This review stuff (for lack of a better word) is beginning to get ridiculous.

Last week I received an email asking me to review a product. So I took my time and looked the product over like I normally do when I’m interested in a product then I emailed the rep back telling them that we would be interested if they could mail a sample. I received a reply that they would need the sample back, and since they knew these weren’t my terms could I please just review the image of the product instead. What?????????????????

At this point I had to take a step back. I was furious. Let me get this straight – You want me to mail back a piece of plastic that is worth no more than a few dollars? Huh? And, if I can’t go by those rules – you want me to review an image? Are you freaking kidding me? I mostly politely declined but really wanted to say what was on my mind.

Is there a Mom out there that would agree to do this? And, if so then blogging as we know it is over. We can kiss the possibility of ever getting an advertisement goodbye.

I don’t know where I’m going with this post. All I know is that email really made me stop and think about this whole review situation. I’m not saying that I’m going to totally quit accepting products for review but it is not what I am about. Furthermore, I’m also not saying that every PR company is like the one mentioned above. I’ve worked with and continue to work with some great companies. I’ve also worked with some horrible companies that either just don’t get it or just don’t care.

Overall, my biggest problem is that these greedy billion dollar companies think they can buy us for a bag of chips and a roll of toilet paper. And, they will as long as we let them. If we continue to blog for all this free stuff then there’s no need for advertising. IT IS the advertising, and we are doing it for free. These are the same companies that act like they are truly interested in Moms. Are they really?