Ethical Blogging

Perfume blogging is a fairly small area inside the blogosphere, which is why it is not surprising that the questions of ethics are beginning to surface only now. Nevertheless, having returned to Bois de Jasmin after a brief hiatus, I was somewhat taken aback when I heard that one of the fragrance bloggers has been offered money to write positive review, and while she did not accept the payment, she assumed that others did.  I personally have never heard of or encountered such a tactic in my blogging practice, although, of course, it does not mean that it does not exist. Much has been said about this on Now Smell This, Perfume-Smellin' Things, Aromascope and Perfume Posse. Because I value and trust my readers and hope for the same in return, I shall recap my policy: Bois de Jasmin does not have any commercial relationships with any perfume brand, manufacturer, retail or e-tail venue. I created the website as an independent outlet of expression, hence my strict non-commercial involvement policy (despite the fact that I receive advertising offers on weekly basis). Out of the fragrances reviews here, less than 5% were based on the samples (if full bottles are sent, I never keep them for personal use) received from the manufacturer, and even these 5% received varying reviews, both positive and negative. This is the policy I maintain as an editor. Please see the other blogs for more thoughts on this topic.

As bloggers, we must be very sensitive about the ethical aspects of our work as what we do has important consequences. When one has an ability to influence decisions--however, small they may be--one must be especially vigilant about the question of ethics. After all, integrity is the greatest asset one can have.

Adding on Friday, May 11th: As an afterthought, I must add that although the original blogger in question has stirred the pot a bit, I, for one, am glad that this issue was brought up.  There is hardly any discussion of the ethical issues in the perfume blogging community, and it is the time we gave it more thought.

Comments

[Fleur.de.Lys]

Your ethics shine and this is why readers enjoy viewing your pages.

Influencers in media are regularly primed with freebies and various offerings,all in the name of soliciting coverage. When advertising is involved things do get quite political. Caveat emptor--let the buyer beware.

Readers should be equally wary of what they read in beauty magazines and traditional media in general. Manufacturers are constantly saying that consumers crave newness, but newness creates chaos and makes it harder for consumers to make choices. Attempts to persuade writers to cover product are indicative of a bigger problem; companies that are out of touch with the consumer.

Keep up the good work!

[BoisdeJasmin]

F, When readers come to the blogs, they expect to read an honest consumer opinion. Robin said something in her post that resonated with me--as my blog evolved, so has my understanding of ethics. Bois de Jasmin is my oasis, the place where I should be able to say whatever I want, and it is the reason why I have not devoted energy to cultivating relationships with the PR companies.

That being said, being 100% objective is impossible--one is influenced by the packaging, brand, as well as a number of other things. Claiming perfect objectivity is not only impossible, but also disingenuous. All I meant is that one should be careful of what factors influence the opinion and how this influence might manifest.

[Barbara]

I came to love the perfume blogs. I am happy to read about this issue on all of the aforementioned blogs that you guys are serious in your quest to protect your integrity.

It is a hard job! I would be hard pressed to refuse if Frederic Malle, Serge Lutens, L'Artisan or The Different Company (my favorite lines) were to send me bottles. :)

[BoisdeJasmin]

Barbara, for me, that dilemma does not exist--none of those lines have ever sent me a sample, much less a bottle! :)

[Barbara]

V, I know that this topic has been debated to death on the blogs, but I only wanted to post here, because I enjoy your writing. It is the only blog I read on regular basis, and now I worry that you will be too busy to post. Almost forgot to add, congratulations on your new job!

[BoisdeJasmin]

Barbara, thank you! I hope that once I settle down, I will have more time to write.

[Joyti]

Of the different perfume blogs I've read, I've enjoyed yours the most. Because your reviews are critical and thoughtful, I believe that its clear that you do not accept payment for a positive review. I hope you continue to delight your readers...