This is not advertorial for a number of reasons I'll outline below.

Firstly, we're travel writers, not copywriters, never have been, and have no desire to be. We would not have partnered with HomeAway if they only wanted advertorial. I was about to return to an academic job this year and complete my PhD when this opportunity arose. No offense intended to copywriters, but personally it doesn't interest me and I'd rather return to filmmaking/academia than write copy.

* who pays is not always who controls the content - sure with large guidebook publishers like Lonely Planet for example authors have little control over what editors do to their text, and critical text is often 'softened'. However, we're currently working on a book for Hedonist's Guides and we're in control of our content. Indeed, the publisher wants authors to put their stamp on it and he has published provocative manuscripts such as their new New York guide which contains opinionated writing that many other publishers wouldn't allow. Greater freedom for writers and opinionated writing is what sets many of these niche guides apart from mass-appeal publishers such as LP, RG and DK and is what will ensure them greater success in the future.

* we have editorial control (not HomeAway) - we would not have agreed to the project without it. We've compromised enough writing for guidebook publishers such as LP and have no interest in writing for publishers who edit out criticism. See my blog for many examples of this which I've whined about before. We've got to the point where we'd rather do something else for a living.

* we are applying the same critical skills and the same tell-it-like-it-is writing style that we've employed on every one of the guidebooks/stories/personal blog posts we've published - our writing and attitude to travel writing won't change just because we're going to be blogging for a client. If anything, you'll see more of that (if it's warranted) because we're editing.

* our main focus is exploring the travel trends of slow travel, experiential travel, living like locals & voluntourism, and writing about the experiences that can be had from staying in holiday rentals. Our writing is not writing on the properties themselves. Read my blog http://cooltravelguide.blogspot.com/ and you'll see my interests are in why people travel, how they travel, what motivates people to travel and so on. This experiment is an extension of those interests.

* the only time we'll write specifically about the properties is when we move in/settle in or do something at the place, like cook in the kitchen, for example - this will be no different to how we've written about properties we've rented before on our personal travel blogs: mine (link above) and my husband's http://blog.terencecarterphotography.com/
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* Grantourismo is a project we're undertaking 'in partnership with' HomeAway - the idea came to us long ago, following research I was doing on The Grand Tour for my PhD, and for years we've been exploring ways to fund it. It was serendipitous that HomeAway had a similar idea and it worked out.

Both in my comments above and on our blog we're very direct about what the project is and how it's being supported.

Sheila, by the way, National Geographic Traveler pay far more per word than this project and most other publishers pay, but as I said, we're not in it for the money.

Rowena, thanks for your comments!

Thanks for your comments on VISIT FLORIDA's Insiders. Your points are spot on with regards to their appeal among consumers. We're indeed already seeing success from this new breed of travel writer.

What's interesting, we've found that they also appeal to other journalists who are looking to get content/quotes for travel-related stories in various publications. As official VISIT FLORIDA Insiders, they have the dual advantage of being both credible (backed by the state's official source for travel planning) and genuine (not the voice of the marketing department, with stories based on real experiences).

David McRee, the former VISIT FLORIDA Beach & Surf Expert who is a great example of this new travel writer breed, describes well the non-intrusive relationship between VISIT FLORIDA and its Insiders. They have a lot of freedom to write what they see as beneficial to their readers. I would also note that each of the Insiders is also on Facebook and Twitter. In the age of social media, they have done a great job adapting to new media and technologies that help them better connect with their fans. We'll continue to see this relationship evolve and will strive to find the best ways to connect with consumers.

Glad to have found your blog, Jeremy. I'm looking forward to future posts!

Best regards,

Nate Long
PR Guy at VISIT FLORIDA