I was going to put up a Christmas photo, but then I read Darren's post about looking back on the year and making predictions about the future. I think the photo below sums up both the past year and the upcoming year.
This past year (and earlier), the blogosphere has become a giant experiment on monetization. As bloggers (including me), we are constantly looking for ways to monetize everything we write, every item we review, every video and podcast we produce, and every photo we take. And every month, a new company forms to help us monetize this, that, and the other thing. Is this what blogging has become?
As for the future, I see more of the same next year. However, I expect more and more companies will focus on monetizing videos (including free video editing tools) and content for wireless devices. Monetization will continue to drive the web in our future. Even though I'm not entirely thrilled with this, I don't think monetization is necessarily a bad thing. Do you?
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Hey, how do I not pay attention to the fact that you have this blog as well?? LOL, oh gee, I need more sleep and time. Anyway, a GREAT entry to the project, I love the photoshop work of course ;).
We also participated in this project, stop on by if you get a chance!
Monetization has its ugly side, but we have to feed our children (see photo at top!).
God iDea. Videos are more catchy then text links.
I too participated in thius contest.Just waiting for darren to put it in his next post
I am feeding your blog
I agree it has an ugly side. But I also don't view monetization as bad if it allows quality writers the freedom to do what they're most passionate about.
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If done right, monetization tends to blend right in without being too intrusive on the reader's experience. I think this is a balance a lot of us are struggling to achieve. Thanks for the insights and good luck in the new year!
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Ken, although I blog as a hobby, I don't think monetization is necessarily a bad thing. I agree with Ray Dotson above who pointed out that there's a way to do it such that it is not intrusive to the reader experience. I want to get regular updates of your posts so I'll be signing up for your free newsletter.