A reputable agency has asked if they can place ads on my site. Here’s how it would work:
- Advertisers offer to place an ad here for X dollars.
- I look at their ad and decide if it’s something I want running on my site.
- If I let the ad run, I get paid.
Now, I don’t personally like ads. Here’s why:
- They don’t work well. Research shows that people ignore them and rarely click them.
- They instantly make a personal site look commercial.
- They’re ugly. They don’t adhere to the design of the site, don’t use the same colors or fonts as the whole of the site.
- They often sell stuff nobody needs to people who already have everything.
Here’s why I like ads:
I’d like to record a new album. I thought I’d receive enough donations from listeners of my “free” music to pay for the production of that album. No such luck. So, maybe ads could pay for it. Sure beats a loan or a record deal right?
So, my question to you, my beloved reader, is this: What do you think about placing ads on shaungroves.com?
I have no idea where they’d go, how many there’d be, or what they’d be for.
I’m not adding ads without your support. After all, there is no site without you.
Thanks.
.
I came here from a link on SimpleMom’s website (checking out Foreplay!) so this is my first time here. I just thought I’d mention that the only thing ads tell me is that your readership has grown to the point that the big boys want to advertise on your blog.
That tells me very quickly that you have lots of readers so what you have to say may be worth checking out.
In my perfect world, they wouldn’t exist but they don’t bug me. I ignore them. (or I think I do – I can’t stop thinking about the new vacuum cleaner I just saw on Tsh’s site….)
i almost typed “free money = good.” and then I looked over and saw your Compassion “ads.” And I can’t help but wonder, would ads for products make the compassion spots look like just another … ad? Would it detract from the message you are sending by majoring on Compassion?
I’m not saying “don’t do it.” Just throwing out food for thought.
exactly. what do you want your focus to be on your blog? will it distract from that?
I tend to agree w/ Ron on this.
from experience.
i did it.
it made me some money.
i hated it.
i felt cheap.
i felt it cheapened my writing.
i felt violated when i went to my own site.
i bought back my ads.
i paid my girl commission anyway.
i lost $200.
but not my soul.
don’t do it.
am i broke? pretty much.
would ads help? absolutely.
is it right for me?
not.a.freaking.chance.
just my two cents.
it has to be right for you.
go with your gut.
I love, love, love you Anne, but I just cannot really see your point here. I mean, you and only you decide what you write about. Right? Obviously, I would never go for ads that determined what I wrote! Blech!
Hmmmm…I just think Shaun should do it!
And I certainly don’t feel like my little blog is cheapened by it’s ads. I feel like if someone loves me enough to read what I write, they probably don’t mind that I’m making a few dollars off it, either:) I’d blog whether there was such a thing as ads or not. I guess I think that’s the real point.
I have ads and my soul is, thankfully, intact. And so is much budget. I just don’t get the conflict over being paid for your work.
As someone who labors over a blog and knows just how much time it takes and how much cost there is, I absolutely support whatever decision you make.
Get paid.
I wouldn’t be bothered by ads.
I read all of my favorite blogs (including yours) through Google Reader, so ads (if they show up) wouldn’t clash with the look of your site.
Love the blog!
Don’t do it. If the only reason you want the money is to record an album, might I suggest you dedicate a day or two of blogging to raising money for the album? I know that I’d donate, and I’m certain others would, as well. (Not to mention, it worked for Don Miller.)
Anyway…if that’s truly the reason you are considering ads, then I’m certain we can find a better way.
Don’t do it!
You already know the reasons not to, cause you listed them up there already.
So if you really think God *wants* you to make another album, then maybe pray for a different way for provision to come for it.
You don’t seem like the “Ad” type of guy to me.
What in the world is that picture of…I can’t take my eyes off of it and can’t figure out what it has to do with your post? Please help before I go crazy or join a gang!
It’s two hands forming the letters “b-l-o-g”. I had to look closer, because (upon first glance, with the red background) I thought it was the gang sign for The Bloods. I knew that couldn’t be right…
Hope that helps!
THANK YOU!
That first hand looks like it’s doing something not nice, which was what I saw even after knowing what it said.
From a mom blogger perspective, lots of us have ads. For some women it is how they help contribute to the family coffers. There’s nothing wrong in that.
However, it often turns the blog into a business.
Also nothing wrong in that.
It wouldn’t bother me at all if you put on ads, but the big question is, how would it make you feel?
If you are just doing it to stay debt free and bless others with your music than I cannot see why you wouldn’t sleep well at night.
I’m not a fan of ads, but I will begin praying that God provides a way for you to record more.
I wouldn’t be bothered by ads on your site. You can control what the ads are, so it won’t be something that you don’t approve of. It’s a way to make money, and if you try it for a while and don’t like it, you can stop.
As for God making a provision, perhaps He is right now and ads are the way.
Let’s all rush over to Shaun’s “Donate” button now in honor of freedom from ads.
Braveheart style.
FREEEEEDOOOMMMMMMMM!
AAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Already did. Couldn’t give much, but gave what was possible.
Same here.
I agree with Ron way up top in the comments.
There are those of us who enjoy and are blessed with your music and thankful that it is free! I would donate if I could.
Agree that the question would be, “How does promoting businesses through ads affect the message you regularly deliver through your blog?”
If “Blue Like Jazz” can raise $200K for movie production without ads, surely Shaun Groves can raise enough for an album production.
Just a thought.
I think the internet has matured to the point where most people don’t see an ad on a website and immediately think “SELLOUT!” I think that at this point, ads are ubiquitous with the internet experience. As long as they are unobtrusive and represent products or services that you and your readers approve of I don’t think they’ll cheapen or demean most users’ shaungroves.com experience.
You work hard and produce a quality product, I think it would be just fine if you got a little money for doing that. If you can get a little money for doing what you’re already doing anyway, isn’t that a good thing? I know I certainly don’t feel guilty when I get a check for playing at a D-Now, youth rally, or a coffee shop.
I’m not personally offended when I see ads on blogs. (Unless they’re offensive ads.:) I think this is a decision between you and God. He knows your heart and your potential weaknesses better than you do, and He knows whether the ads would distract from what this blog is supposed to be all about.
I totally get what you meant when you wrote “After all, there is no site without you,” and I think we can take that further and write, “There is no site without Him.” Your writing impacts and blesses your readers tremendously, but we all know you do it FOR God and BECAUSE OF God. That’s why we love it so much!
Thanks for being a vessel.
I typically don’t have an issue with ads on websites or blogs — I realize they’re a part of the system.
But I do take issue when a site is over run with them or there are pop-up ads and the like.
Personally I have ads on my sites but I’ve killed just about all the Google ads and such. I want to know exactly what’s showing up on my blog. And I’ve told my readers that anytime they click a link or an ad on my site — they can know it’s something I personally vouch for.
I also think affiliate ads work best for me as well. Either Amazon.com affiliate ads or ads for products that other bloggers are selling (like ebooks from Leo Babauta – zenhabits.net, or Joshua Becker becomingminimalist.com; a WordPress theme from John Saddington http://human3rror.com/wordpress-themes/; or Kevin Hendrick’s latest book http://www.kevindhendricks.com/books/open-our-eyes/).
They each bring in a little money and they support the work of great people in my mind.
Perhaps you could also try adding your music to NoiseTrade.
Just some thoughts to chew on.
I think there’s a difference between “selling out” and supporting yourself with blogging. And I have no doubt you’ll be able to find that line.
Another quick thought. It’s possible that the Lord has raised your blog up for “just such a time as this”, when you need the funds for your album. It’as also possible that the Enemy is all like, “Who’s this Shaun Groves dude? What’s going on here? This is NOT GOOD for our cause. We must stop this! But how? How? Aha! Money! Money is always a good option! Let’s tempt him with money! Mwahahahaha….”
God knows the right path.
Not worth it. Ads just clutter the site. I just added my first “ad” to my blog (Compassion) and even that has taken some getting used to. Please no ads.
Katie
Ads are bad. Unless they’re good.
And some advertising is good.
You, for example, are good advertising. You are essentially an organic advertisement for compassion. Your shows, trips, and blog all work to promote an organization and philosophy you believe in. That is not a bad thing.
You said you get to review the ads and decide if they run. If you can limit them to things that don’t conflict with your message, I say it’s worth considering. If all the ads are for more junk people don’t need, don’t do it.
Unless it’s really cool junk. You can let some of those slip by.
Ads don’t bother me because I read through a feed reader (unless I’m commenting), which kinda defeats their purpose, especially if they’re a pay-per-click.
I think that if you had absolute control over their placement and could make a clear demarcation between them and the stuff on your right sidebar, then I don’t think it would take away. Like, you’d put a box around the Ads on the left sidebar that says “Paid Advertisements To Help Me Make A New Record” and another box on the right that says “Things I Actually Care About” or something slightly less potentially bothersome to your advertisers. Use your spiritual gift of sarcasm to make it clear that the ads are for a specific purpose, and it’s not just to line your pockets.
Having said that, I’m always a proponent of (telling someone else that they should be) trusting God to provide for the things He’s leading you to do. If you’re feeling led to record more, then do and trust that God’ll take care of your needs as they arise. Do the George Meuller as much as possible (you can’t do the perfect Meuller because you’ve told people about your desire/need) and pray that God provides.
That’s easy to say, but not so easy to do as the breadwinner. Ads could be God’s way of paying for your record. They might not be. Up to you (and the Holy Spirit), really.
Helpful I am, hrmmm?
Bother….there were Yoda HTML tags around that last line that got eaten by the internets.
I am one of those closet readers of your blog. I read every post. I have commented on my blog about your posts. I have even shared links to your blog posts, but I have never commented on your blog before (But with your CIA-like tracking skills, you probably already know that.).
I just wanted to say that I never knew you took donations through your blog to make your music. I knew you performed for free & knew you didn’t work under a record label, but didn’t know you were actually accepting donations through your blog.
I get all my blogs through google reader, so I never see anything but the text, pictures, and video within the blog, so ads or no ads, it would be the same for me as a reader. But it doesn’t sound like you really want to put ads on your blog. I think that in situations when their is not a distinct right or wrong answer, the best thing a Christian can do is follow his convictions. And if you don’t know what your convictions are telling you, wait until you do. That’s just my two cents.
P.S. – . I am also a Compassion advocate who is in love with my volunteer job with them and I am glad you are sharing Compassion with your readers.
I added an “ad” to this post that RSS readers will see. Let’s see how that works ; )
Thanks, Jennifer.
It just worked on me!
I just went and looked at the place where I could download the free music on your site. Side-by-side sit three buttons:
-free music
-make a donation
-book Shaun
I didn’t realize you were hoping people would donate if they downloaded music (in retrospect, slightly clueless). I thought that was probably a donate button toward Compassion causes.
I love Lindsay’s idea — blog about this. Write a post about recording an album. Tell us how much it costs and how it is done. Where? Tell us why you want to do this, and why now? Tell us the $$ goals, and then (hard part, maybe) — ask. And let us help. We will, I’m sure.
Clueless Question About Music Industry — without a record deal, how do you do something with the album, once you record it? How do you get it into people’s hands and onto the radio, etc? Basically – how do you sell it? maybe put that in the blog post, too…
RE ADS: No biggie either way, IMO. Why worry about what we think? It isn’t a moral issue. What’s your inner man telling you?
I’ve wrestled with this very question myself, and ultimately decided to go with no on paid ads. I do have ads on my blog, but they are for organizations I support and want to share (Compassion, World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, etc) and are obviously ads that I don’t get paid for.
The bottom line is, it is completely up to you because it is your blog. For me, I decided no paid ads because I didn’t want my blog to become a chore or feel like a job. I wanted to keep it more ‘about me’ than money.
If you had ads, it wouldn’t bother me because you have good content– I like what you have to say. I’ve visited other blogs that are loaded with ads and, honestly, I couldn’t tell you the names of those blogs because I’ve never been back. They were obviously all about the ads; that’s not what I’m looking for in a blog. Yours, however, is not about ads, and your readers know that.
I know you’ll do whatever God is leading you to do, and in the meantime I will be praying for you for this decision, and that God will provide a way to finance the production of that album.
Forget the ads, I can’t stop looking at your Eye of Sauron!
“Eye of Sauron”…
It cracks me up. I am cracking. Up.
Thanks for the laugh.
Shaun, I would be absolutely fine with your decision either way; it would not impact my daily reading of your blog. I agree with the comments that most of us are so used to ads that we either pay them no mind or something catches our eye and we’re interested & then check it out. I don’t feel there’s any “sellout” associated with them, if you feel OK with ads. It is a good way to raise money for your music, but as another comment said, perhaps a bolder/clearer message about accepting donations for your free music (more prominently displayed) would help too. It’s not an either or situation, but might be good to consider. Another thought might be to (also) put up a donation “meter” showing how much you need to raise for the next album, & as people contribute they’ll see the progress. That seems to have worked really well for a number of missionary blogs; and with your free music I consider you just as much a missionary as anyone. Just my two cents…
Thanks for asking. I personally have no opinion on ads one way or another. I read a lot of blogs with ads and a lot without.
The only blogs I stay away from are those that have so many ad boxes, I can’t find the content.
Those blogs I read regularly with ads have them well-placed and well identified as ads. I appreciate that.
I’m a regular RSS reader, and a lot of what I apply in my own ministry with music here in Brazil, I learned by reading your blog, Shaun. I know most of the people here encouraged you not to publish ads, and I can relate to them. But knowing first-hand how hard it is to fund a recording (and everything related to it – mixing mastering and pressing, not to mention distribution), I’d say you should try it, and you shoul write about it, if you decide going for it.
Your experiences have had (and still do have) a great impact on my ministry, and helped shape a lot of what I do consider a good idea when it comes to being independent and stuff. Of course I could never trace a parallel between the north american music market and the brazilian market (we’re still light years behind you guys) but a few things have actually worked for me.
Anyway, I do believe that God could use the ad thing.
Thanks for everything, and forgive me for my lousy english.
Eduardo
I’m at an airport in Birmingham, on my way to Nashville, with no time to read through the comments, but wanted to punch in here really quickly to day I’m wrestling through this stuff too.
I finally put up a disclosure policy last week that I like to think complies, but with some sass:
http://www.halfpinthouse.com/disclosure-pr-and-otherwise.html
Still trying to decide how all this should go down, but the bottom line for us is this: We didn’t get paid to send my husband to seminary. Nope. And our kids like to eat. Yep. And he’s a school teacher, oh yeah. I’m trying to figure some things out that don’t require me to check out of my family…
Good luck to you as you figure it out. (Can I say that here? Should have said, “God bless,” right?)
Ads are a good source of revenue. They will pay you well for what you are already doing.
I think you should pick some ads that you like and can feel comfortable advertising and add them. Put them somewhere contained on the blog and let them support the awesome work you’re doing.
If you have questions, you can email me. I’ll be happy to help.
-meg.
ps. Christine Hoover was my college pastor’s wife.
Well, I can’t say I hate advertising since I’ve been in the business for 20 years… LOL!
I was just looking at analysis we had done of our web banner ads this week and you’re right about there being a relatively low number of click thrus. People get used to the common placement of them on a site–like vertical banners that are on the right– and they tend to ignore those spaces. Flash ads can be annoying. Static ads–particularly those that use generic clipart–get ignored unless they’re personalized or are about something you’re currently interested in buying.
I don’t have anything against your using ads here if you can control and monitor what ads are going up and if they don’t smack me in the face when I come onto the site.
If I see an ad on your site for something though, I’m going to assume that it’s something that you have researched and believe in, because I know how deliberate you are normally in the rest of your messaging.
Ads don’t seem like they’ll fit into your current design scheme though, so you’d probably need to do a redesign.
There are a lot of blogs that have terrific content but that I have stopped following because the ads are too plentiful or not thoughtfully placed; there’s too much self promotion for the blogger’s books/apparel/speaking engagements etc. or they hold too many comment-to-win contests.
I think people absolutely should be able to make money from their blogs and the opportunities that come as a result of a blog’s success. I just get turned off when I go to a blog and it feels like it’s largely about merchandising the blogger. I stop being able to relate as easily to the blogger as a person and they feel more like a moneymaking brand to me.
I say there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s not a black and white moral issue. I am not bothered by adds, and would definitely keep reading no matter what choice you make.
I think it’s legit for people to get paid for what they do. Especially if it’s something worthwhile. And clearly, I think you’re doing that.
thanks for being awesome.
I can take or leave the ads, but you know what I really like? Music that comes on automatically when opening a site. You could try that–it’d be awesome!
It works!
rather than ads, have you thought about http://www.kickstarter.com
?
way better alternative IMO.
Ads wouldn’t offend me or keep me from reading your blog, but some of the blogs I read regularly have that annoying purple one that floats down to the bottom. No one wants to be annoyed, right?
And while I don’t see anything wrong with taking on ads to pay the bills (after all, this blog is part of your work and not just a hobby), I agree that they may crowd out the Compassion links.
I don’t love ads, I find them annoying, and I agree with Ron – they might detract from your Compassion ads. I know that I develop tunnel vision on blogs with ads – I don’t see anything but the post itself once I see ads, even if they may have something worthwhile. If your heart is right about making a new CD and it’s the direction God is taking you, then Jesus probably has something to say about the financial source (nto to imply that means no ads, it may very well mean that). Just my $.02. You know that ultimately we’ll read your blog either way.
You are SUCH a giver, Shaun…. whatever YOU need to do to make your music and -ultimately- further your mission, I say DO it! Who knows… if you make enough, some could start spilling over into Compassion! If not, at least it will help you get more of your music out there and increase the chances of more people hearing and believing……… WHATEVER you need to do to keep making a difference, we’re behind you!!
PS: As long as the ads are G/PG, of course…
I do not mind the ads at all. I put them on my own blog about a year ago, and mine is MUCH smaller than yours.
But, I look at my blog as a ministry, I spend a decent amount of time on it, and if someone wants to click from my blog to my amazon page and purchase a book, that it totally their choice and I end up getting a “free” book every other month or so…we are a 1 income family and I look at it as a SMALL contribution (I also have BlogHer ads on my sidebar.) I am of the opinion that every little bit helps, especially this day and age…and God has blessed your blog to this point, you won’t be changing your content or anything. Just my .02 worth, maybe even a penny or less. 
I don’t love ads on blogs…..but, I would love for you to have a new CD also.
So, I support whatever you feel is right for you!
I am going to read your blog – ads or no ads.
Wow! I’m flattered you’d ask your readers, but I wonder… Shouldn’t you just pray about it? I mean if it’s God’s provision then there you go, but if He wants to provide another way….
And personally I hate ads on a blog for the same reasons you do, but I can’t blame people for needing/wanting a few extra $$$.
I like the clean lines of your blog and the fact that I don’t get hit with a ton of ads when I click over; sometimes I just get so sick of all of the commercialism, but – if you added them? I wouldn’t really care. Being able to choose what pops up is a major bonus.
I would prefer no ads. :0)
…but then, I am not the one trying to raise money for an album either.
I agree with you on most of your negative comments about ads…but, I read many blogs everyday and the ads in no way deter their message.
And I do sometimes read and even order from them.
I think that it’s a great way to fund your CD and any other Christian activity that you are called to do. You are an inspiration and blessing to me everyday!
What is the ballpark “figure” that it costs to make an album?
It varies widely. I think, with lots of favors called in and recording at the slow time of year, I could do it for way less than the industry average. I don’t have a budget worked out but I think 18K would do it. More would be helpful in “marketing” it.
Again, don’t hold me to that number. I haven’t made any calls. I’m basing that figure on educated guesses.
Eighteen thousand DOLLARS?
Jeez-o-pete that’s a lot of cheddar. Not saying it’s not worth it, but I had no idea.
Wow.
Ads…meh. It’s your blog dude. Sorry for not being of more help on that.
Shaun,
I cannot answer that question for you. I can only share the thought that helped me make my choice.
If I were to write an autobiography and a publisher picked it up. I would get paid an advance and X amount of every book sale after the advance.
I share from my life on my blog. Essentially it is an autobiography in digital format. So what is the difference between ads and a publisher?
I am not sure what research you looked at, but I read several probloggers who make a nice living. Not everyone succeeds at it, but it is possible.
Dear Shaun,
Wanted you and Ann to know that my family sponsored another child through Compassion because of the great information you both posted from your Guatemala trip. I found your blog during your Africa trip and have subscribed since then. When our oldest Compassion child graduated (just last week!) we added a 3 year old girl from the same country. We added a little guy from El Salvador due to the Guatemala trip and are sponsoring an adoptive family in Ukraine through Master Provisions. We have also adopted 4 of our foster children in addition to the birth 4 given to us. Thank you for the great information about the Compassion centers! I will also be praying for those workers as I pray for our children!
ellen
I’m writing this without reading any other comments so forgive me if I’m redundant. Personally, I have no problems with ads on a site. I run them on my site because I figure I’m spending time writing ont hat site…why shouldn’t I get paid for it? I don’t get paid a lot, but I make enough to buy two Venti Starbucks a month…GUILT. FREE. I mean, what’s so wrong about that, right?
I guess I just don’t see the problem with ads. You’re right – they don’t make a lot of money…but they make a little bit of money and that money can be used for a worthy cause like helping support children in need, recording another album that uses your gifts to the glory of God…or Starbucks.
All that rambling to say this – I’m in support of you running ads on your blog. Or not running ads on your blog. I’ll read it either way.
I would do it if you can control which ads are placed on your blog.
Hmmm, I tried this earlier but I guess it didn’t take. One more try. Just wanted to say that because of your Compassion trip blogs we added another Compassion child to our ‘family’. A little boy from El Salvador. The information provided by the Guatemala trip on the Compassion centers will help me to pray for the children that we sponsor. We are currently graduating a girl from Rwanda that we have sponsored for 15 years. Now that she is no longer part of the program we are adding another little girl from Rwanda. We also sponsor an adoptive family in Ukraine through a ministry called Master Provisioins. We’ve got 4 biological children and 4 children that came to us through adoption. We are very blessed. Thanks for all the information about the centers. We’ll be praying for those workers as well as our children.
Thanks!
ellen
I was just paid A LOT of money to write about toilet paper on my blog. Does that make me a sell-out? In some people’s mind: yes. But my readers know that my ad money, sponsored posts, etc [the proceeds from my blog] benefit people in a third world country.
Plus, I had fun writing it.
Follow your heart, Shaun and you can’t go wrong.
You control what’s allowed to go up? Then take advantage of your blog’s popularity to fund other things you’re interested in doing. That’s a done deal in my view.
Whatever works best for you and why not try it and if you hate it then stop? I know blogs that do it well and I know some that do not. As long as content can be read without having to minimize ads then I keep reading. What makes me crazy is “writers” who put up babble or crummy content because they have to do a certain number of posts to keep their ad money. Keep the content rich and interesting and I will keep reading. One other petty inquiry, is it the ads that make some blogs load soooo slow? I’ve noticed that some blogs take sweet forever to load and I’ve started to blame it on ads. Just curious
I think my first comment must have been blocked as possible spam (must have included too many hyperlinks).
For me, ads are just part of the game. I have ads on each of my sites/blogs but try to keep them to a minimum. I’ve also decided not to use context related ads like Google on most of my sites simply because I don’t know what’s going to pop up.
For me, affiliate advertising (amazon associates, e-junkie products, John Saddington’s WordPress theme, etc) seems to work best for me because it’s based on products I already use and can vouch for. I do my best to be sure I can/will stand behind anything I recommend.
Either way, I have no problem with advertising — especially if the blogger stands behind the product/services.
Ads on other people’s websites are a non-issue with me. I couldn’t even tell you which blogs have them and which don’t.
The Blogher ads I have on my own blog? They pay for about 1/4 of my family’s groceries each month. That is a blessing to our family, and helps compensate for the time I put into my blog.
Do what seems right to you.
I’ll read ya either way.
Mary, mom to many
I guess this preference really just does depend on the personality of who you ask.
I am an extremely A.D.D. kind of a person. So I find that I need my surroundings to be pretty simple or I can’t concentrate on anything. Same with websites. Which is why I strive to make mine as simple and clean as possible. And I think it’s one of the reasons I like yours so much right now.
Honestly, I don’t follow a single blog with advertisements. And that’s just because I can’t appreciate the content because the ads are a distraction for me. Again, my brain seeks out simple spaces, because those are the only kind I can focus on.
But that really is just me.
Please don’t! Please keep your site pure.
I would not think your blog any less awesome if it had ads, assuming they are “your” ads and are aesthetically incorporated. I’d probably even check them out just because they are on your site. To me, a blog is 99% content, and yours is always top-notch.
And I’ll be donating to your album as much and in as many ways as possible, wishing I could do more. You should consider selling patronage levels, like the Rabbit Room did for the Slugs and Bugs Christmas album. I’d love to have my name in your album liner notes!!!
WAHOO for the new ad at the bottom of your posts!
Have you thought about using http://kickstarter.com?
It will certainly change the look of your site and make it more cluttered. However, I’d much rather look at an ad than bust out the checkbook.
I am totally ok with it. Start with some small ones. Not too many people notice them. And they don’t bother me one bit unless they are offensive, and since you get to chose which ones are on your site, that won’t be a problem!!!
Wow, so many opinions!
Here’s mine, not having read all of the other’s.
Debt is evil, wanting to avoid debt is well intentioned.
Would agreeing to have ads put you in debt in another way?
I don’t have an answer, just food for thought.
I don’t mind ads when I visit other blogs, frankly I have thought of your Compassion banners as ads, so for me you already have ads. I do not, however, like the moving ads, ones where it is visually distracting because of the motion. They are a nauseating distraction, but I am guessing pay the most.
Nice to know that folks, famous like you, struggle over things. It helps that you share, thanks.
I am always so grated that people act like blog ads = going over to the dark side. Is my doctor a “sell-out” for charging a fee for appointments? Is my husband somehow lacking in integrity when he makes money for what he does? Why is writing any different?
You are a great writer, and a prolific one. Get paid for it! You already have a killer blog design that draws the eye to the content. I really doubt it will be distracting, and if people get all self-righteous about it you can suggest that they are free to work without a paycheck if they want.