Blog for yourself, not for free stuff

For me, blogging is a hobby. But for others, blogging is a job. And for a small percentage of people, blogging is for 'free stuff'. I don't agree with this at all – blogging should not be for 'free stuff'. Keep reading to see why I think that blogging for freebies isn't good.

I started my blog through passion. A humongous passion for writing. At first my posts were mediocre, slightly poor, and very vague (totally not Vogue), but I've evolved and so has my writing. My blog has been a huge part of my life. Every second I have spare, I will write for my blog – and that's why I love it so much. My blog is there for me when I feel like I have nobody else, my blog has been with me throughout almost five years of my life, and I know that my blog will be with me throughout my entire life. For me, my blog is a hobby – it isn't what I would like to do as a job, as Vogue is my goal. But good on anyone else who blogs for a job – it must be hard work, and I truly admire you.

But blogging for free stuff? In my eyes this is a big 'no no'. Through the blogging grapevine, and within my blogging social circles, there has been murmurs of people joining the blogging community in order to get free stuff. People are supposedly starting blogs for one sole purpose – to get free stuff. It's no secret that bloggers occasionally sent products to review, and it's no secret that bloggers who blog as a profession will get paid for content – but these new bloggers who have the intention of getting free things, seem to think that it's going to fall in their lap within a matter of weeks. Wrong.

Some people blog as a profession (which is amazing, and totally boss), so what we don't need is people making blogging into a way of getting 'free' things, as this could damage people who blog for a living. Blog for passion or get out. Getting a free sample, or a gifted product should be a privilege.

When I first started blogging, I didn't even know that people were sent things, and I never really had an interest in ever receiving anything. I bought every single thing I reviewed (and most of the time, this is what I do, even now). I occasionally get sent the odd beauty product to review, or pair of shoes to wear, but I don't blog in order to receive these gifted items – not at all. I feel very blessed to be able to receive a few items every now and again, and I feel so stunned whenever I am reached out to by anybody or any brand who wants me to have something of theirs.

I know bloggers who blog for a living, and it's so amazing that this is possible. These bloggers have built up such an amazing following, and I truly respect and admire their hard work. These bloggers rely on brand collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships, so whenever I see bloggers blogging purely for 'free stuff' I feel a tad pissed off. Why? Well, because there are so many amazing full time bloggers out there, who have hustled for years and rely on payments from brands to pay their bills. 

I welcome anybody into the blogosphere, with a whole heart. But I just cannot accept people who are in it for the wrong reasons. You should blog out of pure passion, and because you LOVE to write, and produce content. Not because you want a few free mascaras, a new pair of jeans, or a new body butter.

Blog for passion. Blog for profession. But never blog just to get a few 'freebies'.. because you might be damaging the prospects of a full time blogger in the process. 

What are your thoughts on this subject? Let me know below!