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  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 22, 2006, 2:00 AM:
 

now that i got your attention, please read on.

i made a buck today
thanks kid.
Uploaded by coolmel on 3 May '05, 6.58pm PST.


In my blog post, Blogging for Nothing, Links for Free, I've expounded on this topic when I did a compassionate critique on Kottke's approach to making a living out of blogging.

Here's a snip:

“I had mixed emotions when I heard the news. First I felt sad because I rooted for Kottke. I wanted to see him succeed. I envied him because he had the guts to pursue his passion unlike most of us who still constantly dream of “what ifs.” He's a fluffy pioneer in my book. Very ballsy. But then I understand where his efforts fell short. They fell short on three principles: Focus, Value of Content, Skillful Means.”

note: for those who still don't know Kottke, he's only one of the top 100 bloggers in the world (top #25 as of this writing, at least according to Technorati).


So what are your thoughts about blogging for money? Where should a blogger draw the line? Do you agree that we should always blog for nothing and link for free?
  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 22, 2006, 5:27 PM:
 

NOTE: I just want to qualify the question. Obviously if you're blogging about your business (e.g. you're a CEO), then you're already blogging for money (indirectly). This question pertains to PERSONAL domain bloggers, on whether personal bloggers can make a living out of blogging. There.

I'm collecting related articles so we can get as much perspectives as we can about blogging for a living.

http://ma.gnolia.com/people/coolmel/tags/blogging+for+money

the article below is the most recent and popular as of this writing:

Blogs to Riches

The Haves and Have-Nots of the Blogging Boom.
By Clive Thompson


check it out and feel free to rebut.
  Maile : Simplicity Seeker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

Maile said Mar 22, 2006, 6:14 PM:
 

I suppose it's become something like making it as a runway model, or in Hollywood or in real estate or in the print-fiction-publishing world (which I swear I'm going to get aroung to doing).  People see a few who make tons of money doing virtually nothing (that they believe this does not make it true, though it may be in some cases).

This mindset makes blogging totally fruitless because the money-potential was never really there, and now they've sapped the for-its-own-sake pleasure out of it, too.

Not that I think making money from blogging is impossible.  Obviously it is not.  But I do think it improbable for most people, especially those who expect it to be easy, who will not work to get their name out, write thoughtful posts, or develop innovations.

Just some thoughts.
  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 22, 2006, 7:43 PM:
 

Maile said: “Not that I think making money from blogging is impossible.  Obviously it is not.  But I do think it improbable for most people, especially those who expect it to be easy, who will not work to get their name out, write thoughtful posts, or develop innovations.”

well said. definitely agree. ZPod:KB101 is here for us to collectively learn how to “write thoughtful posts, or develop innovations.” blogging for money will be up to us. but first it's all about blogging for nothing and linking for free….
  ~Matthew : Youthful Maturity

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~Matthew said Mar 22, 2006, 6:08 PM:
 

Blog for money.  Link for free!
  Shelly : Petrepreneur- Pay It Forward Pets

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

Shelly said Mar 22, 2006, 7:33 PM:
 

Why not blog for money? If you are providing a valuable service, that others desire, why not get paid for your time to provide it? I can offer a similar example: I pay $12 per year to get comics delivered to my inbox each morning. I particularly LOVE the comics in a newspaper but don't like the paper being used, so I get the part I like via the web and I pay to do so. If there where a particular blog that I really enjoyed and had to pay a small sum to read it, I would not be bothered, so long as I could get a refund if I found the material to be no longer valuable or entertaining. I used to subscribe to The Daily Motivator for the same reason and it was similar to a daily blog but of motivational direction.

I have also replaced reading mainstream media for reading blogs of content that I am interested in. For example I susbscribe to Treehugger and GoodNews because I like their sustainable ideas, upbeat stories and links to products that I might find interesting. I don't love every blog every day, but for the most part I dig them. Both blogs are ladden with advertisements but this does not bother me. If I don't want the product I don't click on the banner. I don't have to pay a dime unless I want the product and the writer still get paid for having them posted. This keeps them in business, so I get to keep having valuable reading material. A win-win-win.

I think the problem arises when people get stuck in the scarcity metality. There is enough abundance to go around and for everyone to live very well. Who am I to say where that wealth comes for that person if it is doing no harm? If you want to blog and get paid for it…… then create a product that people want….. and collect the value you are deserved. The right people will show up to make it happen and if anyone complains jealously about your “dream job” then teach them how to do it too(if they care to listen) and send them on to do so.

  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 22, 2006, 7:58 PM:
 

Shelly said: ” If you want to blog and get paid for it…… then create a product that people want….. and collect the value you are deserved. The right people will show up to make it happen and if anyone complains jealously about your “dream job” then teach them how to do it too(if they care to listen) and send them on to do so.”

thanks Shelly. couldn't agree more. i don't mind ads too as long as they're not in your face (e.g pop ups). but really, content is king. for example, The Dilbert Blog has STUPID POP UPs (damnit Scott, aren't you making a ton of money already from Dilbert and your restuarant?), and Scott probably doesn't know how to hyperlink, but i still go back every day because I find value. The Dilbert Blog looks chaotic but there's and underlying order and focus (insightful humor) in it that inspires me.

another example is Steve Pavlina. he's the first successful personal blogger that comes to my mind on this topic. Steve hit a niche market (personal development with compassion) and he's enjoying it  and yes, it's his dream job too.
  Maile : Simplicity Seeker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

Maile said Mar 22, 2006, 9:23 PM:
 

Coolmel, I like Steve Pavlina's blog, too.  His ads aren't in your face, but they are annoying.  I don't care.  He writes a lot, and he writes well, and he writes things I care about (usually).  I usually click through a few of the ads when I visit his blog just so he can make some more money off them.

I think you're right, Shelly, about paying for blogs as long as they provide value.  I think that's key, and I think you're right on to point out the power of the reader.  If the blog is good, the writer gets paid and the reader gets entertained.  If it's bad, then the reader's no worse off.  (S)he simply stops reading it.

Good points, all.  Now, when can I start making my $10,000 a month!
  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 22, 2006, 8:10 PM:
 

WTF?! then of course by serendipity, i just saw this….



Six Figure Blogging

You can make over $10,000 a month blogging.

You've heard about folks building blog empires and making a living writing about topics they love and are passionate about. They make revenue every day by hosting ads on their blogs or earning commissions on related products and services.

But where do you start?
  Tru : Visionaire

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

Tru said Mar 22, 2006, 10:29 PM:
 

blog for free. link for food.

(proceeds to hold up cardboard signs)
“Will Link for Food”
“Will Blog for Beer”
“Will Blog n Link for Millions of Dollars”
“Will Work for Kosmic Blogs”
“Will Shot Politicians with Bird Shot for Broadcast Time (too distract Americans)”
“Will Wash Jeans for Fee” (devoted to coolmel)

nuff said. ;-)
  Maile : Simplicity Seeker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

Maile said Mar 23, 2006, 7:26 AM:
 

Sounds good to me.  I'll link here all day long. 

Native Foods guys: We can set up a pipeline heading straight up the coast.  From your kitchen to mine.
  Nancy : Life Expansionist

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

Nancy said Mar 23, 2006, 8:54 AM:
 

I think it's a fantastic idea.  If you have talent & passion, then you definitely have a gift to give to the world.  And, when you're in alignment with your gifts/purpose, then abundance will naturally find its way to you.

I'd read your blog any day of the week, Coolmel.  ;-)
  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 25, 2006, 10:15 AM:
 

here's some good stuff from PROBLOGGER -

Problogger

18 Lessons I’ve Learnt about Blogging

“In November 2002 I first heard the word blog after a mate e-mailed me a link and said I should consider starting one. Within 24 hours I’d created my first blog (a blogspot blog that doesn’t exist today). Since that time I’ve run 20+ blogs (most have survived, some have not) and I’ve also transitioned from hobby blogger to part time blogger to full time blogger.”
  ~Matthew : Youthful Maturity

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~Matthew said Mar 25, 2006, 10:34 AM:
 

Yep, that's VERY good stuff.  How's your game-plan coming along, C?
  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 25, 2006, 10:51 AM:
 

huh?! game-plan?! i just FLOW with serendipity…
  ~C4Chaos : (hyper)linker

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

~C4Chaos said Mar 25, 2006, 10:54 AM:
 

correction it's not C. it's ~C for Chaos (including the tilde.) if i can only go back in time, that stupid coolmel monicker is toast!
  Leendert : Illuminator ES

Re: What Do You Think About Blogging For Money?

Leendert said Mar 26, 2006, 2:57 AM:
 
coolmel said:

“NOTE: I just want to qualify the question. Obviously if you're blogging about your business (e.g. you're a CEO), then you're already blogging for money (indirectly). This question pertains to PERSONAL domain bloggers, on whether personal bloggers can make a living out of blogging. There.”

I think I will blog for free, because it's in line with the Bodhisattva character of helping people by blogging I help myself and if this is helping others (anybody) I will do it for FREE, always! I would have to pay myself for all the hours invested in blogging!

BUT

I do believe in the indirect way of making money because of blogging. I feel by reaching for absolute transparency I will attract people who like what I blog about, getting to actually know these people will give me the opportunity to invest personal time and business time. Above my profile I have said: (NOT FOR SALE) and I mean it!
Please remember I blog over here at Zaadz about myself and myself only!
a true Narcissus

I try to explain on my profile page this:

(NOT FOR SALE) Means that I deeply believe in the zaadz principals. I think this will change the world for the better and that it is OK if at the end of the pipeline I (we) can make an income out of these same principals  by offering  self reflecting knowledge to humanity. In that process I must remind myself I will never sell me but sell my services in a durable fashion. The (Not for Sale) sign is a constant reminder to retain this thought.

L
LLL
L

Leendert : Illuminator