A few weeks ago, I decided to add BlogHer ads to this blog. I figured even if I only made enough money to cover the newspapers I pick-up every Sunday, it would be worth it.
I sent in the application, was approved, picked up the code and set about to adjust my layout.
And then a realization hit me.
If I put ads on my blog, I am the biggest hypocrite alive.
I HATE commercialization. I protect my kids from it at all costs.
We have no television in our house (we do have a DVD player and watch movies), I don't buy licensed merchandise, I don't take my kids into the toy aisles of stores, we only take the kids to the mall perhaps one or two times a year. Heck, I even turn the magazines in the check-out aisle backward so my kids aren't inundated with bright ads and half-naked women.
Of course, there have been times when they have been exposed to advertising. When we were in Hilton Head this summer, we let the kids watch TV in the hotel room. At first, Asker bought into everything.
"Mom, it's only $19.95!"
"Mom, we have to buy it TODAY!"
It led to some great conversations about what is real and what is perceived and what is bullsh**.
And even though we don't "do" most of the popular kid's programs, my kids know who SpongeBob is and who Dora is and what StarWars is.
There tend to be some misinterpretations, however, when they are learning about the characters from their friends and not directly from the source.
"Mom, did you know the Stomp Troopers are the good guys?"
"Actually, honey, they're the Storm Troopers and I think they're the bad guys."
"Oh, well did you know there's a second movie called The Empire States Back?"
Or my personal favorite, from Toots.
"Mom, Shrek is a dumb booger."
"I think he's actually an ogre, Toots"
"No, mom, he's green!"
I am definitely pro-capitalism, and business is welcome to try their darnedest to get me to buy things. But you can bet, I will try my damnedest to avoid it.
So, as I sat thinking of the best layout for my ad placement, it dawned on me how much I did not want ads on this site.
So I'm not going to put them on. Not now, not ever.
I declare Just Chicken Feed an:
*I don't believe ads are morally wrong or that you are wrong for placing them on your blog. If you can make a few bucks, go for it. They are just not right for me.
Monday, February 25, 2008
What The Owl Says
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20 comments:
I think that some people overdo it, definitely - and I think there are too many women out there blogging with the sole purpose of being the next Dooce.
I can understand the adfree thing. I've thought about it...but I always decide against it. I like money. *lol*
I think it's great you can raise kids without television. That seems...impossible? To me, at least. :)
Awesome, Jenni! Mine is also an Ad-Free Blog.
funny how we make decision and then on reflection realize it does not reflect who we are. I have done that many times. I think it is all about being true to yourself.
Turning off the television is one of the BIGGEST gifts you can give to a child. I'm sure they won't see it that way.. but it is.
Taking this opinion from a "television-free" childhood of my own.
:-) Beth
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about ads. Mrs. Fussypants and I have a running debate about ads!
I tend to think ads on my blog present an ethical conflict: how can I urge people not to buy at the same time I am flashing ads at them?
At the same time, more readers = more time spent answering emails and comments. Isn't my time worth something? couldn't I be doing a lot of good with the potential ad money I am essentially giving away?
And I almost think people don't view your blog as "big" or "professional" enough at first glance if you *don't* have ads.
That said, I've been ad-free for 3 years and will continue to as long as I can swing it.
I have one ad on my site. I don't feel like it's that obtrusive AND it makes me a nice chunk of money, which is dandy. But I fully understand other people wanting to keep their sites free of advertising, too.
I haven't put any up. I'm very on the fence about it. But, taking a stand is always commendable.
I understand the reasons not to run ads... but I also wonder if as women we underestimate our worth? Could it be that we do have a service, like great writing, that deserves to be paid? I understand if the ad is not appropriate -- but still, I don't think we should give our talent away. Because, those diapers costs money!
I wasn't going to do adverts either until I saw that BlogHerAds actually have ads that people would be interested in, not just crap. There is some really good products on there. So I caved and put them up. :)
i've been struggling with what to do about putting on some ads, that might actually pay...unlike adsense. but...i'm still unsure what i'm going to do. part of me wants to try to make money from something that i'm in love with doing. but...the other part...just says NO!
but, good for you that you were able to make that decision!!
xo
good for you for sticking to your convictions!
I say yay for you for sticking to your guns!
And no TV? Wow. I am impressed.
I tagged you for an easy meme!
:-) Beth
I've gone back and forth about the issue many, many times over the past year. I'm putting up ads this weekend. What finally made the decision for me was the thought of being able to pay for all that therapy Alexis is going to read after she realizes I've been telling the Internet all about her puking, silly comments, bad sleep habits, and bowel movements for her entire life. ;-)
Oh, and good for you for going TV free! I would LOVE to do it as well (actually I do), but I can't get my husband to see the light. The first thing he does when he gets home is turn it on. The second thing he does is turn on whatever silly kids program Alexis asks him to turn on. It makes me a little bit more than hostile.
Good for you girl (both ads and tv)! I have ads on my blog and every bit goes to our son's college education. Right into the old 529 plan.
If you never back track then you'd have to be awfully perfect the first time. I vote put the add on.
Good for you for taking a stand. I ended up putting blogher on my site mainly because they have some ads that I would be interested in and they also link to other blog posts. But I'll be honest, with my traffic, the payout isn't terribly high.
Well good for you for sticking to your guns...I have Blogher on my site, every couple months they send a check. I feel like I work hard on my blog, if I can make a little money, it's a good thing. I do respect your decision though:)
good for you. :) i admire you for staying true to your convictions.
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