Not every blogger blogs for money.
Sure, we’re running some passive ads in this site, but our only goal is to help defray the cost of webhosting. It remains, at best, an experiment. We want to find out if we can derive some amount from ads so that we can have the site “self-maintaining.” If we can achieve that, then we’re happy. If not, well, it’s not like we can’t pay for it ourselves, you know? We’ve been paying for our own webhosting for several years now – way before Google AdSense came into the picture. And with the rate we’re going, we’re likely to pay for most of it in the years to come.
But as for blogging as a means on which our livelihood depends? Not in this lifetime. Perhaps not ever.
And unfortunately, not in every blogger’s lifetime. Making a living out of blogs is possible, yes, but I believe only for the chosen few. And more often than not, they’re the ones who are already way ahead of the pack. They were the first ones who jumped on board. The rest are just followers of their trails.
It’s inspiring indeed that people like Yuga and J. Angelo Racoma can turn their passions for blogging into more than sufficient means to earn a living. And definitely that’s great news indeed, for millions of aspiring Filipinos out there. They will serve as living inspiration for all bloggers, young and old.
I watched in disappointment the very short segment in the Mel & Joey feature on Filipino bloggers/blogging. It was all hyped up, as if blogging were this salvation that everyone is waiting for. It’s as if anyone with access to the internet can just put up a site and then simply wait for the bucks to pour in. It’s not that simple. If it were, then all bloggers would be filthy rich by now.
Fortunately, many bloggers who commented at Yuga’s post echoed exactly the more realistic view: blogging is for everyone, but earning money from blogs is not. It’s definitely no get-rich-easy scheme.
I understand that the emphasis on making money from blogs is one of the ways to make a lasting impression on the audience. Personally I would be happy to make $5K a month – who wouldn’t? But it is not balanced. There are many reasons for blogging, and money is not always one of those reasons.
Watch the segment here and make your own conclusions:
Got the YouTube video from the following link: http://www.macuha.com/2007/08/tv-shows/blogging-on-mel-and-joey/
It definitely takes a lot of time, research and what-have-yous to be able to earn something decent from blogging. I do a little paid blogging but only for a measly sum. Have to be careful too to veer far from my topics or niche as they say.
Thanks for sharing the video. I missed that show.
i agree. there are so many components involved to turn blogging into an image as “hyped up” in the Mel & JOey segment. it takes skills..strategy and its not a 1-2-3 get rich steps.
I think those people that get paid for blogging specialize in a certain field. Most people I know blog for fun if not for therapeutic reasons 🙂 I haven’t been turned on by that ADSENSE hype frankly speaking. It does bring in some money but not big enough to fix a dent in my pocket 🙂 If I want more money I just have to spend less hehe 🙂
Julie, I do think that monetization or popularization of one’s blog is proportional to the amount of effort you put into it. This is no “Field of Dreams” – where you “build it, and they will come.”
About the video – you’re welcome!
Components, yes. Strategies, definitely!
Even in the Philippines, creating and maintaining a blog also becomes a matter of economics – access to a PC and dedicated internet connection…are we to believe that the majority of the population have easy access to these things?
“If I want more money I just have to spend less” – hahaha! That is so right.
You’re one of the few persons I know who blog just for fun (or therapeutic reasons as well?). You certainly do not need AdSense or any of those monetizing schemes.
A blog is supposed to be a space where you can honestly express yourself and your personal opinion on practically anything. That said, can a blogger still be honest with his/her opinion about a certain product once he/she becomes a mouthpiece of a sponsor? Just asking…
That’s a valid point, snglguy. I guess some people do not think that their credibility is compromised even if they get paid to blog about certain things – especially if they really know what they’re blogging about. It’s a rather difficult issue – how do you really distinguish a 100% honest blog, anyway?
I sasy live and let live. If you blog purely, then good for you. If you blog for money, congrats!
A blogger or anyone for that matter is successful to the extent he realizes his purpose for blogging.
I myself won’t mind earning a few from doing this fun thing called blogging.
But I agree that tv segment is misleading. Those who begin to blog with the eye to making quick money are bound to be disappointed.