Blog networks
There has been a lot of hype lately about all the different blog networks, including Weblogs, Inc., 9rules, Gawker, and b5media. Blog networks are interesting and I think that in some respects they deserve the hype.
By having a group of great writers linked together through a network it brings each of them, and the network, more credibility. It also attracts new audiences to less popular, but probably just as well written, blogs. 9rules has done a great job of attracting well great writers to their network - this has allowed them to become one of the “big 3″ networks very quickly and earned the network a lot of respect.
The blog network arena is starting to get a bit saturated. People are starting to think that they can start up a network, throw a few blogs into it and have AOL throw $25,000,000 at them. Of course, it doesn’t happen like that. The biggest blog networks have some of the best bloggers in the world writing for them - it makes it tough for a new, small network to compete.
However:
I think there is still hope for the aspiring entrepreneur. Why not create a blog network that is focused on a niche? Pajamas Media just launched as a network of political blogs. Niche blog networks are very interesting. A group of great writers working together, sharing ideas, and sending each other traffic could become very powerful in their market. Other networks that launched recently include Sports Cartel and Mommy Bloggers. Advertisers would love to put out ads across an entire network that caters to a very targeted group of readers (i.e. moms or sports fanatics).
Right now I am working with a few friends to develop something along these line, hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be able to discuss the projects in more detail - it should be exciting if everything start clicking.
There is still lots of potential to capitalize on the popularity of blogs. You don’t need a network to make money, if you know a lot about a specific instrument or you love to write about economic theory, there is a spot for you in the blogosphere. You just need to find something you’re passionate about and start writing.
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- Meditate on this, Entrepreneur: Upward networking
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- Success, finally
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Ben, I find it very intriguing that you’re talking about creating a network of websites that, when viewed collectively, carry a high degree of marketability. I became so interested in starting things like this for myself back in early October that I created Blog Louisville, a site dedicated to collecting information from Kentucky-based bloggers.
I quit my job in July to focus on a career in web entrepreneurship, and so far, the ride has been incredibly entertaining. If you would ever like to collaborate on a network (and I’m already working on a couple of ideas, as I’m sure you are, too), I would be happy to speak with you about the possibilities. At any rate, give it some thought, and let me know what you think!