Dodging the adverts

When is a blog not a blog? I looked up the definition of blog and found this on Wikipedia... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog

There are many different types of blogs, differing not only in the type of content, but also in the way that content is delivered or written.

The personal blog, an ongoing diary or commentary by an individual, is the traditional, most common blog. Personal bloggers usually take pride in their blog posts, even if their blog is never read. Blogs often become more than a way to just communicate; they become a way to reflect on life, or works of art. Blogging can have a sentimental quality. Few personal blogs rise to fame and the mainstream but some personal blogs gain an extensive following.

Yes, I think that sort of applies to mine, this is the definition I had in mind when I started. Somewhere to write down my thoughts about my everyday activities. It follows on from my paper diaries which I kept for years. By doing it electronically I can keep things tidy, insert photographs to fit the pages, and that all important feature of editing what I have written. No excuse for spelling mistakes now, unless you hit the wrong key and don't notice.

A bit more from Wikipedia...
Some blogs focus on a particular subject, such as political blogs, travel blogs, gardening blogs, house blogs, fashion blogs, project blogs, education blogs, niche blogs, classical music blogs, quizzing blogs and legal blogs. Two common types of genre blogs are art blogs,and music blogs. A blog featuring discussions especially about home and family, is not uncommonly called a mom blog.

I think mine is called a lifestyle blog, and as you've probably guessed by now, it is about my simple living, money saving, frugality, and making the most of my life without it costing the earth. I think it's safe to say that I am happy with things as they are. Scrimping for me is not a chore, it's not a hardship I have to endure, I find it fun and a challenge to discover ways to stretch my money, which in turn enables me to enjoy my retirement. I am also concerned about the impact consumerism has on the planet, in short we, as in humans, are destroying it. If I can do my bit by buying second hand, reusing, or by not buying at all, I shall feel better about myself. I hope I get these points across to anyone reading this.

Now comes the question, given the subject matter of my blog, why would I want to make money out of it? Or more straight to the point, make money out of the people who read my blog. The answer is, I don't. Even more ludicrous, other people think they can make money from my blog. I get spam from them, trying to slip an advert in, disguised as a genuine comment. They are easy to spot, no you don't have to pretend to be my friend, I can spot the difference between a person who is interested, and one who is sneakily trying to put one over on me. They get zapped.

I also receive requests from people asking politely if they can link up to my blog, in exchange for me to add a link to their blog. Those who ask have often turned their blog into a money making enterprise, by adding adverts, monetising it as they call it. That's fine if they want to go down that route, but I can say now that I never read any advertising on any blogs or forums that I visit, so I don't want any links on mine to other peoples enterprises.

The definition of  a blog has become a little muddied,
Wikipedia again...
Blogging and advertising

It is common for blogs to feature advertisements either to financially benefit the blogger or to promote the blogger's favorite causes. The popularity of blogs has also given rise to "fake blogs" in which a company will create a fictional blog as a marketing tool to promote a product.
Consumer-generated advertising is a relatively new and controversial development and it has created a new model of marketing communication from businesses to consumers. Among the various forms of advertising on blog, the most controversial are the sponsored posts. These are blog entries or posts and may be in the form of feedback, reviews, opinion, videos, etc. and usually contain a link back to the desired site using a keyword/s.

Blogs have led to a breakdown of the traditional advertising model where companies can skip over the advertising agencies and contact the customers directly themselves. On the other hand, new companies specialised in blog advertising have been established, to take advantage of this new development as well.
However, there are many people who look negatively on this new development. Some believe that any form of commercial activity on blogs will destroy the blogosphere’s credibility.

I have recently been invited to attend an event in Leeds, this is it briefly....

The first Write on Finance Blog Up, will be held in Leeds, Yorkshire. I thought it was about time that UK personal finance bloggers/writers and people working in the finance industry had an opportunity to get together (aspiring bloggers/writers and overseas attendees are also very welcome). The focus of the event will be on learning from each other, networking and looking at ways to work together to mutual benefit.

What exactly is 'mutual benefit'. The way I see it is that the person who started the website, (and I view it as a website, not a blog) will be the one to make a few bob out of it, the ticket prices are not cheap. This site is about people who have got money who want to make more money. My blog is about having very little money and finding ways to manage. Two totally different things. I won't be going.

So to sum up, bet you thought I never would after all that rambling, are you still awake, ha ha. I have no problem with people trying to sell a few of their home made items on their blog. I have no problem with blogs that are set up directly to sell and make money through advertising, BUT, they shouldn't call themselves a blog, they are a web site. You will be pleased to know that my blog is going to stay a blog, you won't have to dodge the adverts because there isn't going to be any. Toodle pip