Blog awards or popularity contest
This potentially could alienate me, but I have to say something because it’s very irritating to me. So let’s risk it!
Blog awards. What are they really? Is it just a selection of bloggers patting each other on the back? Personally, I think so!
Blogs in the current Mads and Bibs are a popularity contest and people go canvassing for votes, in fact selling themselves and in the process often losing their integrity and dignity as a blogger.
If you are one of the big bloggers, I imagine that’s not very difficult to get votes of you have a big following and you just draw on that for votes. That in no uncertain terms doesn’t tell anybody if your blog writings is any good, well written or of interest.
All over social media this last few days I have seen people doing what I would call begging for votes. It’s demeaning and does nothing for the blogger who is seriously trying to write something of interest.
So am I likely to win an award? Not a cat in hells chance! I am very confident that my blog is not considered by the small minority of self elected elite bloggers who believe they are more intellectual and better at blogging than the rest of us,and of course one of them will be the winner because they vote for each other.
Of course winning an award will drive traffic and work to your blog, gain more readers etc. Actually on second thoughts, I think that is totally unlikely. What drives readers to your blog is good interesting content.
Most importantly you get that badge on your sidebar which is so important, really I don’t think so. I don’t believe people take any notice of awards that people have won. I know I don’t.
I blog because I love it. I do it for me. I love writing about my family, my job and anything else that takes my fancy. I believe the subjects I write about are diverse and in keeping with why I started my blog. Do people read and enjoy it? I hope so and obviously you get comments that show you that somebody has enjoyed what I have written. I believe my posts are good, now and again they are very good and very occasionally excellent.
Of course I would like to win an award, who wouldn’t? We are all competitive and I am no different, but I want to win an award for content and my writing and be recognised as blogger that tries to deliver interesting posts and works hard at blogging, which I believe I do. That won’t happen because it’s a popularity contest. In some ways it reminds me of being back in the playground and watching kids wander around with hordes of kids following them and that one kid looking like the cat that got the cream.
A final thought on blog awards – aren’t they really a just massive ego trip?
79 Comments
Mother of Mad Cats & Babies
March 21, 2016 at 7:06 am
Slow clap. Nods vigorously in agreement. Thanks for saying what a lot of people are thinking! 👏🏻
Nigel
March 21, 2016 at 10:28 am
Thank you for comments I'm sure it will divide opinion but never mind
slouchingtowardsthatcham.com
March 21, 2016 at 7:14 am
In a word: yes. And no. Okay, three words.
I understand where you're coming from and you are, of course, entitled to your opinion. But I think you're only seeing half the story.
Are awards a popularity contest? Sort of. Many of the awards are won by the bigger, more popular blogs – just as most of the Oscars are won by bigger budget films. That's the way of the world. But if you take the BiBs, only half of their shortlists of ten (and sbsequently five) are based on popular vote – the balance are selected by judges. And, most importantly, so is the winner. Would Julian (Northern Dad), who won Best Writer, was pretty much unknown at the time and didn't promote himself at all for the awards, have won a popularity contest? Absolutely not. And, in truth, relatively few of either the 12 winners or the 60 finalists were in, say, the top 100 of Tots100, which is as close as we get to a popularity chart.
You're absolutely right that great content is key to success, and the one thing in common among all the winners is great writing. Hayley (Downs Side Up) won at both MADs and BiBs because she is a great writer and a strong campaigner for Downs. Sarah (The Unmumsy Mum) won two awards at the MADs and is hugely popular but she's undoubtedly a brilliant writer – you don't get approached by a major publisher and reach number 2 on the Sunday Times bestseller list if you're merely 'popular'.
I get that people get annoyed by all the campaigning this month. Just as I get annoyed when people I don't know bombared me with RT requests and such like, which to be is far ruder. It does bring out some nasty behaviours. But for me the awards are also a chance to celebrate and highlight the best bloggers out there. to raise the bar for everyone else, and for medium-sized or smaller bloggers such as me to test their mettle against the big guns.
So, no, I don't really think awards are just a popularity contest at all. I understand where that perception comes from – and some bloggers don't help with that perception with some of their campaigning hard-sell – but the evidence suggests otherwise.
Nigel
March 21, 2016 at 7:30 am
Good morning Tim thanks for your comment it is after all just my own personal opinion and not having a go at anybody it's simply how I see it and for what's it worth
Thanks again Nige
Mama
March 21, 2016 at 8:05 am
I begged unashamedly last year but I was hoping people would vote for me because they liked the blog. I hear what you're saying but I wonder if the same couldn't be said about all awards given by votes? I'm keeping my badge in the sidebar as it was received as a little validation for a newbie blogger with no confidence and no twitter following. Yes it was an ego boost- I'm sorry if that makes me shallow.
I shan't be joining in on the begging this year as sadly I am too lazy and need to concentrate on actually publishing some posts. Regardless I wish all the people who want to play the best of luck.
Agree to disagree but still love you , Nige x
Mama, My Kid Doesn't Poop Raunbows
Nigel
March 21, 2016 at 10:30 am
We will agree to disagree lol love you xx
Bear and Cardigan
March 21, 2016 at 10:48 am
I can understand your view but like all things there are good and bad. I'm very new at blogging so I don't really know much about the awards and I would agree that popularity will win you votes but how did these bloggers get popular in the first place? 10k+ followers can't all be "friends" some if not most are following because they like the content. The only winner I know about is the unmumsy mum and she definitely deserved to win. I followed her and a few others before I started blogging. Don't we all do a little self promotion? A tweet here, a RT by one of our blogging friends? I would love to win an award, it would be amazing to be nominated by someone who genuinely loved my blog, but I know that isn't going to happen so when my blog is older and hopefully better will I ask for votes and nomination? Oh yes, I'm sure I will.
Nigel
March 21, 2016 at 8:36 pm
Thank you for comments it's really only a personal view the way I think it works
Martyn Kitney
March 21, 2016 at 11:53 am
I'd like to echo Tim's thoughts on this as he raises a few valid points.
Last year I was exactly the same as you and saw it as a form of begging, this year I've seen it differently.
Most because of yourself. You're one of the good bloggers. You comment, share, interact and affirm the job that we do. On this sense you made me feel like my blog in its small little world is having an impact and maybe, just maybe, if one person can have faith in me then maybe a lot more do; despite not having that faith in myself.
Do I think I'll be a finalist? No, of course not, even more so that I would ever win but at the same time it's nice to get a little pat on the back.
I spent a few good hours thinking about who I would nominate and with that then messaged those people privately to tell them that ive nominated them. I didn't do this to do a "like for like" process more so I could give someone a positive pat on the back because they are deserving. Not once in doing this did I expect those to vote for me. In a field of 8k bloggers competing then it's unlikely to make that difference unless, as you say, you're one of the bigger bloggers who have lots of readers. Would I like to think that others might consider me if I suggest that I am willing to be nominated? Of course!
I think you raise the best point though and it's all about content and not popularity. I'm lucky to know my usp and the UMV to my blog to know that through my enjoyment that others enjoy it too and that is all that matters.
Nigel
March 21, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Thanks mart for comment we have as you know already spoke and appreciate your help so much thanks mate
Mrs Tubbs
March 21, 2016 at 1:54 pm
I kind of agree, that you shouldn't ask outright. If people think you're good enough to be nominated, then they'll nominate you. But, if you are nominated, then of course you should encourage people to vote for you!
Nigel
March 21, 2016 at 8:39 pm
That is true of course my point is how far with the begging bowl to you go it is only a personal view thank you for your comment
Amy Treasure
March 21, 2016 at 3:44 pm
Hmm I think I agree and disagree in equal measure! I do think a lot of it is a popularity contest, I certainly found that with the recent Mumsnet ones. I would have loved to see Cash from The Comeback Mum win as she is unequivocally one of the best writers there is in the parenting blogging community and I think she was robbed. However, the BiBs are judged by actual judges as well as popular vote and so that is fair if you ask me.
I did 'beg' for votes last year, but I won't be this time as honestly feel a bit too long in the tooth for it all, yes I'd love to win an award but I don't need one to validate my blog or my worth and I doubt that I would get fewer opportunities just because I don't have one. I would also rather win one because people have thought oh yes I'll vote for Amy, her blog's really good and not because I've asked them to or we've traded votes or something!
On a sidenote, I am not sure who the 'elite bloggers' are that you're talking about but I can't think of any group in this community that acts as though they are more intellectual than anyone else. The fact that they are 'elite bloggers' though would quite possibly mark them as better bloggers in the sense that their blogs are more successful and desirable to brands but perhaps that's the career path they've chosen and so they've had to carve the way, so to speak. I know I am a better blogger than I was four years ago. I honestly think there are enough opportunities for everyone and should you or I or anyone reading this want it enough it is there for the taking.
Interesting article and I think it will cause a stir but good on you for being brave enough to voice your opinion no holds barred!
Amy 🙂
Nigel
March 21, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Thanks Amy it was a difficult decision to publish its actually been sitting in my drafts for about a week (I think I drove Emily mad ) should I shouldn't I.
The truth is it's the way I see it and I realise that it will be picked on talent in the end it's the process of getting there which disturbs me. So I decided to stay true to myself and say how I felt which of course is only a personal view thank you for commenting I really appreciate it
Nige 🙂
Leslie Rickerby
March 22, 2016 at 7:06 am
I have 'begged' as you so eloquently put it, but not in a post that was aimed at other bloggers. My post was to inform my readers that such awards exist. I didn't have a clue about them for the past 2 years so this year I've jumped on the wagon and got involved. A lot of my readers are not part of the bloggin community and if they dont know, they cant vote. I don't expect to win, I dont even expect to be shortlisted but it's nice to be nominated. Whether I get an award or not, it wont stop me blogging or change anything about the way in which I do so
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Thank you for comments it's interesting seeing people's point of view 🙂
Clare @ Maybush Studio
March 22, 2016 at 2:53 pm
I agree with Amy, I also feel too long in the tooth for all of this! I found out yesterday that I had been nominated for blog of the year and actually laughed out loud. I cannot take any of it seriously.
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Me too can't imagine I will be getting many nominations after this lol thank you
Sanna / Wave to Mummy blog
March 22, 2016 at 9:49 pm
Interesting post! I sort of echo Tim and Amy in my opinion, in the sense that yes, they are a popularity contest (to an extent) but at the same time, you won't become popular unless you consistently deliver good content that draws people in.
I am far too busy to start canvassing for votes this year but of course should anyone vote for me I would be grateful 🙂 I haven't done my nominations yet, will have to find some time for that too soon!
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:37 pm
I agree unless you write good content then you won't be popular thank you for your comment
Caroline Elliott
March 23, 2016 at 7:15 am
I applaud you for speaking out and giving an "unpopular" opinion. I hate the begging if I'm honest and it certainly wouldn't make me nominate anyone. Some of it definitely is popularity and cliques…but then perhaps some of those bloggers are popular because they are good. I don't know to be honest. I know I will never get an award for my blog and I guess I'm OK with that. Yes we are all competitive but I have long since accepted that my blog is just a hobby and as long as I enjoy reading and some people seem to enjoy reading then I am content with that xx
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:42 pm
My blog is first and foremost a hobby and get some people need awards to validate their blog not for me thank you for your comment
Our Rach
March 23, 2016 at 7:20 am
Oooooo this is a post that's going to divide opinion within the blogging community – I can certainly tell by the comments!! You know what, I'm a sort of a back seat viewer of these awards…this is the first time I've ever encountered such a thing as I'm still a new blogger. I'm not really a parent blogger but can appreciate there are some incredible blogs out there and I have nominated the ones I enjoy the most and who I hope receive some recognition. I applaud you for writing this because it's your opinion and I love it when people have opinions that might be a little controversial. It creates debate and you've articulated your stance really well. #abitofeverything
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:43 pm
It's been an interesting reaction but in the end it's just my opinion although some have agreed some disagreed thanks for commenting
shoeboxfullofmemories
March 23, 2016 at 7:24 am
I'm not sure about them. I can understand wanting recognition from peers and independent judges but I've never been comfortable with self promotion (see Coffee and Revelations) but if I want to achieve my aim of getting my blog out to people that need it than I have to.
Of the two the BiB has the most appeal due its independence. People seem to like my blog posts and say nice things but I can't escape the feeling I get special kid gloves treatment because of the subject matter.
#bestandworst
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Yes your subject matter is sensitive but you write so well about it and to be honest in my opinion your blog definitely should have recognition but for how well it's written about a difficult subject always look forward to your posts 🙂
Jeremy Barnes
March 23, 2016 at 12:44 pm
To my knowledge their ins't an American version of the BiBs, and I'm not eligible for yours so its a little annoying to me to see all the "nominate me" posts. Would I feel differently if I found out I was nominated and needed to round up some votes? I don't think so, but it's hard to say
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Thanks for commenting Jeremy no yanks allowed or me now lol
Rhyming With Wine
March 23, 2016 at 1:27 pm
I like this post. I don't necessarily agree with it entirely, but I kind of get where you're coming from. This is my first "awards season" as a blogger and it is hard not to get swept up in all the excitement. I've loved being able to nominate people who's blogs are, in my opinion, outstanding. I have tried to be honest and base my nominations on the blog rather than the blogger and have been left feeling guilty that I haven't necessarily nominated some of my closest blogging friends.
Have I displayed the badges – Yes. Was I ecstatic to hear I'd been nominated – absolutely! Can I write a post asking for more nominations – can I heck!? I've tried. I've started one. I got half way through and deleted it as it was making my teeth hurt. Do I think other people shouldn't post the same? Not at all. I genuinely wish them luck!
Great post – thanks for making me think about it…. and good luck!
Dawn 😉
#bestandworst
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:48 pm
I hope you get to write your post good luck thanks for commenting
Peonie & Me
March 23, 2016 at 6:36 pm
haha, I bet you are loving this weeks #bestandworst :o)
As I said on Twitter its a very valid point and very well written. But at the same time, its soooooooooo fun. I feel like a kid shouting 'pick me, pick me' for the school talent contest. I was crap at sports and was never picked, but the talent contest, well that's when I shined, haha.
Hope you get a nomination DIY Daddy so you can join in the BIBbing MADness x
Nigel
March 23, 2016 at 7:06 pm
Lol Thank you it's been interesting this week I think very unlikely I will get a nomination I don't think my blog is anywhere near good enough appreciate your comment
Ghostwritermummy
March 23, 2016 at 7:56 pm
I'm loving the comments on this and I have to say I also both agree and disagree. Last year I was a finalist in two categories of the MADS and one in the BIBS. I didn't win any of them but being a finalist was really jnptotant to me because I blog for a cause. So for my campaign being a finalist meant I was able to reach more people and raise more awareness. I didn't ask for nominations but I did ask for votes when I reached the finals. I think some degree of the MADs is a popularity contest but like others have said that BIBS are a lot fairer. This month I attended the tommy's baby awards as a finalist for the mums voice category and this one was totally judged, no voting at all. I have to admit that it felt like a huge achievement to be included in these awards for that reason. Ultimately, for me the awards are not only lovely, they are a way to make my voice a little louder and I can only see his as a good thing. And it's nice to support obey bloggers and celebrate the blogs you enjoy. That said, in most categories there are very few surprises. So we'll have to see what this year brings, maybe we'll have a shake up this year??! xx
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:49 pm
It should be interesting the comments are very mixed indeed thanks for commenting
Mrs G
March 23, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Oooh I'm in a quandry! You are in front of me in the #bestandworst linky so I'm here doing my commenting duty…but I think you have just described me as being one of those people you see 'begging' as I published a nomination post. Awkward.
I like to think of my 'imaginary acceptance speech' to be tongue in cheek, a little ironic, a twist…because I do not seriously imagine I am in the line of winning owt. But, I'm not taking it too seriously. Just a bit of fun!
Good for you for vocalising your opinion – that's what it's all about.
Peace x
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:51 pm
Oh no !! One of my points is this really serious after some of these comments it apparently it is peace and love X thanks for commenting
Emma Major
March 24, 2016 at 7:02 am
Yes, yes and yes. That's exactly what I think. Until I become overwhelmed with joy when I get a tweet to say I've been nominated in both. And I'd love to win, who wouldn't.
But like you I don't have a chance because I don't want to canvas votes, if I did I'd become an MP and do something about the attacks on the poor and sick. Instead I'll be happy that I was nominated and I'll put that badge on my side bar to remind me that someone likes what I do and I'll continue blogging about what I love for people who might want to read it.
#brillblogposts
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:53 pm
The funny thing is I know two people have nominated me but I have to be honest it hasn't altered what I think of them after this I will probably be banned lol
john adams
March 24, 2016 at 7:48 am
Tricky one Nigel. In previous years I have gone all out to get votes. Last year I was a finalist in the family category of the BiBs. I was one of three, yes three, guys to make it into the finals. Alas, I didn't win but as a dad blogger I was stunned to make it into the finals and also delighted to be representing they guys (only one took an award, Julian of Northerndadblog). From that point of view, the awards are worth it. They're also importnt if you blog commercially as an award will help attract business.
That said, this year I will be doing the one blog post politely requesting people vote for me, but that's it. They'll be no tagging each and every individual blog post as I have in previous years. I simply don't have the time. I am also a little fed up of seeing other bloggers "begging" for votes. I concede it doesn't look that great, hene why I'll go for the one "polite ask" and draw the line.
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Thanks for commenting John and I appreciate the positive comments about the begging for votes if your is blog enough it will get the votes I believe anyways after this I think I may I have blown my chance oh dear ! 🙂
Alex Walsh
March 24, 2016 at 9:25 am
The BIBs and the MADs will always be a popularity contest because that's what they've been designed to be. They're a bit like sports personality of the year, which is in reality a competition to find the most popular sports person. There's nothing wrong with that as long as you don't derive your success or self worth from them. In terms of actual blogging awards, I think the Vuelio (formerly Cision) awards that I attended last December where and are the most prestigious and are based on the bloggers skill rather than how they campaign for votes.
Just my two penneth (as a finalist at 3 or 4 blogging awards but never a winner!)
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:57 pm
I totally agree the vuelio awards are a more accurate guide of good blogs and I have been a reader of yours a long while and if I'm honest it's criminal you haven't won thanks for commenting 🙂
Alex Walsh
March 25, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Thanks for the compliment Nigel! I can't complain about anything- I actually won a car in a blogging competition once 😀
I think the thing that surprised me last year and has depressed me this year in seeing it again is people actually paying via boosted posts or promoted tweets to "campaign".
Last year I had a slew of DMs and private messages canvassing for votes which was bad enough but actually paying real money? Sheesh!!!
Nigel
March 25, 2016 at 5:27 pm
No worries Alex that's a pretty cool prize it's mad what lengths people will go to win
Nigel
Regina L. L. Wells | You Are a Daisy
March 24, 2016 at 2:44 pm
I know that it was difficult to publish this, Nigel. I applaud you for doing it. I'm new to blogging, so this is all pretty intriguing to me. This is what I imagine Oscar season to be like. LOL! #brilliantblogposts
Nigel
March 24, 2016 at 5:58 pm
It's was difficult and it's been an interesting reaction think I blew my chance of winning oh dear !! Thanks for commenting
theuncheshirewife
March 24, 2016 at 10:17 pm
I don't mind if people want to put themselves up for awards & I might nominate a blog in one or two categories but I never vote and I wouldn't put myself in any. I get more enjoyment out of a non-blogger reading my blog than anything.
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:32 pm
Thank you for your comment I agree I have a large number of non bloggers reading my blog and when they comment it's always more humbling 🙂
Mummy Melton
March 25, 2016 at 7:53 am
I know I'm never going to be nominated as there are many blogs out there that are much bigger & better than mine but I do it as a hobby not to win awards. If someone nominated me I'd be over the moon but I'm not going to beg for votes. Loved your post & reading everyone's views #binkylinky
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Thanks for commenting to me it's a hobby as well win an award never will but I never started for that reason 🙂
Anne Stone
March 25, 2016 at 9:40 am
A very touchy subject at the moment and well done for approaching it. As a blogger who is not very popular, I have been to the MAD awards twice now. I'm still a bit stunned at how I got there, but I always ask for nominations and votes, or else I probably wouldn't have. My motto, if you don't ask you don't get! But then I'm feeding into the popularity thing by doing so. MADS also used to choose one blog per category by judges, they also used to make a lot more fuss over their finalists, but that seems to have gone now 🙁 I never ask for nominations in the BiBs because I've never been to Britmums. Although there are judges for the Bib awards I think the whole thing is a lot more blogger dominated, therefore more of a popularity contest.
The grovelling only lasts for a few weeks, and although it can be annoying when people ask over and over (I probably ask about once a week) I don't berate them for it. Everyone craves popularity, but in the end it's how good your blog is that will get you the win. I'm not aware of any MADS winners who have not been totally deserved of their prize even if they are popular…after all, they are probably popular because they are brilliant bloggers! (Which is probably why I haven't won!)
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:36 pm
Thanks for your comment it is only my personal opinion and the way I see it my point though is popularity does equate to quality maybe that's why I haven't won only joking
Jodie Allen
March 25, 2016 at 10:58 am
As my blog is still less than a year old this is my first round of awards. I am amazed actually at all the asking for votes that's going on! I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing but I do kind of agree with you that the awards are turning into favours from other bloggers rather than blogs being judged on individual merit. I obviously would love to be nominated but I know I won't be and that's ok. As you said, for me at least, this is a hobby. Not a job! Interesting read by the way 🙂 #BinkyLinky
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Thank you Jodie for your comment it is very bloggers favours designed as I said in my post I would love to win never going to happen most likely after the post I wrote 🙂
Emma
March 25, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Interesting post. I'm a newbie & this is my first award session. I do agree to an extent. I feel the same few popular bloggers will be on the finals but this is because they work hard & have gained a following. I posted a pic on instagram to nominate me & sent a tweet bit haven't wrote a post asking for votes. To be honest just writing the tweet made me cringe a little but I thought you've got to be in it to win it. Not that I expect to win obviously. Great to see a post that will engage people & split opinion. #binkylinky
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:42 pm
Thank you for your comments it's been very interesting all the comments and it's definitly engaged people more than I ever thought 🙂
Right Royal Mother
March 25, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Hello! (I am attempting this for the second time today). I am new too. And as a newbie, who actually does want her writing to be seen, linkys and blog posts relating to the MADs and BiBs have been pretty brilliant in reinforcing communication with bloggers I admire, trust and love conversing with. So for that reason, I'm not averse to promotional tweeting, etc. HOWEVER … I must say, it has felt cringey at time as I am out of my comfort zone. I do think the BiBs winners last year were fantastic writers, all of them, and as Tim from STT says, they wouldn't have won on votes alone. It's an interesting topic and I'm sure it took a couple of drinks (or something!) to be brave enough to hit 'publish' on … so well done and thank you! xx
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:46 pm
One of things I just couldn't do is ask for votes it's.not me as a person I'm really not really controversial but this post has really open my eyes it's a real mix of opinion. I think I have blown any chance of winning ever lol never mind it was a difficult decision to publish but sometimes you can't keep quiet that was one of those moments thanks for commenting X
Sarah Howe
March 25, 2016 at 8:33 pm
I agree with some of this as I said before. I think getting votes off fellow bloggers can be a popularity contest. If you haven't time to socialise a lot online and chat all day, it's hard to get known unless you are doing linkies and reading and commenting tonnes! Again really hard. However, if you are shortlisted by independent judges, perhaps a little less so. Love the post though as I did think it!! Thanks for hosting x
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:48 pm
Thanks Sarah it's been a very interesting week of comments and a certain amount of backlash. Which I find funny because I'm not a very controversial person spend a lot of time in the background X
David Mellor
March 25, 2016 at 9:13 pm
Great post. I'm very much in my blogging infancy so in many ways feel inadequate to comment fully, but I would say that I have been struck by the level of canvassing that goes on during this period, detracting attention from the many good and interesting posts that are out there. It seems every other post on my timeline is a request.
Don't get me wrong, recognition in my eyes is no bad thing, but needing it is something quite different. If (and in my embryonic state I genuinely don't know whether this is the case or not) the awards are rigorous, balanced and truly independent then surely good bloggers will be identified regardless? Which begs the question: why request nominations? Personally, I wouldn't because my motivation is personal.
Either way this, here, is one of the reasons I was drawn to blogging. Not to be requested of, but to find and share interesting experiences or ideas. Or to be made to stop and think. Which is exactly what you have done in challenging the status quo.
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Hi David thank you for commenting it's been an interesting week with comments from all directions a certain amount of backlash. I started to blog as a hobby which it is still is but also like you I love reading posts that either move me make me think or laugh it really is the joy of blogging I have also gained some wonderful friends though blogging. A lot of my posts are about my twins and maybe one day they will read them and thick dad was off his head lol seriously it's a online diary for them thanks again mate
Min
March 25, 2016 at 11:21 pm
This is certainly a controversial post! I have done a begging for votes post, but as a few other commenters on here have said, it was also an opportunity to give some shout outs to other bloggers who I admire (and I can honestly say that everyone I voted for I voted for because of their fantastic content, not because they were "popular" or my friends). Also, I do want my work to be seen, and if no one knows who you are, no one can nominate you. #BrilliantBlogPosts
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Thank you for your comment 🙂
Crummy Mummy
March 26, 2016 at 5:04 pm
I've put myself forward in the MADS this year but I'd like to think I don't have to beg for votes! I see what you're saying, but at the same time for me to be shortlisted or even to win an award would be recognition of all my garden work. I'm a journalist and there's a saying in the industry that 'good content will out' – I think that's true for blogging too… #justanotherlinky
Nigel
March 26, 2016 at 7:59 pm
Thanks for your comment as I said in my post of course I would love to win an award but I won't do it like it's done currently of course the post is not meant to offend anybody it's just a personal opinion to be honest I took a long time to decide publish and never thought I would have the reaction I have had across the whole spectrum of social media my blog
Bread
March 26, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Mostly I've put the badges on my site but I won't be pimping out for votes.
Nigel
March 28, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Thanks for your comment
Helen Gandy – Beautiful Things
March 26, 2016 at 9:01 pm
I don't mind people asking for votes but very much dislike seeing my timeline full of it if i'm honest, I think if people want to vote they will and if they don't they won't. Personally I have not the time to sit and try and write a post asking for votes but if I'm lucky enough to be nominated then I'm grateful. Great post Nige! THanks for linking up #bestandworst
Nigel
March 28, 2016 at 7:35 pm
Thank you Helen for your comments really appreciated
sam r
March 27, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Firstly.i admire toy for having.the balls to post this and be yourself. I find that so admirable and authentic.
I think this awards are begging, why promote wht can't the organisation just pick, I just find it desperate and I can't promote. I don't even do retweet of old posts because if people want to see they are free to choice. But everyone is different, it just makes me uncomfortable and bored hearing about it X #justanotherlinky
Nigel
March 28, 2016 at 7:37 pm
Thank you for your comment and completely agree with it all if they want to vote they will whatever
thebutterflymother
March 28, 2016 at 8:41 am
I'm relatively new to blogging and brand new to the awards. I'm not planning to promote myself this year as I simply don't have the time and, this might sound a bit negative, but don't really see it would be worth my time as the mo because my blog has such a small following compared to others so wouldn't actually have a chance.
However, if I were nominated I would be so touched and chuffed to bits as I know it wouldn't be because of popularity because I have such a small following so would be due to someone enjoying my writing which is a huge compliment.
So I kind of agree with you in that I don't see how anyone other than the blogs with really big followings can win but on the other hand how did those blogs get big followings in the first place – surely it can only be down to the quality of their writing and content? Or is there another way that I'm missing lol?
Thanks so much for sharing an interesting viewpoint 🙂 #binkylinky
Nigel
March 28, 2016 at 7:39 pm
Thank you for comments of course it's only a personal opinion before a decision is made on talent there is a lot of what I call bloggers favours I will vote for you you vote for me that is not then down to content and writing
You Baby Me Mummy
March 28, 2016 at 9:15 pm
Firstly well done for airing your opinion and not being afraid of any potential negativity. I have read some of the comments and I agree with Tim and Amy. I don't think people beg for votes. Some of our readers won't be aware of the awards but may well wish to vote for us. I think posting that you would like to be nominated is perfectly acceptable. I don't know who the elite bloggers are either. I have seen very little negativity in the 2.5 years that I have been blogging. I would like to think that awards such of these celebrate what blogging is all about and gives a vehicle to showcase the amazing talent we have within our field. I was in the Finals of the Bibs last year and was very proud to be there. I can't imagine it will happen again, but believe it or not brands notice when you are in that position, so it does do you good. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
Nigel
April 2, 2016 at 2:13 pm
Thanks any for your comment it is of course only a personal opinion just the way I see it
Something Crunchy Mummy
April 1, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Well done for writing this. I honestly agree even though it is lovely to know I have been nominated. I haven't done the 'begging' as I just can't bring myself to. Honest posts like this is what make you a brilliant blogger! Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx
Nigel
April 2, 2016 at 2:15 pm
Thanks Kirsty for your comment it's been interesting watching the divided opinions very flattered that you think that I am a brilliant blogger allthough I'm not so sure xx
Tilly
January 22, 2017 at 6:23 pm
I always feel a bit disappointed when I see a Blogger I love sending out a blanket tweet about needing votes. It does feel a bit like a popularity contest and when I have three or four people canvassing got votes it becomes a little bit insincere.