Hello friends, this is one of those posts that I am a bit scared to write, but in the spirit of openness and honesty, I feel you deserve an heads-up.
I want to talk to you about commercialization of blogs. Of this blog in particular. Many blogs have added ways to make some money lately, and although most of us understand the need and wish to do so, it isn’t really a popular thing to do, is it? Somehow blogging for fun and blogging for money seem to be contradictory things. But are they?
I have thought so much about this lately and I have come to the conclusion that for me a little money mixed in would ensure that the fun could stay around.
I think it won’t come as a surprise that I spent a lot of time on this blog. Time doing projects, photographing them, processing the photos, writing posts and sharing in the community that blogging is. It all takes up a lot of time. Time I am not spending working in my professional career. At this point in my career I am working part time, and loving it, especially because it allows me to follow my heart and blog.
But we have a house, with a big mortgage and My Love’s ‘solid as a rock’ job, is threatening to become a lot less secure in the future. My contribution to the household finances is vital, so the safe thing to do would be to accept my bosses offer for more academic hours.
But I love blogging and creating so much. I love that I have found my creative side again, I love the creativity, the sharing, the inspiration, the friendship and the kick in the booty blogging gives me. My blog has never felt like WORK, it can be a lot of hard work at times, but it always feels like playing.
So in the end it came down to a simple choice for me. Work more hours at my job and blog less, or blog more and better, but make some money by doing that.
So hear is what I am will/ plan to do in the near future:
- Open an Etsy shop and share some of my vintage treasure hunting bounty. This way my flea market hobby can hopefully pay for itself a bit, so it won’t have to come out off the household budget.
- Add an ad network to my blog and see whether that will help me keep blogging
- Open up my blog for sponsor opportunities.
I promise you that I WILL NOT do the following:
- Blog for the money. The money will always be a means to an end and not the goal itself.
- Change the content and feel of this blog (unless it is for the better of course)
- Say or write anything other than my true opinion.
- And most of all, stay true to myself and dedicated to you, my readers.
So my goal is to continue to hopefully provide you with good content, lots of inspiration, some fun and a sense of community and do my very best to get better at all of these things all the time. Going commercial on Songbird is meant to keep me blogging and support my content and never the other way around.
I am sure it will be a steep learning curve and I promise to share what I learn with you, as long as you promise to let me know (friendly please, I am already scared witless typing this) when I am making a wrong turn.
So will you love me tomorrow?
With much love,
I think it is time to say how much I enjoy reading your blog on the RSS feed. I do visit once in a while to see the banner change or whatever else is new or look up an old project. I have enjoyed your generosity in sharing so much of your creative life and I'm glad you've found a way to keep on using your time well and productively.
Elaine
Of course I will still love you tomorrow:) I think we all have to do what we have to do to make ends meet. I post about my business at times on my blog. Lots of us do. I for one have ordered from other bloggers. It is also a creative and fun way to promote our own little businesses. And I think we would all agree, we are happy for each others successes.I know I am:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens
You are entitled to try and earn money in whatever way you can. It is so obvious that you put much care and attention into your blog. The one thing I would suggest that reflects the previous comment, is that I read your posts in my feedreader. If you wish to have sponsors and ads you may wish to limit what text appears in the rss feed. It would also mean you would get a truer picture of your readership.
I hope this new step works for you and your circumstances.
I understand – I am taking baby steps in that direction too – it is a need thing – I think you are doing it in the right way – if you don't stick to your core values your readership will change – if you are like me that is not what you want…and I think you are trying to reach your goal in the best way possible.
what a very hard decision……..as I too have pondered this, and have decided to venture to do the same…especially since it does take a lot of effort and time involved to create a well put together space – in reality – they are daily newspapers……..or magazines…….if you will, and I support you, encourage you, and will be in the morning
Why is there such preciousness in blogland about making a bit of money 'on the side'?? (That's not a dig at you honey, just a general comment) – we get the pleasure of reading your blog for free and as you say you put a lot of time and effort into it. Why shouldn't you be rewarded for that by a third party – when people complain about blogs 'going commercial' I seldom see an offer in their comments to make a 'donation' to the blogger instead
I follow just over 300 blogs, 'little' (some teeny tiny!!)blogs related directly to my miniatures hobby through to huge commercial blogs that have something of interest related to crafts or decor – I make the decision to follow based purely on whether the content is interesting. When we pick up our favourite magazine (which doesn't come free!) do we put it back because there are advertisements in it? Why then do so many people see ads on blogs as some kind of moral issue?? Same with the issue of bloggers being paid (or rerceiving 'freebies')for 'endorsing' or 'recommending' a product on their blog – do we all suddenly stop watching our favourite movie star because they are paid to become the new 'face' of some kind of product?? – and yet it seems that over and over again there are people commenting about how 'terrible' (read – 'immoral') adverts and product recommendations on blogs are. I just don't get the double standards to be honest.
So, all power to you girlfriend, whether it's putting some of your found 'goodies' for sale on Etsy and alerting us to it on your blog, or selling some space to a third party
Sounds good to me Marianne. If I were younger and spryer of mind I might give it a whirl too. I've always said, if folks want to have ads, etsy, etc. that's great.
Yes, I will still love you tomorrow.
I understand your concern. But I think if you maintain YOUR voice and not just all about your sponsor's wellbeing, you will be well received.
Some ad networks work silently so you yourself don't need to talk about them at all. However they do come with some (very livable) restrictions on what you can do/can't do in their environment. I'm very happy with mine!
The only thing that throws me off personally from blogs that take on sponsors is when all they talk about is someone else's stuff. That's where I think some go wrong.
Remember first and foremost why we visit and keep on keepin' on.
Best wishes to you! You have a wonderful blog and you deserve to earn a living from it!
Donna
Well said, Norma! I'll be here tomorrow, and the days after that too. We manage to live with ads in so many areas of our lives, having them on your blog is not going to stop me from visiting. If I like the content and want to keep in touch with a blogger, I will be there, ads or no ads. One thing that does turn me away is mean spirited people (which you are NOT), and blogs that take forever to load, day after day.
So, yes, I will still love you tomorrow!
No judgment here! There are many days when I feel that a little compensation is in order, I devote so much of myself to my blog.
You have to do what's right for you, and I will support you either way.
Have a wonderful week!
Anne
Go for it! You deserve it.
It's all good, my friend! The new header is fabulous!! As far as making money, no one else is going to do it for you so you have to make it happen yourself. It's an opportunity for sponsors to communicate with people and for people to learn about what great products and services are out there. I can't wait to see your etsy shop!!
i honestly never saw what the big deal was about ads…i have a tiny one myself on my sidebar…and i have never had anyone comment negatively about it…you do what you need to do…for every person who doesn't like ads…i am sure there are at least 25 people who wouldn't give it a second thought…
I go back and forth on this one. Of course you should be able to earn money with your blog. I've written about this myself. My personal problem with it is only when the essence or quality that brought me to the blog in the first place disappears. In those cases, the blog becomes something very different. It is like seeing someone you love change into a different person.
That being said, many blogs I follow have advertising and I think the bloggers handle it tastefully. Most bloggers don't fall into the trap I mentioned above. They have advertising and they manage to stay the same warm, wonderful bloggers they always were.
I totally understand the stress about money. My husband hasn't had work in a long time, and I freelance. I am seriously considering an etsy shop and as for advertising – I never say never!
Best of luck to you, Marianne.
xo
Claudia
I meant to add that I'll still be a devoted reader of your wonderful blog.
xo
Claudia
Yes, I will still love you and your wonderful blog! Love the new header by the way!
I totally understand where you are coming from. I am making it in this big ole world all alone and I'm unemployed. I make a small amount through my google ads. I don't mind ads or advertising on blogs. In my opinion, some bloggers may go overboard with all that stuff flashing in my face. But, if I like their content, I still read their blogs.
I've often wondered how I would handle it if someone wanted to sponsor my blog. I'm thinking it would have to be someone of interest to my readers.
Good Luck to you! I wish only the best to you!
gail
I think you should do whatever you want to do, Marianne. It's your blog. I personally don't have a problem going to a blog with advertisements. And I adore reading your blog.
Best of luck!
xoxo
Jane
Hello Marianne,
First, I love your new header. Second, I echo the comments of Norma and Donna as they were both well said and reflect my personal opinion. The only time I have any objection to commercialism is when the element or features which originally attracted me to the blog disappear and becomes almost or totally commercialized. At that point I stop following because it no longer holds my interest. So, to answer your question, yes, I will still love you tomorrow!
~ Tracy
Go for it girl!
I say you go for it and do whatever you need to do and feel led to do. I am here and will stay.
You just keep doing what your doing and those sponsor's will come on in. I love the content of your blog!
I think it´s a great idea Marianne – if this is what´s needed to continue, then go for it. I work part time too and also have to chare my time between 'real' work and blogging/creating time.
Great idea with the Etsy shop too -can´t wait to see.
Definately still going to love you tomorrow.
~ Tina
I'll just say what has been said, to emphasize it because if you want to add advertisements it's important…..limit what can be read in the RSS feed – I also usually only read your blog there.
And heaps of good luck – I sincerely hope you can make this work and don't have to up your hours at your 'real' job.
wendy
Voor mij maakt ook een beetje reklame op je blog nix uit. Dat verandert jou tenslotte niet en dat wat je schrijft ook niet.Ik ben trots op je, dat je je plannen al zo snel omzet en ik ben zooo benieuwd naar je Etsy-shopje!
You rock girl! – Irma
Voor mij maakt het ook niet uit dat je reclame op je blog zet. Mij hebben ze pas wel benaderd of ik dat wil doen en heb het geweigerd. Dat komt misschien omdat ik een reclame stukje erop heb staan, maar dat is omdat het van familie is.
fijne dag, lia
Tsja……dat hangt ervan af!
Een winkeltje is natuurlijk wat anders, maar reclame….nee!! Ik erger mij er meestal aan.
Ook ik heb een vraag gekregen of ik reclame op mijn blog wil zetten. Maar ik doe het niet.
Tegen de tijd dat mijn blog echt vol is, en ik moet gaan betalen voor meer ruimte. Ja, dan wil ik er over denken!!
Sterkte met je beslissing!
Groetjes Thea
I've only recently found your blog and is one of the few I really look forward to reading when there's a new post. Please don't give it up!
WRT your question, I don't think there is anything wrong with making some money, just choose the ones you think will work best for you. You don't have to do them all. Test the waters and see how you get on. If it doesn't work, then at least you've tried. If you can make a few bob doing something you truly love doing, then why not?
Good luck!
Of course we'll love you tomorrow! You have such great ideas and content and we all need money to live. Good luck!
"I will always love you" by Whitney Housten.
I think this is something we all consider..i have had e-mails asking me to advertise on my blog and one day I might just take them up on the offer. It's the fear of having to change things thats puts us off..so go for it and tell us from the heart what it feels like in a few months time.
xxx
Het maakt voor mij ook geen verschil wel of geen reclame, ik vind je blog heel erg de moeite waard, dus blijf toch wel komen.
Ik wens je succes met je Etsy-shop en…….ofcours I love you tomorrow hihi
Lieve groet, Mea
Je bent een zeer creatief mens. Ik zou niet weten waarom je niet zou proberen om aan je talent te verdienen. Ik vind je blog ontzettend leuk en zal hem blijven bezoeken, mits de essentie hetzelfde blijft. Als de blog over de reclame/sponsors gaat en niet over Songbird, is het niet leuk meer.
Nou, veel had je niet aan me. Ik wens je veel succes en ben heeeeel erg benieuwd wat er komen gaat.
groetjes,
Marianne.
Liebe Marianne,
vielen lieben Dank für Deinen Kommentar. Nun bin ich auf Gegenbesuch und muss sagen, dass mir Dein Blog sehr, sehr gut gefällt. Ich werde Dich jetzt bestimmt öfter besuchen!!!
Ganz liebe Grüße Barbara
I will always love you sweet Marianne! You make every heart sing…
Ik vind het een geweldig plan van je en waarom niet, laat je talent voor je werken met de punten die je zelf voor ogen hebt en zo wilt houden. Ga ervoor, je weet nooit waar dit toe kan leiden! Ook ik ben daarmee de afgelopen ook mee bezig Marianne, maar de punten die je zo mooi beschrijft wil ik ook houden. Hé wat heerlijk om het te lezen bij je!
Van mij een hele dikke pakkerd en wens je ontzettend veel succes, liefs van Cin
Hallo Marianne, je weet ik kom vaak op je blog maar laat niet alijd een reactie achter maar ga dat nu toch even doen. Natuurlijk blijf ik van je houden, ook korgen hoor:-)
Het is een keuze die je maakt, als jij aan je blog wat wil verdienen moet je dat ook gewoon doen. Geld verdienen aan een hobby is het mooiste wat er is toch? Ik word ook wel benaderd over reclame op m`n blog maar ik kies er bewust voor om het niet te doen. Ik wil geen keuzes maken in het ene wel en het andere niet, of alles of niets en alles tja….dan wordt het een reklame blog en dat vind ik niet fijn voor mijn lezers want die komen niet voor de reklame maar voor mij. Ik hoop dat je er bewust van bent dat de reklame ook afbreuk van je blog kan zijn want teveel reklame zou mij wel storen. Ik vind gewoon volg je gevoel en ik kom gewoon op je blog hoor, en als het me gaat storen dan meld ik het wel. Succes met je etsy shop! ik ben benieuwd!
Lieve groet, Jeanette…
Love you just the way you are. Whatever changes you need to make to allow me to continue to visit you will only make you sweeter. Good luck and I will continue to check in on you.
Of course I'll still love you! Silly girl, you're one of my favorites and that won't change with a few ads. Hope it works out the way you want it to.
Thanks for all the hard work you put into your blog. It is so enjoyable and I would miss it if you stopped.
Rose
Go forth and make some money without having to justify it to any of us! You know I love you and fully support tasteful advertising on blogs!
Hoi Marianne,
ik denk niet dat je je moet verdedigen of verantwoorden tegenover ons – lezers van je blog! Je hebt het volste recht om te doen en laten wat jij wil. Ik kan me wel voorstellen dat je innerlijk zelf met dit idee van ´commercializering´ worstelt, omdat je misschien de indruk krijgt dat je van je lezers gaat ´profiteren´. Maar dit is absoluut niet zo. Heb je enig idee wat Google alleen al aan jou verdient door deze blog???? Je wilt het niet weten! Ik heb laatst een hele reportage over Google en hun werkzaamheden op TV gezien en ik viel bijna stijl achterover van hetgeen ik daar ontdekte! Google is heel gewiekst in het opzetten van hun netwerken en wij zijn hun allerbeste pionnen in dat netwerk!! En de chefs aan de top verdienen miljarden over onze hoofden en ruggen heen. Zelfs als jij een miniem bedrag aan het plaatsen van reclame zou verdienen, dan nog steken de grote bazen de grootste ´poen´ in hun eigen zakken. Eigenlijk zouden wij – bloggers en andere netwerk-gebruikers – allemaal elkaar van dienst kunnen zijn als we ALLEMAAL reclame zouden plaatsen en commercieel zouden zijn, geloof mij.
Veel succes met al je ondernemingen en zaken!
Van harte beste groetjes, Marjolijn