Hating the Series?
I was excited about sharing thirty ways that we save our family money. I am not advertising for companies, but I may, at times, be highlighting companies that we have used to save our family money. These can be ideas you implement in your house, or not...
I have been getting some nasty emails from people so I can discontinue the series. I have already written the posts for the week and really wanted to share some new things we are trying to do for our family, but if you guys are hating it then I can stop.
Future posts would include free family days, how to rent/find cheap movies, coffee tips, cheaper prescriptions, brown bagging the lunch, lowering your house payment, and many more things that we are doing in our house.
I just hate to work this hard on something like this and get mean emails and comments.
Labels: MomAdvice News
59Comments:
"I'm sorry you've been getting nasty comments... although I can't understand why! I've been enjoying the series and I hope you won't be discouraged by the criticism. It boggles my mind how people can be so mean when they disagree with something... they could just quit reading if it bugs them so much!"
Maggie
"I hope you continue, I'm sorry you've recieved negative emails."
Karla
"here's the thing...how do people have the time to not only READ blogs that they don't like....but then also COMMENT and EMAIL nasty things to the blog poster? if you don't like it, no one is forcing you to read it. it is that simple. read blogs you like. leave the other ones alone."
Janessa
"I love your tips, and nasty email's aren't very effective or loving. But there is definitely a difference to your posts these days. They do feel more like promotions then simply tips sometimes. Especially when I know it is possible you are getting paid to put them in there?
But maybe a post discussing your take on that whole issue would help the medicine go down, so to speak.
I appreciate hearing your ways of saving and organizing more then I can say. Thanks!"
Amber
"I have also been enjoying this series. I always like to see how other people save money and hopefully I can find new ideas to use for my family.
And I again have to agree with Sarah that "they could just quit reading if it bugs them so much!"
Keep up the great work!"
Ivy
"What? No, I love your series. Tell the haters where to go, girl."
Amy
"I have never ever been paid to promote anything. I do receive the products for product reviews, but can review them freely, however I want to.
I did debate about this in this post: http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2007/05/mommy-bloggers-creating-buzz-around.htm
People seemed ok with it as long as specified it was a product review, that I received the item, and that I was honest about how the product worked.
I hope that explains it..."
Tracy
"I LOVE the series!!! I think it's neccessary that you "advertise" companies. How else would I know where to go? For example, when you talked about online bill paying I wouldn't know what companies were reputable or what companies offered the services I needed.
I think it shows good research and hard work to mention the companies you mention. Complainers complain about whatever they can find to complain about! They aren't happy unless their miserable! : )
Delete the negative emails and keep up the hard work!"
Kim Kelly
"Definitely continue to share your knowledge with us!"
green3
"I like the series and if people don't like it, why the heck to they read it? And as for mentioning companies, I wonder why that is a problem for them? I hope you keep going with your 30 days because I love finding out how I can save money!!"
lastofjune
"I too have been enjoying the series. I hope these nasty emails won't discourage you."
lifeasamama
"hey - keep it up! it's been fun, and as is already clear from these comments, people may have thought you were promoting a certain company for your own profit, when you weren't...
i agree that sometimes specifics are nice. general tips are helpful, but i LOVE knowing what companies are going to be good to choose...
you're doing a great job - my google reader thanks you!"
mama k
"wow.
Hate mail for posting thrifty tips? Really? Do people have nothing better to do with their time? ???
That's the thing about blogs, you write what YOU want and if people don't want to read it no one is forcing them. Sheesh.
I agree with janessa that it is hard to know when a blogger is being paid to review a product or if it is just something they really use. Not that you would be dishonest in your reviews, but rather it feels like an ad. (That being said I can only think of one or two posts in the past that felt like that.)
I'm enjoying the series though!
PS You have really "arrived" as a blogger when you start getting hate mail. Congrats! ;)"
"Don't let a few negative people ruin a great idea for you and others ... besides, no one told them to click and force them to read it. Silly people - sounds like they need something to do!"
Koenig Family Blog
"PLEASE keep them coming!!! If people don't want to read it, don't!"
Kara
"I've enjoyed it as well, I can't believe people are sending you those emails to stop it. I'm always interested in tips to save money."
scraplady
"I love it!!!! The detail of the companies and web sights you use are the most important part!!! I soooo appreciate the time and energy that you have put into all you information!!! I am not a new mom, but a new stay at home mom and saving money, feeding the family and being blessed to do the hardest job on earth and still pay the bills is so daunting and hard, you make it alot more manageable!!! YOU are the best!!!!"
TwoMuths
"I have learned so much from this series and would hate to see it end."
"Ok...I have never left a comment on your blog before...but I love reading it. So, please don't stop the series. Have you ever heard the expression that "some people speak just to hear themselves talk"? Well, some people write nasty emails just to see themselves in print."
Parker
"I love the series!
The way I see it, it is YOUR website and if you want to mention companies by name, or to write about money saving tips, go for it! If ANYONE has a problem with that, tough cookies!
I guess that they won't do so on their own blogs, and that is their choice, but to write emails to you trying to tell you to quit the series is just plain...INSANE!
Good grief people! If we all tried to please EVERYONE, ALL THE TIME, we'd run out of hours in the day. Get a grip!"
cdorsey
"Amy.....please continue this series.....it's great! Don't let those nasty people get you down! Ellie"
amelia
"That would be a shame! I agree with the others...I haven't had a chance to comment recently but I've been reading and feeling good about myself since a lot of what you've mentioned so far are things we do too! I say keep 'em coming!"
"I'm enjoying the series. The only "company" entries I can really think of was the photo one and you listed lots of FREE links. Who would complain about that??
Does a reader have another suggestion or problem with a particular company? Leave a comment or nice e-mail!
Jennifer"
"Hi,
Love the series. Please continue"
Brenda L
"I'm also loving the series, and I don't think you've been promoting things. If someone doesn't like a company you mention, they don't need to go with it."
"Amy I have one thing to say ignorance is a bliss. These type people who send nasty emails are people I like to call FOM's. Follower of Misery. Keep up the good work, this is your blog and we as American's have the right to free speech. If they don't like then they can bypass momadvice.
Its not like you are holding a gun to their head and making them read your blog.
Haters stay away and leave Amy alone.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHEEZYMOM IS FURIOUS OVER THIS"
Lisa
"I'm also sorry you have been getting emails to stop the series. I think the series idea is a great one. So far, not many of the ideas have applied to my family and situation (not a fan of CVS rewards and the ebay thing never seems to work for us), it still gets the wheels rolling. Thanks for putting the effort into and I vote to KEEP IT GOING!"
singinole
"i've been enjoying it as well.
i can tell you put a lot of time an thought into what you're going to post.
i agree with the others. if someone has a problem with what you post, they should either keep it to themselves or not read it anymore.
it is YOUR blog. you can write about what you choose."
SB
"DON'T QUIT!! I love the series. In fact, I was just bragging about your series to some total strangers in my local Super Target.
If those people don't like it, tell them to DELETE.....
Don't let them ruin it for the rest of us who appreciate what you do. Your ideas help me be more effective and cost-aware, and in a one-income, three kiddo household, that counts for A LOT.
:)"
"Hi Amy,
I love the series, and I love your blog! I also have never written a comment in a blog before, but you're really doing a great job. Most of your advice I can't or don't use, but you've got some real gems. For instance, I became a mystery shopper after reading about it here. (We're having a grand time with it AND getting paid.)
Keep up the good work! And don't let the losers keep you down."
"forget about them! I love the series and look for it every day! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. What do they even have to gripe about? Do they WANT us to spend money? Crazy people!
Rebekah"
Mrs. Pear
"I am so sorry that you have been getting nasty comments, that is really mean and rude!
I for one have been loving the series, and have been learning lots!
Please continue with the series and just delete the nasty-grams!"
Megan
"What is WRONG with people?!?! Sheesh! Amy, you're doing a great job, and I can't thank you enough for all your hard work. You are a Godsend!"
Nico
"I think that your series is great, and very helpful too. You are doing a great job. Thanks again for always sharing your amazing ideas."
What Works For Us
"Say WHAT?
What are the haters complaining about? You should post the complaints. ;-)
You've done an AWESOME job!"
"(shaking my head in disgust) People are so weird. Doesn't it make you think that it's the competitors of the companies that you've "promoted" who are behind the hate mail? Why else would someone do that (well, I suppose they could have too much time and bitterness on their hands)?
Keep it up! I like the tips even if I get nothing out of them other than an "Okay, I do that too! Good deal." or sometimes "Well, that won't work for me, but it's still interesting.""
Lori - Queen of Dirty Laundry
"1. Love the series.
2. Who cares if you're getting paid to talk about a product? I might try it if it sounds good, but it's still my choice!
3. Why don't the nasty e-mailers have the guts to put their nastiness in comments where we can all see it?
4. Maybe they're jealous because you make money on your blog and they don't. I know I wish I could get a little advertising $ sometimes!
5. Did I mention that I love the series? Thanks!!"
justelise
"I think that this series would be better if you didn't promote some companies and products so heavy handedly. It's one thing to explain a method for saving money and giving examples, it's another thing to make a long list of companies that you endorse and pass it on as advice.
If people are skeptical of what you are writing, part of their skepticism is coming from a growing concern in the blogging community about bloggers accepting gifts and endorsements from the companies they blog about but not disclosing the information to the readers. Had you been more general in what you were talking about rather than naming a long list of companies, people might be less suspicious of the posts. If I were in your shoes, I would have made sure to disclose what companies were endorsing you or your blog, especially if you are making a recommendation. Long posts with lots of detail about specific products only come off as a sales pitch, and people will get frustrated if they think you are getting a kickback for pushing product.
Having said that, I don't think that any of what you have written warrants hate mail. I do think that pushing so much product is a bit irresponsible. You can still do a great service to the community by helping people be better consumers and conserve money without pushing product."
Amy
"OK, AGAIN, I was not endorsed by the companies that I have featured on this series. I was not trying to be heavy handed by sharing a list of free companies that people could use to accomplish tasks.
I don't receive any money from the affiliations. I have ALWAYS been up front about who I have been affiliated with (a past post about Restaurant.com when they were running specials and I have used the service and reviewed the service and disclosed that it was an affiliation)
Is there a post in particular that you are referring to? All of the resources (other than Ebay for obvious reasons) have been FREE things that people can use in my series. I don't make money off of that.
I understand about the blogging community. I am in agreement with you on that and we are trying to make a separate page for the Product Reviews to go. If it is a product review and I have received the product from the company I ALWAYS disclose that.
I am an honest person. The advice comes from my heart and I would hope that people would see that in the things that I do here."
Alex
"Hi Amy
Don't get upset carry on with the series. These people who send they comments just say to yourself "thats where they are at, at the moment! Its nothing to do with you" there just trying to vent there anger. They probably had a coupon and tore it up by mistake! You can always tell them there comments are usaully the shortest with no structure, thought or reason.
Dont give them the time of day or the stage to air there views. Remember the delete button is a god send!"
"Amy,
You can't please everyone. I am sorry to hear that you haven't been getting pleasant emails. You certainly don't deserve that. From all of the comments I have read, we appreciate your hard work and your advice. I say, keep it up. Blessings,
Jodi"
Laura
"Put my name on the petition to keep the series alive. Your advice, insight AND product reviews have been helpful to so many of us. Don't let the negative people get you down. There's many of us on your side."
Kimberly
"I hope you continue the tips. If people don't like the blog they shouldn't read it. Keep up the good work! There are plenty of us that do appreciate all of your hard work."
"Amy, just shake it off and move on. You have always been very honest and upfront in your articles. Please continue your series, I love it. I also love the way that you include articles from other bloggers and I love reading your tips. We are supposedly adults and can decide for ourselves which companies to use. You go girl, and hold your head high! You are doing a great job!
Mimi"
Mary Ann
"I am enjoying the series. If a post is about a product/company that I am not interested in, I skip over it. Hope you continue...:-)"
Barb
"Please continue! I enjoy your blog, keep up the great job!
Barb"
snarflemarfle
"Please, please keep it up! I'm loving the series!
And I think you are pretty clear when you are reviewing a product you were sent to review or if you are going to make money off of something (like in your ebates post...it's very obvious that if someone signs up through your link that you'll both get a cash-back bonus).
This is your blog and you should feel free to do with it what you want! You're doing a great job!"
Sophia
"Amy, I agree with the majority of the other posters: please don't stop this series. It is a great way for people to learn about services and ideas they haven't encountered already. I know I enjoy reading partly because I, too, already follow some of your recommendations.
As to the angry emails, the only suggestion I have is to post a disclaimer at the top of every post where you have specific companies you mention that you aren't endorsed by them or getting kickbacks, etc. It may also help if you put in suggestions for other similar companies/products that you may not personally use, but could do something similar (so people have choices and not feel like they're being "sold" a particular company or product).
Hope this helps!"
{Karla}
"please don't stop! Continue!
blessings,
Karla"
Bobbie
"Post your ideas first, then let us decide if we want to use them or not. If notat least use some manners and be polite. Yes, just like your first grade teacher told you."
margalit
"My probably snarky guess is that people who hate the series don't need to cut back to the bare bone to survive. Those of us that do not only need the series, but like it. I'm having a great time learning some new tips, and I very much appreciate your efforts.
Nasty emails suck. If the emailers don't like the topic, they can move on to the next blog. I'm thankful that you're trying to educate those of us that need help saving money. You rock!"
Ginny
"I came in at day 5, but went back & read everything your wrote. I liked the series & hope you continue. I added you to my bloglines the other day, you better keep up the series!!! :) It seems that I see posts like this on all of the popular blogs, don't even worry about the negative comments. Those people will go anywhere to spread the negativity. Keep up the great job!"
"That is horrible! I agree with wheezymom- LEAVE AMY ALONE!
I am glad your readers left many supportive comments to encourage you! Keep up the series, jakesmom"
thehomespunheart
"WHAT?!?!? I hope you keep it up - I'm enjoying it and always love to learn new ideas for doing things less expensively. I'm SO sorry you've had a bad experience with this."
"After working in the public sector for several years, I have come to realize that you will most often hear from people who have a gripe about something. It is much less common for people to go out of their way to give compliments or encouragement.
I hope you have been persuaded to continue with your series after this barrage of positive posts. Keep up the GREAT work!"
"I just happened upon your site and was reading your tips and then came upon this thread and your mention of quiting it. I hope that you will continue your site, it is afterall- YOUR site that you created to share with others and noone HAS to come here to read anything. Seems some people JUST like to start stuff and JUST think that their opinions are better then those of others and JUST are pushing their own agenda because they are JUST to lazy or ignorant to create their own website so they highjack the blogs of other websites and do nothing but complain. Ignore them, that JUST are not worth it and keep up your series!"
Tammy
"Goodness! I have been looking forward to your posts on saving money. Please don't stop because a few people have nothing better to do than send nasty e-mails!"
"Keep 'em coming..."
