My clients are getting more and more e-mails from bloggers requesting complimentary meals and products so they can write up reviews for their sites. The sheer number of bloggers makes it tough to decide how to respond. 

Generally, I would recommend taking a look at the blog and deciding if you think the audience fits your customer profile and, therefore, is worth your money. Many blogs these days have a more committed audience than do newspapers. Comments are a good indicator because most people bothering to comment are "regulars" who frequent the blog not only to read what the writer has to say, but also to chat with the rest of the readers. No comments does not necessarily mean no one is reading, but it does mean no one is compelled to engage in the topic -- and that can be a sign that this blog isn't very influential.

You might also Google the name of the blog's writer to see what else she does and where else she posts or contributes. Many bloggers cross-post on other blogs. For instance, they may have their own blog, but also contribute to a megablog such as Huffington Post or the Gothamist empire. If that's the case, their review of your restaurant could show up under their byline on another blog -- and, it might even be referenced by another blogger. If you see the writer's name on other blogs, whether they are listed as contributors or are just mentioned by another blogger, that's another good sign.

You might also find when you Google the blogger's name that this person is a freelance journalist. Increasingly, freelance journalists write blogs as an outlet for the work they can't sell elsewhere, or to promote themselves. Recent lay-offs at newspapers and magazines have led to a rise in the number of freelancers and bloggers with years of journalism experience. My point is, don't write off all bloggers as know-nothings.

Finally, Google the name of the blog. If it's on a list of your city's top blogs, you've probably got your answer.

Once you decide to comp a blogger, I usually recommend beginning with a tasting menu, not including booze or tax/tip. It is completely affordable for restaurants to do that. That said, a meal without wine is, well, not as good. So, is there anything you could pour for the guest that is reasonable?  Hospitality is the name of the game. Striving to impress -- especially when it's someone who has a loyal following and a public forum, whether online or in print -- is going to help your bottom line in the end.

The world has changed. Comping blogger meals may be a bigger pain in the butt, but you could actually get more out of these blogger meals than the rounds and rounds of media meals old-school journalists would take.