Are Sponsored Posts Helpful or Harmful?

There are several advertisers out there who offer bloggers an opportunity to get paid to post blog entries. Recently advertisers have started requiring that bloggers disclose to their readers the fact that the post, tweet, or whatever means is utilized to get the message out there, is "sponsored".

Honestly for me this kills the deal. Sponsored posts and the fact that I know they're sponsored posts makes me ask myself two questions.

1. Has the author actually used the product? or...
2. Is the author attempting to make a few bucks not only helping sell the product but selling out their readers

Sponsored blog posts are one of my biggest turn offs. And that's kind of strange considering I've purchased tons of material online through affiliate sponsored links, niche blogging sites and other similar sites that endorse and/or sell certain products. In a sense, it's basically the same thing. However, the presentation of the package might be what makes the difference.

If you have or are thinking about adding paid to post articles to your content, these steps may help turn your conversion ratio into cold hard cash.

1. Create a blog solely for the purpose of advertising product reviews
2. Keep your niche consistent regarding the products you're posting about. Blogging about Nutrisystem one day and then publishing a post about Omaha Steaks the next day isn't a very good idea.

The opportunities to make money online are endless. Just try to incorporate those potential money making posts in a way that doesn't insult your readers or appear to lack sincerity...

What are your thoughts on sponsored posts?