Pros and cons of blog networks. Again. But no long term views. Again.

By Barry Bell on November 15 2005

Chris Garrett at Performancing has posted his take on the pros and cons of joining a blog network. In brief…

The positives include… the social benefits of belonging to a group, access to shared knowledge, exposure to more advertising opportunities, and the potential of picking up a regular salary

Negatives… the social downsides of belonging to a group, giving up control, deadlines, and bosses.

All great points. From a short-term point of view. But what about in terms of a blogging career? What can joining a network offer you if that’s your game plan?

I see it like this. Joining a network doesn’t just offer you the short term benefits like increased revenue, membership of a private forum, etc. As part of a network, you’ll also get to find out what goes on behind the scenes in that kind of operation. You’ll probably take part in discussions about marketing a network, as opposed to an individual blog. You might get a say in what software the network uses. You might get to train and mentor new bloggers. And you could find yourself with quite a lot of responsibility.

And, if 2 or 3 years down the line, whether you’re approaching clients, investors or other networks with business ideas of your own, or whether you’re applying for a senior blog network management role, you’ll already have the kind of experience they’re looking for under your belt.

So stop thinking ’short term’ when it comes to a blogging career. You wouldn’t base a traditional career move solely on immediate benefits like free lunches, or membership of a sports club, would you?

Blogging careers – just like traditional careers – are something you need to plan for in the long term. So before you decide to join a network, think about what else that network can really offer you…



Contributor: Barry Bell

I'm a freelance writer and designer with over 10 years’ experience of creating award-winning recruitment and consumer marketing communications, together with a wide range of other creative marketing colateral. ... more »

WURK profile: http://WURK/profile/admin
Contributor website: http://barrybell.com


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COMMENTS

  • By Lei
    November 17, 2005 3:55 am

    Almost everyone I know still thinks blogging is a hobby. Sure, some people may make a buck or two but it’s not something to consider doing longterm. *sigh*

  • By Barry Bell
    November 17, 2005 7:54 am

    Why not? That’s like sitting around in 1994, saying that the internet’s never gonna catch on. ;o)

    Sure, it’s not gonna be for everyone, but in a year or two, there will be a *lot* of people who make their living from blogging in some form or another.

    This is a bit of a tenuous comparison, but it’s like playing a sport – people are much, much more likely to do it as a hobby, but it’s also a career to a lot of lucky people, too.

    And you can bet that they take a long term view of it.

  • By Lei
    November 17, 2005 1:18 pm

    That’s a great comparison, Barry. I’m gonna use it next time. ;)

TRACKBACKS

  1. wurk.net » Blog Archive » Friday roundup - 18th November 2005

  2. Cotton-Pickin’ Days » Blog Archive » Doing My Best at Any Price

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