This was one of those “awkward” posts to publish for reasons that will hopefully become apparent as you keep reading. If I offend anyone or seem ungrateful, I apologize and I certainly don’t mind one bit if you disagree with me. I’ve just been sort of annoyed of late by all the blog award shenanigans going on and I’ve been wondering if others have been feeling this way too.
It seems there are more and more blog awards being handed out these days which makes me wonder, do blog awards matter?
Admittedly, I have had one such blog award badge displayed on my side bar for quite some time now. I’m no different than anyone else.
Who doesn’t like a bit of recognition for their work?
But now groups/organizations often ask me (and other bloggers) to put up their organizations’ “badges” on my site or Facebook page, so supposedly my readers or followers can see it and then vote for me (or not) to win an upcoming award they intend to hand out. Sometimes you can nominate others for blog awards. Yes, sometimes you can even nominate and/or vote for yourself. And once in a great while there’s even money involved.
Sometimes I wonder who is really benefiting from all this passing out of badges and blog awards.
Maybe I’m missing something, but generally this stuff makes me wonder if it’s more about free advertising than passing out meaningful awards.
If you’re an organization giving out a badge or award, shouldn’t you decide yourself who or what defines your “winner”?
If your organization wishes to give out an award, why not do it based on your own criteria because unless you’re running for a political office, it’s awkward to ask people to vote for you.
All this voting creates a weird competition in the blogosphere which I feel is potentially harmful.
Do all these blog awards really matter?
In all honesty, I have no idea; more than likely some do and many don’t.
I do know one thing.
The best “award” for most bloggers (or at least for this one) is having readers. Seriously, it’s true; and a comment letting me know that what I’ve written has made a difference in someone’s life is like icing on the cake.
Alli
Sunday 3rd of March 2013
Sometimes I think people forget why they started blogging in the first place. If it was to receive awards, maybe they are in the wrong place. For the most part I believe we start out for the right reasons - to inform and to rant, discuss vent our frustrations. ..at least in many ways I do. The only reward I truly appreciate is when someone responds and tells me I helped them or lets me know that what I wrote was relevant to what they are going through. I don't feel the need to compete for a cyber sticker telling me how wonderful I am.
Thanks Nancy.... Love Alli.....XX
Nancy
Sunday 3rd of March 2013
Alli, You said it well. Awards are great and I don't have anything against them, but like you said it's about so much more than that. Thanks for being one of my valued readers, Alli. And thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.
Susan Zager
Friday 22nd of February 2013
Nancy, I love the way you have all of us thinking about these awards. I agree the best thing is when readers read what you have to say, and especially comment or write me an email because they have been moved or learned something about what I have written. I agree with Scorchy about paid awards. I don't want to have to beg for votes and especially when they make it complicated to vote for those you are asking for votes from. If I have been nominated or won a graphically nice looking award and I can figure out how to get it on my site, I like to put it on if it looks nice. But again what matters most is the readers!
Nancy
Friday 22nd of February 2013
Susan, It is something to think about isn't it? I agree with Scorchy as well. I'm not against any of these awards, I just feel uncomfortable asking for votes sometimes. To each their own. Some don't mind a bit. Who knows, maybe some day I'll be eating my words and begging for votes!
M.D.
Friday 22nd of February 2013
I don't see any harm in them. People know good quality and if someone wants to add a badge to their site well that's fine by me. We all know it is a marketing thing to get backlinks.
Nancy
Friday 22nd of February 2013
M.D. It's all about marketing isn't it? That's exactly my point. I personally don't care for asking for votes, especially when money is involved. I appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you.
Scorchy Barrington
Wednesday 20th of February 2013
I am of two minds. Competitive at heart, I like to be recognized. But with some caveats.
First, I won't compete for an award--monetary or no. If you have money to dole out, then create a criteria, call for nominations, and then have a committee that decides the recipient based on that criteria. Don't make me beg for votes. That's crap. Make the process transparent and just do it. Don't ask bloggers to do it for you.
Second, if I feel that my display of a badge can increase my reach, then I'll post it. If I don't feel like there has been any benefit I'll take it down.
Third, the best award is readership. I love to receive the little Wordpress bits that are passed around from blogger to blogger. This kind of recognition comes from my peers and is warmly accepted and appreciated. Even though devoting a blog post to what could be construed as a chain letter isn't always what I want to do, occasionally taking a break and recognizing fellow bloggers is a nice respite.
For me my greatest reward (and surprise) comes from knowing that I have made a difference in people's lives. It's why I teach. And while I started to blog to make a difference in MY life, I continue because my readers tell me that it makes a difference in theirs. Regardless of what badges or links may appear or disappear on my blog, that I've both received and made an impact is the Medal of Honor for me.
Great post, Nancy!
Nancy
Wednesday 20th of February 2013
Scorchy, I am right there with you on all your points. Well said. Thank you.
Laurie
Wednesday 20th of February 2013
Hi Nancy! I have to admit that I very often delete these nominations without acting. Like you, I'm often suspicious as to what they actually mean and don't feel like offering free advertising. It's too bad because I'm sure I'm weeding out some good opportunities with the bad...Great post!
Nancy
Wednesday 20th of February 2013
Laurie, It's really good to hear from you. It sounds as if you and I are on the same page on this one. Often times that delete button comes in pretty handy doesn't it? Thanks so much for taking time to comment, Laurie.