I hate it when I’m following a blog and all of a sudden I realise they have started to advertise things. That all the genuine nice writing I’ve been reading was just a build up readership before them losing all integrity and trying to make a quick buck or two.

So this is why I wanted to blog and be up front about having just become an Amazon Associate. And why I have done it.

Interestingly the day after I first drafted this blog I came across Blog with Integrity which I have now signed up to. I like it when something pops up with perfect timing.

I’ve found over the past few months of blogging that I am recommending and mentioning books and movies, and more often than not linking to Amazon so people see what I’m referring to. I’ve struggled with whether it is “right” for me to become an Amazon Associate so if you guys happen to follow a link and buy the stuff I might make a bit of money (a very tiny bit of money) out of it.

In the end I decided that if I’m sending you guys to Amazon anyway, then I might as well. I’m not going to sell out, I’m pretty sure you’d stop reading my blog sharpish if it turned into a stream of blogs about buying books and DVDs. But in the event that I write a blog that mentions a book or movie then I will use my Amazon Associate account to link to it.

I’m not about to start bugging you with loads of adverts on my site. Even though a bit of extra bit of money could come in handy I prefer sites that don’t bombard me with adverts, and I’m guessing a majority of readers do too. If I do decide to promote or advertise something other than general day-to-day recommendations or mentions then I will let you know up front.

I hope this is ok with you guys? If I do ever recommend anything it’s because I actually think it is worth recommending. My sister did point out that our family has a habit of being “pathologically honest”.

For god sake I’m writing a blog asking you if it’s ok if I link to stuff on Amazon. I really am never going to be a millionaire am I?! Definitely not ruthless enough!!!

Below is the text from Blog with Integrity. You can sign the pledge too if you want.

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BLOG with INTEGRITY

By displaying the Blog with Integrity badge or signing the pledge, I assert that the trust of my readers and the blogging community is important to me.

I treat others respectfully, attacking ideas and not people. I also welcome respectful disagreement with my own ideas.

I believe in intellectual property rights, providing links, citing sources, and crediting inspiration where appropriate.

I disclose my material relationships, policies and business practices. My readers will know the difference between editorial, advertorial, and advertising, should I choose to have it. If I do sponsored or paid posts, they are clearly marked.

When collaborating with marketers and PR professionals, I handle myself professionally and abide by basic journalistic standards.

I always present my honest opinions to the best of my ability.

I own my words. Even if I occasionally have to eat them.