Ever wondered what ads/reviews/giveaways I refuse?
A number of you have asked me about this over the years, so I know at least a few of you are wondering!
Though I definitely am not opposed to earning some money for the time that I put into writing and maintaining my blog, I have standards for what I will and will not allow here.
In fact, I say no to a great proportion of what comes down the pike, and while this means I probably earn less money than other bloggers with similar audiences, I'm ok with that.
Incidentally, what I say here applies to the standards I have for my content space and for my privately sold ads...I have a little less control over the ads served by my networks, though I do try to opt out of ad campaigns that are not in line with my values. Occasionally one sneaks through, though, so if you happen to see an ad with a half-dressed lady in it or something like that, email me so I can take care of it!
In no particular order, here are some things that get a big fat, "No!" from me.
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Credit Card ads
Though I use credit cards myself, I do not recommend them for everyone. You have to be disciplined and organized in order to stay on top of your spending and bill-paying, and not everyone can do that.
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Payday Loan ads
Payday Loan businesses are extremely predatory, and I wouldn't recommend their services to anyone on the planet. I hate how they target people in bad financial straits and then put them into an even more awful place. I particularly hate that they want to target an audience like mine, because they know I'm bound to have a fair amount of readers who don't have much money.
Honestly, it disgusts me. I know I'm often all, "Live and let live!", but I loathe payday lending companies. Please, please don't ever use the "service" they offer...pretty much any other option will serve you better.
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Guest posts from companies
I've run one or two of these in the past, but a while back I decided that I was just not comfortable with it. You guys come here to read material from the perspective of someone who is in the frugal trenches with you, not someone who writes articles on every topic under the sun for the purpose of marketing their company.
So, I now say no to anyone except fellow frugality bloggers (and I'd consider publishing a guest post from one of my readers as well). It just can't be someone who is basically using my blog to market a site/company.
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Offers to insert links into my posts
I often get emails from people wanting to buy links in my posts (usually they choose fairly popular archived posts). Regardless of the sort of company this offer is from, I do not feel comfortable selling links in my posts. I especially don't want to do this sort of thing in the "inconspicous" way they want me to.
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Most non-eco friendly products
A review program was available for those Kleenex disposable hand towels that I ranted about, and of course, I passed that one up. I also generally pass up the programs for highly processed foods, since they're usually heavily packaged.
On the other hand, though most dedicated green people wouldn't use Pam, I do use nonstick baking spray regularly, so I was happy to review it.
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Products from companies that I can't support
Almost no corporation is completely blameless, but some are definitely worse than others. For instance, I could never feel comfortable working with Walmart because their business practices are not in line with my values (also, I hate shopping at Walmart!). However, I did feel very comfortable working with Aldi since their business model differs from Walmart's in a number of really important areas.
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Products I don't buy/use
Remember the Bounce dryer bar ad campaign that ridiculed men? I passed up the opportunity to review/give away that product not only because the ad campaign disgusted me, but because I don't buy fabric softener products. I also generally shy away from products that are expensive, unless I feel they're worth the price (for instance, I'm very happy to recommend the Kitchen-Aid mixer or a Canon SLR.)
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Promotions that want nothing but positivity
I prefer to have the freedom to share my honest opinion...the good and the bad. For example, I told you I didn't like the Ragu alfredo sauce, and that the Wishbone Asian bean recipe was weird (and of course, I also told you that one of the Ragu recipes and Wishbone recipes were really tasty. Balance, I say!).
Anyway, when an opportunity comes along that wants me to promote a specific point of view instead of my own organic opinion, I pass it by.
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On the positive side of things, I like to promote things that are frugal, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. I also love to promote products/services that I've used and loved for years. I've been a happy ING customer from almost the day the doors opened, I've used Ebates since that company started, I've owned Canon cameras for a long time, and I've been using my Kitchen-Aid mixer for a decade and a half now, so I'm pleased to recommend those things to you.
Now, when a new-to-me product or service makes it through my picky screening process, the odds are good that my family and I will love it, and if we love it, odds are good that some of you will too.
For instance, My Job Chart hired me to try out their free online chore chart service, and we've been faithful users ever since. It's such a great, easy way to keep on top of my children's chore duties, and it's all paperless, which I love.
And remember when I reviewed the Libman mop? Well, we're still using that on at least a weekly basis around here (I'm sort of ashamed to say that it's mostly my kids who use it!!)
Last summer REI had me do a review, and that review inspired us to go camping as a family for the first time.
Camping out made us inspired to do more outdoorsy things as a family, which means we've spent a lot more time at our local parks ever since.
And of course, you know that the Dandelion Dream shirts I reviewed and gave away last summer are big hits with my girls...they all asked for VW bus shirts for Christmas/birthdays, and they wear them every single time they come through the laundry.
So, my desire is always that these sorts of things turn out to be a win-win situation...good for me and my family, and good for you.
I hope that answers any questions that you have about my process of elimination. If not, feel free to ask away in the comments.
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Today's 365 post: Ablaze
Joshua's 365 post:Elegant
i learned the hard way about payday loans and i am currently in credit counselling to get it controlled.. seriously i am disgusted at how they lure you in and sucker punch you . and its always when you seem to be at your lowest point.. thank you for putting that up there kristen .. more people need to know so they dont end up like me with ruined credit over a silly payday loan
Michelle, sorry for being an insensitive jerk -- I was rushing through here and didn't read the comments first, so I made a silly comment about payday loans. It's no joke -- and it sucks in so many people. I wish you so much luck -- credit really does improve over time (ask me how I know) and you may have saved a lot of people with this comment. Good luck!
This is all good to know. And I'm jealous that you reviewed something from REI!
nice post!
I have to say I really appreciate that you stick to your values like this. Your blog is one of my top favourites, and I value your opinions even though we don't know each other personally. I can tell from your posts that we share similar values, so I know I can trust your insights. (Also, I'd rather hear about what's happening in your life, and ways I can live frugally, as opposed to hearing about what I should buy.) Keep it up, Kristen!
Agreed! Your consistency with message, tone, and values - and not being afraid to say what they are, and live by them - is one of the reasons I enjoy reading your blog so much. Keep it up indeed!!
I have a question for you. How do you find out about product reviews? Do they usually just find you and ask you or do you sometimes contact them and ask them if you can review their product?
There are some bloggers I know who find a company they like and just ask, "Can I review your product, and give away one on my blog?" Sometimes they'll ask you to fill out a form, or will get back to you after they have a minute to review your blog.
Sometimes folks will contact me out of the blue too.
Thanks!
Some come through BlogHer, some contact me out of the blue, like Reese said, and very occasionally, I contact a company and ask if they'd like me to review something.
I really appreciate your policy and consequently value your suggestions, although I am shocked, shocked, that payday lenders didn't make the cut :)!
This is yet another reason to love this blog!
I, too, greatly appreciate your policy. I know that I can trust your reviews to be honest, and that's great. I bought the Libman mop on your advice, and it's fantastic! (Although, um, my floors do need a bit more mopping than I do, it's not the mop's fault.)
I love this blog. It's a bright spot of positivity and thoughtfulness in an otherwise downer media culture.
I love this post! It is hard to stand up for your beliefs and stick to your guns! It makes me want to read your blog even more! Do you ever use Method cleaning products? They are affordable, environmentally responsible, and they don't test on animals! Plus they smell great. 🙂 I even just bought baby wash and lotion by Method for my newborn.
Kristen, I really like your blog because, as someone else said, it's about being frugal - learning ways to spend less and work within our budget. There is a very popular blog out there that everyone loves and I used to read, but almost daily there was a "look what a great deal this is - go buy it!" post. I don't need ideas for how to spend more money on things I don't need, even if it is a great deal! There's nothing "money saving" about that. Thank you for helping me figure out how to get by on our meager budget when my husband's income went down in the last year. I have learned so much from you!
This.... this is why I continue to read your blog (and can I just say, that mop is one of the BEST recommendations ever!).
I appreciate your honesty and your blogging values. It makes me feel like I can trust your product opinions all the more. Like how I can trust Cook's illustrated because they don't include ads in their magazine.
Recently I realized that 3 of the 4 magazines I subscribe to are advertisement-free: Cook's Illustrated, Consumer Reports, and the Nutrition Action Newsletter. I know from experience that there are good food magazines that accept ads, I know that for good product reviews one must - must - have an ad-free reviewer.
Oh, thanks for writing about this. I really appreciate that you take an active role in what you allow on your blog 😉 🙂 That's something that has crossed my mind as I would love to have some advertising on my blog, to help bring in some small income to support my family. I'm also concerned that it's in line with my values and things that I could, in good conscience, share with my readers. Thanks for the links, too 🙂 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂 🙂 🙂
Kristen as you can see, we all appriciate the choices you make! Your blog is the only one I like and the only one I have read for a long time. Thanks for all your hard work!
Great post. So many shared views. I can't stand Walmart either! But I might really need to make a mop purchase!
Hi Kristen! Love your blog and really feel connected to your values in so many ways! I'm confused over the vehement statement regarding Walmart's business practices / values. I know we all have our opinions and respect that. But check out walmartfacts.com if you want to know the facts. There is so much misinformation in the media about Walmart. Walmart is a great company that provides employment to 2 million people worldwide, values diversity, is socially and environmentally responsible, and provides great career growth opportunites for associates who may not have a college education. Additionally, because of Walmart, all American families save around $3000 a year in goods and services, whether you shop at Walmart or not (independent study). I can even get all my basic organic foods there at an affordable price. I know a little bit about it first hand. 🙂 As a 16 year associate, I started with the Company as a cashier. Within a year, I was promoted to a Personnel position, and within 3 years to a management role. Around that time, I unfortunately found myself a single parent with four boys to raise on my own. My frugality and my Walmart family made it possible for me to take care of my boys. My career took me to the corporate office, and now back out in the Stores in a Regional position. I often ponder where I was 16 years ago, and I'm so thankful for God's favor and for Walmart. There are so many stories other than my own that can showcase the opportunities available. I am so proud of what my company stands for, how they manage the business over all, and help everyone, even people who don't shop with us, save money so they can live better!
The other thing to remember is that where there are people (and 2 million is a lot!) there will be mistakes. There will be rogue individuals who conduct themselves outside of what the Company stands for (i.e. in a comment below). That is everywhere...in churches, businesses, schools, and families. Isolated instances of bad experiences don't mean that the organization as a whole is bad. The bigger you are, the bigger the target, the more flashy the news story. Good stories don't drive readership or viewing where any large corporation is involved. Can unethical things occur? Yes. Because imperfect people get involved. Does Walmart take a stand for ethics at the core of the culture? Absolutely. I see it everyday. Enough said! As with any topic, you have to either live it, or be close to it to fully understand. 🙂
I'm glad working for Walmart has been so positive for you. Since you asked, though, I'll share that I've just not been terribly impressed with some things I've learned about how at least some Walmart treat their employees. I also am quite opposed to the way they go into small towns and obliterate all the small businesses in very short order (though of course, the citizens of those small towns bear some responsibility for not supporting their small local stores).
Also, as I've written about before, Walmart is just not my favorite store to shop at...I vastly prefer the simplicity and size of Aldi stores, I like the small footprint they make, I like that they hire fewer people so that they can treat them well and pay them more, and I like that they cut costs in creative ways so that they can sell high-quality products at good prices.
Like I said, though, I'm happy for you that your experience has been positive.
I'm an Aldi fan too! 🙂 And farmer's Markets and small business. It all works together!
To me, the best thing about WalMart is the price matching. I dont have to run all over town shopping all the sale ads. I bring them into walmart and the prices are matched. In Socal, we have a lot of mexican supermarkets that offer great prices on certain produce items. Those are the items I most often match. 8lbs of onions for 99cents, 7 bunches of cilantro for 99 cents( I only buy 1). jalapenos, tomatillos, limes, etc, etc. I prefer to shop organic and at farmers markets, but for those items, I'll gladly go to walmart.
Bit off subject (and I really should be off to Aldi to do my shop) but... your tent photo has inspired me... I reckon we need a tent! Only problem being in the UK - it rains a lot! It hasn't stopped for approx. 4 weeks 🙁
This is why I love your blog, and this is why I trust every review or product recommendation that shows up here! It's so refreshing to find someone who's motivated by what's right, rather than money.
I agree with you about Walmart! I have a friend, who has sold products in their stores, and Walmart was extremely unethical in their dealings with his company.
Thanks to your post last Christmas about ING both my son and I are now happy ING customers..love them and I love their funny FAQ answers. Even though the don't have any actual locations they are easy to use.
I didn't know the girls had VW Bus shirts! Does Joshua have one?
Nope, he's the only one who doesn't!
I got turned on to your blog by my mom a few months ago, but with a 9 month old, I don't have time to read EVERY post or go though the archives. I did, however, read this post, and I just have to laugh because you sound so much like me!!!! I CANT STAND shopping at Walmart and cant wait to read that post. I follow some couponers blogs and whenever they post a deal at Walmart, I just click past it because I refuse to go there.
My husband went to Aldi yesterday for the first time, he never does the grocery shopping but we were at a friends and the men went to go buy burgers and dogs for a quick cookout. He loved it and was shocked at the prices, and said "You have to go to Aldi!" (Um...dear...I already do lol).
I also bought the Libman Freedom Mop when I was pregnant (I think) to replace my Swiffer. I couldn't stand having to buy the refill pads, solution, the batteries, and I've been trying to use more eco cleaning products. Plus it didn't work as well as I had hoped! So when the Libman came out, I bought one when it was on sale, and I couldn't be happier. I, too, use hot water, but sometimes I put in some Method cleaner or vinegar and that helps with a good clean. Then just toss it in the wash and it's ready to reuse!!! No waste and minimal cost! I absolutely love it and recommended it to my friends and family!
Oh and! I had seen those t-shirts on one of your posts and loved them! But totally forgot to buy them. So I just went and bought 2 🙂
That is what is so great about democracy and free enterprise. Everyone can do what they want( within reason) and buy what they want. I refuse to buy Mylar ballons and I'm morally opposed to Veal( I dont eat beef, but I wouldnt cook veal for anyone. I also refused a job that wanted me to serve veal). I do happen to love the bounce bar( it works great) and those Kleenex hand towels. I put out the towels when we have a party. I dont think numerous guests what to use the same towel over and over. Its ok for my partner and myself though. I also would NEVER pay full price for either of those items. I always use Manufacturers coupons and Target coupons stacked so I can get them for the cheapesst price.