Hi BAKERY readers; it’s Erin! Today we’re starting a new series at BAKERY entitled ‘Dear Bakery’ you get the drift — you ask, we answer!

Today’s writer comes to us all the way from San Francisco! [Actually, I made that part up, b/c it sounds better and I have no idea where this reader lives]:

Dear Bakery,

Last week I had a blogger (with a fairly large following and apparently devoted readership) ask if I wanted to “collaborate” with her on a post swap, wherein she’d write on my blog and i’d write on hers…truthfully? Horror, of all horrors! I didn’t want to participate at all!

I guess that I like to think that I have some ownership over my blog–that I can decide what I want to post, when I post it, who I do guest posts with, etc.–but how to do all of this diplomatically? Any suggestions? Have I revealed an ugly side of myself?

Love,
Eager For Exclusive Editorial

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Dear Eager For Exclusive Editorial,

Well— you are in quite the conundrum aren’t you? First of all, I’m so confused by post swaps. I’ve honestly never heard of them and am not a huge fan of the idea, unless you are truly a fan or honored to work with that person. Guest posting is a great way to spread the word about your blog on other blogs, but it can also present a lot of problems when you get approached and are not interested in working with a certain person. Good for you for being wary to post something that you don’t love!

A blog is an extension of one’s voice, personality and brand. So when you’re posting something you don’t love simply for stats, readership or [gasp!] financial gain, your brand becomes a bit watered down. And face it— no one wants to drink watered-down tea, so naturally, no one wants to read watered-down blogs!

I would play the exclusivity card in response to your post swap requestor. Simply state that you’d rather keep your content exclusive and original— OR, if the blogger is as well-known as he/she notes in the email, I would write that your blog is a place for emerging talent, and you’d rather give the real estate to the little guys with no following at all!

Lastly, you did the right thing following your gut. There’s a place for advertising, and it’s not within the editorial content of a blog. Trust us— your readers will thank you.

Love,
BAKERY