129 Responses to What’s With All the Hatin’ in Travel Blogging?

1. I’d say where it comes from — or how it originates — is that people operate jammed in together in a very tight space, and that social media rubs people up against each other again and again. Some of the forums people operate on are about the size of a high school, but EVERYONE’S in class at the same time. It’s also the nature of the sort of group interaction that bloggers operate with that negativity becomes amplified. And, because different people are always speaking up, some people make the same points over and over again.

   I’d say another problem is that there are a lot of people desperately trying to make a living at this and that that energy can get diverted into putting others down.

   Glad to hear you’ve got an announcement coming up, anyway — and great you guys are doing TV. Stay happy.

   

   Theodora October 29, 2011 at 9:46 am Reply

   • Thanks for your input Theodora. It is true, we can all get swept up in the negativity. It is contagious and that is why it is important to take a step back and look at ourselves, our blogs and our reasons for making the choices that we do. I am sure that we all got into travel blogging because we love travel.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 2:02 pm Reply

2. Well said. It’s such a tough industry which we’re all trying to find our way in and it’s not easy making a living out of blogging. We all have to do what is right for our individual circumstances and goals. Sometimes I think it’s best just to focus on the travel and producing great content and forget about what other people are doing.

   

   Andrea October 29, 2011 at 10:51 am Reply

   • Hi Andrea, you hit the nail on the head. While it is good to see what your peers are up to and to stay up to date on the business of blogging. It is healthy to discuss and debate what to do to when it comes to the business of blogging. But to cut people down and try to sabotage people’s hard work is unacceptable. Why would someone want to ruin another persons livelihood. It’s not hurting them at all. What someone else does on the business side of things on their their blog doesn’t affect me or anyone else. So why should we focus our energy on cutting them down.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 1:58 pm Reply

3. “Watching” the goings on of the last few days has been like watching the proverbial slow-motion train wreck, horrible and fascinating at the same time.

   As you say, folk are free to run their blog whatever way they choose, just in the same way that a TV station can show a David Attenborough wildlife documentary and another can get by with reruns of 10-year-old sitcoms. It’s up to us, the audience, what we watch or read or follow.

   I find it very easy to switch off mentally to ads, so I don’t care much about them, though if I came across anything suspect, like porn, I’d most certainly stop reading. One of the problems I think is that travel blogging has become too internalized. Okay, for my own part I’m not even small fry, in fishing-metaphor terms I’d be a wee bit of plankton or something, but I think many of us are too concerned with what other travel bloggers do/think/say, and not with an audience that wants to read us because they enjoy our writing, admire our photos or because we open up new worlds.

   I’ve also been disappointed to read posts about my own home (which are fairly plentiful, as I live in a tourist area) which are wildly inaccurate. The first time this happened it was “shock, horror”, how can so-and-so possibly have written this? When were they here? Once I realized that these posts were “planted” by companies I simply stopped subscribing to those blogs – my choice, but I lost respect for bloggers who allowed such trash to be published under their by-line.

   The other thing which occurs to me is that so many of us are “amateurs” without formal training in writing, research or journalism – I hasten to add that 1) I know this is a sweeping statement and not true of all and 2) I am a firm believer in being qualified by experience as well as by traditional schooling and 3) I totally include myself in that number. My dream was always to write. The internet has enable me to be read by strangers, some of whom seem to like what I write. It’s a dream come true in many ways, but I don’t want to get carried away by that. I don’t want to take myself too seriously as a writer until I feel it I’ve earned it, and the internet brings such instant feedback or “success” it’s easy to get carried way, and I think this happens in a lot of cases.

   In previous lives I worked in real estate and in telecommunications, and in both areas countless imitators sprang up, trying to copy the successful companies,mostly they simply opened up shop without thought to ethics, they were just in it for the money, and in both cases it led to the sort of bitterness I feel now in the travel blogging community. It’s a shame because the community is about so much more than just making money – I hope! All I can say is that this reader will continue to read your blog, and most of those you name because of the quality of the content.

   

   Linda October 29, 2011 at 11:01 am Reply

   • Well said Linda and congratulations for living your dream. It really is a dream come true and we are a lucky bunch to be able to write about our travel experiences. You are so right that we can all get carried away (including ourselves) The internet is immediate and sometimes we say things that we are proud of and other times we wish we could hit erase and start over again.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 1:53 pm Reply

4. I’m not surprised that there are naysayers who spread negativity to any sort of blogging.

   But I am surprised that the negativity is happening within the travel blog community. I got into blogging in the first place due to the creative, positive environment when I first did solo traveling last year. Loved it, and like you said, its building those connections & opening eyes to ignorance & prejudice!

   I like your last bit in pointing out positive influences within the travel blogosphere. In the end, the positive vibes the travel blogging community will have will >> triumph over the “hatin’”

   

   Harrison October 29, 2011 at 11:29 am Reply

   • Hi Harrison, That is exactly where my head was at. Travel is so positive and amazing. Maybe the people that are so down right now and wanting to bring others down with them should get out from behind their computers, hop on a plane to a random destination and remind themselves why they started sharing their experiences with others in the first place.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 1:50 pm Reply

5. Well said guys. I still think there is a great community out there but it is being overshadowed. The connections I have made are invaluable to me and I find many fellow bloggers to be very supportive. I hope this all dies down soon and we, as a group, can return to some sort of equilibrium. Cheers!

   

   Gillian @OneGiantStep October 29, 2011 at 11:29 am Reply

   • You are right Gillian, there are so many great people out there in the travel blogging world that are supportive and inspiring including you! I don’t want to lump everyone together because the great ones really do outshine all the negativity.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 1:47 pm Reply

6. Wonderful thoughts here. I don’t think it stays just within the blogging community of travelers either, but within blogging on a whole. Sometimes there’s just a bit of bitterness that should be left alone.

   Thank you for being someone who is standing up, and saying yes to the love!

   

   Christian Hollingsworth October 29, 2011 at 12:09 pm Reply

   • You ar right Christian there is negativity all over the world. No matter what business you are in, no matter how awesome it is and how optimistic it is, there are always people out there that want to hurt others and bring others down. It’s a shame but it is a sad reality.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 1:49 pm Reply

7. Great response! Also cool to learn about what some of the leading travel bloggers have accomplished.

   

   Stephanie - The Travel Chica October 29, 2011 at 12:18 pm Reply

   • Thanks Stephanie. There are so many other bloggers that are doing great things too. I have been thinking about them all today and mean what I say when we will feature them every Saturday. Because the positive certainly outweighs the negative out there.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 12:28 pm Reply

8. We’ve been following this story with some interest, particularly as relative newbies in the travel blog world.

   It’s interesting to hear how supportive the community was a few years ago: With the exception of a few great folks, we’ve felt pretty much ignored by the community at large during our first year of existence. From an outsider’s perspective, it feels like, unless you’re one of the big blogs that everybody knows, most bloggers don’t really care to know you.

   It seems very competitive, and I say that coming from 18 years as a full-time freelance writer, a field which has basically become gladiatorial in the past decade. We’re very thankful for people like Dave & Deb, Michael Hodson, Barbara Weibel and Jim McIntosh, who’ve helped us quite a bit in figuring out what we’re doing. But we do wish there were more kind, welcoming souls like you!

   

   Bret @ Green Global Travel October 29, 2011 at 12:38 pm Reply

   • I am so sorry that you have felt ignored. And hopefully people will rectify the situation. When we returned home from the Mongol Rally where we were very much out of the loop in the travel blogging world due to lack of Internet, we made sure to make it a priority to inspire and help. It was having amazing mentors like all the people mentioned above and so many others like Jet Set Citizen, 9 to 5 Alternative, Travel Dudes, The Travel Tart and the Travel Experta and so many more that helped us so much. And we want to help too.

     

     debndave October 29, 2011 at 12:57 pm Reply

     • We’re not complaining. Having to scrap for every step up the ladder to success is the way of the freelance world. It just makes it tougher to figure out the little things. But you guys are great, and we appreciate all the support you’ve given us!

       

       Bret @ Green Global Travel October 29, 2011 at 4:44 pm

   • Thanks for the mention Brett.

     

     Jim November 1, 2011 at 4:22 pm Reply

9. Thanks for the shout out guys.. I agree that the travel industry is big enough that we should all be helping each other rather than bringing each other down. The pie is big enough for everyone and everyone likes to do things their way.. which is okay. Keep up the great work!

   

   WanderingTrader October 29, 2011 at 1:10 pm Reply

10. Thanks so much for mentioning Toronto Travel Massive. As you know — because you are stalwart members — Alicia and I work very hard to create a positive, welcoming and supportive community of travel bloggers in Toronto. In fact, we have a zero-tolerance policy to negativity and back-stabbing. Luckily, we’ve attracted a great group of people and have not had to worry about it so far.

    I don’t really know what you’re talking about, I have missed all the drama it seems. But that was because I was busy with some fun and amazing events this week, including our October TTM meet-up. I really missed you two — wish you had been there for the raffle and the fundraising results.

    Keep up the good work Dave and Deb. I consider you leaders here in Toronto and in the travel blogging world in general. Don’t let the haters bring you down. We need you!

    Love, Mariellen

    

    Mariellen Ward October 29, 2011 at 2:15 pm Reply

    • Hi Mariellen, thanks for the kind words. The haters certainly are not bringing us down. But we don’t like seeing ugliness like that in our community and felt the need to weigh in with our opinions. I don’t want onlookers out there to see that travel bloggers are petty and miserable. Most of us are vibrant, interesting and inspiring just like you! And you too are another that is doing great things! With your sponsorship with India tourism, your articles and travel writing. I’ve written about you before and how you are doing awesome things too! keep it up.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 2:26 pm Reply

11. Aww, shucks, thanks for the mention. I love you guys too!

    I keep a lower profile these days, for various reasons, but still enjoy plenty of great offline conversations with yourself and many others in this space.

    And like you, it saddens me to see people who dive in with questionable intent.

    I was well aware of the piece that triggered it, but have made a clear decision to stay out of it. What’s their business is their business, and I don’t care to have anything to do with it.

    Thanks for reminding everyone that we’re friends and family, colleagues and cohorts, and that each of us has the right to make our own decisions, even if they’re poor ones. We can share our opinions, our recommendations, but nobody else has the right to judge.

    See you soon!

    -A-

    

    Andy Hayes October 29, 2011 at 2:17 pm Reply

    • You are smart to stay out of it. We wanted to write a post to remind people to keep their chins up. We’ve been seeing a lot of frustration and hearing a lot from our frustrated peers. We don’t want people to give up or become disheartened and wanted to let people know that there are a lot of us out there enjoying our chosen professions and are truly happy for the success of our fellow travel bloggers and writers. Your one of those people that we all aspire to be Andy!

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 2:28 pm Reply

12. Yes, thanks for the slap back into reality! I regret that I ever got involved, but at least it has spurred some great conversation. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

    

    Jerri Stephenson October 29, 2011 at 2:56 pm Reply

    • Hi Jerri, Cheers and well said, let’s all start talking about travel and inspiration. We understand, sometimes people’s comments can be so hurtful and upsetting that it is impossible not to get involved. We have done it and afterwards regret it. That’s why we wanted to write this piece. We’re seeing so much anger in a community that is supposed to be fun loving. Sure, we are allowed to talk about the bigger issues in the world and its not all rosy and easy, but we’re travellers and we should be supporting one another not calling each other out which is what this website in question did wrong when putting up this post.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:09 pm Reply

13. We’re newbies on the block too and I completely understand and agree with what you (Bret @ Green Global Travel) are saying about seeing it from ‘an outsider’s perspective’.

    But then we go to an event like Meet Plan Go and the thought of being ‘ignored’ or that we ‘don’t exist’ quickly disappears because we are among like minded travelers (big and small, newbies and veterans) who take the time to listen and more importantly, inspire. This is what keeps us motivated, what keeps us inspired — people like you, Dave & Deb, as ‘big’ as you may be, to lend a supportive hand to help us along the way.

    We hope to inspire as well (maybe not on such a larger scale.. ) but among our family and friends.

    

    Kieu ~ GQ trippin October 29, 2011 at 2:58 pm Reply

    • Hi Kieu, I am so glad that you had a great time at Meet Plan Go. That is exactly what that event is all about. We are all travellers first. You will be amazed at how many people you inspire each day and how (if you want it to) much your blog can grow and reach over time. Remember, most people are very giving and caring and if you send them an email asking a question, they will reply. Sometimes things get lost in the twitter feed, but you will be amazed how giving this community is when you reach out personally.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 3:44 pm Reply

14. I agree with Andy above – and it’s why I love him. I think there are people who enter this world for profit, or fame or general questionable intent. They make us look bad on press trips, they make us look bad to editors and they spoil a good time. That being said, those kind of folks live everywhere – the print magazine world is a perfect example. Sticking with awesome people and doing what you love has never hurt anyone. Kudos to those who do just that.

    

    Anna October 29, 2011 at 3:03 pm Reply

    • Well said Anna. There is nothing wrong in our opinion with wanting profit and fame. I’d love to not have money worries ever again and it would be awesome to be as famous as Bono (especially when he can do so much good with that fame) but it is when people stoop to low levels to profit. It’s sad. We do make sure to surround ourselves with the great people out there.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 3:40 pm Reply

15. This is almost exactly what I said in the FB forum, which was: Honestly, I’m disgusted and disappointed. I would think as seasoned travelers we would all be more open minded, non-judgmental, and most importantly compassionate. Maybe some of you need to stop blogging and REALLY travel.

    Thank you SO much for this awesome post!!!

    

    Andi of My Beautiful Adventures October 29, 2011 at 3:08 pm Reply

    • Thanks Andi. You are one of those travel bloggers out there that are always supportive and talking about the great things in the world. That’s why we read you regularly. You are so right when you say that maybe the people that are being so negative out there should step back, take a breath and travel again. They’ll be laughing about everything they were hating on once they are surrounded by singing children or awesome wildlife.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 3:37 pm Reply

16. Flat out question, what is the Travel Community? 2-3 years ago it was people who were traveling and blogging about it. Simple enough right? Those people learned about blogging from others, then shared that info with readers who wanted to do the same.

    Fast forward now and there a TON more bloggers out there now, GREAT! The bickering now comes from the social media side (mainly the Facbeook “Travel Bloggers” group) which started out with people who actually traveled and blogged about it or were wanting to do it themselves. That group grew outside of what I would call the ‘Travel Community’ and now has members that have never interacted before. Some of these members have completely different business models for their websites. Those members are now constantly throwing their superiority at everyone. After a while people began to stop interacting, stepped back, blocked and finally stood up. It’s rather simple, it’s called “Shit Hit The Fan Finally”!

    I never ever really got negative before this last couple weeks but screw it, I got so tired of guys like: Durant, GrumpTraveller and a few others constantly talking down. People would ask a simple question and instead of getting simple answers back, they got an ear full from people who thought “they” were 100% correct. I can handle someone bringing up a point that might differ but that group has about 5-8 trolls who constantly beat down other members. Those trolls were never part of the “Travel Community” that you were apart of 2-3 years ago. In fact those people don’t even have real blogs. They’re old 1994 websites full of affiliate ads links that relies solo on SEO Google searches. They have no loyal following, so if they don’t rank #1 on Google they lose bc they have no one to support them otherwise (ie: fans, like most travel bloggers have)

    That is it, it’s that simple! You have a group who appose what the others are doing but we keep lumping them in bc we call it Travel. Sorry but some doucehbag that has a loaded down affiliate website that doesn’t really travel that often isn’t going to win with me. And I’m tired of seeing them harasses newbies in the community. I was that guy once and if I listened to all those wantabes like Durant I would have just gave up. It was people like David from GoBackpacking.com, Christine from AlmostFearless.com and Gary of Everything-Everywhere.com that helped me get my photography/travel blog going.

    So I’m taking a stand now to call those guys out. I know some will say that is not helping but you know what… we all can’t be Gandhi. I have no problem talking crap to trolls anymore

    

    T-roy October 29, 2011 at 3:17 pm Reply

    • Hi T-roy, sorry to hear your frustration. It is difficult out there these days. Just take that person for what he is, he clearly doesn’t hide it, he’s a Grumpy Traveller. It doesn’t make sense to be a grumpy traveller, but a grumpy traveller he is. It would be a real bummer to be that grumpy day in day out.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:13 pm Reply

17. A very timely article Dave and Deb. And I am dismayed also at the negativity creeping through the industry, but would add I’m not surprised; it was going to happen IMO. I see it as natural that this will happen in such a fast growing industry, which for most is built upon dreams – the dream that ” I can travel endlessly by starting a monetized travel blog.”
    I have seen this dream promoted on many blogs, encouraging you to get out of your cubicle and follow your heart, or your dream. Each time I read another along those lines I was dismayed by it. Why?
    Well there’s an old principle in business -the 80/20 rule- 80% of the business is done by 20% of the customers. In my long years of business, that rule is pretty much fundamental to any endeavour.
    I don’t know the statistics relating to the travel blogging industry, but I’d hazard a guess and say the same applies- that 80% will never make worthwhile money, 20% will. And then apply the 80/20 to that top 20% and we would probably find only the top tier will.
    So the reality of making money travel blogging needs to be promoted more so that those “Follow your heart” articles are better grounded with some realistic advice, so that the many new “entrants” to the industry do enter knowing the reality and not just “Following the dream” because they may be sadly disappointed, particularly when after 6 months and running out of money they can’t even get that old cubicle job back..

    Shattered dreams often see people turn negative. A bit of human nature.

    It’s good that these issues are discussed. It’s good that the dream is replaced with reality.

    The way forward-

    Well, every industry forms it’s professional body/bodies to encourage excellence, provide training, and suggest standards, and seek opportunities for its members.

    I see this industry needs to create its own; what form that takes may be ingenious.
    Seems to me to be a necessity for the future. There is only “X” amount of money coming into the industry but more and more entering it, causing a dilution effect, or driving down what we can be paid for articles.

    Professional bodies may be better placed to represent our industry members to the big players in the travel industry. Large corporations, tourism offices etc don’t want to talk big money with a myriad of travelbloggers. If they do, it’s perhaps to play one off against another to drive down the going rate.

    Somehow the travel blogging/writing industry needs to realise it has come of age. It is no longer just an industry built on a “dream” but needs to develop a professional recognition of its worth.

    The above thoughts are my very positive suggestions for advancing the industry. I expect many will not agree, but others may see some merit in them.
    Love you guys!

    

    Jim October 29, 2011 at 4:04 pm Reply

    • Hi Jim, thanks for your thoughtful informative words. You really said it perfectly and there isn’t much that I can elaborate on. It was so well said.
      There is a thought out there that it is easy and it’s not. It is scary to take on a new business venture and I think that the stress is starting to get to everyone. You can feel the tension rising daily in discussion groups. I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t even go on them anymore even if I am looking for some kind of advice or answer to a question. There will always be people that have more success than others but like you said, that is true for every industry.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:32 pm Reply

18. Well said. I don’t actually know which blog you are referring to.. but I still find it sad that travel bloggers could be so negative. This is travel–it’s all positive ;]

    

    Seattle Dredge October 29, 2011 at 4:05 pm Reply

    • You said it Seattle Dredge. That is what travel is. It is about being positive and sharing stories from around the globe. There are people out there starving and suffering and living without clean water and in poverty and filth. These are the issues we should be focusing on.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:25 pm Reply

19. Yayay!! I was hoping the “right” blogger would come out and write this post. You guys are such leaders, an inspiration. Thank you SO much for all you do! I skimmed everything yesterday and was saddened enough. But people were really getting into it… Such a drag. Who has time for that? In the end, so much attention was given to something so negative. I love my circle of positive, inspirational, supportive travel bloggers.

    

    Abby October 29, 2011 at 4:06 pm Reply

    • Beautiful Abby. We are lucky, we both have positive circles. Like I said, I want to reiterate, most people are wonderful and supportive and can have discussions talking about the best way to move ahead in travel blogging. We really enjoy your blog and all the exciting and exotic locations that you share with your readers. That’s what it’s all about and we normally wouldn’t write about this either, but it was eating us up a bit and we wanted to weigh in. Not on a forum or in the comments section of a negative website, but with our own voice so that we could really say what we wanted and turn the discussion to something positive.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:24 pm Reply

20. Great post and amen! As a relative newbie doing this just over a year, I am happy that so many experienced bloggers have been helpful and supportive as I have been learning the ropes. At the same time, some of those out there (and we all know who they are) make it somewhat intimidating – I always have to think twice or even three or four times before posting questions to the Travel Bloggers group on Facebook for fear that I will just be criticized instead of receiving a helpful response to my question.

    

    Katie October 29, 2011 at 4:22 pm Reply

21. Well I am fairly new to travel blogging. I know I write for me and the few that visit. I have a few ads but don’t make much off of them. I did not start the blog for money, one look and that is obvious, but instead to tell people about where I have been and places I would like to visit. My site will never be one of the mega travel sites, but that’s okay. If one or two people get inspired to travel,visit a place, or comment because of something that I have written then I accomplished what I wanted. I read a lot of sites, and comment occasionally, but mainly read to get inspiration for me and my travels. If someone visits my site and doesn’t like it, well there are hundreds of others they might like.

    

    The Travel Fool October 29, 2011 at 4:26 pm Reply

    • Hey Travel Fool, you captured the inspiration for this post perfectly. When it all comes down to it, we are travellers first. We all hope that we can inspire others that have wanted to travel but haven’t had the courage to give it a try to get out there and see the world and step out of their comfort zone. You are right, all you can do is be true to yourself because it is as easy a hitting a button to move on and see another blog for inspiration.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:35 pm Reply

22. Hey guys it is a great shame that this sort of thing is happening, I have not seen too much of it so far thankfully, maybe a little on the odd forum. It is a sorry fact of life that people seem to concentrate on what others are doing instead of themselves, and usually from a jealous or critical manner.

    It is really awesome to see how some are making a great success of it and experimenting in taking their creativity down new avenues.

    It is great that we find inspiration from this success, this is the manner in which we should be watching others. Finding inspiration from others and respecting their talent and achivements.

    Those that hate only really harm themselves.

    

    Iain Mallory October 29, 2011 at 4:34 pm Reply

    • Bravo Iain. That is how we should be watching others. Learn from their success and be happy for them. I have said this many times before…20 years ago a friend of mine got the role in Les Miserables. I was very jealous because I wanted to be in Les Mis. My good friend Deanna said to me “Why are you so upset Deb, shouldn’t you be happy for her and take that as inspiration that you will get the role of your dreams one day?” It has stuck with me ever since. After that day, I started to look at life as not a competition but as an inspiration. Once you can be happy for others, it makes room in your heart fo happiness to come to you.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:39 pm Reply

23. Thank you for writing this! And for highighting the good things that are happening for people…I think that a lot of the negativity comes from people with hidden agendas – once you work out what they are, it’s easier to understand their approach. But it still saddens me a bit. Lovely to come here and read something like this instead…Cheers – and good luck!

    

    Abi October 29, 2011 at 4:40 pm Reply

    • Thanks Abi. I don’t know where the negativity comes from. Sometimes I watch the threads and I too can get caught up in it. I have to take a step back. I think that a lot of people are spending way too much time behind their computers. They have to get out and enjoy the day. Being stuck staring at a screen day in day out can cause a person to go crazy and maybe that’s what’s happening…maybe everyone is just starting to lose their minds

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 5:00 pm Reply

      • “I think that a lot of people are spending way too much time behind their computers. They have to get out and enjoy the day. Being stuck staring at a screen day in day out can cause a person to go crazy and maybe that’s what’s happening”

        I think you’ve nailed it.

        

        Andy Jarosz October 30, 2011 at 5:36 am

      • You said it Andy. When we are feeling stressed out or frustrated, we close the computer and head out for a walk, do a workout or go to a movie. All you need is a little break to put things into perspective.

        

        debndave October 30, 2011 at 7:57 pm

24. When I grow up, I want to be just like Deb & Dave!!

    (Well, except for all the jumping out of planes and stuff).

    

    Dalene October 29, 2011 at 4:55 pm Reply

    • Aw, thanks Dalene. Hopefully we’ll travel together soon on a nice relaxing trip somewhere:)

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 4:58 pm Reply

25. The travel blogger scene is SO incestious. Every post names the exact same idiots, and everyone sucks up to the exact same idiots. It’s a never needing circle jerk! Right now, travel blogging is Microsoft. Enough! Now it needs an Apple. But nobody is willing to step up and become that Apple, because everyone else in the travel industry is too busy s*cking everyone else’s d*ck fr back links and retweets! I’m NOT for haters, but haters shake things up and make people think. There are so many cool travel blogs that never get the mentions that they deserve, but I think that’s a good thing. Because one of those travel blogs is the next Lonely Planet, and it’s definitely NOT one of the blogs that’s mentioned in all the current (incestious) travel blogs.

    

    Travel Girl October 29, 2011 at 5:04 pm Reply

    • You are so right Travel Girl. It is the same people that get mentioned a lot and the next Lonely Planet is probably waiting to be discovered. That is why we are starting a series of inspirational travel stories that is featuring many new travellers. We are excited to be sharing their stories. We too have been guilty of referring to the same people we have for a long time. We have been on the road for a couple of years and we tend to stick with the bloggers that we started out with. Since returning from the Mongol Rally, we have made it our mission to reach out to new and exciting people. We want to read what others have to say and share what they are saying. Thanks for shaking things up a bit and we promise to do our part. I hope that soon you will be less frustrated as well.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 5:22 pm Reply

      • Even after all travel blog burn-out, I always come back to your blog. I feel that you guys are the most genuine travel blog out there. Thanks. You guys rock.

        Here’s to the crazy ones…

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjgtLSHhTPg

        

        Travel Girl October 30, 2011 at 2:13 am

      • Thank you Travel Girl. That is a huge compliment that means a great deal to us. Cheers and I am going to check out your youtube video right now.

        

        debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:09 pm

26. Seems I missed all of the drama as well! Guess I was too busy working on some fun posts that make me happy.

    Perhaps I’m lucky, but everyone I’ve personally engaged with has been helpful and inspiring, making me want to travel more. It is a great list of inspiring people you mention in this post Dave and Deb, can’t wait to see what news you have for next week!

    

    Red Hunt October 29, 2011 at 5:08 pm Reply

    • Good for you Red Hunt. It is a good thing to just enjoy and be and I am so glad that you have had a positive experience with everyone. Like we have said over and over,…most people are awesome in the travel blogging world. We all just need a little reminder as to why we are in this sometimes.

      

      debndave October 29, 2011 at 5:23 pm Reply

27. Like all of us, I read lots of travel blogs and will continue to do so. We are all here and support each other. There is no need to turn against anyone because all of us bring something unique to the table. There are some travel blogs I respect and like but would never do things the way they do. And that’s OK.

    Here’s the real problem I see with this arguing and fighting – travel bloggers are losing the plot! We spend so much time reading each other’s stuff, commenting, tweeting, sharing, and discussing that we miss the audience we are really trying to reach. We need to go beyond each other and keep getting better at what we do.

    You mention quite a few that are going above and beyond the travel blogger market to reach out to different areas and more people. Sadly, not enough of us are doing that when that is what we should be focusing on. Instead, we got caught up in competing, arguing, or debating topics like this rather than doing what we do best – traveling and writing.

    

    Jeremy Branham October 29, 2011 at 5:56 pm Reply

28. Hey guys, thanks for the mention. I wholeheartedly agree with your post, as well as many of the comments left in response.

    Like Andy and some others, I’ve been trying to keep a low profile and not to get sucked into the same debate over and over, but that “op ed” by John at Travelllll.com took things to a whole new level.

    I’m just glad the number of positive, supportive bloggers I know FAR outweigh the negative ones.

    

    Dave October 29, 2011 at 6:02 pm Reply

29. Damn just read my comment, must be really tired from this last trip so many typos, thanks for the reply Debs, really appreciate how honest you are

    You guys inspire us all!

    

    Iain Mallory October 29, 2011 at 6:08 pm Reply

30. My blog is just a very small blip on the radar (probably only a nano blip!) That’s okay, I’m not really interested in making a living at it. There are a lot of strong personalities in this niche, and when you get such a group together there is bound to friction. (sad but true). I don’t even know the post you refer to, and that’s okay by me. Remember, I’m just a happy nano blip!

    Congrats on CTV and American Express. I used to work for American Express, and they are a quality outfit.

    

    Nancie October 29, 2011 at 7:10 pm Reply

    • You’re not a nanoblip! We know your stuff well:) But I am glad to hear that you are happy. American Express is awesome and we are lucky to be working with such a great company indeed.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:24 pm Reply

31. Great post and reminder guys. My blog is still on wordpress dot com and even if I did get *big* perse I don’t know if I’d want to sell text links. It just doesn’t seem worth it and it seems like it would compromise my integrity. If I can make one person travel, then it’s worth it to me. It’s not about making money. As our community grows larger, I hope we can remember that passion is the name of the game. It’s why I come to your blog: I want to get inspired to do those adventurous trips and motivate the positive things that we’ve achieved in our little sphere.

    

    Natalie T. October 29, 2011 at 7:35 pm Reply

    • Thanks Natalie, we are so glad that we can inspire someone so well travelled as you! Like I have said, our Toronto Travel Massive meet ups are so inspiring and exciting that it is difficult for anyone in Toronto to be frustrated. We all support and care about each other and we are proud to be a part of that community. There are many people doing great things out there and they keep inspiring us too. Most people rock, including you!

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:21 pm Reply

32. Thanks for a really thoughtful and well written post. I think this is a matter of a couple bad apples spoiling the bunch. My opinion on paid links is that you should just disclose it to your readers, it’s simple and honest. Reporting bloggers to Google seems like a really underhanded thing to do. If you’re reading a blog, that seems to be declining in original content – and becoming nothing but advertising posts – why can’t you just email the blogger and nicely voice your concerns? Why does there have to be a complete attack on other bloggers? I’m used to seeing trolls on youtube video comments, and the IMDB forums. It’s really sad to me that the trolls have started to infiltrate the travel blogging community as well. I hope everyone can remember that there is no one right way to travel and there’s no one right way to travel blog.

    

    Alouise October 29, 2011 at 8:06 pm Reply

    • I so agree Alouise. Hey, if content starts to go down, all you have to do is stop reading. The blogger will learn that they are doing something wrong when they see the numbers go down and will change their ways. I agree with you, sad to see what these people are turning into. Insulting people and using sarcasm is such a low way of communicating. I can’t stand following some of the threads out there. So much so that we actually stopped following certain forums. We found this article through someone bringing it to our attention.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:19 pm Reply

33. This article couldn’t be more timely. The one thing that we loved about the travel blogging community is that everyone supports each other. If any new blogger ever needed help or ask us questions, we make sure we took the time to help them to the best of our ability or at least send them in the right direction. This mentality of trying to break away from the the pack is disgusting. I believe there is enough success out there for everyone and that if you help enough people around you, then soon you will receive that back.

    Where is the love people! (cue black eyed peas single)

    Thanks Dave & Deb for being so honest and screw the un-named website. I have chosen to unsubscribe and we can all help by not supporting them. I just hope that we start bonding together again and supporting each other. The best forum on FB is GBN by far and everyone in there always helps others out. Keith and Janice have created a great support forum and moderate the comments which what is needed in other forums on FB.

    Group hug people!

    

    Anthony @ Positive World Travel October 29, 2011 at 9:02 pm Reply

    • Just to say I couldn’t agree more about GBN. It is simply marvelous. It should be the model for all sorts of fora, not just travel. I have to say that I was very cautious at first within the travel blogging community in general because coming from the work background I did I just couldn’t believe how nice and supportive everyone was. Although I haven’t taken all the advice offered as yet it isn’t for lack of it, or because it wasn’t welcome. Almost bar-none this community is beyond belief.

      

      Linda October 30, 2011 at 7:23 am Reply

      • So good to hear Linda. And we feel the same way. For the most part, Travel Bloggers are beyond nice and friendly. We call many our friends and have respect and admiration for so many. That’s why when a few come into this business with the intent to sabotage their fellow bloggers, we felt the need to say something.

        

        debndave October 30, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    • Hi Anthony, It is so great to hear that you help out your fellow bloggers. We had so many people help us when we started and we vowed to make sure to help if we ever grew to become a larger blog. Sometimes it takes us a while to get back while we’re traveling, but we do our best to get back to everyone with answers to their questions. And you are right, there is enough room for success for everyone. If you work hard and are passionate about what you are doing, you have a good chance of achieving success. We agree about GBN, we are lucky, we get to see Janice quite a bit and chat with her on the phone too. She’s a great lady and hopefully we will get to meet Keith soon this spring!

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:15 pm Reply

34. thanks for continuously inspiring us all… felt so sad about the article too… i also dont understand why there’s so much angst and sarcasm sometimes in the other FB forum… Kudos Deb and Dave to what you have achieved in the blogging world… wishing you more success… and more adventures too

    

    flipnomad October 29, 2011 at 11:12 pm Reply

    • Hi Flip, all the best to you too. Hopefully this will be a turning point to get the people that aren’t contributing anything of value other than negative energy to the forums to stop participating. We are all allowed to disagree but to start taking low blows and speaking with hurtful comments is unacceptable.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:12 pm Reply

35. Really well said, and nice to see it from such a prominent travel blog like yourself! As my mom likes to tell, focus on yourself first–make sure you’re working to the best of your abilities, without hurting anyone else, and helping when you can. No need to worry about what others are doing!

    

    Christine October 30, 2011 at 1:17 am Reply

    • Your mom gives great advice Christine. Thank her for us all for the wise words and we will all make sure to follow the advice!

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:10 pm Reply

36. I belong to a group of Pinoy Travel Bloggers and fortunately we rub of and inspire each other with our own travels and stories. Sometimes little mis-understanding happens, but its all love that still reigns.

    

    Marky October 30, 2011 at 3:06 am Reply

    • Hi Marky I am so glad to hear that, it is wonderful to be surrounded by supportive people rather than those trying to tear you down. I want to reiterate that we know amazing travel bloggers and meet and discuss regularly. We rarely interact with the people that are being so negative out there. It was just time to comment on all the negativity we have watched them spread over the internet. Hopefully they are listening that people don’t respect the way they are behaving.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:08 pm Reply

37. Now I would really love to read said article, but I have no idea which website is being talked of.
    Here is my two cents. For several reasons, not everyone has the luxury of not monetising one’s blog. I thought I didn’t want to, but then, a couple of great advertising opportunities coincided with a bad financial period – I work part time and get no sick leave, and I kept getting sick and missing work. I accepted the advertising oportunities because they were travel related, and they helped a lot because I still managed to save money through them when i was going through this bad time.
    In the end, advertising on a travel blog is pretty much like advertising on a magazine. Our favourite magazines are full of ads – we just choose to ignore those we are not interested in and check the ones we are.
    However, I always always and always declare when a post is sponsored, or has been written by someone else and I’m being paid for it. Readers are not stupid.
    I’ve also been blogging for almost two years, and because I don’t spend 90 per cent of my time on social medias I don’t have 4 zillion followers. It’s just the way this world works I guess.

    

    Denise October 30, 2011 at 3:41 am Reply

    • Hi Denise. That last thing I wanted to do was to send any traffic to that website so I didn’t put in the link. Besides, they have completely changed their original post after the comments started rolling in so there is no sense reading it now. Sometimes a person can forgive a solo blogger for making a faux pas, but this is a website that has several writers and an editor (their editor admitted that they didn’t check it well because it was late at night – not a great excuse) To change a post so much after the fact is ridiculous. They would have been better off to un-publish it and print a retraction. They are making themselves look more and more foolish each day.
      We are with you in regards to your thoughts on advertising. Thanks for putting it into perspective. If you don’t need money and don’t have to sell advertising good for you. If you do, well go ahead. Magazines do it, newspapers do it, tv shows do it, what’s the difference with blogs? Why does everyone have to get so angry about what everyone else is doing anyway? It’s beyond me.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 8:06 pm Reply

38. Hey guys, just jumping on the band wagon to say thanks for writing this article and pointing out the good still out there. I love the travel blog community BUT like travel, blogging is only as good as the person doing it. The travel blog world has certainly exploded since I first started way back in 2006. It wasn’t until 3 years later that I even realized there was a “travel blog community.” The community is great for support, advice and friendships. But we also need to remember that there are 2 billion travelers out there who are our readers and could care less about what happens on travel blog forums.

    At the end of the day the travel blog business is not so difficult or different than many writers of the past. Go our have fun, do amazing things, learn how to tell a story well, and then write about your life. Our advantage is that we can combine this fun with the specific advice of a boring travel guidebook that doesn’t have much editorial space to be interesting or inspiring. Leading an inspirational life and writing about it leads to gaining an audience of like minded people. Leading a grumpy, mean-spirited, accusatory life and writing about it leads to the same type of audience. Personally, I’d rather have the first audience

    

    Todd @ Todd's Wanderings October 30, 2011 at 6:22 am Reply

    • Well said Todd. We want to inspire people to live the life of their dreams no matter what that may be. If we can let people know that two average people fulfill their dreams, then maybe it will give them the courage to give their dreams a go too! I am with you too, I want the first audience also.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 7:54 pm Reply

39. Bravo Dave and Deb.
    I completely agree with you: be positive, happy, helpful, supportive. Be friends and make a community. Also agree about it being each person’s decision how to monetize, what to do about advertising and earning money. I see no issues with having advertising on blogs. It’s great bloggers can get advertisers to pay to be on their sites. Bravo to them too.
    I’m also happy to say that I actually haven’t seen any of this negativity or know which posts/ blogs you’re talking about.
    What I’ve seen and heard ever since I joined the travel blog community in Feb. is help, encouragement, positivity, support, excitement for travel and blogging. It’s really a great community. And thanks to everyone who’s welcomed me in! I certainly hope it stays this way. Lash

    

    Lash October 30, 2011 at 9:40 am Reply

    • I am glad to hear that you have had a lot of encouragement and support. The majority of Travel Bloggers are amazing. Luckily we never interact with that circle of negativity as well. However we felt the need to interject when we saw how terrible and damaging the arguments were becoming. We wanted to let those people know that this is unacceptable behaviour towards your peers. Let’s hope we can all have the positive experiences that you have been having as well.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 7:32 pm Reply

40. I had this same reaction to the piece and some of the recent negative comments and sentiments in the forums — there was a time when we were all in this together, a community…and though every community had ups and downs, we weren’t pitting ourselves against one another. That seems to have shifted in the past year or so and I hope we can push through it and maintain the close ties and support each other! You guys are doing amazing work leading within the community, cheers and can’t wait to hear more on your upcoming announcements!

    

    Shannon O'Donnell October 30, 2011 at 9:51 am Reply

    • Hi Shannon, you are so right. We had so much fun starting out in this business and you wre one of the people that inspired us as well. I think that we will be able to push through. Most people are supportive. Just a few bad apples ruining it for the bunch. But I hope we all stop paying attention to them now.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 7:26 pm Reply

41. Wow. This makes me sad. I keep a blog and it’s not income but an exercise in writing everyday. It’s a mishmash of whatever I’m doing. When I’m traveling it’s a travel blog. I read a lot of travel blogs and must say everyone has a different voice and a different perspective. Do I like all the travel blogs I read? Not necessarily but I would never make comments or get shouty with a traveler unless they were posting xenophobic or hateful remarks about the places and people they were encountering.

    I have found some great resources and good deals clicking ads. I also click them because I understand my five cents might help a fellow traveler/writer. I love to travel, consider myself a traveler but because I have two kids to educate I’m not to the point of quitting my job and traveling more than the four weeks a year I’m lucky enough to leave home.

    In a few years, I hope to get off the little kids playground and move to the big kids playground and join the ranks of the travel blogger and lone eagle making a living on the road. There are so many opportunities all over this lovely little planet for everyone with a dream to make a living doing what they love. Tearing down one another and undermining one another for the sake of bolstering one’s own credibility is completely unnecessary. If you feel a need to undercut a colleague, go back to your corporate job.

    

    Laura October 30, 2011 at 11:33 am Reply

    • Well said Laura. Who would have thought that Travel Blogging would become this way. When they said let’s level the playing field by reporting our fellow bloggers (which has since been omitted like almost the entire original post) that made me feel terrible for what their frame of mind must be. To hurt someone for your own gain is unforgivable.

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 7:23 pm Reply

42. Thanks Dave & Deb!
    Life is too short for the negativity! That’s why most of us travel and are out in the world in the first place. Let’s keep being happy, having fun, and sharing the love.

    

    Lisa | LLWorldTour October 30, 2011 at 6:02 pm Reply

    • Cheers Lisa. Agreed, let’s all get back to having fun!

      

      debndave October 30, 2011 at 7:18 pm Reply

43. Thanks Dave & Deb for this inspiring post about travel blogging. I’ve started my travel blog 2 years ago in the hopes that it could fund my travels and my daily living. I’m not yet at my goal but I’m positive that I will be there. But the main goal is to make people travel and feature great places around my country, Philippines.

    Each one of us have different reasons why we do this and we all should respect each other for doing it. If someone out there who has a travel blog that earns $5000 a month and he needs some encouragement, I’d be happy to encourage him/her. It does not matter if I am lower than them, what matters is we encourage each other. There’s so much hate going around and I hate it.

    Let’s all spread the positive love of travelling.

    

    Josiah October 31, 2011 at 4:48 am Reply

    • We hate it too and agree, let’s spread the love of travel. If we keep writing about how awesome it is, it will make more people want to travel and in the end that helps us all! More people will read about travel sending more people to all our blogs making room for everyone to succeed:)

      

      debndave October 31, 2011 at 9:57 am Reply

44. So much has been said that there’s not much left to add.

    I really enjoyed reading your post and all the comments because it pointed to what I consider maybe the most important lesson. And that is how much positive thinking there is, which might have been even boosted by the negativity pervading some people.

    Every environment had its stake of negativity. And it’s good to see that there are fare more awesome, supportive and inspiring travel bloggers/writers than the ones criticizing and patronizing.

    I have been very lucky to meet wonderful people, who helped me and supported me all the time. First of all, Keith (Velvet Escape). If it wasn’t for him and all the friends who encouraged and inspired me, I wouldn’t be writing right now.

    

    Simon October 31, 2011 at 6:10 am Reply

    • Hi Simon. I think that you are right. We are in a turning point now with travel blogging and the negative people have really brought out the best in everyone else. I wanted to let the people know that were getting picked on by certain people that they are not alone. The rest of us are happy to help, feel their frustration and also won’t stand for the bad blood that certain people are spreading out there. Yay Keith! His names comes up a lot as one of the most supportive guys out there and we agreee!

      

      debndave October 31, 2011 at 9:52 am Reply

45. I have no clue what article is being talked about, but thank you so much for writing this. I’ve been a part of this great community for a while now and love it, but I too had noticed so much hate in the forums. I like y’all think to each their own & lets just get along. Thanks again for writing this. Reminds me so much why I enjoy reading y’alls blog. Y’all are just y’all on y’alls blog as I am just me on my blog.

    

    Jaime October 31, 2011 at 8:34 am Reply

    • Thanks Jaime. I know, the post is a little bit cryptic. We didn’t want to mention the blog because why send traffic to someone that is spreading negativity. However, a lot of the travel blogging community is aware of it, so we felt that it was something that needed to be addressed. Even from our own stand point. It got to a point where we hated visiting certain forums for fear of catching on to the bad energy. Negativity is easily picked up on and we didn’t everyone to spiral down into the abyss of bad feelings. A little positivity is a good thing right now.

      

      debndave October 31, 2011 at 9:50 am Reply

46. Hi D&D,

    Thanks so much for spreading a lovely, warm glow of positivity after all that madness last week. I refrained from commenting on that article because I didn’t like its tone one bit – though I did personally get in touch with the writer of that article to tell him what I thought of it.
    I fully agree with what you’ve said – there isn’t much more to add except that we should simply do what we feel is right for our blogs. Our readers can decide if they like what they read. They can choose to keep coming back or to shun the blog.
    I’m really happy that there were many of us who chose not to participate in the mud-slinging and witch-hunt that ensued but instead resorted to forums like the Global Bloggers Network facebook forum to voice their opinions in a professional, constructive manner.
    Kudos to you for publishing this heartfelt post – and a big thank you for mentioning me. It’s a new arena and sometimes it feels like we’re, in some ways, inventing the wheel as we move along so the support and excellent feedback helps a lot. I don’t think I’ve experienced any other community that’s as supportive as the travel blogging community. Great people and great vibes. Let’s endeavor to keep it that way.

    Cheers,
    Keith

    

    Keith October 31, 2011 at 10:28 am Reply

    • Hi Keith, thanks so much for stopping by. Your name came up a lot as one of the positive great travel bloggers out there. We decided not to comment on that post as well. Why feed the fire? That is why we decided to write a post on our own blog with our own voice. There was so much we wanted to say in response to that post that we couldn’t do it justice on facebook or in comments. The main point is to do what is right for you when it comes to blogging. You are so right when you say that we are inventing the wheel. When we talk to businesses and pr agencies, they aren’t quite sure where we fit in yet either. We will all do better if we stick together and support one another rather than trying to tear each other down.

      

      debndave October 31, 2011 at 11:24 am Reply

47. HI from Sintra, Portugal! So I stay off the web for 36 hours — still checked email of course — and look at what I miss! Unbelievable!!! I started to read through all 94 comments but then I realized that I need to go sort through my photos instead. I’m sure this has been siad by plenty of people, but there is nothing wrong with making money, and anyone who thinks so can feel free to pass up the money and send it my way! You guys are the best in the business in my opinion and need your own reality show! xoxox Liz

    

    Travelogged October 31, 2011 at 4:18 pm Reply

    • Thanks so much Liz! I’d love my own reality show, you don’t know anyone that can hire us do ya? I agree, if the people that are passing up making money don’t want it, we’d really love them to pass it our way as well. I hope that you had a great time in Portugal and you are lucky you missed all the drama. It wasn’t a bright day in Travel blogging. Good luck sorting your photos, I am glad that it is Dave’s job to do it for us. I wouldn’t have the patience.

      

      debndave November 1, 2011 at 2:13 pm Reply

48. I had been going to the site mentioned because I had hoped I could get valuable information. I left because I did not feel like being scolded by someone who has decided to make themselves the industry guardian. I welcome constructive criticism. Please if you see something I am doing wrong or not doing right bring it to my attention. I need all the help I can get but I don’t need a condescending self made industry guardian talking down to me.

    

    The Travel Fool October 31, 2011 at 4:37 pm Reply

    • Agreed. We didn’t even comment because we didn’t like the tone of how they spoke. Agreed we are all allowed to discuss but for someone to decide to be the police and decide that they are going to be the industry guardian as you say, well, I don’t want anything to do with a site like that. Well said Travel Fool.

      

      debndave November 1, 2011 at 2:16 pm Reply

49. Deb and Dave,

    What a great post to remind us why we are travel bloggers. You two are an inspiration.

    Happy travels-

    Mike

    

    Mike-1000fights.com October 31, 2011 at 11:31 pm Reply

    • Thanks Mike. Sometimes we all need a little reminder, ourselves included. I think that is another one of the reasons we wrote the post. We were frustrated with the article in question and wanted to turn our own negative feelings around as well as the industry. I think that the situation actually brought travel bloggers back together again.

      

      debndave November 1, 2011 at 2:19 pm Reply

50. Wow. I wonder where I have been all these while but yeah, I don’t see why travel bloggers should go against each other when there’s enough space for everyone. It’s kind of funny and sad at the same time. And yes, I agree that travel bloggers should be a fun-loving community and hatred and disdain for each other shouldn’t be in the picture at all. IMHO.

    

    jipp November 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm Reply

    • Don’t worry Jipp, you didn’t miss much. We didn’t really want to bring the negativity into our blog, but we felt the need to speak out against the people spreading negativity and downright meaness in the industry. We just wanted to put our two cents into the mix and let people know that this behaviour is unacceptable.

      

      debndave November 1, 2011 at 2:43 pm Reply

51. Great post you two. Totally agree and thank you so much for the mention with what we are doing. We love the travel blogging being a place that uplifts and inspires. WE see the amazing things you are doing, and instead of being filled with insecurity and jealousy, you inspire us to see what is possible for us.

    Its in celebrating each other success that we move closer to achieving our own.
    We decided to stay away from commenting on the article as well, although I did publish my own post similar to this as it is something that has been irritating me
    http://www.ytravelblog.com/the-travel-community-and-what-it-means-to-me/

    I don’t get how as travel bloggers, we can’t be like the spirit of the travel community. That is what we aim to do and is our focus. We love learning and being inspried by others and we love to help others to do the same thing. Win win win

    Thanks for all you do. An inspiration to so many and an example of how it should be done

    

    Caz Makepeace November 1, 2011 at 6:45 pm Reply

    • Thanks Caz. You guys are one of the most supportive, inspiring and giving travellers out there. I always enjoy our messages when we share thoughts and ideas. YTravelBlog is doing great things and one of the reasons for your success is just how positive you are. You look at others success as inspiration rather than causing frustration. It is far more fun to be inspired by others success than to be jealous of it. I often think of Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts. They remained best friends while Nicole Kidman rocketed to stardom. Then one day it was Naomi Watts’ turn. Imagine if she became consumed with jealousy and tried to sabotage Nicole Kidman’s career. She would have lost their friendship and probably her own career because negativity will get you nowhere. Instead, she persevered knowing that if great things can happen to her friend, they can happen for her too. That’s how we feel and I know that is how you and Craig feel. You see the people’s accomplishments as a way to go, wow, we could do that too!

      

      debndave November 2, 2011 at 11:20 am Reply

      • Love that analogy of Nicole and Naomi- so true!! I love seeing others have success. I feel I can share in the joy with them!

        

        Caz Makepeace November 4, 2011 at 6:42 am

      • I thought that you might like that one:) It is far more productive to be happy for others than tearing each other down. I do think this way of thinking comes with maturity. When I was 18 I had a more difficult time being happier for people – in my younger days life was a competition- but quickly grew out of that way of thinking, which normally most people do. I just sometimes think that people revert when they are too focused on one thing like staring at a computer screen and reading blogs day in day out.

        

        debndave November 5, 2011 at 9:57 am

52. Hello guys! I simply wanted to say thanks for the kind words and mention in the article. I know you are aware of how I feel about the travel blog community – love it and the people – but for my own well being – I try to not pay close attention to what others are doing so much as it completely derails me. That’s not to say that I don’t support others – I certainly try to as often as I can. But – I admit I sort of have blinders on when it comes to what everyone else is doing.
    So – keep up the amazing work – I still can hardly believe how much you two can accomplish in a day, a week, a month! I love your community here and how vocal everyone is – great job on jumping in with something positive!

    

    Sherry Ott November 2, 2011 at 3:53 am Reply

    • Hi Sherry, thanks for stopping by. I know, you are so good at turning off the negativity out there. You watched me during the Mongol Rally watch what was going on and commenting on how it bothered me. I don’t write a lot in the forums, but I do watch and it puts me in a bad mood. You are so amazing at staying positive. I think now that I wrote this article, I feel a lot better about moving on and ignoring the useless banter that is always going on back and forth. I’ve said my peace and I will focus on talking with GBN and my fellow Canadian Bloggers in our CAD group as well as my close friends like you an so many others. I don’t interact with the naysayers, so why should I let their petty words bother me. No more I say! Hope to skype with you soon when you get back from Hawaii. I am so excited to hear first hand about your shark dive!

      

      debndave November 2, 2011 at 10:29 am Reply

53. Good post. I think too many people are concerned with the “purity” of their travel. We talk a lot about “escape” and “meaning” in regards to travel, but I think in that idea people latch on to some sort of superiority. “I’m not in the rat race, so I’m better. I know more about life,” and whenever you have people acting superior there’s gonna be competition. I think Travelers need to stop putting their noses up. We are all just people no matter where we come from or what we do, trying to make the most of our lives. So the 9-5 situation in a westernized society didn’t work out for you. That’s cool. Glad you found something that did, but don’t criticize those who stayed behind, nor those who are taking a different escape hatch. People travel the way they want to travel. The way that brings them joy. Yes, we should ask a level of respect from one another while we invade another country/ culture, but let’s not get carried away. We’ve all got big backpacks that are really freaking annoying to that local, we want to get to know oh so badly, while taking the bus to his 9-5 job.

    

    Taylor November 2, 2011 at 9:56 am Reply

    • Well said Taylor. I do agree with you. Many travellers start to think that their way of travel is the right way. That if someone goes to a resort they are doing it wrong and if they aren’t roughing it in a stinky hostel they are not worthy of being a “true” traveller. We see this far too often and try to make a point of saying that no one travel is the “right way” Travel is travel. Some people love it some people don’t. Just like some people love the rush of closing a big deal or landing a large account and others don’t. There is room for everyone in every walk of life. People come to travel blogs because they like travel and we like travel and that is why we write about it. So that is what everyone should be focusing on, their audience and why they are writing for them. Thanks for your input.

      

      debndave November 2, 2011 at 10:18 am Reply

54. Thank you for writing this. I have been thinking the same thing lately. It is as if the new message is, “You are cool if you travel as long as you go exactly where I go and do exactly what I do. But, please don’t come because travelers like you annoy me.”
    I feel like message boards are the worst. It is as if people lurk there waiting for the next person they can insult. Totally strange. I think those people need to get out in the world.

    

    linda November 2, 2011 at 11:38 am Reply

    • That is a good point Linda, I think that people need to close their computers and get back to traveling. We travel 7 months of the year so we don’t get computer burn out. I can understand losing your priorities if you are staring at a screen day in day out. Its unhealthy and too many people are using forums and message boards as their only form of communication. (at least it seems that way with their complete lack of social skills) human interaction is a good thing:)

      

      debndave November 2, 2011 at 12:08 pm Reply

55. Hi Dave & Deb,

    I’m still proud of our community, even if things like this discussion happen from time to time.

    Remember 2-3 years ago, when Princess Cruises did their first #FollowMeAtSea blog trip? I can remember a very similar discussion.

    So, it’s not that new.

    But we should still all ask ourselve, if that was good or not how everybody of us (re)acted like he/she did.

    

    Melvin November 3, 2011 at 11:29 am Reply

56. Totally agree…great post!! The job of travel is to spread the love and to become better aware of other customs and cultures. This is exactly what it was supposed to be. I recently also started my own autism travel company because I am on the spectrum and want to enable other kids and adults to travel. We are doing our first trip this weekend, and I’m excited. Basically I believe EVERYONE should and can travel. The travel blogging community has been outstanding and supportive, and let’s keep it this way. You guys are doing a great job!

    

    Charu November 4, 2011 at 12:18 am Reply

    • Hi Charu. Congratulations on starting such a wonderful organization. You are doing amazing things for people and we agree, everyone should travel and with people like you out there, it is being made possible. Good luck with everything and we will make sure to follow your progress.

      

      debndave November 5, 2011 at 9:55 am Reply

57. Great post guys. I only read the article in question after it had been changed so didn’t know where all the hate was coming from. As someone that looks up to all the rest of you fantastic travel bloggers I hated reading the comments that people were leaving on the site. Unfortunately everyone has forgotten why we started blogs in the first place which is to share our experiences with the world. Instead everyone is chasing the quick buck which is there to be made. Even my friends told me I had become a sellout with my latest post sounding “too commercial”. I was gutted and couldn’t believe I had become that person. Back to writing for myself! Cheers.

    

    Cole @ FourJandals November 5, 2011 at 5:55 am Reply

    • My reply to that…remember in the early 90′s when rock stars were being called sell outs for letting commercials use their music to sell a product? Well, whose laughing now. Pop and Rock stars are always lending their music to products. It isn’t a big deal. They are getting their music to reach a bigger and better audience and they are making more money in the process. There isn’t anything wrong with that. It’s their music, they can do whatever they want with it just like Bloggers can run their website any way that they choose. It’s not up to someone else to tell them how to do it and it’s not up to a fellow blogger to become the police and try to sabotage their work. Cheers.

      

      debndave November 5, 2011 at 9:52 am Reply

58. Great post, guys. We all appreciate your positivity. I look forward to hearing about your great sponsorship news!

    

    Christy @ Ordinary Traveler November 8, 2011 at 7:28 pm Reply

    • Thanks Christy. It’s important to remain positive and help one another. We were just at a meeting yesterday with a very well known travel company who talked to us about how impressed they are with travel bloggers working together. We always say, as a community we can show companies just how powerful we are. If we start competing and working against one another it defeats the purpose of social media and blogging. We all use our influence to let companies see what our global reach is. We are always happy to help people and we have always had amazing support from everyone in the community. Lucky for us, we never interact with that negative group anyway. We love our fellow travel bloggers.

      

      debndave November 9, 2011 at 12:54 pm Reply

59. Really great post! That is the very first thing I noticed about the world of travel blogging – that everyone I encountered was so positive and helpful. I’m thrilled to interact with such a positive community and look forward to all of the amazing things that will come from its members. Here’s to the amazing world of travel bloggers!

    

    Anis Salvesen November 9, 2011 at 9:17 pm Reply

60. Well said! It was indeed sad for us to see the ugly side of this community but it’s also encouraging to us to see so many travel bloggers speaking up and reminding everyone the true reason why we travel blog and why it doesn’t matter who makes what out of their blog. It is their right, it is their strategy, it is their business. I can’t agree with you more on this. I’m glad I’m fortunate enough to have interacted with the positive side of the community!

    

    Shirlene from Idelish.com November 9, 2011 at 9:23 pm Reply

61. I love hearing about everyone’s success. It’s inspiring me to dare to dream of being a problogger too. Keep it up!

    

    Roy Marvelous November 19, 2011 at 4:47 pm Reply

62. Having just left Iran after 3 weeks where internet was limited, I have to admit that I have no idea of what blog or blog post you are talking about that spread distrust and anger…and for that I am thankful. It’s really disheartening when people resort to backstabbing or talking about others when it all stems from their own fears or insecurities. We should all be supportive and thankful for the success of others as that opens the market or creates esteem for the field of travel blogging for everyone.

    

    Audrey November 21, 2011 at 4:33 am Reply

63. great ideas – I am so behind on my lists.. thanks for sharing friends.I love hearing about everyone’s success. There is room for everyone in every walk of life. People come to travel blogs because they like travel and we like travel and that is why we write about it. So that is what everyone should be focusing on, their audience and why they are writing for them. Thanks for your input.

    

    umair December 8, 2011 at 1:22 am Reply

64. Excellent to hear that. I love inspiring people to go somewhere new. That’s how we find our next destination, from other travels.
    debndave

    

    umair December 12, 2011 at 12:40 am Reply

65. …………great ideas – I am so behind on my lists.. thanks for sharing friends.I love hearing about everyone’s success. There is room for everyone in every walk of life
    …………………………………………………………………

    

    umair December 14, 2011 at 12:50 am Reply

66. Interesting post guys, I have no idea which article you are referring to but I can see how much anger it stirred up.

    We’re two months into a long adventure around the world, and I’m spending less time on other blogs and twitter as result and I have to say I feel a lot better for it! Spending so much time reading other peoples blogs, seeing the photos they took and the article content they create can make you feel like you should be doing the same. We consciously limit the amount of time on these things to focus on producing new content for our site! Its good to engage in the community, but its also good just to do your own thing, with your own photos and style and see how it goes! If it works, great. If not, tweak it, do some research.

    Glad to say I didn’t see the article, and quite frankly have no interest in seeing it now! Thanks for the opinion piece though, always good to see well thought out opinions :0)

    Barry and Laura

    

    Barry & Laura - Worldly Nomads August 17, 2012 at 3:47 am Reply

67. Pingback: Why Haters Are Awesome. | TravelBloggerAcademy.com

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