Are You Offended by Being Called a Mom Blogger?
Posted by 
July 18, 2011 •
I’m a mom.
I’m a mom who blogs.
I’m a mom who blogs about being a mom.
Is that the definition of a “mom blogger?”. Or is it just moms who blog?
Blogger Labels
I blogged before becoming a mother. My previous blog was about video games and the main game I played was World of Warcraft. People referred to me as a WoW blogger then. It wasn’t a title that upset bloggers (for the most part – as long as they blogged about WoW). Since stepping into the review and giveaway realm I’ve seen a lot more heated exchanges about being referenced as a “mommy blogger.”
Is it because of the definition or the context?
I have no problem being called a mommy blogger if you aren’t using it in a condescending manner. I will refer to myself as a mom blogger and to TFTN as a mommy/baby blog. However, I don’t like it when it’s used as a blanket reference or an insult.
All moms who blog don’t review products. All reviewers aren’t moms. Just because I’m a mom who blogs and reviews and is read by other moms doesn’t mean I want to review everything pitched to me.
But this dividing line goes deeper, doesn’t it?
You Write About What?
Since when did it become blog law to only write personal and/or content posts OR reviews and giveaways? Who says you can’t do both and even *gasp* make your reviews personal? I do both. I think it’s silly to think I can only do one or the other, yet some people (bloggers that do it different than you, some readers, and some companies) seem to think this as well.
And why look down on someone who does it different? Why is your chosen topic and genre any better or worse than someone else’s?
I actually received a message from someone (who’s own blog has “mom” in the title and is about her being a mom) saying she writes content but loves mom blogs. I was confused and didn’t really know how to process that info…
I think we’ve started to reject the term “mom blogger” because it started to be used as a derogatory label and implied the blogger behind the screen wasn’t worth taking seriously. Or am I missing something?
We need to reclaim the mom blogger title, don’t you think?
I’m a mom who blogs about personal life, writes content (sometimes funny, sometimes informational, and sometimes thought provoking!), and loves product reviewing and giveaways!
What about you?
Tags: blogging, genre, Labels, mom bloggers, moms, niche
I love being called a mom blogger. My boyfriend plays Warcraft too! haha.linzadvin
Most mom bloggers are idiots and make us all look bad. Seriously. It is the only group (moms) of people that I know of who start blogging even if they have no writing ability or anything interesting to say. I follow and love a ton of blogs by moms but there are also a bunch of poorly designed and more poorly written blogs that exist soley to “review” products in exchange for free swag. Pretty obvious when every single review is a rave.
I blog about my mom experiences, but I was also blogging before PR companies gave product to any bloggers that I am aware of, and I blogged for years about high school life (ha!) and then fashion before I was a mama.pdxstylemama
There are a lot of hard on the eyes blogs mixed with poor grammar and spelling. As for uninteresting – I’ve found many of those in many genres – even in gaming. But yes, a few can hurt the rest unfortunately :(
I started blogging in college about my uninteresting life but somehow people were entertained. And with my gaming one, I was excited about beta invites, but I only knew a few who received game copies to review. If I knew then what I know now.. but it’s all good.
Those who take it seriously and work hard will stand out and be around for the long haul, right? :)Syrana
I often get emails pitching me products for review and calling me a mom blogger. These frustrate me because it means that the person pitching obviously didn’t read my blog or my “about me” page before sending their pitch or is sending a pre-written email. I’m not a mom yet so the mom blogger moniker doesn’t fit me right now. Am I offended? No. I just wish they would pay a little more attention before sending me that email! For now I’m just a blogger but someday I’d very much like to be a mom blogger!
Yeah I dislike generic ones that obviously didn’t do a quick scan of what is actually ON my blog!Syrana
I consider myself a mom blogger and am proud of it. I am really struggling with not having the time I want to blog as much as i want right now though. I think I also compare myself to other blogger moms too much and get discouraged but that is another post :) I truly appreciate the variety on your blog, the information and opinions and a giveaway is always nice!Sabrina
I think a lot of us struggle with comparing ourselves – I fall prey to it. And thank you! I’m glad you like my variety :)Syrana
I never really think about other people comparing themselves, I guess everyone looks up to someone right!Sabrina
Well I’m not sure. I’m a mom of two teens. I blog. One of my blogs has mom in the title. I don’t really consider myself a mom blogger because I don’t really write about my kids or even products for kids.
I’ve found that many PR companies who hear that you are a *mom blogger* start sending you pitches for diapers, bottles and toddler toys. Since I have no interest in those things and they don’t even remotely fit what I write about, I try to distance myself from the whole mom blogger title. It isn’t that I’m not a mom it’s just that many people have a preconceived idea of mom blogger and expect me to post about things I have no interest in.
My posts occasionally have my kids in them and I occasionally mention my kids and my blog is about being an *overworked mom* so it (I hope) appeals to other moms. But I’m past the age of many mom bloggers so I don’t feel overly comfortable with the title. I hope that makes sense.
Either way, pick a title that works for you and go with it. Don’t worry about what someone else thinks. I’m partial to Social Media Consultant myself.scentednights
Yes, I think you are spot on about there being a preconceived notion and it seems quite limiting.Syrana
I am a mom that blogs but I don’t blog aout all thing mom….does that make me a mom blogger? I don’t ming being called a mom blogger as long as I still get to be queen of everything though I’d rather just be classified as a mom with a really cool blog :)
Also just to be clear, I do reviews and a lot of them, you’d be suprised at the number of items I get that I don’t care for. I have no problem telling the sponsor that I don’t like their item…more often than not they will ask me to hold my review. Maybe that is why your commenter below doesn’t ever see the bad stuff?
As far as being poorly written…… I never claimed to be well written, the rules of grammer and writing have never stuck and therefore must not apply to me!
I started blogging before I was ever offered any item to review but would be crazy to turn down items that we all need…. if I find a great deal or brand why would I want to share??? If that makes me a poorly written review mom blogger then so be it!closertolucy
You are readable my dear! And you keep reminding me to look fabulous. (and offer me ways to do so!)
It’s true I do have some less than favorable reviews on here along with lots of rave reviews. The super horrible ones are usually agreed upon not to post.Syrana
LOL, you know- it’s only when people are RUDE about it that i get offended. like it’s a disease or something. but- really- they are not bloggers, what do they know, anyway? LOL
I don’t have a problem with the title “Mom Blogger” I kinda think it’s a great thing to be! :)April
I don’t mind being called a mom blogger. I am a mom and I blog. I believe many moms begin blogging as an outlet to express themselves. They are blogging to develop relationships, not worry about perfect grammar or professionally designed websites.
As far as reviews and giveaways, my site focuses mainly on that aspect of blogging. I try to include our experiences as a family with the product. As Lucy said, I do not have a problem with telling a company no, I do not need their product or that I do not like their product. If they have sent me a product which I do not like I ask if they would like the negative review. Usually they opt to not have a negative review posted, making my site have a majority of positive reviews.
I began blogging four years ago and wrote about the adventures of my family long before I started reviewing products. Perhaps I am a poorly written mom blogger who reviews products my family needs or wants, but I wear my title with pride.momsmutterings
Mom bloggers have gotten a bad rap. I actually dislike being put into that category and rethink my blog every since day because of it. I am a professional and want to be labeled as such.
Hey Darcy,
I agree that sometimes it is put upon us as a insult. But that is someones opinion. And we all know that old saying about opinions. I am a mom and I blog. So if that makes me a mom blogger then so be it. I will wear that label with pride. By no means am I Shakespeare, but I blog because I like to share with the world, if I make a mistake I am only human, and have my kids running in and out of the room asking me what am I doing. Can I have a snack. He won’t share.
I think everyone has their own opinion and this is my opinion.
I agree it is just someone’s opinion when they use it as an insult but it’s sad that so many see it as a mark of doom to be called a mom blogger. It shouldn’t be good or bad – just.. be.Syrana
I’m another mom who blogs. I’m more of a mom than a blogger.. but I don’t blog about my kids very much. Not the day to day things at least. Because while they are the world to me, I am pretty sure most of the world is not hanging on my every keystroke about them. Nor do I want them coming back to me when they are 18, furious that I shared every embarrassing moment of their lives with strangers.
I don’t think I fit in a category, but it wouldn’t offend me. And since they aren’t babies, I’m not reviewing diapers or strollers. I don’t know what I am.
I’ve been doing something or another on computers since about 1990.. games, message boards, reviews, I even remember IRC chat.
I guess I don’t care what anyone calls me, as long as they aren’t being condescending, which sometimes comes with any label. (I used to get it a lot for being a SAHM)
I love this!! I would LOVE to be known as a Mommy Blogger!! I want to do all of the above…review, personal, write about my life…
I’m not sure why anyone would be offended by the most important title you’ll ever have (mom) and the most fun hobby you’ll ever have (blogging)??!!jkrugel
You can help me reclaim the title! :)Syrana