Link Exchanges and Other Requests

Recently I've gotten emails from people asking me to talk about their sites or "exchange links". I thought I should publish my thoughts about this practice.

First off, if your site has nothing to do with beading, crafting, jewelry or some remotely related thing, you're pitching to the wrong person. You've spammed me and that's certainly not going to get you mentioned here.

Next, if your email address and the names you use in the email text don't synch up, I'm going to suspect you've got an ulterior motive for contacting me that won't be in my best interests. I got an email today that said it was from one name, the actual email address wasn't even close to that name and the email text tells me "Hi I'm (yet another name) and I really like your site." - this lack of consistency is really suspicious.

Every Sunday I publish a list of places around the "beadosphere" that I've visited and want to share with my readers. All of us who have blogs about our love of creating are in a community of sorts. I do my Sunday post because I believe in being a part of a community, supporting and promoting it.

The blogs I link to feel like neighbors to me. They may have never reciprocated, and since that's not why I do it, I'm fine with that. I don't ask them to and I didn't ask if I could link to them, either. If someone wants me to stop mentioning them, I would do so gladly, as well. The point is, I don't do my Sunday post to get link-backs; I do it for the same reason you'd tell a friend or colleague about a favorite book, or movie, or TV show. Because I enjoy visiting that blog, and think you might, too. What I don't want to ever do is pass along a link that I can't stand behind 100%.

Now the way I find sites and blogs to share on Sunday is through recommendations I've read on other trusted blogs, or from Facebook, or through Twitter. Or maybe I saw it listed on someone else's blogroll, or maybe they're a blogger for Artbeads, The Beadin' Path or Rings & Things, like I am.

What I don't do is accept out of the blue email solicitations to check out someone's site or "exchange links" and let me repeat it, that's spamming. Part of it is self-preservation. There are too many unscrupulous folk out there wanting you to click their link so as to expose your computer to viruses or malware, so I just don't want to take that chance from a random request by an unknown person who sent me an email.

If you've never commented on a post here or chatted with me on Twitter or Facebook, your solicitation looks suspicious and will be deleted. Maybe you're a wonderful person with a great blog - I'm sorry if that's the case - it's really not personal, though. If you like what I do and want to link to me, I'm honored. I get Google updates when my site is linked to, so I'll certainly come visit you if you do mention me! And, if you want to be a part of this blog's community, let's get to know each other. It's highly likely you'll end up on my blogroll and be mentioned on Sundays once that happens.

The one exception is that I have, occasionally, gotten emails from representatives of suppliers asking if I'd like to do a review or accept a promotional gift in exchange for my honest opinion. I'm also careful about accepting those. I research the supplier and don't always agree to the request - especially if I've never been a customer and don't intend to be.

Just remember, it's not personal. If you've sent me an email asking me to write about you or link to you and I didn't respond and haven't linked to you, it's just me being cautious. I hope you'll understand that and stop in now and then, get to know me, leave a comment or two. Before you know it, that link will happen.