13Aug/0811
Selling out with ads
Wow. I actually almost did it. I started googling about how to run advertising on my blog.
Low Cash, plus Cash Need = find a way to make more money 
So, is advertising on my site selling out? Do I take a place that I enjoy slathering with my own bullshit and turn it into a money maker? Do I plaster it with so many ads it's hard to read?
I'm thinking no. I would like to advertise for stuff I like, but more so I can share stuff that I've found. I like the way Dooce does it, where she has her main posts, but also stuff about her dog, and fashion things.
Maybe I can do that kind of thing. I've been thinking of posting more stuff about Celiac that I've put together over the year she's had it. Cool, an idea
August 13th, 2008 - 16:46
It’s your blog. Do what you want with it.
If YOU think it’s selling out and you’d somehow compromise your own integrity by doing it, then well.. find another avenue for revenue generation.
But don’t let your decision be affected by how anyone else will perceive it. It’s your blog, do with it as you wish.
August 13th, 2008 - 17:17
Totally agree with hsoi.
But, one thing to consider before you do it…really look at your traffic stats, and think about how much revenue it would actually generate. Most of the sites I go to that have ads have VERY high traffic, and talk about how little money actually comes from the ads. Is your traffic load high enough to think that putting ads on the site will make a substantial difference? If not, it might be worth considering whether it’s worth it.
August 13th, 2008 - 17:31
What traffic? It’s you and Hsoi and two other guys I think
Seriously, I hear you. The blog for me is more to get my thoughts out in some order that isn’t random so I can see them and say “Oh, that’s what I think”.
I’m still shocked that in the last month, I have posted more than 5 days. New record I think
August 13th, 2008 - 18:30
Unless you do this full time, have an outside gig doing sites for people and of course win the lottery, your blog is not going to make you rich. I don’t care how many people claim that it does. Be happy if you break even with your host charges and realize that your doing this to get your words, ideas, suggestions, thoughts and funny stuff out to the world.
Keep up the good work and you can count me as the occasional reader…
August 13th, 2008 - 22:01
See, that’s the problem Mike. I don’t think I’m funny. That’s why I won’t make millions:)
My blog is for me, but I will say that having people to kick around what I’m saying makes me want to write more.
August 14th, 2008 - 01:13
It’s possible that you might be throwing money away by not having ads. I think about that from time to time — a coworker told me I should put ads on my site, even if it’s just to get a couple of bucks a month. It’s not much — you really have to have extremely heavy traffic to get much out of it.
Good luck!
August 14th, 2008 - 08:40
I might do like you and Mike suggested Dorky Dad – if it can cover my hosting costs, it’s worth it.
August 14th, 2008 - 08:54
I don’t see it as selling out. I would consider doing it eventually. I definitely don’t get enough traffic yet but I’m getting there.
I know of one blogger who advertises just for a little extra fun money like taking her family out to dinner. It doesn’t have to be something that will support the family. Maybe just support some family fun!
August 14th, 2008 - 09:21
@carol – good point, that would be nice. Then again, taking the kids to the movies is a 60-80$ ordeal now. Any help would be nice.
August 19th, 2008 - 17:38
Also consider that many people (like me) read blogs through a feed reader – it eliminates all ads and other useless crap.
August 20th, 2008 - 11:04
@Ajay – makes sense. Didn’t even think about that aspect.