Heather Eigler of Home To Heather An Interview

Heather has been well known for her blog Maternal Spark where featured bloggers either via interviews or guest posts. She went out of her way to promote them besides her blog posts. She has just started a new blog, Home To Heather, where she is focusing on herself, her family and her own writing.  She also has a very interesting take on product reviews, which you will read further in this post.

Tell me about your Blog –

Home to Heather (http://www.hometoheather.com) is a new site where I speak about my life in Calgary Canada.  I’m taking a more personal approach with this one.  My last site (MaternalSpark.com) was mostly about other people.  I felt stifled so I decided to let it go and just be me.  I’m very excited to be doing my own thing.

What was your first blog?

My first blog was on blogger and it was called Phantom Keyboard (it seems funny to me now!) I started it in 2004 but it has long been put to rest.  I have managed to keep a few loyal readers from that site and I’m so grateful for those relationships.

What is the biggest tip you would give to product reviewers?

98% of the time you’re getting the short end of the stick when it comes to product reviews.  Don’t feel obligated to take something on just because someone pitches you. Do your audience proud and respect their attention.  Do you really think they want to read a 400 word post about applesauce?  Maybe they do, but you have to make that judgment call with them in mind.

Are you contacted by advertisers or do you contact them or both?

I pretty well never pitch companies.  I get a lot of stuff in my email box though.  Some of it I wouldn’t touch with the proverbial 10 ft pole.  Some of them are quality opps and I pass those on to bloggers I feel would be a better fit than me.  I’m not really interested in doing reviews anymore and have decided to put the kibosh on giveaways. I’m looking ahead to 2010 as a chance to really put myself out there and if I connect sincerely with an advertiser then that’s great.  I’d love more of a partnership type of relationship instead of rapid fire reviewing.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

Get Me Going CD because I got the most adorable video of my two year old daughter dancing to it. It’s still live if anyone wants to watch her boogie.

What do advertisers do that you wish they wouldn’t/ do that you like?

I love that they see the value bloggers can provide. I wish advertisers would take the time to reach out and gauge interest or compatibility.  We might find a great fit with a client other than the one whose press release they are about to send to me.

What do bloggers do that you wish they wouldn’t/do that you like?

It drives me crazy when bloggers compete.  There’s room for all of us and we should be openly sharing information and growing as a group.  Don’t base your self worth on the antics of others.  Be yourself and it will all work out.

What advertiser would you like to work with given a chance?

I’d love to do something on a local level.

Where do you see growth in the blogging field?

I see bloggers taking on more of a consulting role and working direct with companies.

What is one thing about you that not many people know?

I love to play Rock Band – but only if I can be the singer

What’s your favorite book?

This is an impossible question, I love to read and have many favorites – most recently it’s been The Way The Crow flies  by Ann-Marie MacDonald.

What is on your iPod?

Them Crooked Vultures, AudioSlave, Tragically Hip

What are your contact details?

heather.eigler(nospam)@gmail.com  Remove the nospam
http://www.facebook.com/heeigler
http://www.twitter.com/HomeToHeather

What events do you attend?

I’ve never been to a social media event.

How do you prefer to communicate?

Hands down, email.

Who would you recommend, and why?

I won’t recommend individuals but would rather give a shout out to my herd at MomDot.com So many fab bloggers call the forums home and I’d be lost without them all.

What is one thing people can do for you?

Stop by my new blog at Home To Heather and tell me what you think of the new digs.

ConnieFoggles