With the discussion of blogger burnout, I've been listening to what a lot of bloggers have to say...but more importantly: what they're not saying.

That two letter word "NO".

The number one reason why bloggers feel like they can't say no? (Based on an informal survey on Twitter, via email, and phone).

Because bloggers feel obligated to say yes and fear if they say no, they won't get called again.  Or even...gasp...get blacklisted.

Having been a blogger, I realized that even though I work for a PR firm now, you might not take my word for it.  So, I asked a few of my colleagues for their insight on the matter.  Here's what they had to say:

“Earlier this year a blogger gracefully “rejected” my pitch by replying within 24 hours saying that she was interested in hearing more about my client’s news and promotions in the future but for this particular opportunity she wasn't interested in the promotion and actually didn't have time to write about it before the promotional deadline due to her already confirmed editorial calendar.

She seemed pleasant enough and I will continue to reach out to her for future opportunities but now know to be more sensitive to her deadlines and give her more notice.

I feel that bloggers who contribute to larger blogs/online networks have the opportunity to "blame" their editors or editorial calendar, just as long as their sincere when they decline and let the PR person know what they can actually cover or let the PR person know of upcoming series or topics they’ll be covering.”

Laura Knapp, Fleishman-Hillard New York

Laura blogs at www.gossipst.blogspot.com and tweets as @lauraknapp

When I reach out to bloggers, it’s my hope that I am providing them with the information and opportunities they need to keep their blogs as engaging and kick ass as possible. If for some reason what I have isn’t the right fit or it’s not the right time to work together, I’ll make a note and make the effort to connect with them again at the right time and with an opportunity that is right. I really do enjoy helping bloggers create value for their readers –  and I know delivering value is important to them, as well. So when I get a no, I’m ok with that. Because in the end, it’s really all about the end user – the  community – and what they dig the most and find most valuable.

Rachelle Lacroix, Fleishman-Hillard DC

Follow her on Twitter @rachellelacroix

When working on a blogger relations campaign, I would rather partner with a blogger that’s passionate about what I’m pitching than one that feels obligated to participate any day of the week! More often than not, that passion comes through in the sincerity of the feedback we receive or potential post which may result from a pitch. If a blogger isn’t interested, I’d love to find out what they’d be more interested in, and even have an open discussion about the range of clients I work with. Either way, a decline to participate is always appreciated over no response at all – otherwise relationships will never be built and the spot on pitches can never be proposed!

Brittany Mohr, Fleishman-Hillard Sacramento

She blogs for Sac Foodies and tweets as @BrittanyMohr

No one wants to see blogger burnout happen.  Taking a blogging break is one way to get back some balance.  Getting to the root of why it happens so we can prevent it is even better.

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