Product placement in the Blogosphere

How many times have you been prodded to spend money after reading about a certain product on a friend's blog? I know from experience that many a debit-card swipe has been performed after a product was raved about on the internet. No, I'm not pointing fingers at anyone... I read a variety of blogs, even by people who have no idea who I am.

I don't get paid to advertise here on my blog. I give a good amount of my free time to blogging, and oftentimes my blogs have come in the form of enthusiastic raves about the latest and greatest product in my life. I love to name-drop, brand-drop, yada yada yada. Coffee, ginger beer, restaurants, food, online stores, etc. I always attempt to provide a link, so that you too, friends, can consider a purchase yourself. I'm just nice like that.

But last night Job and I had a good, deep conversation. It was one of those wonderful, revelatory discussions in which I (for one) realized a lot of weaknesses and passions ("passions" in the Orthodox understanding of the word... meaning things that are disruptive to the spiritual life).

We discussed my propensity towards materialism. How I am easily influenced by others and how quick I am to justify purchases. I don't think I ever really considered it a HUGE issue because a) my annoying little habit wasn't digging us into DEBT (I only buy what we can afford) and b) there's always "someone else" who is MORE materialistic to compare myself to.

But how can this be? I mean, I only go to the mall about 3-4 times a year. I do most of my clothes shopping at Goodwill or on department store clearance racks. On big purchases, I usually wait and make sure I NEED it first before buying. BUT... it doesn't take much for me to justify what I think I NEED.

So how does a girl who DOESN'T live in a posh, trendy neighborhood, who attends church on the weekends and hangs out with primarily other Christians become so materialistic? It just doesn't factor into the whole "denying thyself" lifestyle. I really think it's because a) obviously, Christians, even Orthodox Christians, aren't perfect and b) I spend a lot of free time on the internet, where I am constantly being bombarded with subliminal messages to buy, buy, buy.

What better venue for advertising than a blog, afterall? Even the most unintentional advertisting. Because the people who blog are your friends, and you trust your friend's good opinion. So! We continue being some of the most influential, unpaid advertisers out there. It's incredible! I say that with only a little irony too, because really, it is incredible. As much as it preys on our weaknesses, marketing is just amazing like that.

But back to that whole "deny thyself" bit. The part where Christ comes into play. Back in college saw a poster... a vintage painting of Jesus with his hands open in greeting and a solemn expression on his face. Beneath the image were the words, "I want you to buy less" or something along those lines. At first I kind of brushed it off as some sort of Pop Art statement (it was hanging in the art building at my school). But then somehow I started feeling ashamed at the way I responded... to think of it as some clever piece of art, and then move on. Then I realized that it's probably something Jesus would say. And it's probably something I should hear.

My sins, especially my "bad spending habits," don't stop with just me. Last night it dawned on me that what I buy affects others. Friends at church, friends in the blogosphere, strangers. Because the thrill of thrift-store shopping doesn't stop at the sale tag. It is prolonged each time I wear my thrifty threads, and someone asks me "where'd you get it?". How I swell with pride and vainglory, as I explain that my good-as-new J.Crew skirt was just $2.99 at Goodwill.

And so my need for attention and validation feeds my desire to make just one "quick trip" to this store or that. And it poisons others. I'm showing to others what that above all, I value the best things money can buy at a fraction of the cost. And I'm telling them that they should value expensive things as well. To spend hard-earned money, or to spend money that isn't even in existence.

So why am I telling this to you? Because from now on I'd like to be conscientious about what I say and do, and I think it's appropriate to raise awareness. I want this to stop in my life, and my blog is an extension of me that needs to change.

If you happen to be easily influenced in your purchases and want to stop the vicious cycle of splurging, I want this blog to be a "safe house" for you. From now on, I will try my best to stop product placement, both in the blogosphere and in my day to day life. I need to re-prioritize what I value. Lord have mercy.