Free Wine and More!

posted by Momo Fali on August 21, 2012

My husband made a comment about my blog being heavy with sponsored content right now and I agree. I know I don’t have to explain it, but I want to. You will see more ads and more sponsored posts than usual (at least for the time being) for three reasons:

1) Companies are interested in this space because readers show up. When I write a review post, the majority of the time this includes a giveaway for one of you. Gift cards, game systems, Kindles…many goodies are offered because these brands understand that social media is word of mouth, times infinity. Twitter is the old corner store and Facebook is the old front porch. You like something, you share it, they do more business. My reviews don’t just benefit me, they benefit you because brands know that blog readers are a social media savvy group.

2) I don’t review or promote anything that I haven’t tried and believe in. My recent Kings Island and Microsoft Office posts, for example? One-hundred percent authentic. Tonight I’m reviewing wine (and there will be something in it for a reader). I will also tell you the truth about this wine, especially if I drink a bunch of it first. I am nothing if not honest. I just told you people about my colonoscopy for crying out loud.

3) We’re broke. Like, FLAT broke. We have medical bills that are mounting so high it’s starting to look like an episode of “Hoarders” up in here. Hearing aids, sleep apnea, intestinal emergencies, congenital heart disease, and this week we add an orthodontist to the mix because my son’s roots have so little room that they’re actually deteriorating. Yippee! This is why it makes perfect sense that we went out the other day and bought this:

No, this is not sponsored by CarMax. They gave me nothing. I’m just so used to taking sponsored photos that it must be instinct.

Okay, in our defense we had NO intention of buying a new (to us) car. But, at merely five years old and only 43,000 miles, oh…and manufactured by a non-existent car company *hi, Saturn!* they made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. Not to mention that our 15 year old SUV was, quite literally, falling apart around us. No, really. I didn’t feel safe in it and certainly didn’t like my children sitting in a back seat with doors that wouldn’t open. Also, it’s for sale! Call me!

So, there you have it. You may have to scroll through some sponsored content with more frequency for awhile, but I still like to think you’ll show up.

Of course, that could be the free wine talking.

    Comments

  • Melisa


    O
    M
    G.

    Road trip to Chicago!!!!!
    My bed awaits you!!! (wait, that doesn’t sound right. i don’t care!)

  • Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen)


    You lost me after ‘free wine’.

    • Momo Fali


      That was my first-ever attempt at SEO! I think that means it worked!

  • Liz


    I don’t believe you even know his to be not authentic, IMHO. Now, free wine you say?

    • Momo Fali


      That may be the best compliment I’ve ever received.

  • Liz


    *how* not his…duh…and I haven’t even had any wine…yet.

  • Anne @notasupermom


    Okay, but I expect to see more kitten pictures.

  • Michelle


    I have known you for at least 15 years. You are definitely one of the most authentic people I know.
    Let me know about the wine 🙂

    • Momo Fali


      Oh, girl. You have seen me at my MOST authentic. If authentic = Drunk.

  • Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]


    Never apologize for doing the best thing for your family.

    Also, balls.

  • Moon HalloranLeady


    I can live with the ads, sweetie…no biggie ~ hope things start to get better for you SOON!

    But what a nice looking “machine” (haha….that’s what my grams used to always call cars).

    Also, wine is nice. And beer.

    :*

  • BusyDad


    I need to go be authentic with you. Pass that bottle.

  • Christina


    I can SO relate to this post.

    Except for the free wine. I could use that sponsor. Or maybe a whiskey sponsor.

  • Miss Britt


    I’d review the shit out of some Whole Foods if they asked me to! Why is that not a thing?

  • Mama Meerkat


    I love having a car made by a non existent company. And made out of plastic.

    And as for the ads, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.

  • moosh in indy.


    I like you no matter what the end.

  • Rachel - A Southern Fairytale


    I’d read you if you were offering a box
    I’d read you if you were sharing lox

    I’d read you if you were writing about socks
    I’d read you if you were writing about…

    ahem

    Do what you do.

    Love you

  • Linz


    Well the free wine title got me over here AND i’m leaving a comment, so you’re doing something right… but really… hang in there lady. If I can ever help (in a non-monetary way, because I’m on the ramen diet myself over here, sadly), let me know. And in the meantime, let’s show those sponsors who’s boss and get those pageviews a risin’!

    Man, someone pass the wine this way.

    xox

  • Mama D


    Do what you need to do. Your promotions are as entertaining and real as the rest of your posts! And wine makes everything better. 🙂

  • Elaine A.


    Free wine is the only thing I ever got from Klout. And perhaps the reason I have yet to delete my account. 😉

    Nice ride.

    xo

  • Amanda


    I visit for your words, doesn’t matter the room or the color, just that they are written by you.

  • Natasha


    Melisa W. sent me, and she hasn’t let me down. I was just thinking about this type of thing for my blog and I’m happy that you wrote it better than I ever could. Now, I’ll breathe deeply, and maybe find some wine here in my house. LOL! Nice to *meet* you.

    • Melisa


      AWWWW!!!

  • vicki


    Bottom line, you do whatcha gotta do for the family. Period. And you’re a great writer so there. I’ll keep reading girlie.

  • Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting


    Do yo’ thang, girl. And pass the bottle, I’m empty. {hiccup}

  • tracey


    Wellll?!?!? Where is this free wine you speak of???

    I am fine with sponsored content. You gotta do what you gotta do.

  • Mom Off Meth


    I say if you are good at something, why not get paid for it.

  • Connie Burke


    Welcome to the fam! Kinda. Sorta. Whatever, you’re IN. And, I know we’ve worked together already but any friend of Melisa is a friend of mine, and the rest of the world that I care to spend my spare time with.
    I love any blog that reads like an authentic conversation that I would actually like to have – seems like you & Melisa went to the same blog writing class. Consider me a fan.

  • Jenn


    I think sponsored content is becoming more of the norm for a lot of bloggers in this economy, so readers are used to it.

  • Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run


    While I’m sure people appreciate you addressing it, I doubt you have any complaints from readers. You are as real as they come. Oh and BTW, wine please?

  • Rhea


    I don’t mind your sponsored content. It feels genuine! And congrats on the new (to you) car! Your humor prevails, no matter what situation. Love your blog!

  • preeva tramiel


    It’s OK with me. My husband drove a Saturn 200,000 miles. Except for the ant colony in the rocker board, it was fine.

  • muffintopmommy


    Don’t ever feel bad–people are getting to read your funny shit for free! So who cares if you have some ads or run a sponsored post (so they can win fun free shit while reading your fun free shit!).

    Suddenly, I am inspired to get my muffin top in gear and try to do the same!

    I hope your medical bills subside soon so you can catch your breath. It’s so stinking expensive. I’m glad you have your new red hot wheels and your wine to help dull the pain tho! 🙂

  • muffintopmommy


    We have to talk about this unflattering image of me you keep posting next to my comments tho…I know I’m far from slim, but that pic just does nothing for me. I look rather Stay Puff marshmallow-ey in it!

  • Marcie


    Red solo cup…let’s fill you up….let’s have a party! Pass the wine, please…

  • Winnie


    Enjoyed reading this. I am a new blogger so it clarified why this was done. Sorry you are having to deal with stress of medical bills, I did that when my hubby was dying and it was hard. Glad to hear this helps you maintain your blog and some fun and an outlet for your creativity.

  • Toni Tarracino


    Oh Goody! Maybe by the time you make it to Key West I’ll have enough of a website that you can give ME a plug! LOL! Good for you and your family, you work hard, and deserve what ever comes to you, and we are ALL in love with your family too!
    Can’t wait to meet you, Toni

  • Arnebya


    I’m still gonna be here whether you’re offering something or not. Bills, especially those that are printed with DISCONNECTION NOTICE in red letters across it are just as bad as this mosquito bite on my ass. I hate them just as much. Just as much.

    You do what you need to. We’ll all be here regardless, no explanation necessary.