I’ve been umming and ahhing about whether or not to write this or not, because I don’t in any way want it to come across as negative. However we all need a little bit of reality from time to time, so I’m going to try and share in the most positive way possible.
I’m talking about money.
Everywhere I turn at the moment, I’m hearing a lot of talk about sponsored post rates, side bar advertising, giveaway value and since the release of DPCON tickets, sponsorship.
The blogging world is exploding in Australia. I for one am getting PR pitches in my inbox every day, varying from blanket emails that are obviously sent out en masse, to those who know my name, and, believe it or not, have read my blog!
This opens up so many doors and opportunities. In the last month I have, for the first time, been paid to blog, and I love it. The income from those posts paid for my early bird ticket to next years Digital Parents Conference.
But here’s the thing; I’m not really making money from blogging. A little bit of pocket money yeah, but not enough to say it pays well. It’s just a perk.
It’s easy to assume that blogging is a ‘get rich quick’ scheme, particularly when looking at the blogosphere in the States. Over there those chicks are getting paid to write, and paid well. Whilst things are definitely on the improve down under, we are in now way in the same position.
Put it this way:
If you go into blogging just to make money, I hate to say it, but it’s probably not going to happen.
To even begin to be successful at this gig, it needs to be done with passion and a determination to enjoy it, no matter if you get sent a pack of pasta, a trip to New York, or nothing at all.
There are, of course, ways you can earn a little bit of cash, but they are worth thinking about carefully.
Doing sponsored posts for the sake of money is an easy and enchanting trap to fall into; the idea that you can spend half an hour typing away and get paid for it is hard to resist.
But it doesn’t mean you should do it.
Some important questions to ask are these:
- Do you like the product?
- Is it something you would write about?
- Can the post be centred around something that would already hit your home page?
- Is it in support of a friend or a small business that you believe in?
If you can’t answer yes honestly, then don’t do it!
With so many exciting blogging events to attend, the list of expenses associated with our little hobby, can easily blow out. The obvious solution is sponsorship.
Or is it?
Honestly, I love the idea of sponsorship. I will be seeking it to visit Sydney next year, but practically, and I’m sorry to disappoint, but not many people get it.
And even less get full sponsorship.
In fact, if you’re not a relatively well known blogger with high traffic, then your chances are slim.
I hate to say it, and it certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, but it’s true.
There is always the chance that you will get several partial sponsors, but this may leave you facing 6-12 months of constantly supporting one particular brand, which potentially could cut down all your other pr opportunities, and also leave you potentially scaring off readers by lots of ‘review of my sponsor’ type posts.
You have to decide for you, if it’s worth it.
If the answer is YES, then go for your life! 
Here’s my suggestion when it comes to events: Decide whether or not you are going without sponsorship.
Just make a decision.
If you do get a little bit of cash, (or a lot), that’s great.
If not, you’ll just have to save.
Yes, DPCON next year is a little more exxy, (as it is over two days, includes the gala event of the year, and breakfast!), but if you start saving $12 a week now (which is like 3 coffees) you have your ticket paid for.
And if you can’t afford it, there will be other events. Unfortunately, we can’t do everything.
Before you become despondent, and think “I’m a tiny little blogger, and I’ll never get anywhere,’ just remember everyone has to start somewhere, including the blogging world. With the changes that have been occurring over the past two years, it’s highly possible that soon we will all be getting paid in diamonds and shoes to do what we love. My goal in writing this is not to discourage you; it’s to remind you that blogging is something you started because you enjoyed it. Getting distracted by the politics is the worst thing you can do.
A final thought;
Don’t forget, for the majority of us, blogging is a hobby. Most hobbies cost money.
Scrap booking is not cheap. Crochet, Quilting and any form of sewing can set you back quite a bit, and don’t get me started on fishing!
What I’m saying is this; you don’t expect to make money from knitting a beanie cause you enjoy it; it’s an expense. If you really want to go to a conference, get a professional makeover, move to self hosted WordPress, whatever, it will cost you just like any other hobby would.
There is so much joy in blogging. Most of us do it because we just love writing, or we need to be heard. We form friendships and communities and learn from each other. We get to laugh about poo, or cry about Grey’s Anatomy or maybe vlog some crazy song. Let’s keep it about all those fun things, and stop stressing about the money.
Life’s too short.
<;center>; What are your thoughts on the Blogging for Profit idea?<;/center>;
I think the bottom line for me is ‘I’m in in for the love, not the money’… but if an opportunity comes up that suits my blog – of course I’ll go for it. I’ll be at DPCON13 regardless of sponsorship… Looking forward to meeting you in the flesh!!
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..Pizza
And I think that is an awesome attitude to have!
Can’t wait to meet you!
My link doesn’t seem to be working. Will come back later to comment on your post Jess as I have only read it with one eye open
Not sure if my link worked either!
Sage advice…I have to say I never even thought about making money from my blog, or writing in any capacity, but I am fortunate to earn a very good income from writing at the moment – one of those things I just rolled into.
Blogging itself I just to because I love it.
Zanni, Heart Mama recently posted..How to grow a child
Getting paid in shoes and diamonds? I’ll settle for free coffee (I’m cheap and easy like that!)
. Great post, Jess. It’s something that I’ve had to think about more as my inbox begins to fill with (mostly random) offers. Money and incentives would be great (REALLY great!) but I haven’t found a way that I’m happy with (yet) to fit it into my little bitty blog. I blog because ultimately, I’ve found that I have stories that just NEED to come out of me. Though DPCON in Sydney is really tempting (especially if YOU’RE going to be there!) 
xxxx
Jess WhoaMamma recently posted..In the Haus of Madam V
I would blog happily for iced coffee.
But drinking iced coffee in diamond shoes would be even better!
What a great post Jess! I have to totally agree with you. I’m not looking for a get rich quick thing, I’m in it to share our story.
Prue@Modern Nomads With Kids recently posted..Holidays
And that is awesome!
Great post and I completely agree. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..8 Necessary blogging tools
Shoes & Diamonds? Yes please!! So hard not to get caught up in all the hype and politics. Very easy to lose sight of why you’re here in the first place. I’d love to go to DPCON but the timing is a bit of a bummer. Obviously, if I go, it will be on my own steam!! Great post hun x
Nee Say recently posted..Hello Sailor!
my MIL kept saying i should blog for money. she is inspired by retro mummy. i can’t do it. i barely get enough readers anyway. i don’t know if i’d be able to even write about products that do’nt interest me.
steff recently posted..when your husband feels like your enemy
Great post Jess, especially for those of us newbies wondering what all of this sponsorship and advertising is about. You make some great points, but one thing that seems apparent is that it’s gotta come from the heart. Thank you
Kelly @ HT and T recently posted..Money can’t buy love
Glad it was helpful
Hi Jess well I’m a tiny little blogger who is realizing it does cost moula if you want to take it anywhere. I’m really excited about it. I’ve booked my early bird dig parents conference (first one), and have commissioned a designer to give my pasty looking blog pages a makeover, and yes WordPress is next. ,ostly, the reason I am doing this is because like u I am a communicator, a writer and I love connecting with people. Since I’ve been doing this properly (I started 2006 but left it) I’ve found solace in the people I’ve been meeting …laughed, cried and learnt a few things), oh and felt listened to, which is really nice. What I really hope to get out of my investment beyond reflecting who I am in the world is encouraging and giving hope and wisdom to mums so ultimately they raise resilient kids, it’s my big thing. Resilient kids mean strong empathetic adults, it’s my giving back so to speak x
Bachelormum recently posted..Our children’s sense of belonging
That is such a great blogging goal to have, and it’s something worthwhile. Having a pretty blog is definitely something to invest in I think; it needs to reflect you, and be something you need it to be.
Blogging is a world I am fairly new to and have only been in it for one month, I was amazed at the talk of sponsorship and paid advertising thrown around. Yes, it would be nice, but for me I do it because I am loving it, especially being a SAHM, it is a great outlet for me and there are so many like minded people out there that I get to meet and who appreciate what I write. Thanks for sharing your experience, it’s good for us newbies!
Oh boy – you have got me right where I am at!
I am in throws of deciding how much to monetize my blog. My dream is to be able to switch from my current career of teacher to blogger over the next two years. I am patient and have a great part time job in the mean time {and Mr Cool has a well paying job so really, I can just puddle about}. But, when I think about what I want to do with the rest of my life, it is not teaching, it is writing. So… I guess I will muddle my way through and see where I land.
Great post. Good food for thought.
B recently posted..Fashion: Inspired by the Peacock: Green & Blue
I’m in the same boat. I’d like to be making money from it by the time the kids are in school, but it’s hard to find the balance.
But yes, writing is what I want to do too.
If it’s hard to make money from blogging in Aust, it’s wayyyyyy harder over here in Singapore :p I think if you set out wanting to make money from blogging from the fist step, you’ve gone into the wrong industry. Logging shld really come from a passion to write, form community and a desire to learn from one another like you said. Even if you do intend to eventually make money from it, be realistic that it will take time. And it might take a long time. The only thing going to last you through that time until you can make money from blogging is the reason you shld have started a blog with in the first place – a passion to write or form community or maybe both.
Ai Sakura recently posted..Zespri Kiwi Fruits Dinner | Start of a 14 Days Challenge! #14DaysofZespri
Funny you say that, you seem to have plenty of pr opportunities.
Where I am in Australia, I miss out on a lot!
Love it Jess! You took the words right out of my mouth!
Jos @sew, cook, laugh & live recently posted..You are enough. {printable}
Ive had emails about doing sponsored posts a few times but I’ve never accepted as I’m just not sure if I want to go down that road. As you say, blogging is a hobby and hobbies cost money and that is the way I look at it. Sure it costs me $11 a year to have my own domain name but that is a small cost compared to what I’ve spent on other hobbies. I am considering doing one or two but only if it is something that I absolutely love or have an interest in. I work for a small business and do giveaways on my blog from time to time when we have extra samples of new books but that is about it.
Kylez…aka…Mrs.P recently posted..Confessions of a New Mum – Part Two
Great post, so refreshing to see the truth out there and written in such a positive way too.
Jules recently posted..Little Boy Big
Great post Jess! I see blogging as a hobby, that is why I am not stressed if I only put up one post a week. If I was doing it for money, it wouldn’t be fun anymore. I figure if I get to meet new people along the way, then I am winning
So glad I set my alarm for 430 this am – I have just got up at 730 and there are 46 posts!!!!!!
BossyMummy recently posted..30 Months
Very insightful, honest & informative Jess. I blog for love … but I also love my readers so am delighted when something arrives in the post that I can give away to one of them. You’re right though … if you follow your passion then that’s the most important thing. The blogging landscape in Australia is changing so quickly & I think it’s really exciting. This kind of change is bound to cause conflict but I’m certainly happy to be going along for the ride because it’s all progress.
Misha recently posted..Matador
I’m still trying to figure out where I fit into the blogging world. I’m in no way a writer but I’m having fun. And I love the contact with other Mums (and fellow bloggers). I think that’s the thing I’m enjoying most about it, being able to talk, discuss, whinge etc etc with other people in the same place that I’m in at the moment. It can be very lonely this Mummy thing and it’s just so amazing being able to share it with others willing to listen, money or no money, I’m having fun
It’s definitely not a get rich scheme, especially if you’re also looking after children and a household.
I love doing sponsored posts, but I only do the ones that I can relate to and can write in total context of my life and blog.
Sponsorship has been elusive so far, but I’m pursuing other business opportunities, which hopefully will lead to a full time income. I would never had had the courage to do that, if I hand’t taken the blogging journey over the last 3 years.
Dorothy @ Singular Insanity recently posted..Win an Ecostore hamper worth over $100!
So glad it’s been so positive for you.
It has definitely given me a lot more confidence.
Sponsorship is highly elusive. Maybe one day?
Great post and oh so true. I only blog for the joy of blogging. Id love to go to a conference but just cant afford it. I pay for self hosted and i do a few reviews where i get the product to trial. I cant imagine it ever not costing me money but it would be nice
If nothing else i think looking back in a few years times at memories will be a wonderful thing 
Lifeasmummymax recently posted..The goodbye
Wise words, Miss Jess! “Blogging is a hobby. Hobbies cost money” – brilliant!
Alyce {Blossom Heart} recently posted..Where The Kids Are At
Ooh, I don’t like getting in the middle of the paid/unpaid sponsored/non-sponsored blog debate so I’ll just say everyone should do whatever works for them, whatever they’re comfortable with, and just have fun on the way.
And I heart blogging too.
Thanks again for hosting IBOT. I’m on a tight schedule today but will be back tomorrow to visit the other links! x
Emily recently posted..Some people have a theme song
this certainly seems to be the issue of the moment. i am all for everyone doing whatever works for them and think people should make money if they can and want (nothing wrong with money!!). i just wish everyone would have disclosure statements even though they are not the law here yet – as a reader i want to know if it was paid for, free product etc.
Deb @ Home life simplified recently posted..Asking for help
I think that’s important to disclose. Most people do it, but there are those who don’t.
But I’m with you; do what works for you.
What a great post and so timely for me… I started blogging around three months ago now and I love it. I started only to practice my writing and because I needed to connect with some people considering I’m so far away from my home country. Now, I’ve been thinking a lot about blogging for money but there are so many issues involved. Phoebe (Lady Melbourne) said in one of my class that it took her over five years to be able to make a living out of her blog.
Rita recently posted..#Floweraday
Most of the really big Aussie bloggers have been doing it for a while. Making money is not an easy thing.
I love the blogging is hobby and hobbies cost money concept. That is so spot on. Thank you for giving me the excuse I needed to spend some money on my blog
Rhianna recently posted..I am not here
Oh good!
Yay for you!
Completely agree Jess. You have to do what works for you, but like anything it is only the rare few among the blogging community who make money from their blogs. I went down that path a year or so ago (not so much trying to make money, but trying to get stats up). I did increase my traffic a lot, but it was taking me way more time than I was prepared to devote to blogging in the long-term, and I felt my family were taking a backseat to my blog (which really defeats the purpose for me). Now that I am back at work part-time, the reality has sunk in that I make more money in a couple of hours doing my “real-life job” (and it is an average-paying job, nothing spectacular), than I would make spending days in the blog world. Trying to monetise my blog and the stress and pressure that comes with that is just not worth it for me.
Julie recently posted..When I try to be a fun mum
I made a decision from the start with blogging that I wasn’t going to monetize it. And for almost a year, I held back. I am very picky who I work and deal with and I make sure I’m compensated if the brand/PR company aren’t offering anything in regards to products.
Similar to what you said, I think first, a blogger needs to be specific about their own identity before running around asking for sponsorship. Then when/if you’re approached, you have valid reasons and value offerings for your sponsor as to why they should spend money on you. It’s about offering your value proposition.
And yes, you’re better off thinking from the start that you’ll be doing to DPCON (or any other event) with the idea that you won’t get sponsorship. But think positively that the possibility is absolutely there.
P.S While DPCON tix are more exxy next year, remember you’re also getting an extra day.
Grace recently posted..The third attempt
I never expect to make any money from blogging. I thougt how ever I would get products to trial with no payment just a product. But thats all changed now with what I have been reading since reading up more and more about blogging. It’s a learning thing.
I have asked one company if they can sponsor me and they said they will come back to me this week. If they don’t come through then I’ll be paying for it my self. So I WILL be going.
Salz recently posted..Fatteh:- Chick peas and yoghurt.
That’s great Salz xx
great post. I’ve been lucky to make some great money from sponsored posts and this year will achieve a big $$$ amount that I’ve made. But what I love most about blogging is that if all my money and sponsorship dried up tomorrow I”d still blog everyday. I just love it. But for me sponsored posts are a great thing, I have said no to several campaigns that don’t fit with me or my blog and I love doing what I do. I also love that I can bring in some extra money into our household now that we are a family of 7.
I definitely agree that you have to be blogging for the love of it. That’s why I started my blog 6 years ago and the sponsorship and lovely products I’ve been given are the sweetener and happened after 4 years of blogging. A nice benefit that happened quite unexpectedly. I take a lot of pride in the fact that I started with no intention to make money, have lots of readers or any of that jazz.
I’ve never sought sponsorship to a conference. I go to conferences because I learn from them and don’t like having an expectation that someone will sponsor me. I often see the posts/tweets when people are disappointed they haven’t been sponsored but I think if you make a commitment to go to it no matter what then you won’t be disappointed if the sponsorship doesn’t come. That’s my attitude anyway
Corrie:)
It’s awesome to hear your opinion on this, and that at the end of the day, it’s still the love that inspires you.
Thanks so much for reading
Great post, Jess. I’m often getting emails from newbie bloggers asking how to make money from blogging. Most have no idea that many of us have been doing this for years before we even made enough for a cup of coffee.
I’m with Corrie – while the sponsored posts are good, I’d still blog if the money dried up. I started because I like writing. I didn’t start with the intention to make money from my hobby.
But as for sponsorship, if a company (one that suits my blog and readers) wants to pay me to attend a conference, I’m all for it. I’d rather spend their money than take it out of my household budget.
Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me recently posted..22 in 22 – week 2
Oh I’m with you; not opposed to sponsorship at all!
Having said that, I’m going regardless. If just to have a getaway.
I have to admit, I get a little stunned by all of the ‘numbers’ stuff and the PR, the sponsorship, the reviews…… I began my blog 3 years ago to heal from the death of my mum and now I use it to try and encourage others to live their lives well. It would be great to earn from it but I just love to write, its my therapy! Thanks for writing this post, it helps to clarify what is a rather confusing world for me xx
Great post, Jess. Your honesty is so refreshing.
I don’t really have anything to add, except that I happily read all blogs, whether they’re monetised or not.
Ronnie xo
Pink Ronnie recently posted..The golden hour, chapter 2
I couldn’t agree more.
Starting a blog just to earn money is very niave. You start a blog because you like to share stories. If you share well it will show in your following and then in your buisness relationships that could be formed.
Even if you’re an unreal writer all of this still takes time. Lots of time. It’s a slow going thing to build your name and reputation.
Miss Pink recently posted..Hair and Care
It’s really slow! And frustrating!
But we write to share and that needs to be the motivation. Xx
Hey Jess, you make some great points. Especially how hobbies cost money – I hadn’t thought of it that way and it completely takes the guilt out of it!
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..The best thing I read this week about parenting
Oh good!
Yes there is a mentality that blogging should make money, not cost it, but that’s not really true!
I’d love to make ANY money from my blogs… I’ve now been blogging for 3-4 years and still don’t get approaches from PR companies etc. I know Debbish is a bit small, but I get a few regular readers in Diet Schmiet, but little interest from sponsors, advertisers etc.
I remind myself I do it for the love of blogging (writing, in my case) more than anything else… guess I must after all of this time!
Deb
Deborah recently posted..I might as well face it, I’m addicted
I think you nailed it with “for the majority of us, blogging is a hobby. Most hobbies cost money”. And I think those who seemingly make money from their blog, are often simply using their blog as a vehicle for the promotion of other services/skills or to harness other opportunities.
Mum of Adult Kids recently posted..You don’t have to have a medal to be a hero
Blogging is a hobby for me. I really enjoy it. When I came into blogging I didn’t realise there was so many perks. There’s not much money (not that I was out to get money) but there are perks galore. Perks in the form of freindships, community, self worth and yes, even giveaway wins and sponsored posts. Blogging is the best. I can’t ever imagine myself not being a blogger now.
Penny recently posted..It’s Free, It’s Fun and It’s Environmentally Friendly!
I have to agree. Although it does depend on whether or not you have a niche as to how quickly you will make money. There are so many amazing mum bloggers that it is easy to get lost in the crowd. However if you have a sepecific niche it’s often easier and faster to monetise your blog. I have two blogs and one is only brand new but has made much more than the ‘older’ one as it has a specific target market and businesses are willing to pay to reach them.
I love the way you describe the fact that hobbies cost money – blogging is much cheaper thaan scrapbooking!
workingwomenaus recently posted..The world WILL keep on spinning
Yes having a niche is definitely important and sets you apart from the crowd. Writing what everyone else does, it’s easy to get lost.
I think this says it all Jess. For me, I get inboxed but most of it I am not interested in. My stats are low anyway. I blog for me and no one else so it doesn’t matter really.
kelli recently posted..Melbourne here I come!
I only blog for the outlet it provides me. I guess reaching out into some other world which I don’t feel I have in real life at the moment. I don’t think anyone takes anything from it, and I really am still trying to work out what I’m doing and where I’m headed, so I guess blogging that journey will benefit me in the long run to see where I’ve been and how I’ve grown. I’ve always been a diary writer! Maybe I’ll monetize one day, maybe not! I’m not particularly phased…although being paid in shoes and diamonds sounds rather appealing
Julia recently posted..Holding on….
I wrote a big fat comment before and then I broke it!
Great Post. I’ve been blogging only for myself for a couple of years, but I’m only a teeny tiny speck in the blogging world, so monetizing is something not on my radar at all.
I’m still trying to work out where I want my life to go…let alone my blog
Julia recently posted..Holding on….
So well said Jess. I personally wouldn’t ask for someone to pay me to go to a conference where I will gain benefits. That is just me. I would also blog for nothing and I regularly do charity community interest posts just for the sake of the organization even if they don’t get comments.
Trish recently posted..Plant a tree on National Tree Day + {Bunnings $100 Giveaway}
And that is such a good example to us all Trish xxx
you always raise very interesting points. At the end of the day each and every one of us needs to do what feels right, no matter what the situation. And if you want something really bad, and want to grow your blog as a business… go for it! Just make sure you enjoy it too
xx
tahlia – the parenting files recently posted..that moment you realise you matter to a child
Great post Jess, definitely food for thought. I think it’s really exciting that blogging in Australia is only just beginning to grow… It’s just nice to be a part of it with so many others
MsMandie recently posted..The Real Housewives Of Melbourne – Olympics Edition
Can I ask something…when people say ‘if you have good traffic’ what does that mean. Whats amount of visits a day make you interesting to PR and companies…serious question I promise. I think that my ‘busy’ isnt other peoples ‘busy’.
x
Sarah recently posted..Settling back in
It depends. The average mummy blogger gets between 3000-5000 views a month.
The famous Aussie bloggers are getting around 70 000 from what I’ve read.
Brands are usually interested in just about everyone, but the bigger your audience, obviously the more you have to offer in terms of advertising appeal.
Great post, Jess. I do it for love, not to get rich, thankfully as I’ve never been paid to write posts! I will be seeking sponsorship for DPCON next year, too, but I’ve had the ecperience of missing out for this year’s conference, so I know it’s very hit and miss unless you are an uber blogger!
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..Loving Right Now #2
I have to say it’s great to think some bloggers will get rewarded for their time and effort. I’m not sure it’s my style to have a value or monetary amount for my rambling. That said, I’m happy to read and have input on blogs that do. Anytime.
xxx
carmen recently posted..How to ask for a refund…
Jess, the reason I love your blog is that you tell it how it is and in a caring diplomatic and witty way. You have done the same with this post. Thanks for being so informative as well this has helped me.
xx
Neen recently posted..Tuesdays…just a ramble post really…
Thanks Neen. Xxx
Great post, Jess, and ripper turn out for IBOT! Remember the early IBOTS?! I think you’ve been pretty realistic in this post. I’m not making any steps to monetize my blog. Time is a huge part of it (time i just dont have to build a bigger following or ork on monetising). Also, the sense of lost autonomy with the idea of sponsored posts doesn’t sit right with me for me. I won’t say “never” but can’t see it for me right now. You hit the nail on the head about the fact that hobbies cost. I’m sure things would be different for those bloggers who’ve made it a business.
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Friendship: Learning to let go
I can’t believe the growth we have had! It’s beyond awesome and anything I could have expected!
I make pocket money from blogging too. Not enough to buy diamonds but enough to cover the cost of internet and a bit on the side.
I’m not against the idea of making money from your blog. If you can, go for it. But I’ve said no to plenty of PR offers because I just couldn’t be bothered. I like to have on my blog and writing about muesli bars or something bores me to tears.
If you do want sponsors or people to advertise with you, be brave and contact businesses yourself. Lots of WAHM are dying to have their products and businesses shared and are happy to donate a prize or to pay a little bit for advertising.
When I get bored I love inventing little promotions to flog small businesses on facebook and the blog. I’ll be doing one next week for my friend who is expecting her 5th baby. Small businesses get some exposure and my friend who’s had a rough few months gets to try some goodies. I don’t get anything out of it (except for hopefully some good karma). xx
Alex aka Whoa Mumma recently posted..She Turned Her Can’ts Into Cans And Her Dreams Into Plans
Do you make enough to buy shoes???
Hi Jess, this article is soooo true, thanks for reminding us of our roots and why we started blogging in the first place. It’s definitely a hobby, not a career in the making for me. Oops, missed out on linking with iBot this week, just got back from summer hols. Will link up soon and meanwhile keep your thoughts coming in your great posts!
Summer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Messy hair
This is a FANTASTIC post Jess. I loved the reminder that most hobbies cost money – blogging is (mostly) free … if we’re really lucky we might make a buck from it … but even if we don’t, so long as we are enjoying our hobby and having fun, who cares!!!!!
Janet recently posted..How I found God (or how He found ME!)
Fab post – hurrah.. I love my hobby, and the occasional freebie that comes my way is a bonus and part of what makes it fun. One day I might be bothered with advertising, but part of me suspects the book keeping and other “work” involved in managing that side of it would outweigh the potential benefit of income (being pessimistic and assuming it’s not that much) and possibly could kill some of the joy of the hobby. Or maybe I am sitting on a massive cash cow ;-p
Kate recently posted..Kew Traffic School
I got too caught up in the making money thing and forgot why I wanted to blog in the first place. Now I just write what I want. If I get money, great. If I don’t, that’s ok, too. I blog to journal my life.
Lynda Schrader recently posted..My Story
funnily enough, exactly the same conclusion I’m coming to with both blogging and selling handmade online! Enjoy it, do it for the love of it and not to make money so that if it takes off, hurrah, if not, well you’ve had the pleasure of doing something you’re passionate about.
Little Gumnut recently posted..Memory #31: Growing a Nutter Alert
Yep, I get it.
My husband was suggesting ways I could make some pocket money from sewing and I said no way! I enjoy doing that just for the joy of doing it.
FOr me it is a love. The love of creating and writing. The rest is just icing xx