The other day an advertiser for a very popular video clip website (not THAT one) contacted me about putting a link to their site on my page. They were willing to spring for some decent cash and I was excited. First, I use their website. Second, I need the dough.
So, I put it up as I normally would and was just about ready to accept payment when the rep emailed me telling me that they didn’t want to be seen in an “advertiser” section.
Okay – fine. It’s good money. So I asked what they wanted.
This company wanted me to write posts I normally do, but every so often put a sentence in the middle with something like…
So, I have this weird rash on my taint, and it’s pretty disturbing because I’m at work, and I can’t just scratch it while I’m talking to a co-worker, so I have to sit and straddle my desk and wiggle, and oh my God I just saw the funniest video about a kitten playing with a grocery bag. So, back to my rash. It’s so smelly, too.
I tried to reason with the company telling them under no circumstance could I do anything so douchey and it would make their brand seem weak. I wrote back and said, “Hey look, this isn’t going to work. You’re paying me, and with this strategy my traffic will do down, loyalty will diminish, and you won’t get results because my readers will see right through this. Since you’re paying me, this is a bad investment. However, my readers do support my advertisers, so let’s just put it with the others.”
They passed. Oh well.
This site may not make me rich, but at least I have my integrity. By the way, I totally need each of you to tell a friend so I can double my traffic and satisfy my ego which tells me at that level I’ll finally feel good about myself. You want me to feel good about myself, right?
heyimrebecca says:
Great post! Happy to hear about the “behind the scenes” and your integrity.
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
D.J. Paris says:
@heyimrebecca Mother Teresa was kind. I’m just a bozo who writes about his self-absorption. By the way, I totally appreciate you reading. But your clothes – uh – they suck. See? I’m unkind!
Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom says:
I’m totally gonna tell my friends. And because I have integrity too, I always ask my readers to tell friends and strangers. Just the harmless ones. No threatening, axe murderer references accepted. I’m stressed out as it is. But hell yeah, integrity! And sorry about your infliction.
Gold Bond Powder every time. You’ll thank me.
D.J. Paris says:
@Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom My favorite quote was from my friend Justin. “Gold Bond makes your balls feel like they’re chewing gum.”
TammyL says:
Thank you for not making me take you out of my RSS feed! You have such a genuine (and hilarious) tone to your blog. I’m glad you didn’t allow some money to tarnish that.
Hope you find a much more appropriate revenue source soon.
D.J. Paris says:
@TammyL No, I would totally allow money to tarnish that. It just hasn’t happened yet. 🙂 I do generate a little revenue from the blog, but my day job keeps the mortgage paid. Can’t wait to sell out – ha.
CrazyTragicAlmostMagic says:
Good for you for being professional, honest and not a douche. My eyes appreciate your integrity.
D.J. Paris says:
@CrazyTragicAlmostMagic I’m sure many would disagree with your eyes. Thankfully, I don’t!
Katjaneway says:
Hey I’d put this on your dream post but I dunno where to find it. So…. I had a dream about you last night. How weird is that? Haha. I never thought I would ever say that. Hmmm. I wonder what that says about me… 😉
D.J. Paris says:
@Katjaneway Depends what the dream was about. Explain!
Katjaneway says:
@delfinparis Lesse if I can remember… it had nothing to do with chasing me with a knife, that’s for sure lol The weird thing is that I remembered this dream, cuz I usually don’t. I think you were looking in the mirror getting ready and I remember steam on the mirror. You were talking about something to a guy standing next to you. Let me know if I had a premonition. That’d be pretty awesome. =^.^=
Riitta says:
Wow, I didn’t think any PR/marketing “professional” could be that stupid – unbeliavable! Good for you for sticking to your ethics!
D.J. Paris says:
@Riitta In his defense, I’m sure it does work. Just wouldn’t with my readers. You guys like honesty. Which means I have to be honest. Rats.
wilyguy says:
I haven’t been approached much yet, but when I am, I will try to remember your sage advice.
WG
http://itsmynd.com
Kristina says:
Good for you! Especially since we all know you could have slipped in the advertiser’s links in a much more convincing manner than the example you gave . . .
D.J. Paris says:
Thanks! By the way, I could totally go for an egg McMuffin right about now – I mean, those are sooooooooooooooooooo delicious. McDonald’s is a high quality inexpensive place to dine where food is served fresh, hot, and with a smile.
D.J. Paris says:
I haven’t been approached much yet, but when I am, I will try to remember your sage advice.
WG
http://itsmynd.com