Want to opt-in?

Every so often, a company, media agency or PR firm would contact me and ask for help on how to reach specific bloggers. Given that most of them are still uninitiated and do not have a comprehensive understanding of the local blogosphere, they find it hard to initiate the engagement.

The most common problem for them is how to contact the people on their shortlist, aside from the fact that they don’t know who else to tap or invite. So the obvious questions to the bloggers are — are you willing to be contacted and how can we contact you?

On several occasions, I’ve declined giving out contact information due to privacy reasons. First, I don’t know if you are open to such invitations or if you’re willing to give up your anonymity. Apparently, a lot of bloggers are still comfortable hiding behind a pseudonym or a nickname as they feel this contributes to their editorial freedom.

My usual approach is to email or send an SMS to the bloggers list (if I have one) and personally ask them if they are willing to engage with the interested parties. Only them I can freely send out contact information and facilitate the discussions. This could range from product reviews, a simple meeting, a media interview/guesting, an advertising deal, a press conference, a private dinner, an exclusive party, participate/facilitate a seminar/workshop or cover an event.

The response I get ranges from a resounding yes, an apologetic no to a simple no-reply. I do keep tabs of the ones who have been constantly willing to join such activities and take note of the others who want to keep their privacy, anonymity or dis-interest.

Another agency was asking me for a database and said was willing to pay for it. I said no, there’s nothing to sell here.

However, I’d like to extend the same opportunities to other bloggers I haven’t touched based with yet. If you believe you can enhance your blogging, further your career in professional blogging or citizen’s journalism, even just have fun joining such activities, then here’s a chance to opt-in to my list.

I’ve modified my blog’s Membership Page to accommodate a couple information such as complete names, mobile numbers, location and description. It looks like this:

If you have already registered as a Subcriber in this blog, then you can update your Profile Page here. if not, you need to Register here.

P.S.: I am not paid to do this. If ever I am, I will disclose it. I just believe that this will help fellow bloggers get to the next level.