Monday, April 14, 2008
Blogger Love
Has anyone been noticing the blogger love that is starting to happen? I've been wanting to do a post on this for a while. (not THAT kind of love, Marcy :P) Bloggers have been important for a while. Tech companies check out the bloggers to see what they say about their products. Political blogs have long had the attention of the media, analysts and candidates. Are running blogs finally getting discovered?
I mean Vanilla was practically adopted by the Clif people
when he mentioned their new recovery drink. I've also heard he is test driving some fancy schmancy bad-boy Pearl Izumi shoes. I'm guessing that the Clif people (doesn't that remind you of some long ago civilization of really handly folks?) are under the assumption that some people actually read Half Fast. Hmm. (More about what the Clif folks are up to here.)
Bev used a Lara Bar in a race and posted about how great it worked for her. Someone lovely at Lara caught this and sent her a big box full of Lara heaven. They even have a blog and a great statement on their website about supporting blogging as a means for people to express themselves and communicate with the entire world. How cool.
I mean Vanilla was practically adopted by the Clif people
when he mentioned their new recovery drink. I've also heard he is test driving some fancy schmancy bad-boy Pearl Izumi shoes. I'm guessing that the Clif people (doesn't that remind you of some long ago civilization of really handly folks?) are under the assumption that some people actually read Half Fast. Hmm. (More about what the Clif folks are up to here.)Then Pokey had a wardrobe dilemma that caught the eye of the lovely Meredith at Brooks Running. Soon Poke had some cool Brooks pants that were the right weight and made her look and feel the right weight too. :D
Viv also had a Brooks-type emergency. She had a hard time getting her favorite Brooks shirt washed because she wore it all the time! I think the lovely Meredith came through again, and sent Viv another one for rotational purposes.
Bev used a Lara Bar in a race and posted about how great it worked for her. Someone lovely at Lara caught this and sent her a big box full of Lara heaven. They even have a blog and a great statement on their website about supporting blogging as a means for people to express themselves and communicate with the entire world. How cool. Now this isn't universal. Afterall, I posted about how much I am totally digging G2 and even had 
Jeter pace me in a virtual race which gets thousands (or something like that) of readers. I've also posted shots of me (or maybe it was some other hottie who looks like me) guzzling gatorade on a tough run. No calls from Gatorade, no special day with Jeter. :D YET. (but I might be testing some Propel soon) No calls from Bondi people either, although I've long professed my love of the Bondi-Band and I know all the sweaters agree with me. That's okay. Love 'em anyway. The mother load? Someday, I'm convinced I will be the official spokesperson of Enell bras. These bras literally saved my exercising life. The bounce stops here. When you're big like me that is a big big deal (get it? two bigs?)..... oooh, but I digress.
Jeter pace me in a virtual race which gets thousands (or something like that) of readers. I've also posted shots of me (or maybe it was some other hottie who looks like me) guzzling gatorade on a tough run. No calls from Gatorade, no special day with Jeter. :D YET. (but I might be testing some Propel soon) No calls from Bondi people either, although I've long professed my love of the Bondi-Band and I know all the sweaters agree with me. That's okay. Love 'em anyway. The mother load? Someday, I'm convinced I will be the official spokesperson of Enell bras. These bras literally saved my exercising life. The bounce stops here. When you're big like me that is a big big deal (get it? two bigs?)..... oooh, but I digress.But, I have to admit, I wasn't posting those things in hopes of freebies, just cuz I like the product. And maybe it will save some other "big big" girl's exercising life? And isn't that the cool thing about the bloggers? We give each other a lot of advice and talk about what works for us. We also ask questions when we can't figure out what to do. Occasionaly, we find some gems for ourselves. And now the marketing people are starting to see that we share advice, purchase based on advice, generate traffic, etc. Pretty cool.
I'm already a Brooks shoe die hard and a Clif fan. They work for me. I rarely stray. So in fact, these posts and these generous acts didn't sway me to purchase more. (well, I am inclined to find some Clif recovery cabern-ade) But, I am really excited to see what they mean. And so I am returning the favor. And isn't this better than paying someone to blog about your product? It's been about helping someone or saying thank you for mentioning us, we're glad you like us. I actually like these companies more, because they are reaching out to the bloggers in this way. I'm willing to bet others feel the same way. Thanks for showing the bloggers some love. Y
All pics pretty much stolen from other bloggers sites without permission. Let me know if you have a problem with it. :D
# posted by Non-Runner Nancy @ 10:54 PM 
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I agree.. it also gives me an opinion I trust as unbiased - at least until the writer feels the love :) But its great that the companies are taking note.
Nancy, thanks for the shout out. I agree that it's awesome that companies are reaching out to bloggers and acknowleding that we can often be influential in our support or dislike of a product.
The more companies that do this, the more free stuff for us. Yay!
The more companies that do this, the more free stuff for us. Yay!
Ugh, that should be "acknowledging" in my last comment.
You see, you don't even have to be able to spell good or edit good to get phree stuff.
You see, you don't even have to be able to spell good or edit good to get phree stuff.
Well, clearly I'm missing out some endorsement possibilities, since not a single company has sent me free stuff and I've been blogging for nearly 3 years!
You're right on. Most seem to post BEFORE the free stuff arrives, so as aksaye says, it's unbiased.
I got an email from the Propel folks after they had found my blog. Didn't drink the stuff. They sent me Propel, G2 and Gatorade. Really liked it. Now I buy it and I wrote about it (with full disclosures, of course!)
Always looking for more love!
I got an email from the Propel folks after they had found my blog. Didn't drink the stuff. They sent me Propel, G2 and Gatorade. Really liked it. Now I buy it and I wrote about it (with full disclosures, of course!)
Always looking for more love!
I need to blog about how much I love Trek :-) and maybe BMW :-D
It is definitely nice for the companies to spend a little marketing money on the bloggers. That's just good business.
It is definitely nice for the companies to spend a little marketing money on the bloggers. That's just good business.
This is why I'm devoting a couple of future posts discussing my love for gasoline and the many benefits it has given me. there must be at least one running gas exec who may notice and send me a $500 gas card right?
I think I need to blog about how I love my Brooks Adrenalines and how Clif Shot Blocks rule my world.
I think it's great when bloggers review a product! I hope Enells showers you with bras. Shockingly, I am between sizes in the Enell bra me and have to settle for something else.
Cranky
I think it's great when bloggers review a product! I hope Enells showers you with bras. Shockingly, I am between sizes in the Enell bra me and have to settle for something else.
Cranky
I loved this post Nancy! It is true we all learn about new products and such from all out blooging peeps. in fact I tried G2 cause of you, and I love it! i easpecially love the 1/2 the cals factor.
OK Gatorade give Nancy her day with Jeter filled with G2, oh and I will chaperone..LOL!
Thanks for the shoutout. I feel like a D list blogging ceelbrity who finally made it on the cover of People, but without any makeup...HAHAHA
OK Gatorade give Nancy her day with Jeter filled with G2, oh and I will chaperone..LOL!
Thanks for the shoutout. I feel like a D list blogging ceelbrity who finally made it on the cover of People, but without any makeup...HAHAHA
Enell bras were woven from strands of angel pubes and magestically blessed with unicorn horns. Nothing less than a God-send. I have to agree with you there. I actually lived off of Clif bars and Larabars for an entire month. I'm really not a Brooks fan, but I'll have to admit these Saucony's I'm rockin' are pretty much the bee's knees. That's my two cents :-).
You're the coolest blogger ever :-)
You're the coolest blogger ever :-)
Blogger nation is pretty cool. It is something how companies are tuning in to what people are saying on their blogs.
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to write my post about my undying love for Cadillac. ;-)
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to write my post about my undying love for Cadillac. ;-)
big big . . . ha - even though I'm small small, I had to laugh!
I guess blogging about my own product isn't as effective as blogging about others' stuff, eh? Mailing myself a case of my books would just not be a very efficient use of time or money - nor would it do anything to spread the word! Haha!
I think it IS great that bloggers share their opinions so openly about products. There are very few big ticket products or running-related items I get without first reading others' reviews about them. These companies are SMART to share the love with their biggest fans and unpaid marketing gurus!
I guess blogging about my own product isn't as effective as blogging about others' stuff, eh? Mailing myself a case of my books would just not be a very efficient use of time or money - nor would it do anything to spread the word! Haha!
I think it IS great that bloggers share their opinions so openly about products. There are very few big ticket products or running-related items I get without first reading others' reviews about them. These companies are SMART to share the love with their biggest fans and unpaid marketing gurus!
I'm still waiting for free beer, preferably Magic Hat. But it doesn't seem to be working. It's a great recovery drink. :)
Right on Nanc,
Hey, I plugged Carb-booms awhile back...do you know that right now, you cannot find any carb-booms in our area...everyone is stockpiling for the up coming race season...ARE YOU LISTENING CARB-BOOM?????
LMAO.....
Hey, I plugged Carb-booms awhile back...do you know that right now, you cannot find any carb-booms in our area...everyone is stockpiling for the up coming race season...ARE YOU LISTENING CARB-BOOM?????
LMAO.....
yeah, and after a run, I like to go out and hit the golf course! I love hitting Titelist Pro V1xs. They've knocked 10 strokes off my score...and I haven't lost one of them! And then, when I'm done with that, I like to sit back and drink a Fat Tire. Cool, clear and refreshing! ;)
The possibilities are endless.
The possibilities are endless.
Hey you know I am nearly always on time to my races 'cos I drive there in my VW, I would of course always be on time in my Porsche!
Hey you gotta aim high right!
Great post though, there is a lot to be said for grass roots marketing.
Hey you gotta aim high right!
Great post though, there is a lot to be said for grass roots marketing.
There's no love better than blogger product love...now if only I can get 'em to notice something I wrote for something I need, now we're talking!
Great post, Nancy!
I can't run without my Bondi Band. LOVE IT!!!!
I need to blog about my Mizunos. I HEART THEM!! I have never had such a fabulous running shoe before! If I could buy 20 pairs right now, I would! I'm only on pair two, though...
I can't run without my Bondi Band. LOVE IT!!!!
I need to blog about my Mizunos. I HEART THEM!! I have never had such a fabulous running shoe before! If I could buy 20 pairs right now, I would! I'm only on pair two, though...
It is very cool that companies are showing the love of us "regular" runners. They definitely go up a step in my book. I just wish Luna or perhaps Asics would show me the love some more ;)
I agree. It means more if I am reading coming from you than an ad or a product review. :-)
I just hope it doesn't sway people to say good things just for the sake of getting free stuff.
I just hope it doesn't sway people to say good things just for the sake of getting free stuff.
Neat phenomenon! Of course I'm all for it since I got my free stuff. But it is interesting how these give aways all started around the same time. Must have been a hot topic at the latest marketing convention.
I can't wait till Goodyear sends me some tires for all the tire pulling I do--Geesh LOLOL
Amen to Blogland!!
Amen to Blogland!!
Excellent Nancy! I may just have to plug all the products i use! Don't worry i won't overwhelm anybody! :O)
Thanks for posting this, great info!
Michelle
Thanks for posting this, great info!
Michelle
Hi Nancy
You had me at hello... oops that is a whole different story. this post had me cracking up laughing because you just know that the people from Brooks, Clifshot, Nike, and the list goes on and on secretly stalk the blogs looking for ways to promote their products. And now we have proof. I just find it very hard to believe that they are not knocking down your doors trying to get you to endorse their products. Everybody loves you (present company included, duh!) and well if you recommended something I would have no choice but to get right out there and buy probably like 10 of 'em. Just between you and I, we can only hope that they read the first part of this post and give you a BIG money contract to use their stuff.
As always, good vibes coming at you all the way from Michigan.
You had me at hello... oops that is a whole different story. this post had me cracking up laughing because you just know that the people from Brooks, Clifshot, Nike, and the list goes on and on secretly stalk the blogs looking for ways to promote their products. And now we have proof. I just find it very hard to believe that they are not knocking down your doors trying to get you to endorse their products. Everybody loves you (present company included, duh!) and well if you recommended something I would have no choice but to get right out there and buy probably like 10 of 'em. Just between you and I, we can only hope that they read the first part of this post and give you a BIG money contract to use their stuff.
As always, good vibes coming at you all the way from Michigan.
Ohhhhhh Nanc but that's the only kind of love I like :P LOL
You know, what's up with Nike? I *heart* them. They can afford to give LeBron James a $90 mil contract but they can't give a poor little SAHM a stinking coupon code? Gaaawwdd :P
You know, what's up with Nike? I *heart* them. They can afford to give LeBron James a $90 mil contract but they can't give a poor little SAHM a stinking coupon code? Gaaawwdd :P
Im with you too.
I do a friday freeie of stuff I begg, err, ask :) companies for.
all things I ADORE and want to share with the masses (read: both my readers)
:)
MizFit
I do a friday freeie of stuff I begg, err, ask :) companies for.
all things I ADORE and want to share with the masses (read: both my readers)
:)
MizFit
I have to tell ya. I read you a lot & am VERY surprised you haven't been adopted by sports co.
Vanilla is rakin it in.......
I didn't know about POKEY, but about the bra thing....
I'm totally going to the running store at lunch to try them...I have the whole, NEED TO CONTROL them problem myself & the uni-boob is soooo unattractive!
Vanilla is rakin it in.......
I didn't know about POKEY, but about the bra thing....
I'm totally going to the running store at lunch to try them...I have the whole, NEED TO CONTROL them problem myself & the uni-boob is soooo unattractive!
Hi Nancy--I think it is great that companies are realizing the importance of bloggers and our networking. However---the question is when does it cross the line into endorsement? I follow some "big name" fitness blogs and it is evident that it is product endorsement. I trust all you RBFs out there, and shudder to think of the day when I may have to question someone's advice! Let's just hope that doesn't happen!
You know Nancy, we did get some love from The Runner's Lounge ;) Sorry Marcy about Nike Marcy. They showed me some love last week with a free SportBand. It arrived the day after my last race and just in time for a week of rest. I'm taking it out tomorrow so I can reciprocate with a loving review (assuming the product is indeed lovable).
I love Brooks too, but only in the I give them money kind of way.
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I love Brooks too, but only in the I give them money kind of way.
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