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Readers, I’m going bare-bones honest today.
Last week Ann Marie & I had a disagreement. (Nothing angry or anything, we’re friends and wouldn’t do that, but a friendly disagreement.) She decided to take down her Google Ads because of an increasing feeling that running them equaled a lack of integrity due to our inability to control what shows up. (The ads are automatically keyword generated.) I disagreed. I felt that while Google Ads are certainly not ideal, they don’t reflect my integrity, but instead are just an annoying necessity (and I’d have to continue to block the ones that are gross or conflict with my content) until my blog income from other sources grew enough that I could get rid of them.
I asked Kent for his opinion.
“Those ads do bug me. Sometimes there’s an ad on your site for the very thing you’re slamming in your post. Why don’t you take them off and give it 3 months and see what happens.” It was a difficult decision since the majority of my current blog income is from Google ads (and Christmas is coming!), but I decided to take Ann Marie & Kent’s advice.
Then Ann Marie got an email from a reader in Ohio.
Turns out we had Google Ads running encouraging readers to vote yes on issue 2! We had no idea because those ads were geo-targeted to Ohio readers only. I felt sick to think that my blog could have persuaded someone to vote yes on this issue that needs to be defeated in Ohio on Tuesday! This turned out to be an amazing sign from God that those Google ads DO have to come down and stay down. Ann Marie was right.
Now what?
Now I’m trusting God that He’ll continue to direct me in the way I should go. As I said in this Blog FAQ post, I didn’t begin blogging to make money. It’s still not my primary motivation – I do it because I love it and because I love the chance to help others become healthier in any small way I can. But it soon became a full time job and then some (and I’m no longer doing day care). Not just kicking out posts, but also keeping up on emails, comments, social media (Twitter & FB are a necessity) and the constant new updates or technical problems that come along. My readership is growing, but the blog income at this point only covers what I need to pay out for help with the never-ending technical issues or maintenance costs.
It will all work out!
Ann Marie always pumps me up and reminds me that we’re doing something very good here, and that eventually it will work out so that we can justify all these hours (50+/week), and I hope she’s right. If not, I’ll need to make some tough decisions and accept that my blog is only a hobby and significantly cut the hours I put into it. (And then go get a new job.) It takes my breath away to think of this, because I love it so much and really feel like this is what I’m supposed to do. For now I’ll continue to follow God’s lead. Do me a favor and shoot up a prayer…ask Him to give me wisdom!
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{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
Kelly, I’m thrilled to be able to contribute. I’m so glad you got rid of the Google ads. I know they don’t reflect your views, but it’s really jarring to go to a traditional foods blog and see ads for Pillsbury canned rolls, yanno? I hope this works out well for you.
That’s pretty scary about the Ohio ad!!
A “BIG” Thank you to both you and Ann Marie. It’s so nice to see them gone.
I knew those ads were computer generated but when I would often see ads that promoted unhealthy diet plans I would just get so irked by them showing up on a blog that promoted traditional foods, Etc.. I would just move on to another blog to read or get off the computer.
Now if all the other Traditional Food Blogs that have these annoying ads on would do the same…!!
Praying for you. I just realized that one of your sponsors has some products that I’ve been wanting to get & have been pricing – so I will order via your link.
Kelly,
You are so forthright and I cannot tell you how much that means when I read your blog! I was contemplating going that Google Ad route for my fledgling blog. I have been holding back because I don’t have time to learn the process and because I was not sure I wanted the commercial look, although I did like to read the various health and environmental related links that showed up on your site.
I see the downside, and I praise you for your decision. I think somehow we can all engage in commerce, make living, exchange goods and services, and build a better planet without gross commercialism.
Thanks! You’re part of the new wave of entrepreneurs. I’m not sure how we will all make it, but we will in our own new and innovative ways!
Kelly,
You need to remember that God pays us in many ways and His currency is not money. I know that the little source of income is important, but when you get discouraged think of how many lives you touch. Think of how many people that you personally know that have been touched by what you are doing. Think of our individual neighborhood that now has a community of “foodies” that we have formed a network to help each other afford to eat this way and to take off some of the stress of running here and there to obtain our real food.
Trust yourself, trust God and He will provide.
I hate to say I never look at the ads on most sites and when I *do* look I pay no attention anyway. Even right now looking at your site (which I visit every time you post) I don’t see a difference. (Boy, no detective work for me!) That being said, I give you props for doing what you feel is THE RIGHT THING. This blog is a wonderful business/ministry for you. I pray you are successful in both endeavors!
p.s. You’ve helped me tremendously!
Hi Kelly,
I also just wanted to thank you for all that you do for us, the readers. I have learned so much from your site and I’m so grateful to have some support in trying to provide and encourage a healthy lifestyle for my family. It takes courage to live the lifestyle that we are trying to live and it certainly takes courage to cut your income and continue doing what you are doing in faith. God will provide, one way or another. Thank you!
Kelly – I love that you made this decision. I, of course, never paid attention to the computer generated ads, but I also thought they could be potentially at odds to the message for readers who were not already convinced of the traditional wisdom you share. As I have considered trying to build my own food blog to something that created some income, my husband I and have gone round and round on the possibility of google ads. We have always end up not feeling right about it. For now, blogging has to remain a hobby for me but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how much you and Ann Marie are able to devote to it and truly help raise awareness about real food.
I will pray, and when I can shop, I will try my best to do it in ways that can benefit you gals!
Although the google ads are annoying, I knew why they were there – to help keep your site running. I thought it funny when Pillsbury and other like companies had ads on your site! These companies have no idea what your website is all about! It made me resent these companies more than I already did.
I will be a dedicated reader whether there’s google ads or not.
Kelly, I do admire you for taking a leap of faith and doing what you feel needs to be done! I’m praying for you today. We’ve been in difficult circumstances, and God has always proved Himself faithful, even when the tough times don’t disappear on my timetable. lol.
I enjoy your blog so much and, although I don’t comment much, I am a faithful reader and have gleaned so much good stuff from your blog.
Kelly, honestly, I never noticed there were ads! I wish I were in a position to help fund you; I’m out of work and looking myself. I can just say I appreciate what you’re doing and all the time it takes, and I appreciate how you take time to answer e-mails. I’ve had to cut the amount of time I spend reading blogs and commenting, but I’m still one of your faithful readers! Keep up the good work.
It’s the little things that add up to be the most important!
I did pray for you. Thank you for following God’s leading. I block ads, actually, not because I don’t want to support the blogs I read, but because there have been so VERY inappropriate ads that I have seen visiting very benign websites. I have a child around, and also, it’s not stuff that I want to be seeing, or that I feel anyone shoudl be viewing in my house. So I block ads. But I do follow your blog very closely, I am an email subscriber, and I will do my best to support you as I can. if I am going to buy products online, I will check to see if I can support you while doing it. I appreciate what you do!
Hi Kelly,
I share Ann’s sentiment. I don’t have any advertising at all on my blog except for two small affiliate banners, one for US Wellness Meats, and the other for Vital Choice, both of which are aligned with the general theme of my blog. I decided a while back that advertising just isn’t worth it for me. It’s not how the “pro” bloggers make the majority of their money anyway.
Blogging has become a full time endeavor for me as well … on top of having a regular full time job. It’s not about money for me either, but at some point, it needs to start paying some bills. Based on what I’ve learned about blogging, it seems that the best way to turn it into a business (which certainly doesn’t have to compromise your intentions) is to sell your own product. Have you considered putting together an ebook? After all, if you can write a year’s worth of blog posts, you should be able to write an ebook too!
Awesome decision – the ads, for me, made me think twice about your authenticity. I’m so relieved they are gone!
Thanks for all your feedback & prayers everyone! I do feel good about my decision.
Vin, I’m actually working on something small to get going on that now…hoping to have it done soon.
Kelly, your faith is amazing (and your blog), thank you!
You always lift me up, Kyle, thank you!
Just wanted to add my note of encouragement. I just found your blog a few months ago and I’m so happy I did. It is wonderful to see Real Food bloggers out there connecting with Real people! It is important work you are doing and how fortunate that you enjoy it, as well. Hang in there and these things will work themselves out. They always do
ps- I love your new logo!
Good for you! And Ann Marie too! Keep the faith, you two
This is my first visit. I got wrapped up in your comments and had to say hi!!! Kudos to you for standing up for what you believe in. =)
Kelly, I don’t comment much, but I love your blog and was never bothered by the ads (at least the product ones). I do think it commendable that you decided to take them off, though.
I have to admit that the whole issue 2 ad would have bothered me tremendously had I seen it!
God bless you.
I’m getting ready to start my own blog and based on your experience (and Ann Marie’s) I’m going to skip google ads.
Thanks, Kim, and let me know what your blog address is when you begin!
Ever think about selling something like an ebook or something? You are obviously very knowledgeable about what you blog about – maybe you could brainstorm about what people most need help with and put it into a nice little ebook?
I agree, I’d rather have a website without ads. thanks,
Sarah
Sarah, you’re so sweet to try to think of how to help me! I’m actually working on something right this minute! It’s something small, but I have another idea for what to do next. Not sure if a book will be in the plan (I can barely keep up with my life now!), but you never know.
Thanks so much,
Kelly
Hurrah that you got rid of the Google Ads! I have ad blocker, but if I read your blog at work, there they were. And they bothered me because they were generally selling “health” care and “beauty” products that I woulnd’t go near with a 10 foot pole (and didn’t think you would either). There needs to be an ad agency that supports environmental and our kind of health related sponsors, so you could still get income from it and they would actually promote what you wrote about.
I always run Firefox with the No-Script plugin.
I did actually see an ad network that delivered only eco-friendly related ads but I can’t think of what it was called. I think you needed to have 500,000 visits a month though and since that is a dream amount of traffic for a new blogger I think it was relegated to the look into later pile of things to do.
Yeah, it will be a while before I get there, too!
Kelly, I’ve seen this since you’ve put it up but haven’t taken time to comment on much until today. I would really like to make some money, too, but have my conscience to deal with, as well. If I remember correctly, you used to be a nurse like I did. I could get back into that field, but feel that I disagree with so much of it, along with the fact that I’d have to take a major refresher course — it doesn’t seem worth it to me.
Then I look at all the MLM deals with “nutritional” products — things that may help someone if they take them, but cost money and don’t solve the underlying nutritional/lifestyle problem. Once again, I have a problem with that. I don’t want to be dependent on a product, that enriches someone else, that I may not always have the money for, that may not be available (for whatever reason) in the future. Then I look at the flip side and don’t want to be the one being enriched by a product that makes me money but is a crutch for someone else. I hope this makes sense. It’s an ethical dilemma. I need the money, but I need to be able to live with myself. (Disclaimer: There may be some products this doesn’t apply to — I just can’t think of them at the moment — maybe necessary supplements…)
I LOVE what you’re doing! You’re educating people. That’s hard work for you and those who are trying to learn. It goes against the easy solution so many want (like a pill for everything). It certainly isn’t lucrative — at least at this point, anyway. But it’s GOOD! God bless you and your efforts!
I hope there will be ethical ads (like mentioned above) that you can run and get some income from. I also like the idea of your own info products (like your new food guide). Thanks for being so willing to think things through and to make the tough choices!
Hi Flo,
MLM bothers me sometimes, too. I wish that some of these good companies (like maybe Shaklee or Nutrilite) would market in more traditional ways. Yet I don’t know a lot about MLM’s, and they must be a better way to get a product out there. Even “better” supplement companies can’t do what Real Food can, though, and I wish more knew that. That being said, as I explained in my supplements post (http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/01/supplements-are-they-necessary-for-good.html), we do still take them as an “insurance policy”, with the full knowledge that we may be flushing money down the toilet each month. Someday when I feel we’re more “there” (as far as eating closer to the earth), then we’ll stop those, and we HAVE cut back. We focus a lot more on things like fermented CLO, which isn’t really a supplement, but a food. (http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/01/cod-liver-oil-complete-index.html)
As you mentioned, what I’m doing isn’t always lucrative (I’m promoting farmers, who don’t have big budgets!), but hopefully it will become enough to at least justify the hours I put into it, and in the meantime, I love trying to help others in whatever small way I can.
Thanks, Flo!
Kelly
Hello -
God bless you for knowing that soybean and canola oils are bad oils. Not many know this or refuse to believe it. I cannot tell you how many arguments I have gotten into over it. My final point to these closed minded people has always been – these two oils are controversial to begin with, so why not use some of the fine oils we have out there just to be on the safe side. Yes, sesame oil is a wonderful healthy oil. Sunflower oil is also a beautiful oil and so are all the fine nut oils we have. These oils just mentioned can be used for baking and then we always have our wonderful olive oil for our salads. There is no need for soy, corn, or canola oil. Some people even believe that canola is a plant. It actually means Canada oil – read the big scandal online about that fact. Many bad things about soy online also. I have been on a crusade about soy and canola. I wrote Whole Food Market about canola and they fervently defended it as a very healthy oil. I found this to be the case in many health stores I approached with my concerns. Sincerely, Teri Shaffer
Hi Teri,
Thanks for your comment, I share your frustrations!
One thing you may not have known, though, is that the Weston Price Foundation recommends sesame in small amounts and safflower in VERY small amounts or not at all. (See http://www.westonaprice.org/Dietary-Dangers.html)
Also, don’t forget about traditional and nutritious fats like lard, tallow, butter and coconut oil.
Take care,
Kelly
Thanks for writing this post Kelly. I recently put up Google Ads on my blog to test it out. I was not impressed. There were ads for Shredded Wheat on my blog about Celiac. I spent a good 3 weeks trying to block all the ads that I found were not suitable. I had no idea that some ads are shown to people based on their location, so I may in fact never see some of these ads and not have the chance to block them. So, I gave up and took it off.
I have a full time job, so I’m not relying on making any money from blog. Guess I was just dreaming that I could make a career change in the future and have some back up. I hope things work out for you because I really do enjoy everything you post about and I know how much time and effort that must take.
I am SO proud of you. I’ve never run Google Ads on Musings for those reasons, although I do have them in my feed, and I check them regularly and try to unsub from the bothersome ones. But you’re making me wonder if perhaps I should re-evaluate that too. Not only are they UGLY, lol, but they do undermine our integrity.
I gave up my ad network last year and hundreds of dollars a month when I did that, but they were touting processed and unhealthy foods, and I couldn’t do it. I still think of that money that I could be making and feel a little sick, but I know I did the right thing.
I really hope you’re able to keep this as your full time job b/c you have helped SO MANY. I don’t know WHAT I’d have done without your site when I stumbled into the real food movement last summer. Keep the faith, girl!
Had to check out your site when you followed me on Twitter, so this is the first entry I’ve visited. Where do you find coconut oil? Do you make your own sandwich spread (mayo)? I’m glad to meet a person of integrity who is ready to put their beliefs into actions.
Hi Grandma Peg,
Thanks for checking out my site.
Here’s where I buy coconut oil: http://www.kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/06/organic-virgin-coconut-oil-deals-best.html
And here’s my easy mayo recipe: http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/06/homemade-mayonnaise-recipe-that-tastes-great-finally.html
Let me know what you think when you try it!
Kelly
Hi ! I LOVE your blog !!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for providing us all with such helpful, informative, smart, healthy, and interesting information !! That being said.. I read about why you took down those ads.
I admire your commitment to traditional values. My concern is that, by doing so, you might have to decrease the amount of time you do what you love (this blog) and get a part time job to be able to keep blogging.
I have a STRONG DISLIKE for the ads.. but I wouldn’t give up on a site like yours… because in this economy.. every penny helps.. and maybe people that were on those unhealthy sites.. will end up finding your blog and changing their ways !!! That would be another life helped & health saved !
If those ads are helping you have enough time to focus on your passion, then I say you can make the most out of a bad situation. You have a family to think of.
What if you had an image link that says something like “about these ads”
and if people click on it.. it takes them to a page where you briefly describe your stance on the ads, and that you hope that people understand that although you don’t agree with whatever the subject of the ads are, but you rely on them to help you get the word across on living a healthier lifestyle. Otherwise you would have less time to do your magic on this blog.
*********Regardless on what you choose to do.. if people are loyal.. then they should remember the kind and decent person you are, and not get technical UNLESS they are doing what they can to help support your family being as they feel so strongly about the ads.
I wish you the best !
Yeah for you! Sticking to your principles & (most impt) trusting God – you are a witness and encouragement to us all. Thank you!
Be blessed in your Godly endeavor, He will surely provide & bless you!