molly.com
Sunday 30 January 2005
Marqui and advertising: decision made
GOING BACK AND forth about paid-to-blog, advertisements and how to get some revenue from my site has surprisingly paid off into a quick decision.
That decision? I’m not going to accept ads at this time, and while I will honor the remainder of my contract with the good folks at Marqui for the rest of its term (one month remaining) and do it well, I’m not going to continue to accept any paid-to blog opportunities after that time either.
The reason? I’ve found myself spending too much time thinking about marketing now than ever before, and I don’t like the way it feels or influences the topics I write about on my blog. Especially when I’m traveling, I have precious little time to write, and I don’t want to force a post rather than feel a post.
It’s that simple.
If I were a marketing person, perhaps it would be more appropriate to continue with this discussion. It’s been a good experience asking myself and you, dear readers, some tough questions about ethics and appropriate revenue generation, and your feedback has been invaluable.
It’s also been a fascinating journey watching Marqui in particular break through a lot of boundaries and shake up conventions (I’m all over shaking up conventions!). I think their model can work over time and remain ethical. I’ll have more thoughts on that in the coming month.
I will continue to review other revenue options (sponsorships, membership, direct book and tutorial sales via the site, t-shirts and other fun stuff, and maybe even a donation option) but for the time being, no ads. And after next month, as much as I’ve enjoyed working with the Marqui folks, whom I respect a great deal, I think the fact that this site remains only semi-professional is because it is ultimately and truly a personality site and therefore must be comfortable for me as much as anyone. Otherwise, why do it?
If people enjoy my blog, that is great reward in and of itself. If readers go on to be supportive by buying my books and coming to conferences where I speak, that’s even more helpful. But I don’t want to become something I’m not. Ever seen me in a T-shirt that advertises some brand? Unlikely. You won’t even see me carrying name-brand handbags or wearing designer this or that. I suppose maybe I just prefer to be a maverick. Of course, this doesn’t mean I won’t at some point change my mind, but if that happens, you’ll hear about it from me first.
So thank you all for the insightful discussions on this issue, and especially to Marqui for the ongoing opportunity to explore the possibilities. Next month I intend to write more about the product itself rather than the product about the product. But after that, and for the forseeable future, Molly.Com will remain advertisement and advertorial-free.
Filed under: blog slut, blogging
Posted by: Molly | 07:44 | Comments (12)
Good Decision Molly
She will accept ads that generate revenue. That’s her choice. I blog for the fun of writing, sharing, and making connections. That’s my choice.
Go with your feelings Molly. You write well. Keep up the good work!
Hooray! Great decision Molly!
Will you keep the blog slut category though? Please do.
I respect Molly’s decision, but it is a problem I wouldn’t mind having.
Well, I have to say that I’ve never liked the concept.. fearing what could happen when the blog becomes a mall. Now I feal affirmed in my conscience, and will stand with conviction as well. Thanks Molly.
Advertising in Blogs
Disclaimer: Marqui pays me to talk about the company however I want. I admire Molly’s decision not to accept ads or paid-to-blog opportunities after she finishes the Marqui program. I…
Disclaimer: I work for Marqui. I will miss your posts. I will always appreciate your honesty and the integrity with which you’ve entered into this grand experiment, and helped launch a great debate. Thank you for everything. Cheers to you, Blog Slut Molly!