How many of you fellow blogging teachers have been approached to endorse a product or provide advertising for a company through a giveaway on your blog?
I am curious as to how this works. The target audience for my blog is the families of my students, but the majority of my blog visitors are art educators, so it seems like it could be a good thing to do, provided the company and/or product is relevant and appropriate for my blog focus and my audience. Of course, it would also have to be a product I was experienced with and proud to promote. That being said, I am sure that any kind of compensation may be in violation of my teaching contract with the county, as my blog is not anonymous, but it could possibly help fund classroom expenses. I certainly wouldn't want to do anything to put my career at risk, so I would investigate thoroughly with my administrators before attempting anything along these lines.
I would be most appreciative if any of you have any experience in this area - good or bad - through comments or by email.
Mrs. Knight's Smartest Artists, Dolvin Elementary School, Johns Creek, Georgia
I have had some advertising on my blog. I look them up a little on the better business bureau to try to make sure they're legit. Also I label the ads as "sponsors" if I am not outright promoting something on my own accord. I never lie and say "I love this" if I don't (you know what I mean). For example, if I link to a book on Amazon, and don't label it as a sponsor, it is one that I have chosen to post because I truly LOVE the book. Although Amazon affiliates is another cool program. You set up an account and if people click through your links to buy something from Amazon you get a small percentage in amazon gift certificates. It is nice to have the click-through link if you are talking about a book or product. I doubt it will be in violation of your school contract if you use it for art related stuff. I never really make tons of money on it anyways, but when I do make a few dollars it ends up going towards art-related expenses (books, development workshops, supplies, etc.). I think it's fine if you feel comfortable with it and if your school is fine with it. If you can make a little extra money for your classroom off of something you are doing anyways, why not?
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I was thinking, why not? Thanks for sharing that tip about Amazon, I had no idea.
DeleteIf your blog is a personal art blog, not affiliated in any way with your school district, does it matter if you make money from links and "sponsors"? My projects I share come from the schools I teach at, but the school's names are not mentioned.Just wondering.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts on that are, if you are blogging independently, you can do whatever you want. But if you are sharing student work, sharing school projects, pictures, and exhibits from a public school, it may be a tricky situation, unless the funds go to the program possibly. I remember reading a number of blogs offering giveaways, and I am hoping some of those peoplemightshare their experience. Maybe they are giving away some of their own goods, not those donated from a company?
DeleteI don't know a lot about blogging but I know that you need a parental release to show pictures of, or use names of kids.As long as you don't do that it is allright in my opinion. And any stuff that you get that is an art supply that you use in the creation of your own art or your students art helps you to be a better art teacher, So I say in my humble opinion as a fellow art teacher, bring on the art goodies!P.S. your blog is da bomb!I will be stealing much!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary. All of our students have the option of signing publicity releases, and anytime I feature a particular student, I always send home a permission slip first.
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