How Do You Help Out a Blogger?
My friend J.D. Roth of the awesome Get Rich Slowly blog came out with a post today about Seth Godin’s advice to click on ads to support a blogger:
Ads Are NOT the New Online Tip Jar
I agree with J.D. completely. If you like Zen Habits, don’t click on ads just to support me. Click on them if you’re interested in what they’re advertising, sure, but don’t just click randomly.
Instead, here’s how you can help out any blogger — myself included (some of this is J.D.’s advice):
- Join the conversation. I love all the input and feedback and different perspectives in the comments. Many times — maybe all the time — the comments are more valuable and interesting and lively than my posts. If you like a blog, get involved if you are moved to do so, don’t just read and move on.
- Spread the word. If you really like Zen Habits, or any other blog, email your mom, your co-workers, your cousin you haven’t heard from in years, your college roommate who really needs this advice. Word of mouth is the best advertising, especially from those who really like a blog.
- Link love. If you’re a blogger, and you like one of my posts, link to it! That’s always appreciated greatly.
- Subscribe. Many of you already subscribe, of course, but if you haven’t yet, I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my feed so you don’t miss any of my posts.
- Amazon purchases. In some of my posts, I link to books with my Amazon affiliate code. If you decide to buy a book through my links, it helps me out. You don’t have to buy anything, of course — I’m not trying to pressure you into it — and if you want to save money, definitely use your library. Another interesting note: if you click on the Amazon links (including those in the bottom of the sidebar, to the right, where I’ve shown the books I’ve been reading), and you end up buying something else, I get a small percentage. That helps out!
- Donations. I accept donations through PayPal, and I’m truly grateful to those who donate.
- Buy my ebooks. If you like the stuff on Zen Habits, I sell two ebooks that present the best of my content. Zen To Done is a productivity system that many people have found valuable. The Zen Habits Handbook for Life is a collection of some of my best advice for productivity, simplicity and happiness. They’re not expensive, and if you don’t like them, I’ll give you your money back, no questions asked.
Finally, I’d just like to say that I’m extremely grateful to all of you. You’ve made my dream possible, and I’m thankful every day for that. Your participation in Zen Habits, your feedback that helps me improve, your financial support … it’s all been wonderful. Thank you, all of you.
Edit: The headline had a typo at first. It sounded really dumb. I’m not perfect. :)
- Spewed into the world on 23 August 2008 in Aboutzenhabits |
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Brilliant comments (60)
Shanel Yang Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 1:24 am
And thank you, Leo, for all your great tips! That’s what keeps us coming back for more! : )
txixco Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 1:36 am
I completely agree with you in the first point: “Join the conversation”. I write a humble blog, with a very little audience, and there are times I missed a little more participation from them. Really, I was very happy a time when I get 10 comments to a post.
So, that’s my contribution to this post ;-).
Scott McIntyre Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 1:44 am
… And how about this one, Leo?
* Keep them motivated and inspired to continue writing your favorite thought-provoking writing?
So….
Thank you, Leo, for Zen Habits!! :-)
Leo Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 1:49 am
Ah, of course I appreciate the wonderful encouragement! I didn’t put it on the list because you guys already do so much of that, I could hardly ask for more.
I have long thought that I have the best readers in the world. That’s not a bunch of BS either … if you look at other blogs, many of the readers are negative and harsh, while 95% of my readers (or more) are extremely positive and encouraging. Sure, some disagree, and when I don’t live up to expectations, others will tell me so, but overall it is a complete joy to talk to you guys.
Overcoming Lifes Obstacles Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 2:37 am
Thanks Leo, I love all your posts. You are trully an inspiration to me!
Samuli Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 2:40 am
Good points, especially the first one “Join the conversation” is very important. It is the best way to get feedback about what you are writing.
Without a conversation a blogger (like me) can not know if anybody is really interested on what he writes.
Spreading the word and linking also provide valuable feedback. Even more valuable than the discussion, because whoever does so, likes and supports openly the ideas they think are worth spreading or linking to.
Keep up the good work! My blog is linked to your feed, and I am sure I will one day use some ideas from your blog in my own posts.
nirvana diva Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 2:43 am
i do so love this blog! it has inspired me to start my own, but with the most humble expectations…thank you! i was wondering though, since it is possible (and i assume necessary) to moderate comments…do you ever allow negative comments to be posted? and why or why not?
Chris Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 3:19 am
A few things like this are worth doing, as they say what goes around comes around! I really apreciate when people link to my blog its something I find very thoughtful/generous from the blog writer. Will definitely look through your amazon books to support!
anurag Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 3:46 am
I am following ‘ZenHabits’ for a year now..and believe me it is the first site check in the morning…
Brett Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 4:02 am
Leo, I have decided to take the first of the actions that you mentioned to support your blog. I have been a silent reader for six months because I generally read through Google reader’s blackberry application which is completely useless for commenting. I decided to walk over to the PC to provide my two cents because of your call to action.
First, I would like to express my appreciation for your writing. Good stuff! Specifically on this post, I like how you and J.D. both offer alternative actions that readers can take to put a tip in the jar.
I commented on this topic at GRS (likely awaiting moderation) because this is one of the few posts ever from Seth that made me see red. I have been reading Seth’s books for about seven years, so I am familiar with his work. Usually he is spot on, but this post derailed somewhere.
I disagree with Seth’s premise — click on ads to thank the author for the content. That decouples the person who appreciates the content from the person who pays the tip. (Psst.. Seth, the next time I to go a restaurant, will you pick up the waitress’ tip for the meal I eat?)
However, Seth’s post may have been misinterpreted. He seems to be referring to people who by principle refuse to click on any advertisement. The intent may be ‘advertisements pay for the content, so please click when it is relevant.’
I understand because I used to be one of those people who never, ever clicked. I previously used a FireFox plugin that hides advertisements. I added URL patterns with glee as I hid those annoying ads. And of course, I would have NEVER clicked on an advertisement. I was too smart for that.
About six or so months ago, I disabled that anti-ad plugin. Now, I choose to allow ads to appear. Usually, they are not pretty, but I consider viewing them a cheap price for great free content. And occasionally, the ads can be on target and useful, so I do sometimes click. Today, I am smart enough to know that relevant clicks pay for great content.
Now, I will move on to see if I can take another of your suggested actions. By the way, you forgot to mention that readers might also DIGG or social bookmark your posts to provide small tip.
Breads Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 4:49 am
I agree with the “tips” (no pun intended;-)) Leo. Might I say, blogging also changed the world in so many ways. I also plan to do the same thing in my blog, 10 seconds a day. You are an inspiration.
"Motivate Thyself" Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 5:23 am
I agree that comments are one of the best ways to support (I would even use the word nurture) a blog. I know there are a lot of ’silent readers’ who just really enjoy the daily advice. But I think that (especially non-bloggers) they are unaware that without commenting we have no way of knowing that they read and support our blog. The reason I used the word nurture is because the growth of a blog is dependent on the blogger staying inspired to consistently put out the best best content possible. Without feedback, this is hard to do. Also, the more comments in a blog, the more likely others will leave their own.
You do a great job, Leo, keeping the content strong. I will say, you are blessed with great readers and you have every reason to be thankful (which you are.)
JB Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 5:46 am
I am pretty surprised someone as smart as Seth actually came out and said something like this..
The reality is that random clicks like he is talking about might in fact end up driving the amount the blogger gets for their ad clicks down, because of the infamous “smart pricing” algo Google runs.
Hurting the blogger much more overall than the help of a tip click.
Émilie Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 8:00 am
I’m with Brett here, I usually never comment (I never think I have something interesting to say) but I’ll start today! If that’s what I can do to support the great blogs I read… So thank you to both you and J.D. for reminding me to not be a free rider!
presentmoment Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 8:59 am
Hi Leo
I have been reading your blog for probably 6 weeks now and really enjoy it! I am REALLY into de-cluttering, simplifying etc and really like ZTD, etc i have a clear desk - now to do the other things!
I am adding my comments as I haven’t before and to say i really appreciate everything Leo does and of course the other people who leave interesting comments!
Leo Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 9:45 am
I really appreciate all the nice comments, and your participation, guys, I really do. It’s nice to have such wonderful conversations with so many readers.
@nirvana diva: Do I allow negative comments to appear? Absolutely. You might have noticed a bunch in a few of the last posts I did — they inspired lots of comments, but many were not in agreement.
I feel that negative comments help the discussion along, and if you only allow positive comments, you’re only allowing a one-sided conversation, and that’s no fun. Also, I learn a lot from comments, both positive and negative, and I like to be open to different viewpoints.
However, there are a couple times when I delete comments:
1. If it’s obvious spam. I don’t mind bloggers posting relevant links once in awhile, but if you’re just posting links every time, it’s not appreciated.
2. If the commenter is just being rude and obnoxious, without adding to the discussion. If the commenter is attacking another commenter (or even me) without really adding intelligent thoughts to the comment, it’s not called for. I’ll delete those without reservation or explanation. I like to keep the discussions lively and multi-sided, but clean and civil.
To all the new commenters: THANK YOU! I’m so glad you came out of the woodwork to comment — it’s great to hear from you! Do it more often — don’t be shy. :)
Tim D Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 9:52 am
I am going to start following your what i’m reading list in the sidebar. I will make sure that I purchase all the books buy clicking on the book on your site before purchasing from amazon.
maria Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 9:57 am
I discovered this blog only last week and I’m really loving it. Great work!
I added Zen Habits to my blogroll. I figure that’s a good way to refer my readers here…
rainer Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 10:29 am
Dear leo, thank you for this valuable list of how to support other blogger. I Think they are all valid. All the best… Rainer
Dot H. Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 10:44 am
Leo,
Yours is the first blog I read every day. There’s just so much valuable information. Besides that, your actions show you to be the type of person I aspire to be — generous, sharing the credit with others, encouraging them, being grateful, and giving unselfishly. I’ve linked to your site in many of my posts on my blog, and am considering switching to an RSS reader so I can subscribe instead of visiting the actual site.
Best wishes, Dot
George Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 11:04 am
What a great post. It is very refreshing to see bloggers who care so much about the content they provide that they don’t care about blatant monetization. Not saying that their work doesn’t deserve riches, as most do. There just seem to be so many blogs today that have the goal of giving the author a paycheck, not providing useful information.
I really like the ebook idea. This might be some work, but it would be really neat to do an audio version of your ebooks and provide them on Audible or iTunes. I think there would be a market for this, not only for your blog, but many others as well.
Danielle LaPorte Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 13:26 pm
this is great because it demystifies how blogs can help you earn a living - and like ZenHabits, it all begins with great content and good intentions.
I’m going to send this to the new string of writers we just signed on - so, big thanks.
cheers,
D
http://www.carrieanddanielle.com
Chris Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 13:57 pm
Leo,
The blogging community is one of the most helpful community out there. Thanks to my regular readers, I’ve received a modest sum to fund my dream of building a school in the Philippines. I was really amazed when the donations and links started comming in. I guess maybe because every single blogger out there knows that blogging is really a labor of love. We all know and understand each others experiences.
This is a very timely post…Thanks
Nik Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 14:16 pm
Leo, I loved every bit of Zen to Done!
It also felt great to feel that 9.50 helped in some small way to take your wonderful wife on vacation to Thailand.
Lots of love from Germany!
Tom Stine | Life Coach Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 14:27 pm
Hi Leo,
Funny, I had just read Seth’s post. Actually, BOTH of Seth’s posts on the topic. If you don’t read the 2nd one, you completely miss his point. Which, in fact, is a good one.
I won’t try to summarize it here. But everyone, do yourselves a favor and read both of Seth Godin’s posts on clicking ads. It makes total sense. I used to pride myself on NOT clicking ads. Ever. Now, I’m going to take a peak at them and click one I might be interested in. Everyone wins.
Again, read the posts:
I have Zen Fever! Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 14:51 pm
Leo - another great Thread. I read it first every day. I then read the comments.
Tabs Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 16:24 pm
Thanks for sharing Leo, it also serves as a to do list for new bloggers.
- Tabs
Douglas Karr Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 16:31 pm
I agree totally. Please don’t go to my blog and click on the ads. That would be a terrible thing.
Tracy Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 17:21 pm
Hey Leo, thanks for all that you do. Although I don’t subscribe to any RSS feeds, I do visit regularly and I never miss a post! <3
Shilpan | successsoul.com Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 18:47 pm
Leo - All of your suggestions are valid and constructive. How about sending an email with suggestions to improve a blog that we like?I’m proponent of constructive community building. We are in blogosphere not to compete and create a sense of word wars but to spread love and to make our world a better place to live for us and for the next generation. Do you agree?
Marcos Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 19:07 pm
I agree than you should publish Seth´s second post (http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/08/beating-the-sta.html ) because, it brings a whole new perpective of his original idea.
Keep up your great work!
Love from Argentina
Marcos
Jeff@MySuperChargedLife Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 19:09 pm
These are certainly things I love people to do at my blog. Great advice!
Ryan McLean Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 20:19 pm
This is a great post and it is so so true
I wrote a post similar to this about generosity as a blogger. People can check it out here
http://www.smarterwealth.net/2008/08/generosity/
Leo Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 20:33 pm
@Tom Stine: Actually, I read Seth Godin’s second post after I published this post (it may have been published after I published) … I’m still not sure I completely agree. It sounds like Seth is backpedaling a little as there was some negative reactions to the first post — which, if it wasn’t advocating click fraud, sounded at least like he was saying just to click on ads as a thank you, not because they were interested in the ad.
The second post was a little more reasonable, but in the end, the reader’s tendency toward ads doesn’t mean all that much to me, as a blogger. Sure, I’d love it if my blog had amazing clickthru rates, but that’s not what my blog is about.
I need to make money, but I need to do that through creating great content and hoping readers come to read it … and hoping that advertisers want to reach those readers. If an advertiser puts an ad on Zen Habits, he should do so just to expose his brand to a lot of readers, not necessarily to get a bunch of clickthrus. Branding should be more important than clickthrus for an advertisers, in my opinion.
the foreigner Says:
August 23rd, 2008, 21:18 pm
I don’t know how to express my gratitude for what you are writing in this blog Leo. Friends that haven’t seen me for awhile tell me that I’ve changed — for the better — and this is much thanks to you. Your blog is like a lighthouse in the storm that is my life.
Your posts are on my Facebook, this is how I try to spread the word among my friends, but most importantly I try to put your advice into action.
When I visited the US for the first time last week I got to know a homeless person, and I bought him food for the spending cash I had through my scholarship. It was your writing that inspired this action and it gave me a sense of true happiness that I haven’t felt before. We are both thankful to you.
I will do anything in my power to help spread your message, I hope that you will keep on writing.
You are changing the world Leo. You are changing me.
Thank you.
Daniel Richard Says:
August 24th, 2008, 0:22 am
We sure do love more encouraging comments appearing in each others’ blogs Leo. :)
You sure have one awesome site here!
Daniel
Pyrmont Sydney Says:
August 24th, 2008, 4:48 am
“Join the Conversation”, was the one I loved. Keep Going Leo. You are an Inspiration!!!
Richard Rinyai Says:
August 24th, 2008, 7:53 am
Hi Leo,
The part about clicking on an advertiser’s banner is very true. You should only click if you are interested, as the advertiser will get a false sense of how many people are truly interested in theor product/service.
This will help them gauge their click-throughs much better.
Thanks,
Richard Rinyai
http://www.theprofessionalassistant.net
Steve Martile Says:
August 24th, 2008, 10:08 am
You know what I love about you Leo? You’re so honest and upfront.
These are great qualities. You’ve shown me time and time again, that you’re a human being. And that being human means you’ll make mistakes.
thanks for being human,
Steph Says:
August 24th, 2008, 10:55 am
Great post idea, Leo! This is definitely one of the reasons I keep coming back to your blog: your practical tips and altruistic tendencies.
Thank you for reminding us to be thoughtful and giving us pragmatic ways in which to do so! Keep up the good work.
Paul Moore Says:
August 24th, 2008, 11:45 am
One big problem with Amazon links is that they usually link to amazon.com. I’m in the UK, and want to buy from .co.uk, but I don’t know a way to get there without losing the link to the affiliate code. So I often end up buying linked books without going via the link, which seems a shame.
Frank, The Endrunkened Writer Says:
August 24th, 2008, 12:56 pm
This is a great post. Just stumbled upon this blog, but I’m already appreciating your writing. It’s so true that the blogging community thrives on feedback, comments, and recognition of any kind to prevent us from feeling like we’re shouting into a vast yawn of darkness.
Thanks for spelling it out so practically.
-Frank
Sandy Naidu Says:
August 24th, 2008, 15:41 pm
Thanks for the tips Leo…I too agree with your point. ‘Clicks with conversions’ is what advertisers want…Too many clicks with no conversions, conveys the message that your readers are not the right target market for that ad….
Leo Says:
August 24th, 2008, 18:14 pm
Thanks for all the comments everyone! This thread has really given me a lot of encouragement.
@Paul Moore: Interesting, about the Amazon links. I ignorantly thought everyone could buy from the same Amazon site. I wonder if there’s a solution — a way I could link to either one with the same code?
At any rate, I appreciate the thought — but if you end up getting a book I recommend and enjoy it, I’d much prefer that than to get the money. :)
Atul Karmarkar Says:
August 24th, 2008, 22:01 pm
Thanks, Leo. Those are interesting points you’ve made and I mostly agree with them except the Donate bit.. but that’s a personal opinion.
I’d also heard about your site, but had visited .com at the time, which of course redirected me elsewhere. Glad to finally reach the right place.
Also liked the bit re. the headline typo.. the url gives it away.. :)
Reegz Says:
August 25th, 2008, 5:59 am
I’m only now coming to appreciate the wonderful shared space of online community. My thoughtful fiancee connected me. Thanks for making it your mission to put such an enlightening community framework and content together.
AnuG Says:
August 25th, 2008, 8:57 am
Hi all - I’m the “thoughtful” fiancee referenced above (thx swt! :). I’ve been reading ZH for a year now. My eldest sis introduced me to it. In her email, she wrote “I want to encourage you to please read the blog Zen Habits…I can’t take my eyes of this blog. It touches my soul.” That says it all. Reading ZH inspired me to start my own blog, a long-time goal of mine, earlier this year. It is a private blog limited to family and friends, but someday I hope to have a public blog. Thanks, Leo for ZH…a great source of information, inspiration and community.
Will Brown Says:
August 25th, 2008, 13:46 pm
When I read the title, I thought you were going to tell me how to reveal to the world that a blogger is a homosexual. But I wouldn’t imagine that would too difficult.
The Financial Philosopher Says:
August 25th, 2008, 15:33 pm
Leo,
You may or may not have noticed that I made Zen Habits a “holding” in my “Blog Portfolio” back in April of this year:
http://financialphilosopher.typepad.com/thefinancialphilosopher/2008/04/blog-portfolio.html
Thanks for supporting the blog community…
Kent @ The Financial Philosopher
Patrick Says:
August 25th, 2008, 16:53 pm
Great post. How many bloggers out there would make such a request?
surfgir1 Says:
August 25th, 2008, 17:54 pm
@Leo and Paul Moore
For Amazon to enable their adverts to link through to the relevant “local” site they need to use segment pixels in their ads so they show the appropriate ones for the users’ locales. This often only works some of the time though, due to people having US proxies, etc which obscure this data.
It is also often dependent on how their marketing budgets are allocated - if this is not done globally, but rather (as if often the case currently) divided between Domestic (i.e. US) and International (rest of the world) then this also affects whether end users are directed to the local site or not. If the two are completely separate entities then even in this global world it is extremely common that no cross linking goes on.
And Leo - I have been a long time follower of your blog. Much of what you have written has resonated with a lot of my other musings, and I really appreciate the time an effort you put into the blog. Thanks!
Grace Says:
August 26th, 2008, 0:44 am
Leo, I think the point is that the 800 pound gorilla can sleep wherever he wants to? Because Seth is Seth, folks hang on his every word and put a lot more credence in his utterings than is possibly wise. A celebrity must weigh every nuance, not to mention every comma and dangling participle. Poor Seth! It’ll pass. G.
Jane Says:
August 26th, 2008, 2:41 am
Wowy-Kazowie, this made me smile and kinda pissed and thoughtful all at the same time, 3 emotions for the price of 1 post!
1. The whole tips in the cookie jar? I’ve been places with people I know have more money than me and I’ve watched them tip a $5 and me $20. Does that make me better? No. But I am VERY aware of not just the practical aspect of giving someone a generous tip, but the spiritual and emotional one too. It’s a non verbal ‘pat on the back’ and God knows, no one is above needing to be told they did a job well done. If I can give an anonymous Google ‘dime’ that reached someone both monetarily and thru the ether, then viva the connection!
2. I am a very visual person and a ‘curiosity killed the cat’ Gemini. I LOVE your site Leo, for whatever reason, the layout is soothing to me. I look at EVERYTHING! Why did he pick the ads he picked? Why did he put the ads where he did? Why did he choose the pictures he chose? Whether it’s a building I like, a restaurant, a flower arrangement, whatever, I am appreciative and in awe of how people create what they do.
3. They say a wise man learns from his own mistakes, a genius learns from the mistakes of others. You are very up front about this Leo. I listen.
4. I try to follow your advice, respond to posts, etc. but I also believe in the whole ‘interconnected’ thang and regardless if it boomerangs back to me, I try to promote whomever I believe in, whenever I can. I wrote a post about your book ‘Zen Habits’ on my website, I added a link for people to buy, I wrote a poverty post based on your ad-thing on the right hand-side of your blog.
Bottom line is , what your do works and you’ve afforded me the luxury to pick and choose your advice and experience to help me with my path to success.
Excuse me while I click, click, click! Peace, Jane SleepCompass.com
jim of Blueprint for Financial Prosperity Says:
August 26th, 2008, 14:15 pm
Good tips and so true, the currency of the web has more to do with building relationships than it does money.
Ron Lambert Says:
August 26th, 2008, 22:47 pm
My wife and I are new to this blogging life. I am having a particularly difficult time getting used to it. I have only started reading and commenting in the past few days. Your comment about joining the conversation is so true. Our little blog is lucky to get one or two comments. We will join conversations and help others help us. Thanks for this site.
