By now, most of you have heard or read about the article which says that McDonald’s is bribing bloggers for positive press. Do any of you remember my post from last week?
If not, stop and go read it.
Okay.
Now, did I tell you to go to McDonald’s? Did I tell you that you should eat McDonald’s? Let me help…
NO.
Yes, they asked me to come out to NYC for their event. Yes, they even paid for my flight, hotel, and child care. Not even once, was I told I even had to blog about it. They did ask us to use their hashtag if we tweeted, but that was about it.
Obviously, they are not the first (or last) brand that is utilizing bloggers for advertising. So really what is the big deal?
What really bothers me more then anything is the fact that people look at McDonald’s in such a negative light. Do they sell food that is not the healthiest for you? Yes, I won’t deny that.
Last time I checked, there is a LOT of food out there that is not great for you. I’m pretty sure you are still going to eat some of it too. For decades, McDonald’s has used the thoughts, suggestions, and opinions of customers to help change some if their ways. From where they buy food, how they cook their food, and advertising in general, and are continuing to grow as a business.
Photo Credit - sitcomsonline.com
Heck, have you looked at the McDonald’s menu now compared to years ago?? Changes happen. Maybe not as quick as you would like them too, but just think about how huge McDonald’s is. They can’t just add something over night.
Yes, I am trying to eat, cook, and buy healthier food. I’m am also thankful that my family can afford to. That doesn’t mean that once in a while, we don’t go out to eat. When we do, the girls almost always want to go to McDonald’s. Really, not even for their food, but for the Play Place. Tell me what is the harm in eating there once or twice a month? Can’t be worse the parents smoking around their kids, or giving your kid a cupcake in their lunch everyday.
Eating at McDonald’s does not automatically make you unhealthy.
If you ate there everyday…that would be a different story.
Just like that STUPID TIMES COVER today…I’m getting really sick and tired of people judging mom’s on the decisions they make for their kids.
Did me attending a McDonald’s event, really change your view of me as a blogger?
I was not compensated in any way for this post. My thoughts and opinions are ALWAYS my own.
About Hanan Webster
11 Days Left 
18 Days Left 
2013/05/03
2013/04/15
I think you’re on the right track. While I don’t eat McD’s every week I certainly am not going to hate you for doing it a few times a month. I think this whole thing is a bit like the moms who post about formula. It will come and go.
I honestly respect McD’s for actually paying their moms, sorry but there is value in us and I’m glad they see it. I’m also glad that like with most brands YOU post what YOU want. Any mom blogger who works with brands knows this.
Keep your head up and let your adorable girls have fun at the play place. It did not and will not change how I feel about you as a blogger.
kristin recent post: Handmade Chocolate Truffles Recipe
If anyone has been reading your blog for awhile, they’ll know you share your opinions and how you are (and aren’t) compensated. I imagine only newbies would think you “sold your soul” to McD’s. As long as you are true to yourself, you’ll be fine. I wonder sometimes if people think you need to be disrespectful in order to show you don’t like something. You are diplomatic about the things you don’t especially admire about McDonald’s, but you are never rude or dismissive. So you just keep blogging away! Forget the haters.
http://funandfit.org/2012/05/unmentioned-benefits-of-working-out-guest-post/
Didn’t change my opinion of you one teeny tiny bit. I think it’s great that brands (ALL OF THEM) invite us bloggers behind the scenes to see for ourselves and make informed decisions. They are not paying us for a positive opinion, they are giving us the opportunity to learn. I’m with yu on this one 100%.
If that’s bribery, sign me up! ;)
I think you are awesome and McDonalds is Awesome for sending you good for you! Love this honest post!
A times cover or a press event wouldn’t change my opinion. I eat at McD’s on occasion. I take my kids there. Is it healthy? No, but as a parent I occasionally opt to treat my kids to food they like to eat, and in the summer nothing beats a hot fudge sundae or milkshake. I think if we focused more on our own parenting and less on what others were doing “wrong” then we’d have happier kids all around.
Great post.
Julia recent post: Get to Know Canadian Blogger Tammi
Grr…it made me so mad when I saw that article and other bloggers egging people on to say they they’d never read a blog who posted positive things about McDonalds! Why do moms have to be so mean to each other sometimes? It is the same mean spirit that makes some breastfeeding moms say or think terrible things about moms who formula feed, or cloth diapering moms about those who use disposables. Really people, is that necessary? As for the article, it was a completely stupid argument, and I think the author knew so given the fact that his evidence to back up his bribery claim was slim. Any good blogger is going to be honest in the things they write. And any good brand is going to try to select bloggers who’s opinions, likes, values, etc. are at least mostly aligned with theirs. I applaud McDonald’s for sending you bloggers to New York.
Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom recent post: It is so funny it almost Kilt me!
I totally agree.
I <3 McDs. I LOVE their chicken Caesar salads. I think the campaign against them in misdirected.
Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy recent post: $30 PAPA MURPHY’S GC FLASH GIVEAWAY
I think the whole thing is ridiculous. It is just good PR to show off their products. They obviously can’t let 3 million people come peek behind the scenes and that is where the media (including mommy bloggers) come in. Yes, there are some blogs that never have a negative word to say about anything they get gratis, but they are so obvious- who takes them seriously, anyway? However, just like Wal-mart, McDonald’s is an easy target due to their tremendous size and success and people are going to hate. Not only hate, but it is the new way people try to ‘stand out’ in our society- automatically hate all that is popular. Well, I only like 3 things on the menu at McDonald’s but we still eat their about once a month. Why? Because my kids absolutely love it. And once a month as a treat I am happy to treat them to chicken nuggets and fries.
Very well sad! I am so tired of people (especially women) belittling others for choices. No one in this world is better then the other. My choices don’t make me less of a mom or you better of one because you don’t make that choice. I am appalled by how so many other mom bloggers are bashing and being down right hateful to other mom bloggers. We should be supporting each other. Even if you don’t agree with something be an adult and don’t publically bash them. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”
I don’t really have anything to add, Hanan, but I just wanted to let you know that I stand behind you. I wasn’t approached for this campaign, but we do eat McDonald’s about once a month. Actually, my son gets an ice cream cone from there usually once a week with his grandmother. That doesn’t make me a terrible parent. I applaud you for taking this on even when you knew it would be controversial.
Whitney at It’s Gravy, Baby! recent post: My Babies Captured – Dealing with Loss Through Photography
Great article! I’ve seen some REALLY obnoxious posts on facebook and twitter commenting about the bloggers that went to this event and it’s just so sad. Comments like “selling out to the devil” and “I wonder if they really love their children” are DISGUSTING! As you mentioned, I’m so sick of the judgement being put on moms for all kinds of various decisions (just like the Time cover).
McDonald’s (and other fast food chains) are definitely not the healthiest options out there, but the reality is that the majority of Americans eat there at least on occasion. From everything I’ve heard, McDonald’s has excellent PR and is SUPER smart to be reaching out to 400 bloggers!
I really don’t get the big deal and it wouldn’t change my opinion of any blogger that got invited & went! And, I applaud you even more for writing about it even though it could be deemed “controversial”.
Sara @ Mom Endeavors recent post: The Spoiled Mama: Pregnancy Skincare Products {Giveaway!}
I don’t care what other people do with their family. In the grand scheme of things, all that matters is your own family. If you are happy and content with the decisions you make with your family, great. It should be easy to blow off other people’s opinions. However, if you are unsatisfied with what you are doing or insecure about any decisions, that is probably when you hear negative connotations about some of the choices you make as a parent. If that’s the case, it may be time to evaluate why you feel that way.
This was said as speaking in the “general you”, not directed at you Hanan.
Kendall recent post: Mother’s Day Sale
Totally understand!
My opinion hasn’t changed of you one bit and you are no less of a mom than those that don’t feed their kids McDonalds. The worst thing I read about this whole situation is that one person actually said you can’t love your children if you feed them McDonalds. What a load of bull! We eat there occasionally, maybe once a month and I love my family as I’m sure you do.
Billie recent post: Instant Trainer Dog Leash Review
I am also SICK and TIRED of moms judging each other over every little knit-picky thing! What I do for my family is not anyone’s business except mine. Those rude mom bloggers need to turn the mirrors on themselves and focus on their own faults. They have plenty of them, but they’d rather stand on their soapboxes, hurl insults, and shake their fists at other moms.
MCDonald’s has several healthier options and I applaud them for trying to come out with new options. We stop in there once in a great while because my daughter loves their pancakes, which she gets with a drizzle of syrup and no added butter. I have a coffee and an apple oatmeal, which is yummy btw.
So… blog-basher mamas could go ahead and bash me for spending money at ‘bad-old McD’s', for not making homemade pancakes, or for not making my own homemade maple syrup tapped from a tree in my yard, or for drinking coffee without knowing where the beans came from, or that I didn’t make my own oatmeal at home, chop my own apples, grown my own oats, etc….etc. I DON’T CARE. It’s my family and I am doing what I feel is right. Oh, and I follow plenty of blogs…of mommies that have a positive and realistic look on life.
Good for you! I’m proud of you for standing your ground. It drives me crazy to see people beating up other businesses, but especially bothers me when bloggers gang up on bloggers. It’s helping no one.
One thing that people keep failing to mention, is that McDonald’s is SO much more than food (and delicious fries). The Ronald McDonald House does amazing things for children and their restaurants provide fantastic job training, in particular to those with special needs (which you know plays close to my heart).
I am so excited that you had the opportunity to participate in the McDonald’s event! You are a rock star! xo
Carrie with Children recent post: Five Question Friday – May 11
Carrie, you are absolutely right. McDonald’s helps out communities (such as the RMHC), that of course gets over looked.
It strikes me as particularly sad that right before Mother’s Day, we are still attacking mothers. Are mothers poisoning their children? Are you mom enough, on the Time cover. Let’s stop the judgment. Let’s start respecting people.
I’m gluten-free so I can’t eat McDonald’s. And that’s another reason why I respect them – they aren’t telling me that their food is okay for me to eat when I have a gluten intolerance. (Although, let’s face it, I’ve eaten the ice cream and the apple dippers and a few other things.) McDonald’s is not serving everyone who walks in a Chicken pot pie with a scoop of ice cream. Because that would be a whole lot more unhealthy than some of the things they do serve. But do we attack the frozen dinners that people sometimes eat and feed their kids? Nope. McDonald’s takes the biggest hit because they are the biggest.
Hanan, you do what you know is best for you and your family. Don’t let the media or others dictate your decisions. Bravo for taking a stand.
Danielle recent post: Boyfriends
Great post! My family eats fast food much more than I would like, but that is no one’s business, and no one has the right to judge me. I actually wrote a post similar to this a couple months ago, and people actually left very positive comments on it.
I am so sick of all of the judging that goes on! So what if you take your kids to McDonald’s once a month, or even once a week, for that matter. As long as you’re not eating there for every meal and your kids are growing and are healthy, who cares? I hear about what some people feed their children AT HOME, and honestly, a meal at McD’s may even be healthier than some of the garbage people feed their kids at home. The bottom line is that unless I am doing to something to harm my children (and feeding them McD’s once a week is not harming them), then mind your own business and stay out of my life.
As far as the bloggers that got to go on that McDonald’s trip? I’m jealous. Brands reach out to bloggers all the time and send them on trips. But just because it is McD’s, people are saying you all were bribed? Give me a freaking break!
LeeAnn recent post: Free Firehouse Sub For Mom on Mother’s Day
The elitist have an agenda against McD’s. If this were a Burger King event there wouldn’t be a peep of controversy.
Jenn recent post: Are you Crafty?
Good for you! I love the way you came out here and posted this. Truth is mom bloggers provide press good or bad. They tell honest opinions and that’s why companies reach out to them. You wrote about their healthy options and how it fits into your life there is NOTHING wrong with that.
Thing is you are a news source and all news sources have an agenda according to the general public. Only people who know you and your blog and the mommy blog community know that mom bloggers dont have a hidden agenda. You tell it like it is and that’s why the community is powerful and people trust that.
I think a lot more mom’s feed their kids McDonald’s than want to admit it. I have very fond memories of going there as a child & they are some of the best that I can look back on. I take my kids occasionally. I would really love if they would make some changes to their sodium content. Hey I’m not going to lie that I love their food but I can’t eat it as much as I want because of the sodium issue.
The rest of the time I’m trying to eat as healthy as possible so I don’t see the problem in having a treat once in a while. I don’t need anybody judging me for it either. Especially since like 1/2 of America is obese. Somebody’s eating something and a whole lot of it! LOL
Monica recent post: Pampers Limited Edition 2012 Olympic “Team USA” Diapers & Wipes Giveaway
I am just happy I had the opportunity to meet you and your beautiful baby!!!! I love your article as well. I feel so bad for McD’s right now. The stories being made up about them and the way that they interact with bloggers is totally false. Thank goodness for bloggers like us who are attempting to set the record straight.
Happy Mothers Day to you! :)
Kitty Bradshaw recent post: Miss New York 2012: Johanna Sambucini
Thank you!!
I love the old McD’s sign. Where have those prices gone LOL. It’s funny to see what they served back in the day.
Katy recent post: Rafflecopter Giveaway – $200 Nordstrom’s Gift Card
ALthough I love reading blogger posts and hearing about what’s new and how company’s do things I honestly don’t think it sways me to not eat or eat more at certain places although by now I’ve made my decisions on every place out there that has been around for years. At the most part those post introduce me to things I may not of known about and then I go to form my own decision. WE eat at MCDonalds 1 to 2 days a week sometimes. DO we make healthy choices sometimes.
Crazy how some people think company’s can cram things down your throat when the truth is they must just be bored and can’t find anything to talk about. It’s sad really
Tricia Nightowlmama recent post: Summer Drinks Inspired with Pure Leaf Iced Tea (Review)
Sometimes convenience wins out; the important thing is the make the best choice out of what you have available to you!
I am so glad that you wrote this post! There is a big difference between writing a post about a brand because you WANT to and because they paid – bribed – you!
Jenn @therebelchick recent post: Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop Healthy Eating Challenge!
Wonderfully written! I totally agree with you and I am happy to read the comments supporting this post. (I found your site from a Pinterest Tip on Pinterest then found this post in the ‘You May Also Like Section’ – glad I found it.) My daughter has just won a trip to London for the Olympics as part of becoming a Happy Meal Chef for McDonald’s (see my most recent post). I knew people had negative attitudes about them but never realized how entitled people feel to criticize McDonald’s so harshly, when they are fine showing their love to ‘In ‘N Out Burger’ and other fast food restaurants. I used to not eat there very often myself but I’m so glad to see they are adding healthier options to their menu and they are trying to share that with bloggers and PR outreach (like the contest my daughter won). My daughter will get to contribute to improving the Happy Meals even more. I’m impressed with their efforts for bringing healthier options to the menu and listening to their patrons. Thank you for sharing your opinions!
Victoria @obSEUSSed recent post: Modern Day Golden Ticket from The Golden Arches
Congrats to your daughter! I bet she is super excited!!