Times are tough. Everyone I know - including me - is doing everything they can to keep their bank accounts from hitting an iceberg.
Because I write this blog, this fabulous, random, not too personally revealing, often funny yet thought-provoking blog on Blogger, I'm eligible to use Google's AdSense.
It's a program where Google gets to place ads on my posts, and I get to cash the checks they send me.
On the surface, not a bad deal.
All I have to do is write posts with words that will trigger targeted ads to magically appear on this site. And then, to make the kind of scratch I'm hoping to, people have to click on them. A lot of people.
My friend Janice tried this for awhile on her blog. I think she made enough for a small latte at one of her Parisian coffee bistros.
Oddly enough, that's not what Google would lead you to think.
By the way, if that's a real check, more power to him.
I'm in advertising. I've written plenty of web banner ads. I don't know anyone in or out of the business who's ever clicked on one of them for non-work related purposes. They've certainly never clicked on one to buy anything.
So after careful thought and consideration, I think I'm going to opt for keeping this site uncluttered and ad-free. I see enough of them at work.
I know there will be lean times when I'll be filled with regret for not having done it. Times I'll think how nice it would be to have that money in my pocket.
Like for example when the kids need school supplies or new shoes.
It's okay. Besides, that's what crap tables are for.
