Rock on, Mommy bloggers
Enlightening article in the Times last week about the wonderful–and crazy lucrative–world of Mommy Blogging. “Honey, Don’t Bother Mommy. I’m Too Busy Building My Brand,” is a classic example of reportorial undermining. Starts out like a boring little trend piece (thank you, Chris–I can’t get them out of my head now): loads of Moms are blogging, venturing out into the “blogosphere,” sharing feelings, dishing dirt, being sensitive, and generally making the world safe for anxious maternalism. God that’s boring.
But, wait, there’s more! You see, the article isn’t really about the advent of parental blogging at all. It’s really about evil mothers forgoing writing to make a quick Internet buckaroo:
Last summer, one blogger organized a weeklong public relations blackout in which bloggers were urged to eschew contests, product reviews and giveaways and instead get “back to basics” by writing about their lives. Another blogger replied that she couldn’t do so because the blackout fell the week of her daughter’s first birthday party, which she was promoting on her blog. With sponsors and giveaways.
Horrors! Don’t these women know the first rule of journalism, either in print or on the Web: Thou Shalt Make No Dough.
I mean, come on. What became of the Mommy Blogger’s sense of isolation, cynicism, and total rejection by mainstream culture? Who knows–maybe she lost it here:
According to eMarketer, advertising on blogs will top $746 million by 2012, more than twice the figure for 2007. There are perks, too. In just the last month alone, popular mommy bloggers have been sent to the Olympics, courtesy of Procter & Gamble, and to the Oscars, courtesy of Kodak; and road-tripped to Disney World in a Chevy Traverse, courtesy of G. M. Canada, to help raise awareness about Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy.
For those of you who think I’m just jealous of these successful women-bloggers, you’re right. Point me in the direction of the Internet gravy train, and I will be a considerably happier man. Why, you ask? Isn’t just finding an honorable forum in which to express my deepest feelings (and put out my best bad jokes) enough?
Or to borrow a line from Robert Townsend, inventor of the Winky Dinky Dog, and famed director of The Hollywood Shuffle: “Ho’ gotta eat too.”
Wait, I actually think I was pitched something from Gravy Train last week. I’ll be sure to send it your way.
Thanks for this about the NY Times piece. I am excited to know dads object to the characterizations in this piece, as well!
the best thing about blogging: anyone can do it.
the worst thing about blogging: anyone can do it.
there’s a big difference between blogging and writing. my favorite blogs are authored by people who can do both. if you’re pimping non-dairy creamers, i’m out.
I’m a wee bit bored with the commercial part of some of the mom blogs I’ve been reading, which are so recognisable thanks to some new Canadian rules they head straight for the trash. Some of the language … “We like …”, “We just can’t get enough of …”, “What’s in our pantry these days …”
It’s just one big yawn fest. But then, I’ve never been a very well behaved consumer, so maybe I’m not the target market?
I thought the NYT article belonged in the same file as that one last week about parents in the know eschewing all strollers and piggybacking their young until they could drop them at the nearest daycare. Some do, some don’t, some do sometimes, some don’t care.
Karen–I agree with you in many ways. I’m not much of a shopper. My objection to the Times had more to do with their submerged resentment of blogs as a viable business enterprise. Personally, I’m more interested in writing, but hey, it’s a big old capitalist world out there–and I’m broke.–Theodore
Just jump on the contest and stroller review cash cow. Let us know if the latest BOB stroller contains a cup holder that will cradle a Michelob Ultra.I enjoy your writing and definitely would not begrudge you guys making a few dollars or some swag.
I just have to know. At the time the picture was taken Matt, were you watching Hardball w/ Chris Matthews or Rachel Maddow. My money is on Rachel.
Wow! Please post that last comment under “Matt is raising a LUSH”. Thank God I’m not in a bar with my three crotchfruit.
crotchfruit. just can’t get used to that one. and can’t stop chuckling about it either.
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I’m hoping to cut a sponsorship deal with Abilify & Cialis on my blog.