PR Asking Bloggers to Review Products They Will Never Receive

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Lately, I have been taken aback with requests from PR to review products based only on images and written copy.  In other words, requests to review items that I will never touch, see, or most importantly, test.  Did you just let out a “Huh?” Yeah, my sentiments exactly. While I understand the sad attempt to score a written review by a blogger without actually sending an item to them, I do not see how even the newest of bloggers would accept such an “offer”?  Even

My New Venture – Mom Spark Media

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So, after many months of planning, brainstorming, and late nights, Mom Spark has officially launched Mom Spark Media.  This is my most exciting venture thus far and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! What is Mom Spark Media? We are not a traditional media company because we offer more services than a blogger network and outreach to brands.  Our bloggers come first and because of that we not only offer brand ambassador programs, online campaigns (via blogging, social networking, video, home parties,

BLOGGING 101: Custom Domain Names for Free Hosted Blogs

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When I first created Mom Spark, I was using the free Blogger platform, so my blog address was http://MomSpark.blogspot.com.  When I started taking myself more seriously, I wanted to simplify that url.  I’m sure many of you are in the same boat right now or similar (maybe with WordPress.com) and want to officially change your blog url to a simple, custom address.  I’m here to save the day!  It’s not difficult to do and makes a world of difference regarding the professionalism of your blog

BLOGGING 101: Media Kits & One Sheets

At some point in your blogging career, you will need a media kit and one sheet in your arsenal to pass along to potential sponsors and advertisers.  I know a media kit sounds intimidating, but it really isn’t a big deal to create. In this post, I will go over some important elements that you should include in your media kit and one sheet, as well as visual examples.  Let’s begin! •MEDIA KIT• A media kit is basically a document that includes information about your

BLOGGING 101: Gravatars

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I thought I would go easy on you today by sharing a quick and easy tip.  Gravatars.  Ever heard of them?  Chances are you’ve seen them before, but didn’t know what they were called. Gravatar = Globally Recognized Avatars Here is a visual: That is my Gravatar above.  Like it?  If I didn’t have a Gravatar, I would see a default image instead:

BLOGGING 101: FAVICONS

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::WHAT IS A FAVICON?:: Some of you may be asking, “What in the world is a favicon?” I can give you the technical definition from Dictionary.com: favicon: an icon associate with a particular website or web page and displayed when that site is bookmarked; also called favorites icon Got it?  No?  Maybe it would be easier to just show you: A favicon is the little image to the left of a url in the browser window.  Favicons also show up with urls in website bookmarks

BLOGGING 101: Reviews and Giveaways

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Today’s Blogging 101 is on REVIEWS & GIVEAWAYS. LET’S GO WAY BACK. When I first created Mom Spark, I was baffled at the giveaways I saw on other mom sites.  They were giving away expensive electronics, clothing, and other high ticket items.  How were they doing this and how could I get in on that?  I didn’t have a clue.  In my own naivety and inexperience, I reached out to a fellow blogger who was giving away a Flip Camera and asked her for her