Rings & Things’ “Blog Partners” program

In your travels around the beadosphere (thanks to Dawno for that apt word), you may have noticed people who are “Blog Partners” with Rings & Things.  Here’s the lowdown on that program!

So many people have asked how to become a Blog Partner, that it’s worth putting some information about this into a permanent page at our blog.  We hope this will answer most of your questions…

What’s a Blog Partner?

  • Blog Partners are people who (1) write blogs and (2) agree to try out Rings & Things products for us.

What do Blog Partners do?

  • These folks receive the notorious Rings & Things “goodie packs” on a regular basis.  They have accepted the top-secret mission of, well, doing whatever they want with the merchandise we give them.  Some Blog Partners make jewelry with the merchandise we send, and show it off in their blogs.  (Several of our Partners decided to challenge each other to design with each batch of jewelry parts we send — leading to a fun, friendly rivalry among newfound friends.)  Sometimes they’ll write a review of our stuff instead.  Blog Partners have also been known to give away the products as prizes in a contest at their blogs.  You could even do nothing with the things we send…though we might not keep sending them! ;)

Do I need to know anything else?

  • A legal ruling requires bloggers to disclose any compensation they get for mentioning merchandise in their posts.  This wording from Dawno’s blog, below, shows how you might create a good “footer” to anything you may write mentioning goodies Rings & Things sends you:
“FTC compliance disclosure, notice of material connections:
All items in the previous post, specifically referenced as from <insert Supplier>, were provided as promotional gifts by <insert Supplier> for review or design partnership purposes.”

We also provide our blog partners with a “compensated blogger” logo to display on their blogs.

How do I become a Blog Partner?

  • Two ways: (1) In our travels online, Rings & Things might notice your blog, be impressed, and invite you into the program.  (2)  You can submit your name and your blog, for a drawing we’re holding quarterly.  The winner gets to be a “guest” Blog Partner for 3 months!  (That’s 3 monthly goodie packs!)

Also, by submitting your blog address to us, you’ll help us keep in touch with you in the blogosphere!

When is the drawing?

  • April 30, 2010
  • July 30, 2010
  • October 29, 2010

By the way, your name will be kept in the the “pool” till you win.  So you don’t have to re-apply!

Can I see an example of a “guest” Blog Partner?

I don’t have a blog, but I’m on Facebook / Myspace / Twitter…can I be a Blog Partner?

  • If you’re impressive, effective and inventive at one of these micro-blogging sites, we’ll definitely consider you!  Melanie (above) is an example.

How can I ask more questions about Blog Partner-ing?