The folks working at the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), having not much else to occupy their time, have decided that bloggers represent a clear and present danger to the safety and financial well-being of consumers throughout this land. As of this writing, they have not done much beside bluster, but I will take this opportunity to disclose all of the financial benefits I realize through this lucrative enterprise.
First, I am not paid to blog. I understand that some bloggers are paid to write about various things - products, vacations, and the like - and are either paid directly or else receive said products, vacations, etc. I am not paid, but... if anyone would like to send my family on a fully paid world cruise, I would be happy to write about it. I assure you, if that becomes the case at some future point, not only will I disclose the fact that I was paid to blog about the cruise, I will in fact brag about it to anyone within hearing distance.
Second, you will find almost every blog entry has a link of some sort. For the most part I am not paid to provide these links. The exceptions are the obvious ones: if I provide a link to a book at Amazon.com, or a product at buy.com, I will get paid if you follow the link and purchase the book or item*. So far the earnings are non-existent. But that's not really why I write about these books and products. Yes, some bloggers are paid to write about a book they may not have otherwise read. I write about books that I enjoy, that have proven to be important in our home school (or in my own studies), and that I think may be useful for you, the reader. If I can also (eventually) earn some small pittance from these recommendations, great. If not, I have still recommended a book someone will enjoy.
Third, you will see ads on this site. They are of two types. One set are affiliates. These are companies who do not pay me to place their banners, but which
will pay a commission should someone follow the link and actually purchase something. As of this writing, this arrangement has profited me somewhere in the range of zilch. The companies I select (and that accept my application) are companies that I either have used myself (with an acceptable result) or are companies that I think will be of benefit to home schoolers. The other set are Google ads. I do not have control over what ads are displayed, but they generally relate to whatever I am posting. These have been more profitable - I believe that, as of this writing, I have earned just over $0.20. I am sure I would do better if I were to post the ads more prominently, but that is not the main purpose of this blog.
Well, I hope that this eases the minds of readers and bureaucrats alike. Now hopefully the FTC can move on to more pressing matters, like what to have for lunch.
* Please note: The geniuses that are the Colorado State Legislature have decided that, in an effort to raise revenue, they will chase more business out of the state. Now, maybe I'm not in politics because I don't understand how chasing businesses out of the state will increase tax revenue. I'm hoping for an explanation from some of the brighter minds in Colorado Government.
Basically, these Statesmen decided to make businesses like Amazon collect taxes on the
huge sums (as noted above) their affiliates earn. Amazon decided it did not need the hassle, and pulled out of affiliate relationships in Colorado. Thanks, Governor Ritter! Thanks, Senator Shaffer! Thanks, Representative Carroll! (Funny - all three are lawyers, none are businessmen. Curious thing, isn't it?)
At any rate, for you folks in the FTC - rest easy. You'll have less of that pesky affiliate income to chase down in Colorado! And for Gov. Ritter and the brain trust in the state house - how is it that tax revenues increase when bloggers in Colorado are paid nothing instead of something?
An interesting site - not very pretty graphically, but it is, after all, a research site. University of Southampton received a grant to research medieval soldiery, and is compiling a database of profiles of soldiers of the time.
