Commercial breaking the blog-boundaries.
Three new categories have been created in the past three months. The first was of course the Religion section, seeing that I obviously enjoy scrutinizing this thing about humanity and its varying beliefs.
Then there's the one where I'll stock in all the Chinese posts, for easier referencing.
The last category, 'Commercial Break', probably should have existed from day one, for ethical reasons. I've gotten some freebies and certain review samples along my little foray into this pastime, obviously. But because I'm not particularly able to do the reshuffling and recategorizing, old posts such as the Pixart and LG phone reviews will have to stay in the General section for a while. They will eventually get carted into their rightful categories, while I clear things up. In the future, any new review offers will automatically become a part of the occasional commercial break.
I'm also considering reinstating my google adsense… it's just that I'm a little lazy to tweak around with design and stuff, although I do suppose since lifting out the adsense banners I've been missing out on some extra pocket money. Shame hoh, seeing that even MENJ can get over USD100 a month from his Google postings. Note to self: Must. Stop. Obliging. Him. Must. Stop. Visiting. His. Site. Must. Stop. Being. Infuriated. By. Bigots.
In any case, I still am one of those spesel, supremely fortunate bloggers to have been able to attract potential employers by virtue of this accidental online portfolio. It's wholly unexpected! Had I not have minishorts, I suppose I would still be editing books and pursuing a career in educational publishing. But things change, and although I've never expected to be in PR, here I am.
BTW, kill me, but I've signed myself up at ReviewMe. The problem is, I'm terribly bad at self-navigation on the web, all my previous advertisers have approached me via e-mail. I know nuts about signing up for this sort of programme where you're required to visit the original site several times to see if an advertiser picks you. Then again, I've been out cold for too long, and you can't call yourself a real blogger unless you jump on the bandwagon, at least once in a blue moon.
Fortunately, the system at ReviewMe looks simple enough. Now I'm supposed to wait for someone to knock on my virtual panel and say, 'Review my product' yeah? Let's see how these goes, although I'm rather doubtful that I'll even get an offer. Ok lah, the elitist in me still prefers those e-mail and ask you 'could you review my product' type of stuff, and offers a freebie out for readers to participate in. My rationale is, if I get a good review offer, obviously I'd like my readers to have an opportunity to know about it too? If I could give out a sample (sponsored by the advertiser, of course), that basically increases the attraction of the review, yah? I'd feel better too being honestly appreciative of the virtues of that particular product…
So lets see where this goes. To Commercial Breaks and money-making hobbies!
December 7th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Regarding your last post, don’t worry about the leaking. Happens to everyone but more so to girls.
December 8th, 2006 at 2:29 pm
Hmm….. I am actually a little disappointed by your decision to commercialize your blog even more. I realize that upkeep of this blog is difficult and laborious work, one for which you are under-compensated. I also understand that further commercialization would simply allow you to receive what might be fair compensation for your labor. However, despite the clear logic of your position, I am still disappointed.
Why am I disappointed? Because further commercialization of your blog would eliminate those characteristics that most attracted me to your blog in the first place. Those characteristics were your sincerity, humility, and honesty in describing your thoughts, your experiences, and beliefs. I read your blog because it is a haven from the superficiality and commercialization of the rest of the internet. You were such an uncommon breath of fresh air that I chose to read your blog even considering that I live half a world away. So many blogs are little more than entry after entry of advertising for X product. Too many bloggers have become so beholden to the many interests they advertise that it is never clear any more when they actually enjoy a food, a product, a place. Every time you read what they write, you can never help but wonder whether they are being compensated for their opinion or seeking to be rewarded for a good review. I won’t mention any names of any bloggers because my goal is not to criticize them, they are just referenced to describe my own disinterest in reading their blogs.
As of yet, you have not yet succumbed to this flagrant commercialization that has impacted so many of your fellow bloggers. I still believe that most of the things you say, you really mean. I still believe that you care about the topics you bring up, you still enjoy the restaurants you visit. And you might still be able to do that even if you choose to being to advertise more frequently. But at the same time, I fear that that might change. And if it changes, I will completely understand your decision and I am sure that you will still have your many, many faithful readers. I will just be less likely to be one of them.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:22 pm
Please ignore my previous comment. I left it while studying for Finals at 2 am. I have no idea what I was thinking. Definitely not one of my most lucid moments. Keep up the good work.