Exciting news! I'm a shill! I got a free copy of the book Torn: True Stories of Kids, Career and the Conflict of Modern Motherhood in exchange for the promise of a review. That's right, I have become the man. I have sold out. I have finally made a profit on my blog. So here's a big HA to you Altadena Hiker, you of the million commenters. This book is worth $18.95! Psyche! !!!
Here's what happened: my blogger friend Windi, who blogs here, contributed an essay to Torn, and she suggested to the marketing people at Coffee Town Press, who published Torn, that I might be a good person to review it. So they contacted me, yadda, yadda, yadda, and now the book is in my hand. And HA to all of them too because being torn between motherhood and work is the story of my adult life. I would have bought the book anyway. So double Psyche!!
To be honest with you, however, I am actually feeling pretty conflicted about this. One the one hand, I want to be the person people give things too because I am considered so influential. And, of course, I want to support Windi, who is a fabulous writer and deserves many accolades. But, on the other hand, I want to feel above any sort of crass commercialism. You'll notice, for example, that there are no Google ads on my blog. That's because I don't want them there; it has very little to do with the 2.34 cents I would likely make annually. I don't want people to think, "Oh, Margaret, her blog was cool until it was all 'Tampax presents the Goddess of the Week.' What a sell out!" Then again, Tampax Presents the Goddess of the Week seems like a lucrative opportunity for me. I'm not sure I would say no. I guess I really am cheap. I just didn't know it because no one ever wanted me before.
But rest assured, I will not let my commercial ambitions dilute my good name. NO! I will be completely honest with you (unless, of course, I'm offered a whole lot of money. I have teenage girls. They are rare and expensive flowers.) Margaret Finnegan is a brand you can trust (by which I mean, of course, if you pay me enough you can trust me to say anything). I still have my standards (the prices of which are getting higher all the time so get on the train now).
By the way, have you heard about AOL's Patch? This hyper-local newspaper site is just the thing to help you feel connected to your hometown. And what great writing! Have you seen this?
Posts
15 comments:
Heartily enjoyed this post. Did you notice that the woman's middle name really is "Parent"?! Am I seeing things?!
(Loved the "get on the train now" comment!")
Hey, the word verification would be a great goddess name: Athyti.
Was that the review?
Congratulations on your new career as "commercial shill."
Star: Isn't that the perfect name for an author on mothering?
Jean: That was not the review. I earn my keep. The review is coming.
Margaret, my WV is "proud." I'm proud of you because you are blogging with integrity, like me. You saw how I dropped in that I was invited to the Gamble House, so people would know I was reviewing the place on the strength of a free tour. TEN BUCKS, baby. This blogging business can be pretty darn lucrative. I haven't made as much as you but I did have Google ads for a year. I made $16.72, but since you have to make $100 before they'll send you a check and I didn't know if I'd be blogging for six whole years or not, I decided to give it up.
I'm not a parent, but I'll be proud to read your review because I know you'll review with integrity, baby!
You get much higher-end sell out temptations than I get. A book? Why not a book. A free garden tour? Well, yeah.
I get weird shit. Maybe because I say weird shit.
Hey, when you are rich and famous, will you still blog around with lesser beings?
Oh Margaret, good show! And we can say "we knew you when" after you are rich and famous.
I liked the video too!
Barbara and Daisy
I'm so jogleche of you, Margaret. {Ok, my WV isn't as clever as Petrea's.} I have no children and I'm still looking forward to your review. Behold the power of your influence...
I HAD to comment this fantastic news, Margaret! Complimenti!
I want to know what kind of weird stuff AH gets. I think I should be getting the weird stuff. I must be slipping.
congratulations on your newly acquired shill status.
Ha ha! You truly are the goddess of the week!
Crass commercialism is underrated only by paupers. Show me where to sign up!
Ahahahaha TAMPAX presenting The Goddess of the Week!| Ahahahahahahahahaha
Well but what about the book?
Compliments to your friend! She must be very proud and happy!!!
How exciting!!! Good for you!
Oh, Margaret. You have stooped to a level of which I can only dream. Can I ride your shill coattails? Congrats to you and your friend. I look forward to the review - as well as to Tampax presenting the Goddess of the Week, because that just cracks me up!
Post a Comment