Comments on: On Honesty in Blogs

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 21:10:43 +0000

In reply to RunawayBrit. Those large trips are so annoying. I use filters on Facebook and Twitter every time there are a bunch of them so that I don't have to get a billion of them a day. I wish it was as easy on Instagram. I don't know why some of these people don't get that having 12 travel bloggers on the same trip is just going to generate the same photos and articles.

By: RunawayBrit

RunawayBrit — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 15:29:27 +0000

I have given up reading most of the blogs that initially inspired me to try blogging – many of them started as fun and original blogs, but the sponsored posts become tedious very quickly. As soon as I see that a post is sponsored, I start to doubt the authenticity of what is written. I’m sure that many of them actually have a good time and can honestly write positively, but I wonder how genuine their experiences can be. Of course restaurants, tour guides, and hotel concierges will make an extra effort when they know that 20 well-known bloggers are going to be snapping their every move, but is this the experience that I would have if I paid up the money for the same?

Another thing that bugs me is how boring Snapchat/Instagram become when half of the people you follow are all in the same city doing the same thing at the same time.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 09:01:28 +0000

In reply to Clelia. SO agree with your last sentence. That really is the key.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 09:00:37 +0000

In reply to Katja of Skimbaco. Thanks! Glad you could relate.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 09:00:24 +0000

In reply to Sue Slaght. Precisely! You hit the proverbial nail on the head.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 09:00:05 +0000

In reply to Karyn Jane. You're right that it does seem to be a recycled topic. I know there are many more quiet bloggers with lots of integrity out there, but the ones who don't fit that mold sure do it loudly.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 08:58:47 +0000

In reply to Michelle.

It can be VERY tempting to accept a luxury trip when it doesn’t apply to your niche, but if you’re always asking yourself “How will this benefit my readers?” it’s easier to stay on task.

Having said that, if I’m ever able to swing a sponsored trip to Antarctica I’m so doing it! 😀

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 08:48:30 +0000

In reply to GISELLEANDCODY. Absolutely agree with you, and I think it's a real shame.

By: GISELLEANDCODY

GISELLEANDCODY — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 18:09:56 +0000

Great post and I think it’s very important to post the reality of travel blogging. Not every country is going to be incredible and not every experience is going to be amazing. Just like in real life nothing is perfect. It is hard to really trust travel blogs now because everyone wants the free stays and the perfect write-ups. Thanks for posting this.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 04:00:54 +0000

I LOVE this list! I write a lot about hiking and camping with my young kids and I always struggle with finding the balance of positive things that will show families it’s totally doable and the reality so that when they get out there they don’t think their kids aren’t cut out for it if they get tired or start complaining.

Also, the lure of comp trips to places I’d never be able to afford is a real thing to deal with. Kudos to you and other bloggers who find a way to keep their focus and make every post applicable to their particular readers!