you about it anyway.

I first heard about a PR Blackout via Susan Getgood at Marketing Roadmaps. She wondered why people do things that they don’t get enjoyment from, which is what it seems is happening to some Momdot members.

Momdot is a community site where mom bloggers can gather together and hang out with other mom bloggers. Or something along those lines (I couldn’t find an about page). They have a call-in show and last week, many bloggers complained about being burnt out. They are tired of reviews and giveaways. They’re afraid if they say “no” they won’t get any more pitches. And so Momdot decided to issue a challenge to its members. One week in August, just stop all PR and go back to blogging about family, hobbies, and whatever else suits them. A PR Blackout Challenge.

Some moms seemed relieved and ready to participate. Others, who have been painted as overly critical, couldn’t understand why a blackout is necessary. If you’re overwhelmed, just don’t do it — that’s what several of the commenters who wouldn’t be participating said.

But Caroline McCarthy at CNET questioned whether “mommy bloggers” need to grow up and just take time away when needed, rather than “missing the point” by doing a blackout. And then Liz Gumbinner wrote an article at BlogHer that questioned the movement and the stress moms were feeling. She wondered why a “PR Blackout,” which seems to alienate the PR community, instead of a “Write Well Week” or something of the sort. Although Momdot claimed that wasn’t the point, it was just what they named the movement, it could have some ramifications in PR-blogger relations.

There are two things to learn here:

1) If your company’s PR people or firm are contacting bloggers about reviews and giveaways, be courteous. Some bloggers complained that PR reps were bugging them constantly about when they would post. Let your PR people know that’s unacceptable. No one likes to be harassed.

2) And if you are a blogger who feels pressured by reviews and giveaways, take a break. Or just stop altogether. If a PR person is too pushy for your tastes, politely decline and move on. It’s not the end of the world, nor is it the end of your chances to do reviews. If it’s causing you that much stress, let it go and spend time with your family.

Not all bloggers feel that a blackout is the way to go, so you PR people keep looking for bloggers you want to work with. Trust me, there are enough of them out there.

image: sxc.hu