Blogger Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled the answers to your most frequently asked questions about our blogger programs here. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com, and include your name, the name of your blog, and the Top 25 list you're on. We'll get back to you within 48 hours (and usually sooner).
Top 25 Program
What is the Top 25 program?
Our Top 25 program honors bloggers who write about topics of interest to moms. Our mission is to connect our six million moms to the resources they need most, and those resources include exceptional mom blogs!
What do Top 25 winners receive?
We give our six million moms direct access to Top 25 program participants. The Top 25 winners of each list are featured on The RoundUp, Circle of Mom’s editorial channel. The feature includes a short interview, favorite posts, and a photo of each Top 25 winner. The Top 25 winners also receive a badge for their blog that links to their interview on Circle of Moms. Top 25 participants may also be invited to participate in Circle of Moms’ expert Q&A and The RoundUp editorial platform.
How do I nominate a blog or add my own blog to a Top 25 list?
On the top right side of the Top 25 voting page, click "Add Your Blog", fill in the appropriate information and click "Save". A blog can only be added to a Top 25 list when voting for this list is open.
I already participated in one of Circle of Moms’ Top 25 lists – can I enter in another one?
Yes! You can submit your blog to as many of our Top 25 lists that fit with the content of your blog.
I have two blogs that fit on the same list. Can I list both?
No, please just list one of your blogs per Top 25 list. This allows everyone a fair chance of making it to the Top 25.
Do mom and dad teams count on your lists?
Yes, they do. As long as both parents are sharing the responsibility of posting and updating the blog, then we will accept them. If you have concerns about a mom-dad teamed blog, you can contact us at Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com.
How do I edit my listing?
If you were nominated by the Circle of Moms Editors, you have received an email about your nomination containing a link to edit your listing. If you added yourself, and would like to edit your listing, log in and click on the edit button next to your blog listing.
How do I edit my Circle of Moms profile?
You can edit your Circle of Moms profile by clicking on the edit button below your profile photo. Don't forget to log in your Circle of Moms account first.
My blog is listed twice on one list. What do I do?
Please contact Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com with the name of the Top 25 list you're on and the name of your blog, and mention that you'd like your second listing removed.
How do I vote for my favorite blog?
Vote by clicking the orange "thumbs up" button next to the name of a blog.
Do you need to be a member of Circle of Moms to vote?
No.
How often can I vote?
You can vote once per blog every 24 hours. So for example, if you voted today at 10am, you wouldn't be able to vote again until tomorrow at 10am.
In order to protect against ballot stuffing, we limit the frequency of votes from a single network. So if you're connected to a network that shares an IP address (like in an office), you may be prevented from voting if another person in your network has already voted. No voting system is perfect, unfortunately, but this is one of many precautions we've taken to prevent cheating and protect the integrity of the competition.
Also, all votes acquired through bots (or any other unfair voting mechanism) will be removed before the list is finalized.
How do I encourage my fans to vote?
Once you have added or updated your blog listing on Circle of Moms, you will be offered a voting badge you can place on your site. Another great way to get your fans to vote is to mention the Top 25 program on Twitter and Facebook.
Is it OK to use a giveaway as an incentive to get votes?
We want to ensure that voting is done fairly and that all participants have an equal chance of winning. For this reason we do not allow participants to use giveaways as an incentive to get votes. All votes aquired via a giveaway incentive will be removed and the participant might be disqualified from the competition.
How long is the contest? When does voting end?
The contest lasts for 3 weeks. Voting ends at 5pm PST on the date noted as the deadline at the top of each list.
I think someone is cheating -- how can I check?
We have taken many precautions to ensure that voting is done fairly. If you still have concerns about a blog or blogger, you can contact Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com. Please make sure to include as much information about the situation as possible and we will do our best to resolve it.
What happens to blogs that enter themselves who don't fit in the category?
Each list is reviewed to ensure that the blogs added to the list belong in that specific category. If you're uncertain about a specific blog, please contact Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com. All solicitations and spam will be removed.
Where can I find all the Top 25 lists you have?
You can find all of our lists on Savvy Mom Central.
Do the Top 25 lists and Circle of Moms support "Blog With Integrity"?
Yes, we do. Most especially, we support the second item of "Blog With Integrity": I treat others respectfully, attacking ideas and not people. I also welcome respectful disagreement with my own ideas.
What happens if a nominated blogger violates Blog With Integrity or Circle of Moms policies?
If we find that a blogger on our Top 25 has violated our policies or the policies of Blog With Integrity by personally attacking other nominees (on Circle of Moms, on their blogs or on their social media channels), that blogger will be removed from our list immediately.
I made it into the Top 25.What happens next?
Congrats! Now that you're in the Top 25, you will receive an email from us within 48 hours letting you know what the next steps are.
I made it into the Top 25. Is there a badge?
Yes. Bloggers who make it into the Top 25 will be emailed a badge when the Top 25 is published on the RoundUp. In addition, your Top 25 Badge is available on your Circle of Moms profile. Once you're logged in, click on "Get your Badge" and follow the instructions to add your badge to your blog or site.
Blogger Q&A Program
What is the Q&A program all about? And why are you asking the bloggers?
Circle of Moms is eager to introduce its 6 million members to the best bloggers. We’ve identified questions and topics that are of interest to our members and are inviting bloggers who participated in our Top 25 program to highlight their blog and expertise on Circle of Moms via Q&As.
How do I post my answer?
The email you received inviting you to answer a Q&A contains a link that will take you directly to our Q&A page on Circle of Moms where you can post your answer. When you answer a question, your answer will include a link to your blog. You can also include a link to a relevant post on your blog.
What happens with my answer?
Your answer will be shared with our 6 million moms. In addition, the Circle of Moms editors may select some of the answers to be spotlighted in articles on our editorial section, The RoundUp (with links to the blogger's profile on Circle of Moms and her blog), as well as through our email and social channels.
What's the Blogger Widget?
Once you've answered a Q&A, you will receive a Widget you can add to your blog or website to share your most recent Q&A contribution featured on Circle of Moms. The Widget becomes available on your profile after you've responded to your first Q&A. Log in to the your Circle of Moms Blogger profile and click on "Get your Widget." Just copy the HTML code and paste it wherever you want your widget to appear.
Can I include a photo with my answer?
At this time answers cannot include photos.
How are the answers ranked? Is it a contest?
No, the Q&A is not a contest. There is a no end date to answer. The "Vote"feature located next to each answer helps users rate their favorite answers and allows us to display the most popular answers based on that ranking.
Can anyone rate answers?
Yes, users can rate answers by using the "vote" feature next to each answer. You can vote once per answer and will need to be logged in a Circle of Moms account.
My answer isn't showing up...what should I do?
Sometimes there can a little bit of a lag between the time you enter your answer and when it appears online. If your answer is not showing up right away on the Q&A page, wait a few minutes and refresh the page. If your answer is still not showing up, then contact us at Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com
How do I edit my answer?
The original email inviting you to answer the question contains a link to post your answer. Click on this link again to edit your answer.
I think someone is cheating -- how can I check?
We have taken many precautions to ensure that voting is done fairly. If you still have concerns about a blog or blogger, you can contact Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com. Please make sure to include as much information about the situation as possible and we will do our best to resolve it.
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact Top25[at]circleofmoms[dot]com, and include your name, the name of your blog, and the Top 25 list you're on. We'll get back to you within 48 hours (and usually sooner).
