Is Travel Blogging Becoming A Cheap Marketing Stunt?
Lately the travel blogosphere has been debating up a storm over the issue of ethics. Well, at least it started with that. Gawker posted a story about NY Times writer Mike Albo taking an all expenses paid trip to Jamaica, sponsored by Thrillist and Jetblue. The NY Times has strict rules prohibiting their writers from accepting any freebies as such.
Is Travel Blogging Becoming A Cheap Marketing Stunt? Lately the travel blogosphere has been debating up a storm over the issue of ethics. Well, at least it started with that. Gawker posted a story about NY Times writer Mike Albo taking an all expenses paid trip to Jamaica, sponsored by Thrillist and Jetblue. The NY Times has strict rules prohibiting their writers from accepting any freebies as such.
Did that create a wave? Hell yeah. It’s fired tons of response from travel writers/bloggers on twitter, and all over the internet. Some bloggers have been firm on their stand against freebies and press trips, while others have got lots to defend – how would they make a living otherwise? Who will pay for their travelling expenses then? Do they have to pay to go to work? Three months ago, while on assignment for V!VA Travel Guides, I was told not to reveal my identity as a guidebook writer in order to get an unbiased take on the hostel/restaurant I was writing about. There was this once when a tour operator inquired. When he learned that I was including his business in a guidebook, he changed his attitude altogether (yeh it was obvious) and proceeded to offer me a drink and even a free biking tour, to which I graciously declined. Would I have written the same review without the freebies? It definitely changed my views – the result: an honest write up of his tour operator – excellent equipment, well-trained guides and a hypocritical owner. Matador Network recently published a fascinating piece, ‘Do Freebies Undermine the Honesty of Writing?’, provoking many interesting responses and discussion (surprise surprise!). On the other side of the coin, Gadling headed for the direct ‘yes to freebies’ stand, ‘Free Press Travel: Necessary…and Certainly not an Evil.’ While I’m not taking any sides here, if you ask me – I don’t give a hoot. I don’t have a care in the world whether your trip was sponsored by the tourism board or whether you paid for it with every dime you have – it’s the story that you write at the end of it that matters. One of my favorite writers, Pam at Nerd’s Eye View, had an interesting take on Press Trips and Writing A Good Story. Somewhere amidst the debate, the key point gets forgotten. The critical point that sparked all these discussions – is not how you paid for it, or who paid for the trip – it is the story at the end of it. I’d say - stop judging people on petty issues and start focusing on the big picture. Then came the social media cruise where a bunch of travel bloggers were invited on a Caribbean cruise. Bloggers would then tweet about their cruise experience. The free press trip, as a surprise to many, turned sour. Last weekend, it turned into a name-calling, lashing session on Twitter (Read more on #twethics). Yes, while I was out exploring the Spanish countryside, the biggest names in the travel blogging world had nothing better to do but lash at each other in front of the whole world. While I missed out on the action (I’m glad I did), I really don’t want to be part of this huge debate that has immensely converted into a big ugly mess. As how Pam reports on BlogHer: Although I seriously think the environmental impact of cruising is totally out of the point – this social media cruise is only what.. 1% out of the millions of people who go on cruises each year? – I digress. So what did the people involved get out of this pissing match? Publicity! Leigh at The Future Is Red has written an insightful post on Blogging For Publicity: Watch Helplessly as Travel Blogging Jumps the Shark. She’s the one who sparked this post I’m writing, and also a friend I’d discussed this in length with. Several months ago while I was travelling through Argentina, we’d bonded over a wonderful evening soirée and our conversation topic unknowingly moved to travel blogging. We both share the same thoughts on travel blogging and certain phenomenon we see on the net frustrate us both. Somehow or another, last weekend’s lashing session on Twitter turned into some form of attention-grabbing tactic for other bloggers/twitterers who had no sort of connection with the matter. They seized the opportunity to gain some fame. I’d say it’s a despicable self-promotion channel, but hey who’s judging? While I’ve always thought of travelling as a medium of opening up someone’s mind, it’s amazing how many people who are self-acclaimed travel experts be so narrow-minded as to belittle another person’s travelling style. BootsnAll published a list of Stupid Travel Arguments (And Why We Should Stop Having Them) – might be useful to some of us. As travel bloggers, shouldn’t we be more open-minded, having seen strange sights, lived out of our comfort zones and encountered foreign cultures? Instead, last weekend’s online brawl seemed to prove otherwise. Be it Albo who was judged for his unethical ways of accepting a paid press trip, or the name-calling bloggers involved in the Twitter #followmeatsea discussion, who are we to judge? Isn’t anyone tired of all these travel fighting? Enough already, get on with your lives. [Via: WildJunket][/caption]
A Debate on Ethics
A Debate on Publicity Stunts
What was meant to be a fun adventure, an opportunity for the host to use social media to promote their services, turned into an object lesson into how not to use Twitter. The issue at hand -- a totally valid one -- was the environmental and social impact of cruising. Vocal critics of the industry used the hashtag to promote an anti-cruising agenda. So far, so good, but the discussion quickly turned to personal attacks, defensiveness, and an absurd one-upping around who's a "better" traveler.
Can We Stop These Stupid Travel Fights?
A Debate on Ethics
Did that create a wave? Hell yeah. It’s fired tons of response from travel writers/bloggers on twitter, and all over the internet. Some bloggers have been firm on their stand against freebies and press trips, while others have got lots to defend – how would they make a living otherwise? Who will pay for their travelling expenses then? Do they have to pay to go to work?
Three months ago, while on assignment for V!VA Travel Guides, I was told not to reveal my identity as a guidebook writer in order to get an unbiased take on the hostel/restaurant I was writing about. There was this once when a tour operator inquired. When he learned that I was including his business in a guidebook, he changed his attitude altogether (yeh it was obvious) and proceeded to offer me a drink and even a free biking tour, to which I graciously declined. Would I have written the same review without the freebies? It definitely changed my views – the result: an honest write up of his tour operator – excellent equipment, well-trained guides and a hypocritical owner.
Matador Network recently published a fascinating piece, ‘Do Freebies Undermine the Honesty of Writing?’, provoking many interesting responses and discussion (surprise surprise!). On the other side of the coin, Gadling headed for the direct ‘yes to freebies’ stand, ‘Free Press Travel: Necessary…and Certainly not an Evil.’
While I’m not taking any sides here, if you ask me – I don’t give a hoot. I don’t have a care in the world whether your trip was sponsored by the tourism board or whether you paid for it with every dime you have – it’s the story that you write at the end of it that matters. One of my favorite writers, Pam at Nerd’s Eye View, had an interesting take on Press Trips and Writing A Good Story.
Somewhere amidst the debate, the key point gets forgotten. The critical point that sparked all these discussions – is not how you paid for it, or who paid for the trip – it is the story at the end of it. I’d say – stop judging people on petty issues and start focusing on the big picture.
A Debate on Publicity Stunts
Then came the social media cruise where a bunch of travel bloggers were invited on a Caribbean cruise. Bloggers would then tweet about their cruise experience. The free press trip, as a surprise to many, turned sour. Last weekend, it turned into a name-calling, lashing session on Twitter (Read more on #twethics). Yes, while I was out exploring the Spanish countryside, the biggest names in the travel blogging world had nothing better to do but lash at each other in front of the whole world.
While I missed out on the action (I’m glad I did), I really don’t want to be part of this huge debate that has immensely converted into a big ugly mess. As how Pam reports on BlogHer:
What was meant to be a fun adventure, an opportunity for the host to use social media to promote their services, turned into an object lesson into how not to use Twitter. The issue at hand — a totally valid one — was the environmental and social impact of cruising. Vocal critics of the industry used the hashtag to promote an anti-cruising agenda. So far, so good, but the discussion quickly turned to personal attacks, defensiveness, and an absurd one-upping around who’s a “better” traveler.
Although I seriously think the environmental impact of cruising is totally out of the point – this social media cruise is only what.. 1% out of the millions of people who go on cruises each year? – I digress. So what did the people involved get out of this pissing match? Publicity!
Leigh at The Future Is Red has written an insightful post on Blogging For Publicity: Watch Helplessly as Travel Blogging Jumps the Shark. She’s the one who sparked this post I’m writing, and also a friend I’d discussed this in length with. Several months ago while I was travelling through Argentina, we’d bonded over a wonderful evening soirée and our conversation topic unknowingly moved to travel blogging. We both share the same thoughts on travel blogging and certain phenomenon we see on the net frustrate us both.
Somehow or another, last weekend’s lashing session on Twitter turned into some form of attention-grabbing tactic for other bloggers/twitterers who had no sort of connection with the matter. They seized the opportunity to gain some fame. I’d say it’s a despicable self-promotion channel, but hey who’s judging?
Can We Stop These Stupid Travel Fights?
While I’ve always thought of travelling as a medium of opening up someone’s mind, it’s amazing how many people who are self-acclaimed travel experts be so narrow-minded as to belittle another person’s travelling style. BootsnAll published a list of Stupid Travel Arguments (And Why We Should Stop Having Them) – might be useful to some of us.
As travel bloggers, shouldn’t we be more open-minded, having seen strange sights, lived out of our comfort zones and encountered foreign cultures? Instead, last weekend’s online brawl seemed to prove otherwise.
Be it Albo who was judged for his unethical ways of accepting a paid press trip, or the name-calling bloggers involved in the Twitter #followmeatsea discussion, who are we to judge?
Isn’t anyone tired of all these travel fighting? Enough already, get on with your lives.
[Via: WildJunket]
Great article – I especially like the last sentence!
I was also lucky enough to avoid the flame war that #followmeatsea (follow meat sea? Mmmm. Meat Sea!! ) became, and I agree with your conclusion: we need to focus on the end result and look for honest, enjoyable storytelling and/or reporting.
Certainly ignoring the process is too reductionist but we need to focus on it less. Tech reporters get thrown freebies or have their corporations buy it for them to review; most travel writers aren’t working for a corporation which pays for expenses so we all need to relax, admit that sometimes writers create long-form advertisements rather than travel stories, and keep funding, employing and promoting the writers and new media producers we love.
bravo – i, too, avoided the whole flame war by having the flu. i think i’d rather have the flu…
i think that travel writers need to support each other’s work and efforts – you’re right, no matter who pays for it. excellent article, esp that last part!
I’m applauding right now. This is probably the best response I’ve read so far. I agree that the focus should be on a good travel story … not cringing over mud being slung.
I read a great quote that summed up the name-calling going on …
“When you throw dirt at people, you’re not doing a thing but losing ground.” Zig Ziglar
The argument here is : whether “paid/sponsored ” travel bloggers can really write “honest, fair ” reviews of their experiences. When somebody pays for your expenses, and expects ” advertising and promotion”, can you really write something bad ( if you didn’t like )?
You are right , though, it is the story at the end that matters, and I would add to this- it’s up to the readers to make the final decision.
P.S : Twitter and tweeting has gone too far. People go nuts with that thing.
Thanks guys for the wild responses – I liked the quote from Zig Ziglar. Yep, people are going crazy on Twitter, and forgetting that the whole world is watching. Let’s see if they’ll finally put an end to all that petty squabbles.
For full disclosure, it should be noted that Nellie was given a trip to Bora Bora and many, many spa treatments as payment for writing this post :)
Sorry Nellie, I often like your writing and Leigh’s, but think you are mostly dead wrong on this!
I’m surprised that you did not link to Julie’s post on Matador which is the BEST and most honest one that I have seen so far.
“Should travel writers care about their environmental impact?”
THAT is the issue!
I agree with Julie in saying this was about twethics, comped travel, social media, and environmental issues and what created the storm.
Both sides made mistakes, but that happens online just as it does in person when dealing with passionate people with different perspectives. Not just in travel either-just saw one with Scobelizer & ChrisBrogan and between Tim Ferriss and Gary Vee etc, etc!
It was purely principal as to why I tweeted on this topic based on our experiences on our family world tour since 2006. We have seen the damage that mega-cruise ships do to small ancient sites ( with up to 30,000 passengers invading tiny towns like Dubrovnik all at once) and think travel writers have a responsibility to inform & educate the public rather than just to write/tweet travel porn and fluff that encourages unsustainable travel.
Publicity? Huh? If anything sticking ones neck out like this is probably the worst possible way to get publicity as many love to do Mega-cruise (and many travel writers get free cruises and/or big advertising dollars to write good things/promote them)…so there was instant backlash, name calling and punitive measures towards anyone who spoke up to the enviro concerns. I know a great travel writer who was instantly blocked on Twitter for ONE RT of mine that had a link to Caitlin’s article!!
Unlike most travel bloggers, I have yet to even write ONE P/R release and have yet to set up a media page and we have been traveling non-stop since 2006! ( We have gotten tons of great things written about us, but that is only because we have a unique and trailblazing story. and valuable information that inspires and helps others….yet I don’t even have time to get them all on my website or even keep up with the ever growing loooong list of writers who want to interview us).
These are clearly, not the signs of someone after a publicity stunt! I actually have been stunned that we have become so popular and have had so many viral youtube travel videos, awards, write ups and readers! All of it has been accidental, I am a total non-geek & others always approach us and NOT the other way around. Yes, some get jealous, but that’s life and most focus on the inspiration and value. You can’t please all the people all the time, so you have to please yourself!
I’m not against press trips, but I have never taken one and am almost positive that I never would. Unlike most travel bloggers/writers, I don’t need to write for money and do it primarily to serve others and document our experiences. Thus, I am much freer to do and say what I please.
I AM passionate about family extended slow travel that is good for the environment (as are many of my readers)! 70% of families dream about doing extended travel and I DO want them to know that it is cheaper, more enriching, greener & easier than most know. We have more first hand experience in this niche than anyone else writing about it (thus we are featured in the new edition of 4HWW & NYT’s Frugal Traveler etc).
Why spend a pile of money to spend an afternoon jammed packed with thousands of Mega-cruise tourists in Santorini, causing all kinds of damage to the environment & not contribute much to the local economy ( as cruise ships make sure most is spent onboard,not in 10-2 excursion)…..when you can spend a month there without any crowds, add to the local economy, live healthier, contribute to the planet for FAR LESS?
My passion is to inform, educate and inspire!
SoulTravelers3 – this is absolutely about passing judgment on others and the personal attacks that ensued.
Everyone has a different style of travel. Does it really help to lash out against those whom you disagree with?
And, you might have time to post press releases if you weren’t spending so much time tweeting and social networking… Please don’t try to tell us that your publicity is accidental. You’re the most active travel belcher there is.