Problogging Application
I have never received this much email before about what I blogged about… so much that I initially thought I was being spammed. So, to answer your question, here's more regarding problogging. Some of the info below are actually re-hashed from the previous entry I made over at pinoytechblog.
When Darren Rowse went public with his earnings ($xxx,xxx) from problogging, many were inspired. It seemed like the perfect game plan for someone who is tech-savvy and who has lots to say about a certain topic. Many dreamed of quitting their day jobs and instead spend the day in their pajamas, buried in rss feeds and blogging to their hearts content.
Some sites suggest that all you need is a blog (which can also be had for FREE), a unique angle (which, ideally, should appeal to a certain niche market and, at the same time, have high cpm rate), sign up for google/yahoo/chitika and voilá, you are on your way to earning your $$ through blogging.
You could do that, of course, but unless you blog about tech or celebrities, you will have to wait forever until you receive your first $100 check from google.
As per MY experience, the surest way to earn moolah from problogging is to join a network run by the bigwigs in the blogosphere. There is no big secret on how to get into a network. All you have to do is APPLY! Networks normally have an "apply here" link. I will discuss later exactly where and how you can apply.
To date, the big networks with paid bloggers are creative-weblogging, weblogsinc, b5media, KnowMoreMedia and BootsnAll.
Note that lots of networks which offer revenue share payment scheme. However, should you get into small or new networks which offer that kind of scheme, be prepared to wait long before you get your blogging dollars.
YOUR BLOG NETWORK APPLICATION
Anyway, here are the details on how to apply, current opening and where you can send your application:
Creative Weblogging
$$: Previously, I had a revenue-share type of contract with them. However, I have now switched to their fixed-payment scheme for some 3digit US$/month per blog. Promising future $-wise, especially since you can even have multiple blogs with them.
Benefits: CW has a great support system. I have been provided with all the possible tools (from topic suggestions to keywords and even funds/prizes for contests) needed in order to meet my blogging quota. They have also been very efficient in looking for site sponsors, specifically targetting each bloggers' niche.
On applying: If you have a blog topic in mind, you can pitch your idea to Torsten Jacobi or apply to blog for existing topics. But, apart from wanting to blog, you also need to have the relevant background to support your case. Send 2 samples on your choice of blog topic to help Torsten in his decision. If your submission fits, he will mail or call you with a few more questions before you get a contract.
b5media
$$: Previous business model is revenue share. However, with the recent $2M funding which the network received, it has been changed to fixed amount + traffic bonuses.
Benefits: Great community. To be able to learn and work with Darren Rowse, Duncan Riley, Shai Coggins and Jeremy Wright.
On applying: they seem to want those who have "unique" angles. If you send in your application, make sure that you (1) do not ask to write for a generic topic; think of something catchy and unique; (2) send a sample post as this would somehow be the basis of judgment. Send your application to the Channel Editors for consideration: maryjo@b5media.com for travel and culture, idiaz@b5media.com for gaming and writing&literature, hsienlei@yahoo.com for health&science and family&relationships, scott@b5media.com for sports, doug@b5media.com for business. In addition, vacancies for existing blogs are listed here.
KnowMoreMedia
$$: I am not sure if I am allowed to divulge the business model. All I can say is that you will definitely earn here, as well.
Benefits: They are VERY professional. Since it is a business blog network, you will learn a lot from your co-bloggers and the management. There are monthly gimicks which are only open to their bloggers. They know how to motivate their blogers.
On applying: Since this is a business blog network, they need authors who are experts in their chosen topic and field. Of course, you have to rehash news from time to time BUT you also need to write a lot about your topic first-hand. Send 3 sample posts and a paragraph explaining why you are qualified. For sample posts, I suggest you send (1) a post that is re-hashed (based on the most recent big news in your niche) and add your two cents, (2) a how-to or top 5 kind of post based on your own knowledge and/or (3) an entry about your own experience.
The network is currently actively seeking authors for:
* MarketingBlurb – all things marketing
* OfficeStuffer – how to create a better office environment with furniture, supplies, & products
* ProductivityGoal – work productivity, time management, organization, tools, and tips
* MerchantVoice – retailing, retailers, merchandising
* DoubleLedger – accounting, accounting software, accounting services
* MortgageVox – mortgage brokers, mortgage lending, mortgage agents
* HelpDeskNotes – help desk, technical support personnel and applications
* LendingLeaves – interest rates, loans, and lending institutions
* TheDemoMemo – business of Democratic and liberal politics
* ElephantBiz – business of Republican and conservative politics
* AutoMill – the auto industry
* TheBizClass – business school, continuing education, and business educational options
* GrowYourFunds – the basics and fundamentals of investing
* ALicensetoBuild – the construction industry and builders
Send your applications to Kimberlee Morrison at info@knowmoremedia.com (tell her I sent you!).