The whole debate of free/vs paid work is hard. People get into blogging for different reasons, personally I begun mine to express myself, while I have made money through my blog (only rarely and small amounts) I always ensure my readers are aware of that, and wouldn't give false opinions. There becomes a problem when not everyone works like this.
In my opinion, much of blogging authenticity has been lost. While interning as a blogger outreacher, I learnt that bloggers do contact PR's, some to get noticed, and others to try and get free things. A large number of bloggers will be gifted an item, put it on for 30 minutes for outfit photos (tags still on), and go on to sell the item on depop. Is this wrong? Maybe.
This practise benefits both the brand and the blogger. The brand gets their publicity, the blogger has another post done, a growing relationship with a brand, and some pennies in their pocket.
The reader on the other hand, is viewing a post and an outfit that the blogger may not like. Of course, they aren't being forced to buy the item, but readers put a large amount of trust into a blogger, and look up to them, so can be influenced in this way.
Many brands don't pay for this type of post, which I don't think is bad, as people share clothes that they've purchased if they like them, so not having to buy an item you like is a benefit. They also rarely force the blogger to post, the item is gifted and they hope they do, but they aren't necessarily obliged to, as there is no payment.
In my opinion, this is where the line must be drawn on free work.
If a blogger chooses to share something written on their blog for their readers, it should be because they like the product/restaurant/brand. If a brand wants a blogger to dedicate their time to something, it is of course the individuals moral judgement as to whether it is relevant and they should, but there should be compensation for the time spent. As Joelle wrote when discussing promo posts...
"Promo posts - this is when you get an email from a brand (new or established) and they ask you to blog about a product/campaign. You scroll to the bottom of the email looking for what you will get in return (maybe payment, or the keep the product, etc), but there's no mention of anything like that.
You then send them your blog's disclosure that states your rates for sponsored posts and they run a mile, virtually.
Basically, this is a rather rude way of telling bloggers that they are good/popular enough to promote their brand/product, but not good enough to be respected for their talent/craft."
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