Supporting MGoBlog-the economics of the site

Submitted by Yooper on

I am relatively new to following MGoBlog on a regular basis and enjoy it very much. The info is timely and informative, and quite often fun, even with the occasional panic or the squabbles about how many points one should have to be able to post, etc. Brian is a very skilled writer, and many of the contributors are really clever. When someone provides a service I find of value, I think they should be compensated. For that reason I recently sent a modest donation via the link provided. It got me thinking about the economics of the site and how we can best support MGoBlog. I did review the various info about the site, but, being new here and somewhat unfamiliar with the blogging world, I had a few questions about how Brian makes this thing work economically and how I can maximize (for MGoBlog) my participation.

While it may be a labor of love for him, it is a commercial enterprise we want to be successful. There seem to be the following revenue streams:

1. Direct Contributions. I have never seen an appeal for donations, which I appreciate. However, is there some expectation that readers will contribute, for example upon joining, once a year, or to celebrate getting invited to a bowl game? Also, are there periodic drives to raise money to offset the cost of upgrading the site?

2. Advertising Revenue. Obviously, ads are sold directly or generated through some service, and presumably the more eyeballs the greater the revenue. But is the revenue greater if one clicks through to an advertiser, whether or not you actually buy something? Also, are hits the most important thing? For example, if I am going to look at the site 10 times during the day is there more revenue generated if I visit 10 different times or if I just say connected for several hours?

3. Indirect Revenue sources. If I want to visit another site, does MGoBlog receive revenue if I get there via a link from MGoBlog?

4. Other sources. Brian writes for other online sites. I believe he mentioned that he is compensated on a salary or per submission basis. Does he also benefit directly if we visit those sites and how do we maximize that benefit? Thanks in advance for the responses.

MGoBoard
Football

klctlc

October 20th, 2010 at 3:16 PM ^

Thanks Yooper. Well written and something not talked about enough. This site is must read for me everyday. I have donated small sums the last two years also. I look forward to the responses.

Joined: 09/02/2009

MGoPoints: 2704

TomVH

October 20th, 2010 at 3:28 PM ^

To answer number two, we just developed a Media Kit and I recently started reaching out to local companies to inquire about them purchasing ads on MGoBlog. 

We just started so it's going to take a little bit to get it ramped up, but some suggestive comments to your favorite restaurants would be a step in the right direction! 

If anyone wants to talk about purchasing ads they can contact me at [email protected]

Joined: 10/21/2008

MGoPoints: 16654

virgilthechicken

October 20th, 2010 at 3:33 PM ^

http://www.maplestreetpress.com/book.cfm?book_id=76

A season preview as well as an all around guide to understanding Michigan football, from it's glorius histroy to schemes and such. Edited and partially written by Mr. Brian Cook, it is a condensed, printed version of the blog without all the "I'm done" posts. Buy it from a quality bookstore near you, direct from Maple Street or on amazon. Heck, you probably want to be really cool and buy every edition (2007-2010) just for good measure.

Joined: 11/12/2008

MGoPoints: 712

Tacopants

October 20th, 2010 at 4:03 PM ^

In regards to #1. I've only seen it done once, while Brian was on vacation and the WLA had the keys.  I'm unsure of how well it worked (it probably worked pretty well)

#2.  I'm not sure if Mgoblog has a per impression or per click revenue stream set up from ads, but I would assume both.  However, encouraging everybody to click ads every day solely to generate money is kind of discouraged by the internet in general, and is a good way to never get any ads on a site again.  I'm sure Brian makes money when you click on an ad.

#3.  Not unless its an ad.  If Brian (Tom, TIm, etc) links to Rivals, there's pretty much no way he gets money for it.

#4.  I'm sure Brian has a deal with SBN so that he recieves $X dollars for every 1,000 page views for his columns.  So go read TWIS and the Blogpoll.  If you like the content on this site, you'll probably like that as well.

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 3579

elaydin

October 20th, 2010 at 5:41 PM ^

clicking on ads in the iPhone app.  Don't go crazy with it, but we definitely get paid by click.  Seems like the per impression ads have gone away from iAd (which is a shame).  I suspect this might be due to the relatively low click through rates we were seeing.  The "premium" iAd ads paid well.

Joined: 04/17/2010

MGoPoints: 2350