Today I’d like to give everyone a little update on the Trusted Travel Blogs Network. We have had two batches of new sites approved so far and are now busy reviewing a third. I’m very happy with the growth and, more importantly, the quality of the content published by network members. I hope that the growth continues in the current upward-curve in the future.
A few issues have also come up regarding the current network policy. This has led me to rethink it, especially the “lack of policy.” This is what I’d love to hear everyone’s opinion on. I have had some feedback from both users as well as members of the independent panel that there needs to be more clarity on what is within acceptable norms regarding advertising affiliations.
I personally have issues with in-text advertisements. In fact, all mixes of content and advertisements are sketchy as far as I am concerned. I suggest the addition of a clause that deals with this. I believe such mixes are too destructive on the user experience. They are slightly deceptive, very obstructive, and in my opinion screams “I do it for the money.” Please let me know what you think of this, especially if you disagree.
Another thing I would like to make a requirement is that member blogs provide a feed. This is especially important for future network integration. I hope to add features such as “latest network content” sometime soon, but this is only possible with RSS feeds. But again, please let me know if you agree or disagree.
In any case, the network is going well. Aside from expanding, I hope to soon also add some more “community” features. I really want to get members involved in the process. Give as well as take, et cetera. In any case, more on that later.
Filed under Trusted Network Updates.
It all started with an idea to create a network of quality travel blogs that are independent from third party influences. It was a reaction to the excellent National Geographic Traveler article by Christopher Elliott on whether one can trust travel blogs.
Today I’m officially launching the Trusted Travel Blogs Network. Go check out the website. Download the single page policy PDF. And if you have or know of a travel blog that you would like to see on the network, shoot me a nomination and I’ll forward the first batch to the panel of friendly judges that will take the nomination into consideration.
If you have any questions regarding the network, do contact me and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. You can do this either by getting my email address from the network’s policy PDF, via the contact page, or by leaving a comment on this post.
With a little luck, in the next few months the Trusted Travel Blogs Network will grow into something useful to readers. It’s all up to you as travesphere community members! 
Filed under Trusted Network Updates.
There are three things that are running that I’d like to give you an update on: the Trusted Travel Blogs Network, an in my All Stars site redesign, and my recent aside on my plans for Vietnam. I’ll deal with them in that order.
Things with the Trusted Travel Blogs Network are going pretty well. I’ve gotten fantastic feedback and have made some decisions. First of all, it will definitely be called the Trusted Travel Blogs Network. I first wanted to have something a little more creative and fun, but a good name didn’t come to mind and this one’s descriptive, which is good. I went ahead and bought the domain name, and have set it up (though as of this writing there is not even a simple index page online).
Because of the fact that it’s already done and dealt with, I’m not really interested in feedback on the name because that would me think twice about it. However, two things I would love to have feedback on are the logo and what you think the ‘rules’ of membership should be.
First, here’s the proposed logo. As you might notice, it’s a compilation of a T, T, and a B. It’s also a little network-looking, don’t you think? Anyway, positive feedback on this is always nice to hear, but if you have anything contructive to say, I’m all ears.
In addition to this, I’ve made a PDF which will, when finished, detail what the network is, why it is, and list the ‘rules’ of membership. Please take a look at it. See the white area? That’s the area that still needs to be filled with the things that make being a member a good thing (i.e. ensuring high standards). The two criteria on the left have to be explained and detailed there. If you have any suggestions, this is your chance to contribute to what will eventually be written there!
Please let me know what you think by either leaving a response or using the contact form.
Now two quick updates with regard to this site and my recently announced plans to go back to Vietnam. Click here to keep reading…
Filed under Timen Talks, Trusted Network Updates.
Ever since I picked-up the January/February issue of National Geographic Traveler I’ve been frustrated with the article about the questionable reliability of travel bloggers. There are a few things that frustrate me about this piece. The first is that, indeed, it confirms once again that these guys exist. As far as I am concerned, doing reviews in exchange for free or reduced costs is a blogger crime if the review fails to mention the deal.
Some argue that these bloggers were not required to write positive reviews. The problem with this is that it is difficult to write negative reviews about places where everything is free. What’s more is that because they know you’ll be writing a review, they’re going to make sure your experience is positive. You’ll be in a controlled environment.
There is also another thing that bothers me about the article. There are many travel blogs that do not submit to such dishonest writing behaviour, yet the article doesn’t seem interested in them. This blog is one of them. And so is this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, and so many more!
And with that I’d like to announce a new project here at in my All Stars: a Trusted Travel Blog network. I’m not yet sure if this one’s going to work, and I’m still working out many details, but hopefully soon there will be a nice little site set-up that keeps track of a list of quality, honest travel blogs. With a little luck this list will gain some authority and National Geographic Traveler can write something positive about us good guys.
If anyone has any suggestions or comments, please do contact me or write a reply below. Do this especially if you think the idea is crap.
I’ll keep you informed.
Filed under Timen Talks, Trusted Network Updates.
