Blogger Roulette

Whenever I teach people about making money with AdSense, I make sure to let them know how easy it is to get started.

Once they understand that their original content can translate to a revenue stream, they usually want to know what to do.

For someone who has never blogged before, I recommend they set up a Blogger account.

Not only is it easy to use, but it is also free. And since Google owns Blogger, they have made AdSense integration a snap.

I decided to visit some random Blogger sites today to see what kind of blogs people are creating. And more importantly, to see if Blogger.com users are using AdSense or monetizing their sites in any way.

Granted, many people have no interest in making money with their blog. I have no problem with that.

But from my experience, once they discover what is possible, the majority of people would be willing to place ads on their blog in order to make some extra cash.

If you visit an Blogspot.com blog (that’s Blogger), you will see a toolbar at the top of the page.

On the toolbar is a link that says “next blog.” This is the key playing Blogspot Roulette. A random blog will appear each time.

And so began my journey…

The first stop was The Caldwell Crib.

Tastefully designed and updated one to three times per month, this is a family blog. It appears the mom (Crystal) does the blogging. She is a Mary Kay Cosmetics representative and a photo enthusiast. She takes some nice photos.

With small children in tow, it seems like mom’s side business exists to help out with the bills. I’m guessing photography is a hobby.

So what if she took her photography more seriously and began writing about it? More regular blogging could potentially attract an audience with like interests.

Next blog…

One Photo a Day for a Year (2010)

This appears to be the second year of blogging daily photos for Sara G. I love the concept. It’s a very targeted blog with a purpose.

She likes to take photos of outdoors and cute, furry creatures. And the images are quite nice. There is very little text.

Again, there is no monetization.

Next blog…

Coming Up Rosemary – One Girls Journey to Becoming an Expert Crafty Person.

Kate is a former schoolteacher and technical writer who has become a stay-at-home mom. (Good for you, Kate!)

Seeking a creative outlet, she has started this blog. And you can tell she likes to write!

She writes about crafting, cleaning, her children, holidays and whatever else is on her mind. It’s very personal and informative. She links to interesting places and posts photos to accompany her writing.

Once again, no monetization on this blog.

Next blog…

Musings by Mugwhump

I smiled when I saw this title and the picture of what I could only discern to be Mugwhump.

The writer is LJ, and she seems to really enjoy her blogging escapades. She’s a little nutty and isn’t afraid to share that part of herself with her readers.

LJ writes fairly regularly and would undoubtedly amuse many who stumble upon her site.

Are we surprised to discover that there is no attempt to monetize this blog?

I think not.

Next blog…

The Continuation – The Conclusion

I’m not a fan of black-background blogs. It’s very difficult to read them. There is a reason that newpaper isn’t white ink on black paper.

Regardless, Lenina Crowne enjoys speaking her mind about a number of topics and likens her writing to the “anything goes” style of South Park.

She is also very transparent about her struggle with Bulimia. I find that kind of honesty to endearing. If you can identify with Lenina, maybe stop by her site and encourage her.

And do I need to say it? Ok. No monetization. Are you seeing a pattern here?

Next, and final blog for this round…

Of Brown Sugar and Skinless Fingertips

Um. Ok. Interesting name. Even more interesting when you visit the site and see photo montages of who I can assume are Fei and Jinn, owners of this blog.

These two are performance artists and you’ll find a bunch of interesting photos and videos on the site.

Why isn’t anyone monetizing their blog?

I continued clicking next blog, next blog, next blog… again and again. I didn’t come upon a SINGLE blog that had AdSense on it. Not one.

The “Monetize” tab is VERY clear on Blogger, so why aren’t people using it?

I think many don’t really understand the whole AdSense model. Perhaps they are confused and think they have to pay.

I’m not sure what it is, but if Google would let me email their entire Blogger list, I could educate their members and help everyone make money!

Ok, so that’s not going to happen. But I will try to win people over one-by-one if needed.

Have you ever played Blogger Roulette?

Give it a try and see where you end up.

Comments? Thoughts? Ready to click “next blog”?