Questions people always ask me: Why don't I get paid for this?

Every now and again, I get talked into a speaking engagement about blogging. Why I do it. How to connect with me. Where the ideas come from. 

And, the inevitable embarrassed question: How much money do I make doing it?

Honestly, I don't. Sure, I understand how to monetize a blog. My friend David is not only a total champ at it - he even gives incredibly clear advice on how to do it.

But, it's not for me. I've even turned off the Google ads on my blog (something about passively pimping Ann Coulter's new book was a little uncomfortable for me).

Why? Three reasons:

• First up: I owe you. I started this blog when my career took me from technology marketing to retail advertising. I was - in a word - lost. There was a lot to learn and few resources to learn it. The books were all theory and all out of date; my boss was busy with other things; my other mentors were out-of-category.
  
  Instead: I had you. This group of like-minded people who have turned into the most amazing network of collaborative idea generators.
  
  I started by collecting. By listening to what you were talking about and highlighting the work that stood out. You helped me "get" this; helped me develop a POV.
  
  Sure, now, I sit comfortably on this soapbox and type away about whatever idea that strikes me. But, I know how I got here.

• Second: I get other benefits. I've got an amazing job. Yeah, it's beating me up right now - with too much work and too much stress. But, that's temporary. Product of the recession.
  
  In the time before Wall Street blew it, this gig gave me the opportunity to work with some of the smartest, most savvy people in the Midwest and to learn things I would have never had access to elsewhere. I got that job because of this blog. The creative director at Ologie happened to read it and thought I would be a good fit. I ended up meeting the COO for coffee and tried not to squeal with delight when he eventually offered me a job. I never thought I'd end up there - easily the most-respected agency in town.
  
  That's one of the benefits - a reputation that precedes me. Or, really, a way for people to get to know me, to connect with me long before we meet in person.
  
  And, having the network to call on if I ever need help - finding an opportunity for me, a job for a friend, a solution to a particuarly sticky conundrum. Heck, even a used laptop when I need one!

• Third: I've already got a job - complete with deadlines and editors. 
  
  Funding means expectations. Deals with devilish details. I'm all-too-happy to just type when I feel like typing. Say what I feel like saying. Wander off when life offline gets to be just too much to balance.
  
  For me, blogging is something I love to do. I don't want it to become just another obligation.

Comments

[Kate Richardson]

Hi Leigh, I found this story quite inspiring. Thanks for sharing!

Kate