Life - #PRREQUEST,
3:00:00 pmI have felt the need to voice my opinion on the much talked about hash tag of the moment, #prrequest. The #prrequest is something that, if used in the correct manner, can be very useful to Pr's and bloggers, but some people are using it in a way that was never intended, in doing so they are ruining it for others and turning it into some kind of joke. If this subject is of interest to you please read on although please do not expect a completely negative attitude as I feel that using #prrequest in a positive way can be highly beneficial to everyone.
The Good
As I said above using #prrequest can be beneficial to everyone, if used in the correct way. I personally respond to requests from brands, Pr's and journalists and doing so has resulted in some great opportunities for myself personally and for my blog. Most recently I have been able to work with some of my favourite brands in the fashion and beauty world, this was all down to responding to a tweet found whilst browsing #prrequest. If you are a regular reader you will know that from time to time I feature sponsored content, the most recent ones have all been brought to my attention via the pr request hash tag. Relevant sponsored content is my way of earning a little bit of extra pennies whilst writing about things I would of anyway, nothing wrong with that, is there?
The Bad
People moaning on twitter about people misusing the hash tag is getting a bit old now to be honest, so instead of filling up your twitter time line with my two pence worth I decided this was a better way of voicing my opinion in a constructive way. Yes it's a shame that some people are not to knowledgeable in the 'networking' side of things, that does not mean I want to read about it whilst looking for relevant collaboration opportunities. My advice is, if what you see upsets you unfollow the person or don't search #prrequest. Maybe more experienced bloggers could give the newer bloggers or people not using the hash tag to their advantage some advice instead of slating them.
The Ugly
You never have and never will see me tweeting about the pr request hash tag in a negative way because what someone else tweets is not my business but I do have a slight rant niggle, begging. There is a massive difference between putting your details out there for people to contact you and specifically begging for a product or item. When I see someone tweet their details and making Pr's/companies aware they accept sponsored content, I don't see a problem with it, this is networking. When I see someone asking for a specific item because they can't be bothered to save up for it or just want a freebie it riles me. This is the part of the hash tag that is giving bloggers a bad name. Yes some of us are lucky enough to receive items to review but begging for it on social media, really? I hope people realise how degrading and embarrassing this is and stop, it is giving people a bad first impression.
There you have my thoughts on the subject everyone seems to be talking about, this is the first and last time you will see me write anything about it as everything I want to say is above, what are your thoughts?
8 comments
I have to admit, until I saw people complaining about it last week I had never looked at that hashtag. I had a look to see what they were talking about and was frankly disgusted at the entitled attitude some bloggers seem to have.
ReplyDeleteI think it's being completed ruined as a credible opportunity source by the free loading buggers that ruin it for us all. It's desperate and deeply unprofessional to "beg" for freebies and I think it would do them more harm than good posting those tweets! X
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's the only thing that's going that way, sadly.
ReplyDeletePeople find a way to misuse a whole variety of resources and it's very very sad
I work Very very hard on my blog and I know the majority of others do too but there's still a big number who seem intent on dragging the rest of us down by giving a bad reputation because they can't be bothered to work harder, put the time in and actually do what they need to do..
Thank you for sharing your views
Laura - http://www.petitmoi-bigworld.co.uk - xxx
I never knew this hashtag existed to be honest. All my PR business comes from them emailing me. But I agree with what you say, it seems that some people are ruining it for others.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed this lately too! I think some requests are simply just taking the piss!!
ReplyDeleteI have used it but normally for a reason... Like last years charity raffle. Yes, I admit I was begging for free stuff, but to help a charity. Is that bad?
ReplyDeleteI've seen some that regularly take the mick but there are lots of good things too. I love it when bloggers request something to help someone else then loads more RT to help that person. I think this is community spirit, and I loves it. ;-)
Julie's Notebook blog
It riles me that it's usually the same people every day begging but then again I would never call them out on it because it's not my business
ReplyDeleteAliceMegan
I know there's the saying "if you don't ask you don't get" but some people do take it to the extreme! I now only RT them if I'm sure it's genuinely beneficial :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting on my blog, I really love getting comments from my readers and aim to reply within 24 hours. If you would like an instant reply please tweet me @gemmabutton or email me at buttonblogger@yahoo.co.uk