Discussion: What Do You Think of Ads on Blogs?

I haven't really covered this topic in a discussion before, so I thought I'd get your opinion on it. I've only really come to notice ads on book blogs recently, when the thought crossed my mind to perhaps start doing it here. Even when doing the research, it does appear to a newbie to the idea like myself that it can be complicated to set up and manage, especially considering all the options you can take. Obviously, it has to be ethical and not affect the content of what you're writing about, in my opinion. To maintain authenticity, you've got to keep it real.

Nobody wants to see those random phrases in posts that are linked to some obscure site for advertising purposes, nor do they want to see ads in the sidebar for 'how to lose weight fast and get the hot bod you always dreamed of' when they're on a BOOK blog. To me, it wouldn't make any sense and it detracts from the essence of what you are actually posting.

HOWEVER:

Personally, I don't think the ones that are targeted towards books that fit the blog audience is necessarily a bad thing, as long as it's not intrusive. Plus, the money raised can go back into the blog to fund giveaways for example. I get it - advertisers and authors want their product out there, but I can see how there is a whole heap of sticky issues when it comes to getting the balance right between bombarding your audience with promotional material when you first go onto a blog page, and still having the blogger and promoters benefit.

I recently asked the question on Twitter whether joining sites like Litbreaker or Blogads is worth it since they're free to join, and I've noticed other bloggers using them on their sites - though I do know that there is an 'application process' involved. I've also seen other book blog sites promoting ad space independently. When it gets into language like calculating based on 'clicks' vs. 'impressions' it can get a little confusing, and I feel like this whole advertising scene is a bit of a grey area in general. Basically, I'm undecided on whether I will advertise here or not - and I'm looking for some opinions!

What do you think of ads on blogs?

If you do use them - how did you set them up?

Are they worth it from a book blogger's perspective?
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