Why I’m Opening Up Ad Space

Unapologetically, I decided I’m going to put some time & energy into selling ad space.  If I seem a bit defensive about it, I am.  For some reason, I assumed that one little declaration will make you assume the absolute worst of my bloggy aspirations.

Here’s why I want to invite sponsorship:

~ I want to give a little oompf to other voices.  If you click through to a blog or Etsy shop that you wind up loving I’ve played a helpful role in that love connection.

~ I want to give a little oompf to my voice.  I can’t buy ad space on other sites until I sell some here.

~ I need a little incentive to blog consistently.  Key words: “little incentive”  The truth is, the discipline of blogging is good for me.  The communities I get to be a part of are helpful.  The consistency of growing my writing voice is key for my long-term writerly goals.

~ I’d like to see this blog support itself by covering the costs of domain renewals, maintenance, picMonkey subscription & eventually a few blogging conferences.

What I’m not trying to do by inviting sponsorship:

~ I’m not trying to “make it rich.”

~ I’m not trying to pull one over on unsuspecting readers.

~ I’m not trying to use my blog as a link farm nor will I do posts for weird things like insurance companies or gourmet dog food.

~ I won’t allow anyone to buy my opinion and will only do business with companies, blogs or shops that I agree with and fall in line with my mission for this blog.

You may be wondering…

Q.  Grace, are you trying to be some big, famous blogger in the manner of Dooce?    

A.  No, but I am writing a book I hope to publish.  Building a blogging platform is a fantastic way to get agents & publishing houses to take note.  i.e.  “My!  That girl Grace has worked hard to build a platform let’s give her a book contract!  Yesterday!” 

Q.  Grace, what are you going to do with all that money you make selling ads?  

A.  Well, if I’m lucky I can bring in $50 a month of which I’ll give 10% to World Vision and use the rest to buy an ad or two.  Or coffee.  Or dounuts.  Or Swiss Cake Rolls.  If my bloggy income ever goes upward of my day-to-day salary, I’ll let ya know, Playa!

Q.  Grace, do you want to roll around in money?  

A.  No.  But it would be fun to try once.

~

So, you see?  You  & I need not worry our pretty little heads over my foray into the business end of blogging.  Rest assured,  I’m not a fame-whore, a money-hungry diva nor a Meeeeeeeeeeeeelionaire in the making.

Just a blogger wanting to be a blogger & a published author.

If you’re interested head on over  & give it a go!

Also, if you are interested in swapping buttons with me, please email me GraceSandraWrites at gmail dot com because really, who doesn’t like FREE advertising?

Finally, you want these two little munchkins to get to college don’t you?

Totally kidding! (Actually they are going for free)!

What has your experience been with blogs with ads?  Have you thought it was a distraction?  An annoyance?  Neutral?  Does your blog run ads?  Any tips?  =)

Later gators,