Getting Back to the Basics

Okay, last week we saw a bunch of hoopla about how much dad blogs suck and how far dad blogs have to go in the social media world and in connecting with brands. There was much hype, much misunderstanding, and much discussion over the last week about it all. Now that it is over, it is time to get back to the basics.

I started The DaddyYo Blog with one thing in mind: Sharing my experiences as a dad with other dads. Simple enough, right? I wanted to write about my experiences, my fears, my triumphs, and all the other good stuff that comes along with being "Daddy". The thought of reaching out to brands, and being involved in promotional work and all that was something that had never crossed my mind before. Sure, I have done it, but it was never something I thought about pursuing regularly. So when all the fuss about brands pulling away from dad bloggers occurred, I did some evaluation of what I have been doing with this blog and other things I am involved in, and the answer was clear: It is time to get back to the basics.

Is it the end of the world if my chances of being contacted by brands is slowly diminishing? No. Is it going to ruin my future if I just keep posting for free, something I started doing in the first place? No. Is there really anything THAT big to be worried about? No. So maybe the dad blog community doesn't have major brand appeal yet like the mom bloggers. But the dad community has something much more important than recognition: we have a community. All over the internet, from Twitter and blogs, to Facebook and email, dads have formed a large online community, there to support each other, challenge each other, and learn from each other.

Some have suggested that it is the title itself, Dad Blogger, that turns people away instead of being "a blogger who is a dad". Well, I am PROUD to call myself a "Dad Blogger", because that's what I do. I am a dad who blogs, not a blogger who is a dad. My family, my role as a parent, comes before all things. I would shut it all down before I would ever want to lose the relationships I have with my children. Hands down, no doubt about it. Other people have said we have not been aggressive enough to warrant recognition from big brands. The only thing I am worried about being aggressive about it being more involved with my children.

There is a balance to the whole world. Online, offline, dads, moms, working stiffs, and at home parents. Sure, it would be really awesome to make extra income at doing this, but let's get back to the basics. This blog would not exist if I was not passionate about being a dad, and if I didn't want to share my experience with others. Community is a lot more important than money and fame. If it is meant to be, then brands will open up to dads, and I believe over time they will. The voice of dad is growing daily, online and in the real world. The community is growing and so are friendships. It is the community that will speak louder than any sponsorship, any offer, any fame, and will be what the new age dad is better known for, and that is were it should all begin.