Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Moving Forward

Beloved Readers,
When I started this blog a few months ago, I didn't really have a plan for it. I didn't even think people would read it, and in all sincerity, I'm still surprised and humbled by your support. This experience has been FUN for me, but it's also been a commitment and one that I don't want to give up. If you've noticed to your left, I've opened up Down and Out Chic for "sponsorship." I know there are STRONG opinions in the blogosphere on advertising and I have been very slow to make this decision for good reason. I do not want to alienate any of my readers, however, I need to move forward with this blog, and I feel like this is the next step for me. I work three jobs and don't get a day off...don't get me wrong, I'm grateful that I'm triply employed, I just don't have a lot of time for ME. I'm hoping that with the help of sponsors I will be able to take a day off every week so that I can feel rested and rejuvenated and give this blog and my relationships the energy and care they deserve.
With that said, I'm making the commitment to myself (first) and to my readers (second) to only advertise small business and artists that I truly support and believe in. This may not be important to you as a blogger and/or reader, but it is a PRIORITY for me.  If you are a small business, an Etsy shop, or an artist that would like to advertise, please e-mail me at downandoutchic@gmail.com for (super affordable) rates. If you are a reader and you have concerns or questions please feel free to e-mail me as well. I love hearing from you and I'm always open to suggestions and constructive criticism.
Thank you for reading and for encouraging me on this small journey I'm taking. Won't you come along?
~Christina
{Things are going to look a bit wonky on my site for a sec...please bear with me, I'll have it fixed soon!}

38 comments:

erin said...

glad to have you here, sponsors and all!

Sam said...

I say "go for it"!

Live a Colorful Life said...

I agree. and I will definitely be contacting you for possible sponsorship. I love your blog (and hope to help in supporting it as well).

Amy said...

I really don't understand the harm in sponsorship. I feel like there are a bunch of blogs I enjoy reading (such as yours) and I would be happy if the authors were compensated in some way. Good luck to you!

stacy said...

I don't see the harm in sponsorship either...but then again, I have sponsors on my blog.

I don't let the people who pay for ads on my blog influence what I write about. And, I always note in my posts whether or not the person is a sponsor too. I wish you lots of success!

tanya said...

yes, go for it--I don't know what I'd do without your blog :-)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Nothing wrong with what you're doing at all!

{The Perfect Palette} said...

nothing wrong with this at all :)

Haven and Home said...

I struggle with ads too but I know how you feel. Don't worry, it won't stop me from coming back!

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

I don't mind ads at all, except for those ugly random google ones that don't relate to anything. In fact, I think tasteful ads can even make a blog more colorful (plus, usually the sponsors are pretty darn cool and I like to check them out). Go for it girlie, I hope you can generate enough sponsorship revenue that you can quit one of those jobs!

Sixpence and A Blue Moon said...

Go for it! And good luck with it! I hope you can quit one of those jobs; three jobs is a lot. Even though I am new to your reading your blog, the ads sure wouldn't stop me.

TERI REES WANG said...

Your success in Our success!

Rachel Follett said...

If you can make money blogging do it! I love that you have chosen to only support small businesses that you love. Once I get my cards going I am totally hitting you up!

TERI REES WANG said...

P.S. As of this moment in posting/responding you have exactly "227" followers...
which is my most-very-special-lucky-number...
I spy it every day, some where, some way.
I found it here today!

We are both blessed. ;P

Elizabeth said...

OMG i was terrified you were going to stop your blog... I can handle advertisements :)

The Old Life said...

1. congrats on the advertising!

2. I have super ideas if you need any on marketing ect I pride myself on being very geeky with marketing and would LOVE to help a fellow artist...especially a passionate one

3. email me at your convince ashleyallbee@gmail.com

You are already a huge success thats a big deal! be proud of you work and go for it!

:)

Love,
Ashley, the busy bee

bananas. said...

make that money girl! you deserve a day off :)

Full House said...

That is so great that you have gotten to the point that you can generate a bit of cash through your blog. I hope you can make even more money through it so that you can ditch a couple day jobs and have more like 2 days off:-)

Best of luck!

Wally said...

I think it is a great idea. If you can earn some money on doing what you love - go for it! Ism´t that what we all dream of?!?!
Love your blog!

Diana said...

i am emailing you about this...now!

Anonymous said...

I think it's fine. Blogging is hard work, and it would be nice to get some money out of it. I admire that you're doing it for small business. I am selling out and just doing Google ads... when I figure out how to do them. = )

Slices of Beauty... said...

Best of luck, everything will be just fine!

Elaine Prunty said...

I'll be with you all the way.love your blog.

ticklishfromadistance said...

I think whatever you think is right for you is right. Period!

vicki archer said...

Well done Christina - I am all for it - I am sure you will be inundated, xv.

nicole mountz said...

good luck! i'm sure we'll find some awesome artists on here, thanks to you!

inkWELL Press said...

I'm all for it Christina - you work too hard to feel guilty about it. Hopefully this will allow you to take some (much needed) time off!

Anonymous said...

glad to hear you choose the best for you!! I wish I was a little further along with my business and I would absolutely look to advertise with you. Maybe in the future!

Blair Friedeman said...

That is exactly how I feel when I took on my first ( well, and only) sponsor. I think you have put the right amount of thought to it and of course COngrats on your first sponsor!!

Swetha said...

all the best!! you have gr8 talent and you are gonna make use of it.. i'm happy dear!!

congrats !!!!

PS~Erin said...

No explanation needed... Go for it and I hope it works out very well for you!

drollgirl said...

you work so hard!!! i think this is a great idea, and i hope the sponsor money/ads start rolling in so that you get some reward and a break!

if only i had something to sell! in the event that i ever do, i will come running to you first, i promise. :)

flynn said...

Go for it! I'm glad to see you doing so well; you deserve some time off :)

Aline said...

I am so happy for you and hope that this it something that you can make work!

TheBeautyFile said...

This is a great idea & I totally agree...blogging is a job! You should be proud of yourself because your blog is truly delightful & so much fun to read!

Anne @ The City Sage said...

Go you! I know first hand how much time, work and passion goes into blogging, and you deserve compensation for your effort and creativity!

Meghan said...

Aw Honey! Don't feel any guilt over taking on advertisers. I think that is more than appropriate. Hope you actually do get a day of rest!

Samantha said...

By all means make a little money if you can. Blogging is enormously time consuming. (Especially when you follow about a thousand blogs like you do.)

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