This is where the magic happens, my friends. There I am, perfectly groomed and coiffed, writing my blog.
Don took a series of photos of me the other morning as I was writing a blog post. Coffee on the table, drawer open – most likely because I was transferring photos from camera to computer and I needed the card reader, Scout in the ‘tunnel,’ unfinished throw in a box, flannel pajamas and warm, though somewhat dirty, slippers. Now you can say you’ve seen me in my flannel pajamas. A definite reality shot.
I love blogging – you know that. I fell for it as soon as I started this blog in 2008. It has brought so much joy and satisfaction, this virtual world of writing and photography. I get the opportunity to share my passions, my humor, my joys and my sorrows. Writing is great therapy for me. And, of course, I’ve met so many wonderful friends. My world has been enriched beyond measure.
I’m a woman of strong opinions. Ask my husband. My dear friend Joe used to say, “You don’t want to mess with the Hill girls.” He wasn’t kidding. Some of these opinions have been shared with you on this blog, though I keep away from politics and religion. I consider that my private business; I’ve never been comfortable proselytizing in life or here in blogland. Just my personal opinion, but I don’t think it’s appropriate on my DIY/Nesting/Collecting/Vintagey type blog.
Sometimes these oft-expressed opinions come back to bite me in the butt. Like ads on blogs, for instance. I’ve written in the past about ads. I didn’t like them, they were too slick, blogs lost their intimacy when ads began appearing, yadda, yadda, yadda. My pal Brenda and I often spoke about this subject in our long phone conversations.
Then the economy crashed. Harsh reality has reared its ugly head in our lives. Both Don and I freelance and work opportunities have been few and far between. Don has had to take a job that pays very little in order for us to have a steady paycheck. I have an opportunity to coach in April and May but nothing else is on the horizon. I am also looking for a job. We are really struggling. And, like many of you, we bought our house at the height of the housing market and now it is worth much, much less than we paid for it, yet we have a hefty mortgage payment every month.
Brenda found herself in the midst of a divorce.
Things change and opinions change. Suddenly, I understand this idea of trying to make an income from your blog. Why not? I spend a great deal of time taking photographs, thinking of ideas for posts, writing and editing. I try to return visits, address comments, and reach out to other bloggers. As you all know, this takes a lot of time. Why shouldn’t I garner a modest income to help compensate for all the time I spend on blogging?
I found myself looking at “those” blogs with fresh eyes. Yes, some are still way too slick for me but most bloggers are finding a way to insert ads and stay true to their personal blogging vision. Brenda took the leap first. I held back. Now Brenda has a much larger readership than I do. I’m just a modest little blog, so I hesitated. “Cautious Claudia” was my nickname as a child and it still holds true. Eventually, I jumped into the cold water and I’m glad I did. I’m still experimenting with placement and choices. I’m well aware that the essence of my blog is me: my passions, my personality, my daily musings, my life here at MHC – all of which are written in my unique voice. That voice is what brought readers to this blog. I can’t be anything other than the same Claudia who has written this blog since February 2008. I’m comfortable in my blog skin. So that won’t change.
BlogHer, especially, has been wonderful. This organization truly supports women bloggers – big, medium and small. And the customer service is excellent. I truly feel supported by this community. The decision to become part of BlogHer’s Advertising Network has resulted in some of my posts being highlighted and even syndicated. That affirmation of my writing means a great deal to me.
I’ve earned a very, very modest amount of money so far. Enough to buy some groceries. Or pay a bill. In our little cottage, that is very welcome indeed.
I wanted to talk about this because some of you are long-time readers of this blog and have been with me through all the changes – both major and minor – in Mockingbird Hill Cottage. And if you’ve been with me a long time, you most likely have read the opinions I have expressed on this subject in the past. I feel you deserve an honest explanation. And you know I’m nothing if not honest.
There you go.
Hi Claudia,
Love your reality shot. I’m sitting here on my bed in my gym clothes blogging. I think it’s great if you can make something from your blog! It’s tough out there. I was in advertising for 12 years, but decided to stop working to raise my 2 children. Well, when I send a resume out now, I think the agencies see it they must think it’s a joke. When I contacted my old employment agency the young girl seemed confused-“What did you do while raising your kids? Teaching art classes and subbing doesn’t count-not relevant!” So, if you can make something with your blog-do it! Hope everything works out soon!
-Lynn
You look comfortable and cozy in your flannel jammies, Claudia. I’ve been seriously considering monetizing my blog, but know I’d have to start with some serious layout cleaning. I’m still thinking about it.
Happy Halloween.
xoxo
Donna
Yes, honest is good. Just check out the good blogs out there raising money with adv. They are true to themselves so, go for it. Adv on the side bar. You are a ‘good read’ every post.
– Joy
I love seeing you in your jams, chick! It certainly brings in reality.
Well, sometimes a girl hasta do what a girl hasta do, sugar. Don’t apologize for THAT.
I don’t do much proselyting but I am truly very religious and try to bring people into the Gospel. I don’t think I’m obnoxious about it, but in our church every member is a missionary and I would be derelict if I didn’t mention it once in a while.
Politics? I want people to feel comfortable, at ease and relaxed when they visit so I stay away from it, although, as you said, I’m very opinionated. I want people to just relax and get away from worldly things over on Livingbeautifully. So I rarely get into the way the world is going. Life is sweet and wonderful for me and I am truly blessed beyond measure.
xoxo,
Connie
Love the “tunnel” for the pups! ;-)
It is nice to know that the ads are helping a little. I have gone back and forth with the idea. I don’t think however that my little blog would bring in much. I agree with you I am sometimes put off by ads, but yours are not intrusisve or take away from your awesome blog.
Blessings, Joanne
Well, I read your posts on Google Reader, and of course come here on occasion to post a comment … aside from the crazy Woman Within ad (too much flashing back and forth like a mad thing), they actually fit your design and color scheme. Do you get to pick which ads to display?
I love that you’re honest about why you’re monetizing and I’m glad its helping.
I think you are adorable in your pj’s. I have thought long and hard about this very topic so thanks for this post. My blog is small and very modest so who knows what will happen. I am glad this has helped you out.
You are such a good read, I wouldn’t care if you put an elephant in the middle of the blog post. You’re that good at expressing yourself. Life is full of changes (I full well know that now) and we have to shift with those changes in order to survive and evolve. You are one stubborn girl, Claudia my dearest friend. But we old dogs truly can learn new tricks.
xoxo, Brenda
Reality Shot Monday has a lot to say. First and foremost it is your blog. Opinions change, life changes us daily and blogs change. You do what you need to do. I have never stopped reading a blog because it has adds, I read yours because you are my sister and it is wonderful. I would read it even if you weren’t my sister because it is wonderful. Add or no add your blog is special.
Meredith
I love your blog. I don’t care if you have ads. You have them set up so that they aren’t intrusive. Can’t blame anyone for trying to bring a little “extra” money. You do have to eat you know. I have thought about it, but my blog doesn’t get enough visitors to pay. Guess I’m just not that interesting. But I could never skip a day without reading your blog.
Fun shot to see where you work from. My blog is also in it’s early stages and not many readers. I certainly can understand your decision to monetie and think if it’s income producing (even on a small level) to helping your household, that is a wonderful thing. Your ads aren’t intrusive at all. :)
Claudia coincidentally I reactivated my monetize options over the weekend. As you said every little bit helps and I agree with staying true to your blog roots. Which you always have. My blog is not for the masses, just really for friends, family and interestingly enough new friends I’ve met through this blogosphere.
Thanks for your honest account and I like your pjs. I usually blog in mine too, but they are definitely not as cozy and colorful. Hope that snow is melting! Ann
ads on blogs don’t really bother me- unless the blog posts become more about advertising than about the blogger-if that makes sense. Your blog stays true to you Claudia- in fact…your blog is one that I try to always make time for when time is scarce. I love how much of yourself you share with us- I love the honesty in you and I love your style. I don’t think anyone that actually has been reading your blog or that knows what a wonderful person you are would ever say a word about you changing your mind about blog ads. After all, life is full of changes and so are human beings. I’m glad you pointed out BlogHer because I have just noticed it over there in the corner and it looks like there are some interesting links-going to go check them out :) Happy monday!!
I think we should start a new club – one for those of us who blog/read blogs in our jamas – I think there would be a lot of members!
I’ve also expressed my thoughts on ads on blogs and in a nutshell it is simply this – why not?? We accept them in magazines – which we pay for – why not on blogs – which we get for free. You do what you want, we’ll still love ya! xx
PS Having said that there has been a little flashing ad popping up recently on Blogher blogs – one of those ‘you’re the 99th visitor to this page kind of thing’ – I’ve lost track of where I’ve seen it but I have to say that one is VERY annoying and I leave the page as quickly as possible.
First off, I am envious of your pjs
I MUST GET ME A PAIR – – – OR TWO
The majority of my blog reading is via google reader so am not aware of ads or not. When I go to Comment I go directly to the Comments, still not too aware of ads.
My motto: A buck is a buck
hugs
Gerry
Hi Claudia!
Love the cupcake pjs!
s
xo
I so get it, I so have pondered it myself, I so understand it in these times and I so have been considering it too. To be honest, I had just noticed it on your blog. It kind of was there along, but never really caught my attention as I’m always so busy reading your wonderful stories and tales. Keep us all posted on how it goes. The jury is still out for me, even though I have live friends here who say and bug me to do it.
Hope the snow has melted. But, stay in those p.j. anyways, they are just too cute.
You looks wonderful in your cosy chair dear Claudia.
I hear you about the economy – it´s just so bad all over the world. I so hope it will turn for the better soon. Over here the EU is almost falling apart and several countries close to national bankruptcy. It´s devastating.
Wishing you a beautiful day Claudia
xo Tina
Bravo, Claudia! To be honest, I was really happy for you when you decided to advertise, and for the way you did it. Your blog and your writing is so wonderful. Blogging can be hard work and very time consuming … it only makes sense to me that you should be able to pull some income off of it. (Especially with the fact that you post very regularly!)
Also- I love the new, cleaner look of your blog. I absolutely love new header… still so very “Claudia”.
Hugs,
Jill
I like this post, I have been thinking along the same line as you.
Things do change! The economy sucks…I never said never about ads but I am truly thinking of it now.
Thanks for sharing,
Cindy
Great post, Claudia…love the jammies photo…I love to write when I’m all comfortable, too! As far as ads go, why not? And our blogs belong to us, why not use them however we want to?
Love this post! I’ve been toying with the idea too, but don’t want to turn off readers. Your explanation about why you’re putting ads on your blog makes perfect sense, and I don’t blame you one bit. I’ll have to give it a go too! ;-)
Hi Claudia,
I registered at BlogHer a few weeks ago. I see the adds on so many blogs that curiosity got the best of me.
I desperately need to generate income. Thomas has been layed off for almost 2 years. We can totally relate to what you and Don are going through. Thomas will be 65 the end of January. What has happened to our money and retirement plans is a nightmare we are trying to adjust to.
I’m really interested in how to get started as you have. I’m so glad to hear that you’ve made some money already. That’s very encouraging.
I applaud you for seeking out and learning about what BlogHer can do for you. You’ve inspired me to make a move in that direction.
Thanks so much for visiting with me.
Hugs,
Steph ♥
Another great post. I’ve always felt that a perosn’s blog is theirs to do with what they wish, including having ads. Or not. Your wonderful posts keep coming and that’s what brings me back.
I hope your ads through the blogher network continue to grow revenue and readership for MHC. xo -amy