Originally Posted by Wheelie

I am greatful that so many creators spend so much time and energy to create great content, for nickkes and dimes, with miserable birds of ever becoming a financial success. Extremely few get paid by sponsors. Few even get the products they review for free. Most of those that do have worked so hard to win a following, that they show awesome integrity. Having worked with countless influencers, very few are willing to prostitute themselves by giving dishonest reviews. In fact, most of those that have become attractive enough to advertisers turn down more opportunities than they accept. In order not to scare away potential sponsors, they reserv reviews for products which they can give an honest and positive review.

If I had the opportunity to receive freebies or money to shout nice things about the products and services I enjoy, or that I would recommend to others regardless of affiluation - I think I would. But, I would be open and honest about the affiliation where it is not self evident - as most successful and credible influencers are.

Influencers have helped me through so many jungles of choices. I don't expect them to do that solely out of altruistic motives.

Most people don't know how hard some of these people work, how much talent and commence they have, how little they make, the sacrifices they make, the risks they take, the uncertainty they endure...

If you look at how much a 30 ninute TV program with one million viewers costs to make - and the number of people and man-hours involved - then a one man band getting the same attention having only spendy nickkes an dimes - that is impressive. They should be making a killing.