There are over 152,000,000 blogs out there, with more popping up every day. Many of these are filled with amazing content, produced by phenomenal people who enjoy sharing their passion. But can we admit, that many of us have dreamed of blogging not just for our passion, but for a living? of turning our little ideas into a big check? Honestly most of us would settle for turning our big ideas into a little check! So, we look around the internet, trying to find different ways to monetize on our blogs. Pay-Per-Click Ads, Affiliate Ads, In-Text Ads, Confusing Ads, links to articles that are really ads.
It puzzles me, when I go to read an article about minimalism, or anti-consumerism, and the page is chock full of ads! “Live in the moment, be happy with what you have, and CLICK ON THIS AD!” Trying to make a living doing what you love is commendable, but there has to be a different way. Now I believe that most of us bloggers have good intentions. We aren’t trying to fleece anyone. We would just like to quit our day job so we could spend more time creating awesome content. That’s what the people want, isn’t it? That’s what the world needs, right?
eBooks
So, we will remove the ads, creating a more comfortable environment for our readers, and our conscience. But where do we get the money? That’s it! we can write eBooks! 152,000,000 eBooks…So now we not only need to convince people to come and read our blogs, maybe even subscribe, but also to buy our eBooks (which somehow have got to be better than the free content we have already been struggling to create during our “free time”) Okay, I don’t know if this option is going to work either.
Put Out Your Hand
The best option that I can see, is a virtual tip jar. I have been noticing these more and more, and I really like the idea behind it. You like a post, you leave a tip. After all, blogging is an art form, just like that guy on the corner playing that old beat-up saxophone. He’s pretty good. give him a couple bucks. Ah, that felt nice, didn’t it? I don’t know if these virtual tip jars actually work, not having one myself, but I know it is definitely a better option than selling your soul to the advertising companies.
If anyone has any other ideas, I have already drafted my letter of resignation for my 9 to 5, and I am itching to print it off.
Dadosaurus Rex 