Free publicity on my blog? Thanks, but no, thanks!

Good evening everyone,
I thought I'd write this post, as something I consider absurd has happened to me. As you continue reading this post, I am sure that the "absurdity" will sound very familiar to many of you.

I am not going to explicitly tell you names and all, because the point is just sharing this story and my thoughts about it.

I have been contacted by a very prestigious fashion and beauty magazine. My first reaction was "Wow, really?! They're interested in my blog?! Oh my god, oh my god!" *insert sounds of excitement here*
Then I proceded in reading what they had to say: they simply wanted me to write a post about one of their articles and put a link to their site. I was left speechless.
Of course, I emailed the person back asking if there was any type of return from the interested party, which in that case would be a monetary compensation for all publicity and trafic that would arise from my blog post.
I explained the person that although I would never accept any monetary compensation to review a product (as I think reviews are HONEST opinions based on ACTUAL experience), I firmly believe that any other form of required posts is publicity, and that publicity should be sponsored/paid for.

Why on Earth would such a prestigious magazine want free publicity? Especially considering that they earn a lot of money from advertisement spaces they SELL on their magazine/site.
They weren't even proposing to put a link to my blog on their site, so why would I share my traffic with them, really?!

I just do not understand if they think we're dumb or what?!
This was not a small company that is trying to start their business. It's bigger, well-known companies that do that! I am beyond disappointed in that, am I the only one?

We try our best to be honest, moral, ethic...but we are not dumb! And we don't want to be treated as such, do we?

The thing that confused me the most is that they tell you that they think you might be interested in the thing you are asked to post. Ehm, excuse me?! I think YOU are interested in my blog!

There are plenty of mags that do value bloggers, setting up awards etc (unfortunately, not here in Italy, but I've seen loads of them in the UK), but some others simply leave me like this --> -_- ...

Has this ever happened to you? How did you react? What do you think about it?



*Please note that I do review products that I get sent from companies, and I think it's beautiful that they evaluate bloggers' opinions. I just can't stand people who want publicity for free when they can afford paying. I would understand that from a new company, but...prestigious mags/brands? For crying out loud!*