I had a conversation recently with someone who could not understand why I blog so much and why it was so important to me. She indicated that she thought that blogging was cool, but is not something that she felt people could realistically make money off of. Her thoughts were that bloggers, in general, are just people who sit behind the computer and write and, though she is correct on the surface, I took it rather offensively.
After all, I consider this a full time job. I don’t make much money, if anything, but I am trying hard to change that. On the b5media network, the advertising campaign at Emerging Earth is being run by the geniuses there, and I’m taking it all in with wide-eyes. I’m trying to apply a bit of that knowledge here as well. On the Emmense Technologies blog, I am taking a different approach. I am attempting to leverage the blog to accelerate the business of consulting. That’s a different approach to revenue. On the Not So Free State and Alpha Tango I am still examining ways of creating revenue.
But to this woman, blogging is essentially not worth the effort put into it. It is merely for hobbyists or amateurs. How does Jason Kottke or Darren Rowse do it professionally, then?
So I really would like insight from my readers. Is this “blogging thing” worth something? Is my content something valuable to you? Or is it just some guy wasting his time on the internet? :)
{ 8 comments }
I think that’s the $64 question – do people get anything out of your blog and individual posts? I find it hard to gauge public opinion of my sites as the audience is faceless, but people keep coming back so we must be doing something right.
I think that’s the $64 question – do people get anything out of your blog and individual posts? I find it hard to gauge public opinion of my sites as the audience is faceless, but people keep coming back so we must be doing something right.
Hey Aaron,
I am in the same boat as you, trying to make a living online. Yes, I think it can be done, or I would try something more “normal”.
I think it helped that you got a nod from Darren, that’s where I found your Blog & now visit it often.
Keep on truckin’
Joe
Hey Aaron,
I am in the same boat as you, trying to make a living online. Yes, I think it can be done, or I would try something more “normal”.
I think it helped that you got a nod from Darren, that’s where I found your Blog & now visit it often.
Keep on truckin’
Joe
Excellent, Joe. :)
Excellent, Joe. :)
I think to “make a living” online you have to be offering more than just your opinions. Very rarely, a blog will get such an audience that advertising revenue will pay for a decent living, but it’s like dreaming of being a rock star: Only one in a million will make it.
If you’re offering tech support, design/layout, or anything of substance other than just a blog full of commentary and such, I think it’s very possible to “make it” online. You’re in a good position to do that, Aaron. I blog just for fun never expecting to make anything of it other than a few bragging rights if I gain any sort of audience…
I think to “make a living” online you have to be offering more than just your opinions. Very rarely, a blog will get such an audience that advertising revenue will pay for a decent living, but it’s like dreaming of being a rock star: Only one in a million will make it.
If you’re offering tech support, design/layout, or anything of substance other than just a blog full of commentary and such, I think it’s very possible to “make it” online. You’re in a good position to do that, Aaron. I blog just for fun never expecting to make anything of it other than a few bragging rights if I gain any sort of audience…
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