Show Me The Money!

Darren Rowse’s article, “Should I Blog for Money?“, argues the many reasons why one should not make money through blogs.

He gives examples such as the mix-ups with contextual advertising, the possibility of a mutiny among readers, the issue of getting bitten by the ‘money from blogging’ bug, ads causing an element of clutter and of promoting affiliate products that one has no knowledge of.

Although these are issues for some, this should not dissuade bloggers from yelling, “Show me the money!”.

In fact Rowse’s article overlooks many factors. Most of his arguments revolve around contextual advertisements and quite possibly Google’s Adsense program.

Although popular, Adsense advertising is not the end all of ads online. There are many other ways to include ads, such as advertising products which the blogger himself endorses in his own lifestyle.

Do you work with Bic ball point pens? Then why not add that as an ad. Many would identify these ads with the blogger, thus supplementing his existing personal brand.

The possibility of a reader mutiny can be presumed, but if one offers quality content, readers will quickly overlook these setbacks in order to get the exclusive goods.

On this note, getting the money bug, should be the last thing that should affect content. If this situation occurs, maybe such a blogger did not have the appropriate acumen to be able to pursue original intent and content.

In the end, what has not been mentioned is the obvious. Is advertising the only way for one to make money from their blog?

While Rowse’s arguments do hold some truth, their weight is not worth much in gold.