adopt a blogger

Many of you are new to these things called “blogs.”  The writers hope you like what you see.  We also know that you realize the work it takes to do this.  Some of you have emailed, expressing gratitude for our attempts at entertainment.  It always makes us feel good when we get notes like this.

Of course, we like what we’re doing, too.  If we didn’t, well, it would no longer exist.  It helps to get your feedback, but there is something else you can do.  And it doesn’t have to cost you any money.

In fact, there are several ways to show your appreciation in a meaningful manner.  We’ll cover them all real quick.

Give ‘till it hurts:  Some sites have a donation button or tip jar.  Sharp as a Marble uses a Paypal tip jar, and the Short Family Online uses Amazon as well as Paypal.  Donating is easy; you determine an amount to give, and you can charge your credit card.  A third party takes about 3% to process it, but the blogger gets the rest.  This is the most direct way to help your favorite blog.  Unless the site is registered as a non-profit, I don’t think you can deduct the donation on your taxes.

Buy some t-shirts:  Other sites sell merchandise.  Some bloggers don’t want to ask/beg for money, so they create the illusion that you get some great item for your money.  Sticks of Fire uses this method (choose your favorite style!), as does FlaBlog (mugs ‘n’ magnets!).  Any time you buy something from the gift shop, the third party (probably Cafepress), gets most of the cash.  The blogger gets about $3 for a $15 purchase.  It’s not as much as a straight donation, but at least readers get something tangible for their trouble.

Advertising:  The other way bloggers get paid is through advertising.  Seminole Heights, Population Statistic, In Theory, Boltsmag and Sticks of Fire all use googleads.  Googleads are the most common, because it’s easy to set up.  But, bloggers are not going to get rich with googleads.  Clicking on these keyword ads will usually send a few pennies to the blogger.  Theoretically, if enough of you click through to the ads, those nickels will add up.  Also, if you own a business, consider spending a bit of your advertising dollars on a blog you read.

Whenever you find yourself coming back to any blog, and find some value – entertainment, news, distraction, whatever – there is usually a way you can help keep that blog going. 

Thank you, and the blogosphere thanks you.