Which is fine by me, because that is what I am. And in Australia, mummy bloggers are on the rise. In the States, they are positively bursting! It is expected in 2011, there will be 4 million American Mommy Bloggers.* That is a lot of talking shit going down. And because it seems everything needs a label these days, you do not even get to be a Mommy Blogger, but you can be a specific type of mommy blogger. Companies want in on the action.

Get the feeling companies are listening in the States?

There are 32 million mums in America who are online. And an ever growing chunk of them are starting blogs. They are force to be reckoned with within the business community, who are rushing to cash in. Products and services have found a new avenue to get in your face. Blogs.


Mummy bloggers are a diverse group. And under the umbrella of Mummy Bloggers, you can even split them further. Parenting sites, cooking sites, beauty sites, political sites and heaps more - but the one thing in common is motherhood. It is a connection that is a powerful bond.


Last week I played with the grown ups at the Sydney Blogger's Festival. It was wonderful to meet bloggers who I have interacted with all year. Ridiculous squealing and all. While stacks of suits from company marketing departments stood on the side and watched us carry on like fuckwits.


And the suits were there with one question. "How do we get in with the Mummy Bloggers?"



Well, I can only speak for myself, but I would say do not send me things like this.



Hi there,

It’s Megan here from XXX. I hope you’re well.

I’ve just come on board here as the new PR and Marketing Manager.

Please find attached press release regarding XXX gorgeous new products that have just hit stores. From fake-tans to lip scrubs, we’ve got everything you could possibly need as you gear up for the summer months ahead. Please let me know if you would like any samples/imagery sent in for consideration.

Looking forward to working with you!

Cheers,

Meg. x

Which is lovely and peppy - very friendly (even scored a kiss) but Meg. x did not bother to learn my name. And I like a gal with manners. Although she did hope I was well! Sweet!

Even worse was this little beauty. Again with the Hi!



Hi,

I’m from the public relations agency XX and wanted to check in with you on behalf of a couple of my clients. First of all, I wanted to see if you conduct product reviews, and if so, if you have any guidelines that you like PR organisations to work within so as to make that process work for you.

If you do conduct product reviews, would you be interested in reviewing Norton security software from Symantec? If so, please advise your postal address and we can send a copy to you. I can also send you a list of other companies XX represents with products that may be of interest.

As you write on parenting issues, Symantec has a local family online safety expert that you might like to speak to. She’s a mother of two and can talk about some of the issues around children and online safety, including cyberbullying, protecting your identity and safe online practices for children and parents. Let me know if you’d like to set something up.

I’d also like to highlight a free Symantec product called OnlineFamily.Norton, a Web-based service designed to give parents the tools they need to connect to their children’s online lives and start an ongoing dialogue about what their children see, learn, and do online. It is available at http://onlinefamily.norton.com.

I’d love for you to check it out and tell me what your experiences are, especially if you use it with your children. The website was designed specifically for busy parents who need quick and easy insight into their children’s online activities.

I’ve included some more information below, and I’d love to hear what you think about the products.

Kind Regards,

Emma

For god's sake Emma! Have you read my blog? Me thinks not.


But I must say, good on the PR companies who are having a crack. In Australia, we are all muddling through this weird and wonderful new world together. Get to know us. We don't bite. But don't take the piss though. We get enough of that changing nappies.


And bloggers, all the freebies and shit coming your way is great. But without readers, you just have an online diary. And there is nothing wrong with that. But if you want in on the action, keep your content coming. Authentic content. Because that is why you started blogging in the first place remember? The rest will come if you want it, but please don't sell your blog for a stick of gum.


A wise woman once said to me recently, "There is room for everyone."

Hey, but what would I know. I am just a mum.

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