Alrighty, I need your advices and opinions.
Probably close to a year ago I applied to be wait listed on a the ad publishing site BlogHer. Honestly, I never thought they'd ever ask me to apply since my blog has small readership (comparatively) and also because I assumed that there is a huge waiting list and the chances of me floating to the top was slim-to-none.
But, about a week ago I received an email from BlogHer basically asking me to "apply to apply."
Short story, my blog has been selected to be in their database to have ads placed. I would earn revenue based on the number of page loads.
I have mixed feelings about having ads. On one had, whatever revenue we earn could be used for supplemental income - and later - to help supplement support for our ministry. (Though, truthfully, I can't see this being a big money maker. Maybe $25 a month?)
On the other hand, I know that my blog would begin being published and advertised with BlogHer and, well, I'm not sure how I feel about that. I mean, naturally all bloggers want to have a nice following of readers, but truth be told, I LOVE the small community of regular readers who come here. I'm not sure I want the masses coming this way and messing with the good thing we already have. Ya know?
But, in the end, Luke and I are praying about this decision - be it ever how trivial - and knowing that the Lord cares about details, even this one.
So my question for you all is this....
Would you be turned off by blog ads? Would it make you less likely to come back and read? Do you think it would annihilate the virtual intimacy that is already here?
I love that this measly little blog has connected me to so many of you who I would have otherwise never met. In fact, on our trip to Arkansas/Tennessee I had the privilege to meet two "blog friends" have our children play together and later the three of us women enjoyed a nice, relaxing dinner. Now, I'm honored to call them real-life friends.
A few of you have taken the step of faith to support our ministry both in prayer and with your finances. You truly have no idea just how much it humbles me to know you'd follow God in obedience to support someone you've never even "met."
So again, I ask you, is having an ad publishing network on here going to ruin that? Truly that's the last thing I desire.
I appreciate your insight and the way you guys care about me, my family and this silly 'ol blog.
I generally have no negative thoughts about the blog writer who includes ads. We do what we have to do. It's not my business to evaluate another person's situation.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I ignore ads and have never clicked on one. If yours would be based on page views and not clicks, I wouldn't change my reading habits one bit. Every time you show up in my blog reader, I read you !!!!
Ads wouldn't bother me a bit. A little extra money would be nice. Your being on BlogHer might give your move to Africa and your ministry more exposure...and maybe more support.
ReplyDeleteHugs and love,
AM
I think you guys should go for it. The ads would not be a distraction, I am never bothered by them if I see them on a page, and by making your blog wider known your guys story can become known, and it will by seen by the masses all God is doing in your family. Your blog, in many ways, could become it's own ministry. I mean, one look at your precious kids and people would want to read more. Plus, I'd start loading your blog 100 times a day to help you make bank ;)
ReplyDeleteI love you friend. Think this could be a great idea and help you get to Africa in some ways as well!
That's great! I say go for it!
ReplyDeleteI read plenty of blogs with ads and to be perfectly honest, I usually ignore them. The ads, that is. :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I also read most of the blogs I follow from within Google Reader. I'm not sure if that affects whether or not you would get "paid" for that visit. Since I'm not sure that's really the same as a page load.
Long story short, ads don't bother me! I will keep coming back to your blog. :)
ads or no ads, i'm going to continue to read your blog...i think if it is going to contribute to your ministry, then go for it!
ReplyDeleteAds wouldn't bug me a bit. Are there any restrictions on what kind of ads will be placed on the blog. I could just see that being a problem is there were ads for products that don't necessarily align with your beliefs. Just pray, pray, pray about it. The big deal to be would be the readership it could bring. If God leads you in that direction, then go for it. I wouldn't consider the monetary side of it at all. Just follow the Lord.
ReplyDeletePray pray! Ads don't really bother me. I usually just ignore them. I will not stop reading as I stand with you and feel blessed to be a part of your life. I do not know much about BlogHer and the ads. As Amanda stated, the only problem is if the products did not align with your beliefs. I do think spreading God's word and your ministry is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteNo problem with ads for me.
ReplyDeleteI would still read. I think that it's very wise to pray about this decision though. Hope it works out to be a blessing to you and your family. You have a way with words and I think others would be blessed and challenged by reading your posts, as I am.
ReplyDeleteI LOOOOOVE working for Blogher. I say DO IT!
ReplyDelete