But back to the point - blogs and sponsorship. When I published a sponsored Wedding Wednesday post about Phase Eight, Dad asked why my followers would read something I'd been compensated for writing. They knew I'd been paid for it, so why would they trust what I said? I told him that my relationship with my readers is my first priority; I don't do many sponsored posts because I want my blog to be dominated by me, as narcissistic as that sounds, and when I do accept compensation it's only from brands or companies or shops that match my aesthetic or outlook so that they enhance the Betsyness of this blog. Because my readers know that - at least, I think you do! - they know that they can trust my reviews and endorsements.
Being asked to consider my father's very basic and very sensible questions about this strange voyeristic world has actually been incredibly productive for me - I've been forced to articulate why I blog the way I do, which has encouraged me to start thinking about blogging slightly differently. So, when I went to Target last weekend and wanted to buy all the things, I decided to create an outfit for today's Frock Fridays entirely from there to demonstrate to Dad that... well, you can't always buy love or trust. Sometimes we bloggers love and trust for free!
I didn't see all of these items in the Target that I went to, but I did buy exactly that bag and exactly that belt and exactly those tights and a different cardigan and a different dress (though I couldn't find either online) and these earrings. Man, I love Target. Although, when we need to feel fancy about things, my mother and I call it Targé. It's just a bit more sophisticated in French, don't you think?
sounds like we have the same dad... i could picture my dad saying the same types of things. he finds social media to be a big waste of time. i guess it depends on how you use it.
ReplyDeleteI've had the same discussion with my husband. My deciding factor is whether or not I would talk about the product without compensation just because it's cool - readers know whether or not you're really excited about something (that you may not have tried or known about unless the product approached you first) or whether you're forcing it. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the Targé thing. Here it's Primani or Primarché, naturally. Love this outfit, I miss Target!
ReplyDeleteAlso just wanted to add that authenticity is the main thing I love about blogs - I can always tell your sponsored posts are honest and about things you actually like. I read way to many blogs chock full of just sponsored posts featuring really random things that I don't think they'd post about - just awful!
ReplyDeletehaha YES. also, my friend Alex sometimes refers to "Jorgé" at ASDA. so much more sophisticated!
ReplyDeleteexactly! I think that's the best barometer :)
ReplyDeletedefinitely. and how you filter it, too!
ReplyDeleteHaha Jorgé, I love it!
ReplyDeleteDads just don't get it. And, thanks universe - as I woke up this morning, fresh new month on the mind, I made a February pact with myself to not leave the grocery section when I visited Target. And then I read this. And I kind of need that dress. And the shoes.
ReplyDeletehaha - i had to tell Dad just this morning that the highest privacy setting for Twitter is NOT TWEETING AT ALL. sigh.
ReplyDelete(give in to the Target. you really have no choice!)
oh YAY thank you - that means a lot!
ReplyDeleteTarget is the happiest of places! I'm going to go look for those earrings you included - I need to find some go-to studs that aren't too expensive. Also, we call it Targe as well :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove the Target outfit!! Target is one of my favorite stores, they have great stuff at great prices.
ReplyDeleteright? no matter what you go in for, you come out with more - and it's a wonderful thing :)
ReplyDeleteamen!
ReplyDeleteYour dad sounds like mine!! HAHA! Great outfit! I just love Target! So glad that you were able to buy the bag. It's so cute and versatile!
ReplyDeleteJayme
Great finds at Target! Love that place you can def create a chic look on the cheap with them. Totally sounds chic saying Targe'
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday & have a great weekend!
Shia
World According to Shia
If friends compliment me on something I got from Target, I always say "I got it at this little French boutique called Targey."
ReplyDeleteit's perfect - I'm wearing it today in fact! thanks, J :)
ReplyDeleteso true! I'm loving all their jewelry right now, too. happy Friday!
ReplyDeletehaha YES exactly!
ReplyDeletetarget is one of my favorite places to spend time perusing. it's kind of scary how much money i'm able to drop in one trip there - now i have to restrain myself! love all the items you've pulled together here, but especially the bag!
ReplyDeleteloving that belt. Although I need to stay away form Target - that place steals all my money!
ReplyDeleteWhat a CUTE outfit!!! I love it! Target is a dangerous place for me to go...I end up spending wayyyy too much $$, haha!
ReplyDeletehaha that's the problem - you're like, "oh, this is so cheap, and this is so cheap, and this and this and this" and then $475648322 later you have bought the whole store and you have no money left :)
ReplyDeleteWORD. (see above!)
ReplyDeletethank you! good luck for your next trip :)
ReplyDeleteTarget has some great finds right now! Love what you chose!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is so cute! I haven't found many things I loved from Target lately; it makes me so sad! I've much more into their home goods, haha!
ReplyDeleteI was already planning on going to Target tomorrow, but now it's definite. I need those earrings!
ReplyDeleteyeah, i'm always a bit weary of sponsored posts. i've gotten offered quite a few, and most of them haven't been in line with my blog, so i decline most of them. but they can be helpful!
ReplyDeleteand i'm loving this target ensemble!
Targé est tres chic!
ReplyDeleteI seriously almost burst out laughing at the convo you had with your dad. My sister and I have the same one with my mom, like all the time. While we definitely agree with her, it's so hard to explain why it's a "thing" more then anything.
ReplyDelete