How do you guys feel about guest posts?
I know I'm posting 3 times in a day (and I have a 4th post that I could publish today but I'll wait until tomorrow!).
But, I want to ask you while I'm thinking about this.
I often get emails from people who'd like to guest post on my blog. Bloggers often do this as a way of marketing their blog, and sometimes companies do this to market their websites. And sometimes, people just have something they want to share with my readers (the shaving article and Juliana's Preparing for Christmas articles fall into this category).
I've decided that from here on out, I'm only going to consider publishing guest posts from fellow bloggers (as opposed to guest posts from people promoting a website). Guests posts of the latter sort just feel too much like advertising to me.
Even when it comes to posts from fellow bloggers, though, I'm still a little bit hesitant, so I wondered what your feelings are.
Do you feel bummed out when you come here and find that the day's post is from someone other than me?
Or do you not care, as long as the guest post is something similiar to the posts I write?
Or do you enjoy hearing from someone with a different style every now and then? (it's ok if you do!)
Let me know! I'm anxious for your input. 🙂
I think we're all here to find better and innovative ways to save money, so as long as it's regarding that topic....more power to you! But you're right, I don't want to go to a money saving blog and feel bombarded with advertisements! (but on the same token, if you were reviewing a product you loved, I'd personally love to hear about it!)
I'm all for guest posts every once in a while...I mean, I come here to read about you & your family, but you've demonstrated over the years that you're dedicated to sharing things that you value. So in my opinion, a guest post is another way for YOU to share.
Thanks for your blog, by the way. ESPECIALLY for your cinnamon swirl bread.
Yes...I think that's been my rub. Some of the guest posts pitches I get are not something I value so much that I'd want to share it. Sometimes I feel like I'd have to compromise to publish them, and I don't want to do that.
Well, I'd love to see guest posts, but I think I'm biased because I love to write guest posts!
But in all seriousness, I think it's refreshing to hear a new voice and as a reader, I like guest posts as a way to learn about blogs that I might be interested in.
The way I see it, I come here to see what you have to say; however, if you find a fellow blogger that does something better than you, or taught you how to do something, or has something that you value but maybe a different perspective, then have them guest. I have been to blogs in the past that started opening up their blog to guest bloggers and their entire blog started to change and they lost something and I stopped going after a while. It was like they weren't writing the blog anymore, but relying on too many people to write it, or they were allowing pretty much anyone with an opinion write a piece on their blog.
Yes, that's how I felt about the shaving article...the author certainly knew more about shaving a beard than I did, and so I wanted him to share what he knew!
And yes, I hate it when blogs get taken over with guest posts or with a staff of authors.
This is a good description of how I feel also. I absolutely do not want to hear someone else promoting zir site, and I like your tone and outlook, but I could see space for other knowledge sets. Such as:
- different DIY skills (woodworking? electronics? auto or bicycle repair?);
- other methods to save money grocery shopping, say for those without Aldi or who do like to coupon (or maybe Money Saving Mom fills this niche);
- how to frugally have a pet;
- cooking things you don't usually cook (such as making stock or cutting up a whole chicken);
- "How I Became Frugal" from some who didn't start that way.
One possibility is to try a few then reask your readers about the guest posts.
Yeah, what TracyDK said. I guess she is my guest commenter 😉
I'm not too much of a fan of guest bloggers ( sorry 🙁 ) - although it wouldn't discourage me from reading your blog if you featured them from time to time.
Oh goodness, don't be sorry! I want your opinions and feedback. 🙂
I prefer to hear what you write to be honest. But I'm selfish..and REALLY like your blog. Some people choose to not edit what a guest writes... but then you'd put your tone and blog integrity, and everything you've built up in their hands.. blech.
What if you had an extra tab at the top (I know..it's filling up quickly!) that said Guest posts... and you threw everything in there? Then you'd still have your space..and you give your fellow bloggers their due time in the spotlight?
Occasionally if the content is similar to yours, in the case of illness (God forbid), or vacations, I find guest posts ok. A coupon blogger I frequent just had a baby. She had guest posts and picked the posters well. It wasn't her stuff but I still enjoyed reading and was cool with it knowing the reason she wasn't around.
I agree with TracyDK as well. I tune in to read your thoughts, but you can only advise on things you've experienced. If you found guest posters that you trusted, and who have a different perspective, I think it could enrich your blog and cover that many more bases.
I agree with Reese's comments. I like reading what you write the best. I'd read what guest bloggers have to say if you think that it is worthwhile to post, but you're my fave.
I love seeing your posts, but am not opposed to guest posts either. Ideally, you could have multiple posts in a day (one from you and one from a guest) if you wished.
I am generally not a fan of guest posts. There are exceptions, but I only follow a few blogs because I am picky about writing style - a lot of the blogs out there may have good information but I can't seem to get past the writing. That being said, I would still glance at the guest post and see whether it's something that interests me. If it does, great! If not, no big deal and I'll be back tomorrow. So, while it's not my favorite thing I can definately see the appeal for you and for other readers!
I think guests posts are great for when you're going on vacation (I remember you saying how tough it was to write all those posts ahead of your last beach vacation), illness, family situation etc. from folks you think mirror your style. I don't care much for guest posts to vary your blog because we all come to your site to read your stuff!
I really have no problem with guest posts. I follow your blog because of the content on it and if someone else can add to that I'm all for it. As long as the blog doesn't transform into something completely different I don't see any problem with guest posts (and heck, it's your blog, you can do what every you want!)
I know...I just wanted to know how you all felt about the issue. My gut definitely leans towards minimizing guest posts, but if you all were clamoring for them, I'd reconsider that.
Not that jazzed when I see guests posts. When I read a blog, it's because I'm interested in what the person writing it has to say. When I want to read posts from different people, I visit different blogs.
You know, I usually feel that way when I see a guest post on someone else's blog too, unless it's a really, really good one. Most of the blog authors I read have a certain tone or style that I love, and it's missing in a guest post.
I'm okay with guest posts as long as the themes and type of content doesn't change *shrug*
I agree mainly with the people that say no. Unless you did guest posts while you were on vacation or something, or if someone had something particularly interesting to say. Also, I often find that the quality of guest posts aren't as good as the original blogger (poor content, poor pictures, etc). But if it were a once/month thing, like a featured blogger or something, I'd be OK with that.
I know...it's so hard to say no to someone who submits a guest post that just isn't very good. Then I feel like a horrible stuck-up snob, and it's all just so awkward.
But I really, really don't want to publish something that's not very good!
I don't mind a guest post every now and then, I've found some wonderful blogs that way, but It bothers me when the guest bloggers seem to overrun the original blogger. As long as the majority of the content is still yours with an occasional guest thrown in for spice that's A OK with me!
Oh yes...I would never want to have more guest posts than posts from me. I feel so sad when blogs end up that way!
Guest posts annoy me unless they are really groundbreaking stuff. If it is fantastic and reasonably short, I like it. If it looks long and mediocre and not very much like what's normally posted, I move on. Anything in moderation is probably ok. 🙂
I don't think I would mind reading a guest post as long as it is on topic and not too much advertising.
I really enjoy reading your blog. I especially love your recipes and photo information you have. I read your blog along with a few others mainly because I find it family oriented with a lot of the same interest I have. I understand having a quest blogger in certain situations, I just don't care for the commercialism of lot of them.
Me too! Blech. So many of the offers I get from freelance writers are really from people hired by a company to plant links, and it's so stinking sneaky. I hate it.
I've made it so very clear that I do not accept advertising in my posts, and they just try to sneak it in anyways.
You guys are so helpful...thank you! Keep the input coming. 🙂
Meh...I read your blog because I love the way YOU post! 🙂 I understand that maintaining a blog is an awful lot of work and guest posts are a nice way to break it up, but sometimes I feel like guest posts lose the feel of the original blog. If it was a once in a while thing and it was about a topic that you aren't very versed in, it might be a different story. If you were to have a guest post on baking, for example, that would be really silly!
That WOULD be funny. Unless it was a post about baking pie crusts. Because I am very much the opposite of an expert on pastry pie crusts.
Cookie and graham crackers crusts though? I've got 'em handled. lol
Cold hands and COLD water, vinegar & egg!!
And Cook's suggests using vodka!
Ok, you have permission to have someone do a guest post on pie crust!...but if you have one on bread, I might have to stop reading 😉
I'm suddenly craving pie now...
because of Cook's, I use 1part vodka to 2parts water and it really helps!! As for guest posts, I'm kinda disappointed when I come across one...unless it's great or a personal transition type story. But I really love it when bloggers share some Link Love. Always looking for new frugal tips that might fit, so I appreciate finding new sites to add to my favorites.
And grate the butter rather than cutting it in. Takes a long time but is much easier to learn.
I once wrote a long post to the regretably-defunct Gail's Recipe Swap on the Technique and Science of Pie Crust, just to make sure *I* understood what to do and why. No pix though. I don't know if there's room on this blog for a baking post without pictures.
I don't like guest posts. I feel that I come to a certain blog to read that blogger
and if I see a guest post I think they are just being lazy about not posting.
I'd rather see no post at all. As far as posts while hour on vacation you shouldn't
stress and write all that ahead of time just put up a I'll be on vacation notice and leave it at that.
A guest post occasionally is fine but some blogs that I go to have other bloggers rather frequently. I look forward to reading your blog and others so I am a little disappointed when another blogger is writing. On the other hand, I have stumbled across blogs that I would have never read, if not for the guest post. As with all things, moderation is key. Just my two cents 😉
I think guest posts are fine when they're an occasional thing. For example, I love xkcd.com, an online comic. The writer is currently going through some personal stuff, and has been posting guest comics that are done in the theme of xkcd. This is fine, but if it was a regular thing, I'm not sure I stick with reading the comic, since what I love is the writer's stuff, not the guests'.
I think you have good standards for your blog, so if you chose to post the occasional guest post (because you're on vacation, have something going on in your personal life, or want to find someone willing to post on Sundays), I trust your judgement in only allowing guest posts that fit the style, quality, and purpose you've established for your blog.
Sorry, I'm not a big fan of guest posts either. When I go to a blog and see a guest post, I skip that blog for the day. I don't even read it. I have a few favorite blogs that I read everyday. I just like to hear their voices, not someone else's.
I'm always disappointed when I go to my regular blogs and see a guest blogger. If I wanted to read other bloggers' ideas, I would go to other blogs. I suppose there might be an exception if you found a really great post about something, but I wouldn't want to see more than one every month or two. Like you, I'd be afraid of the quality of the writing and ideas--I would probably set up some kind of "jurying" of the guest posts, rather than just say I would accept whatever they sent me. I log on every day because I enjoy hearing about your ideas, your family life, etc, so would hate to lose that daily contact. I'm always disappointed when you are on vacation or whatever and don't post every day--though I totally understand that life sometimes comes first and there are some days that you just can't get a post up!
I read pretty consistently, but I don't comment much (and I don't have much to add). I think guest bloggers would be great. I have really enjoyed some of the links you have (owlhaven, for example) on your site, so I suspect that you would choose great guests.
Thank you for asking for our feedback. At first I was going to say I wouldn't mind as long as the guest posts were not frequent, and as long as you controlled what was on here, but I see by your comments that you are very careful to manage what you allow on your blog. I appreciate that. It is YOUR blog, so that person is representing you.
I love your blog and try to read it every day. The only thing I would say that doesn't match with the majority of the other comments here is that I don't think I'd like guest posts to appear when you are on vacation. I agree with Wanda that I'd prefer you just not have anything up when you are on vacation than to have guest posts. I think it would make me skeptical that you were really in control of what was being posted on your blog at that time (unless there was an introduction form you for each blogger who appeared on your blog...) Anyway, I feel silly telling you that, but you did ask for our feedback so there's mine.
As long as the guest's post is something you would be interested in but maybe dont know much about, or and idea you think is good!I wont stop reading your blog though!!
Eh...I would prefer if there were no guest posts. Like some other people have mentioned, I get bummed when I go to a blog, and there's a guest post. I can't imagine the work involved in keeping up a great quality blog like yours, but I'm sure it's more work to keep it "all you." However, I really appreciate it! Thank you for all you do 🙂
I don't mind the occasional guest post but, like others said, only when it would be something that you feel someone else has more to say about than you. Most people come here to read you (myself included) so I'd keep it REALLY occasional. That's my two cents! 🙂 Love the sweet pics of your niece from a couple posts ago. 🙂
I like when i come and its a post from you.. it might be cool to have a guest poster..
but maybe you could do your own post along with the guest poster.... 🙂
Ideally guest posts would be 1) something we would all want to read 2) high caliber, and 3) from a blog that you enjoy.
I'm not opposed to guest bloggers, and I think if you have the right to refuse a post, you will be able to post guest pieces with the interest of your readers in mind!
While I would have a horrible time posting a piece that I felt needed editing, it's also a sticky spot to edit someone's blog post. For grammatical or spelling errors, or something that's factually incorrect though, I think I would have to contact the author and make the edits!
A guest post once in awhile is not a bad thing. I really enjoy your blog; I love reading your great frugal ideas.
I haven't commented before but I LOVE your blog. I don't mind the occasional guest post (ie cover for vacations etc), but honestly, I'm usually rather disappointed when I see them. I'm pretty selective with what I read and don't like surprises 😉
But it's your blog. If you feel it's something you believe in and adds to the content/feel/message you want, then go for it. You are pretty honest/consistent about the content you post and if you deem a guest post "post-worthy" then I'll read it happily!
I really do like your site and I know on occasion I've posted comments that you've probably rolled your eyes at. However, like I said, you're one of my favorite sites that I check out each day and I think having a guest post once in awhile doesn't hurt. Like others have said, if it is a person that you enjoy reading, then I'm sure that would work. If you're on vacation or not feeling up to it, it might be a good idea to have that resource to tap into. If it doesn't work out, then it was an experiment, and you can stop it.
Yours is a blog I read every day (Yay for FG365!). I feel like I'm hearing your voice as I read your encouraging words. Recently another blogger that we both love got discouraged after some terribly unkind comments were posted on her site and she decided to take a break. I am (almost) embarassed to admit how much I missed her voice in my everyday world. I'm glad that she's back and my point is this: Do whatever you have to do to keep yourself from getting discouraged or burned out. Your family and your life come first, the rest of us are just lucky to be drafting along behind you.
Kristen - I reckon there is a place for guest posts in the majority of blogs. Some of the best blogs I have found have been by either someone guesting on another or from them leaving comments I can relate to. I found you via NCA and I am really glad I did. I'd try it out - you will soon know whether it works or not, that's the beauty of blogging, it's adaptable and editable and easily to change tack should you need to - if you stick with your instinct you won't go far wrong - I know you'll only allow guests that add value and fit with your ideals (the review you wrote about the frugal book from the guy whose name I can't remember still sticks in my mind - that was one honest review! power to you!). So my vote is yes... Jo (simplybeingmum - family life simply done)
Guest posts would be great, as long as it is in a similar vein to your own blog. And so long as it isn't *too* often -- once a month, maybe?
Go for the guest posts if they have something to say that you feel is important to say and in the spirit of your blog. Sometimes other people have something to say in a different way than you would, and makes you think. You just never know how you might reframe your thinking if asked a question or presented a point of view in a different way.
I really enjoy reading your posts. I like your writing voice and I learn a lot from you. As such, I'm not a huge fan of guest posts. However, if you only have occasional guest posts and they are relevant to your blog and fall in line with the things you write about, I am sure I would enjoy them. I'd also love to learn about new blogs that are similar to yours that may be more local to me, so that would make me happy!
Guest posts are fine for me as long as they are on topic and similar to you. And I'd keep them to a minimum, but I'm okay with 2-3 a month without batting an eye.
The Tightwad Gazette was made up of so many reader ideas and I loved that. I liked that Amy wrote it in the style she did, but then there would be areas that were clearly from a guest. We learn so much from each other.
I did a series of guest posts on the same topic, but I solicited the posts. I found people whose writing style I liked and who I knew would cover the topics I wanted them cover. I got a little promotion on their blog and they got promotion on mine.
I choose to post guest posts on things I don't know very much about or feel like I can no longer contribute well on that topic. For example, about a month after I got my job, I did my series featuring other unemployed librarians so that my readers (many of whom are library school students) could get a wider perspective of what job hunting in the field was like from people other than me.
I'm also thinking of having a guest post about budgeting since I need a budget and I suck at it. But I would find a person to write the post, not the other way around. It's a bit more work, but I feel like I can have more control over what is being said that way.
Sorry this is long, but I would to see guest posts on your blog as long as they worked with your message about living frugally, but cheerfully. So if you had people wanting to write about those topics, I say go for it!
I do not mind guest posts at all and feel they may offer information we could all enjoy but I wouldn't like them if they were not consistent with the way you run this blog. I hardly go to the blogs anymore that are filled with advertising. I like that you advertise only what you believe in and not an excessive amount of ads. I would hate to miss one of your posts though so could you still post that day as well, as long as your not on vacation or something. I really enjoy your blog and your perspective on things.
I do enjoy learning about new blogs this way but so long as they are in line with what you are doing. I found Caty's blog through you!
I'd like guest posts occasionally. Once or twice a month, maybe. And only if they continue with the frugal theme, of course. But it would be interesting to sometimes hear somebody else's twist on frugality, particularly if they have a unique perspective. I don't have time to read many blogs, so it would be nice to see what frugality means to somebody who lives rural, or has no kids, or something totally different from your life. However, I read YOUR blog because I enjoy YOUR perspective and values, so I wouldn't want it to become a "Kristin and friends" blog.
I trust that you do screen the advertising blogs and are looking out for what might be of interest to us as it should be of interest to you as well. So if it comes through then I know its something you are wanting to share as well!
I think guest posts would be okay if they stick with the theme - so Wednesdays (or Thursdays) as recipes, and Friday as food waste, and Saturday as grocery shopping and menus... but not too many, please. I like your writing. 🙂
I like the occasional guest post - this is the way I have discovered most of the blogs I currently read! However, when I read a blog that has about as many guest posts as posts by the blogger herself, it's kind of disappointing. I like reading your blog mainly because I like YOU as a blogger (how you write, what you write about, the fact that I agree with the things you say, etc). Also, after awhile your readers really start to take an interest in your family and day-to-day life! So that's my opinion - occasional guest posts are good if kept to a minimum!
Hi Kristen,
I love reading your posts and would prefer that they be by you. I realize it's a lot of work for you but I'd rather read less frequent FG posts than more frequent posts by other bloggers. Linking to other interesting posts might be an idea.
Hello Kristen,
I really liked Elizabeth L's perspective (post #57), about you soliciting the guest posts. I feel that would be a great way for you to share a topic you are not as versed in, while still maintaining the quality that we all know and love.
I wouldn't mind seeing a guest post from time to time, for your personal flexibility and convenience. I think that by having you select guest posts would be another way for you to share "your" ideas with us.
Perhaps instead of a guest blogger you would prefer to have a "Great Idea" post with links to a specific post from other bloggers you would like to feature. You could get permission to repost their post of interest and perhaps comment briefly on it yourself.
Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will be done with thought and integrity, two reasons that keep us all coming back!
I very much agree with her last sentence. Nice job Alice.
I agree with the comments that if you find it interesting enough to share, it's your blog and we, your loyal readers, are interested in what you find interesting. I enjoy reading about ways you have found to simplify life and live well frugally, and love your recipes, so I imagine I would take just us much pleasure reading the occasional guest post from someone else who also has something interesting to share along those lines 🙂
And if we, again the loyal readers, end up not liking it, I am sure you will hear about it- LOL!
I think guests posts are ok sometimes. I actually like interviews, so if you had time to send someone some questions about frugal living or their specific subject they are writing, that might be a good option.
I love your blog & I feel if its something you want to share with us...then its quite all right!
I agree with William - a guest post would be a great opportunity to offer a wider variety of information. I've really enjoyed reading about how you organize your life and your time. A big part of that is playing to your own strengths. However, you've also said many times that each person must find what is right for his own life. I think even a weekly guest post on a topic that embodies "cheerfully living on less" with your commentary would be a nice addition. You are obviously committed to the integrity of your blog, so I have no worries about the blog changing too much. Keep it on topic and non-commercial, and your blog may even be better for it.
and hey, if it stops working for you... you can always decide not to accept any further guest posts!
I like the guest posting concept, though I've only done it on my own site twice for the same reasons you mentioned. I think the important things are that the topic fits in with what you generally share here, and you feel like the blogger and the post are things that fit well with you.
"I've decided that from here on out, I'm only going to consider publishing guest posts from fellow bloggers (as opposed to guest posts from people promoting a website). "
I have to say that I find this comment really interesting, especially considering how you accept things from companies so you'll write about them to promote their stuff. Isn't that basically the same thing as a post from someone to promote a website, except it's in your own words?
I guess I'm just writing this because I really don't understand how Shabby Apple dresses have anything to do with frugality, especially as their dresses are anywhere from $50 on up past $100. Not exactly frugal, if you ask me.
Which you didn't ... but I still feel like I needed to comment.
The difference between a guest post and a post of my own is that my readers generally do not like posts written by other people, but I get an overall positive response when I write review/giveaway posts. It's about happy readers. 😀
Shabby Apple is not the cheapest place to buy clothes, just like Novica is not the cheapest place to buy jewelry. Also, much of the kitchen equipment I recommend is not the least expensive option out there. I'm not opposed to spending money, I just think it should be spent mindfully and that it should buy high quality items and should support companies who operate in an ethical way.
Shabby Apple dresses are well made and should last for a good long time (so in the long run, they make more sense than a bunch of cheap Old Navy dresses), and I liked that their company supports small businesses owned by women around the world. I like Novica for the same reasons...it's handmade, quality stuff and supports small businesses in other countries. And I recommend sometimes-expensive kitchen equipment because I think it's smart to buy things that last.
I hope that helps to explain my thinking a bit. And it's totally fine if you hated the Shabby Apple giveaway. 🙂 I posted about it on a day when I normally don't blog, so people could feel free to skip it if they wanted to.