While you may not think so, I contend that your blog already has ads on it. That Ajax Comment Luv button, Urban Spoon button, Mybloglog widget and networkhub button can all be consider ads. Hell, even the Creative Common button is an ad.

The reason people don’t complain about them is because you don’t get paid for them. So the issue isn’t having ads on your blog, it’s being paid to have ads on your blog. When I first saw the networkhub button, I assumed they paid you for that.

My advice: Get paid for blogging because It doesn’t matter what other people think because you can control what other people think.

http://blog.owengreaves.com/my-disclosure

Have an awesome day, Raul !
Cheers !

2. The act of ‘selling out’ by placing ads, I think, went out the window as soon as the majority of professional bloggers, a large number of personal bloggers and social media sites became known advertisers. The fact that you would put such emphasis on only vendors you believe in, or with a cause you do, is an extra step, and if you’re really concerned about whether judgment will be cast on you for it, include an advertising/sponsor page that explains how and why advertisers make it onto hummingbird604.

The simple fact is: you put a lot of time and energy into this blog, both as a personal journal and as a promoter for important causes/events. There’s no reason that making some funds from advertising is immoral – it’s just another income stream (that you can use).

If this were a blog with a highly particular purpose or focus that wasn’t predominantly oriented at covering Raul’s life, then I’d be in total agreement: market away. I think that in his case, however, it threatens the perceived credibility of the personal elements of the blog.

So get over it, run ads if an ad network will have you, and continue writing as you always do.

It becomes obvious when a blogger turns into nothing more than a paid shill for their ad network and other sponsors – and if you turn that way as well, obviously you’ll lose readers and trust.

But continuing on as you always do with the addition of ads is nothing to be ashamed about and does not need permission or apology.

I’m probably part of a minority, in that I know some of the tricks that are used to pump ad revenue and thus am suspicious of things others aren’t, but it’s something you might want to consider.

Personally, I don’t pay attention to ads. The more obnoxious an ad is, the more my brain filters it out. I know not everyone is like this, so that will be your challenge – to keep the ads relevant to the theme of your blog and to ensure you’re not overwhelming your readers.