I received a comment this morning that warrants a response in a post…
I have been reading your blog for a few months although I have looked forward to reading new ideas and such , lately I just feel your just trying to sell stuff. Are you here to help us stuggling with weight loss or is this a weight loss business in disguise?
My response…
Hi Liz – I’m glad you brought this up. As you may know by reading the blog regularly this is my full time job. So yes, I do try to make money with it although it is not my primary goal. If you read my about page I mention how I make money with the blog. I’ve never kept it a secret.
In the last week I mentioned MY t-shirts that, yes I am trying to sell them. They are products/designs that was inspired by my blog, my content and my son (who has been the inspiration for everything I’ve done.)
In the video you commented on I was asked (an no I didn’t make up the question) about vitatops. So I used the opportunity to mention the discount code I have with them.
In over 34 videos I have never tried to sell anything before. I’ve turned down countless ads from crap companies that want to use my blog to sell their products. I refuse to use pop-up ads. I refuse to use context ads (the kind where they highlight words in the posts.) I will never compromise my content, my thoughts and my beliefs for a dollar. This is also one of the reason I will not become a Weight Watchers leader. I don’t want to be forced to peddle their crap products.
My original goals for this blog has never changed and I never made that a secret either…
- To help ME lose/maintain my weight loss
- To share my experience/thoughts/insights to help others on their journey
In 3 years this blog (along with GreenLiteBites & BlogToLose) has turned into a business. I quit my full faculty position to make less money blogging because I love every minute of it. I love sharing my life and connecting with others. I love getting emails from people all over the world that say I helped them reach their goal. That I make a difference in their life. Honestly, it brings tears to my eyes every time I read thank you emails.
So no, my blog is not "a weight loss business in disguise", it is a business. And I don’t think there is any shame in that. I spend countless hours working on all my sites. It’s still just me, a girl, trying to maintain her loss, be the best she can be and carve her place on the planet. I have no employees, no help. I do it all. The programming, the design, the graphics, the writing, the ideas, the cooking, the video recording, the video editing, calculations for nutritional information, the accounting, EVERYTHING. I have never asked for a donation, a membership fee, I don’t even make you sign up to leave a comment. The only way for me to make any sort of compensation is through ads (and recently my t-shirts) and even then I’m selective as to how ads are placed.
Thank you again, Liz for the question and I hope this clarifies the situation for you. It’s 2 days before Christmas and I have some work to do before taking a few days off (something I rarely do now that I’m a blogger).
I welcome others opinions on the blog/making money conundrum. And if there are others pro-bloggers out their please chime in. As some of you may know blogging for a living is surprisingly a lonely gig as you make all these type of decisions alone.
As an attempt at a joke… I present to you my traditional end of post google ad… Click it and I make a whopping 2 cents! WHOO HOO! :~P
73 Responses to A Weight Loss Business in Disguise?
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
Roni, I am a long time reader and I love your blog. You have helped me more on my weight loss journey than I could begin to tell you. However, the other night I stopped by your site and there was an ad for some funky weight loss pills. I thought that was odd as I know that is NOT what your site is about. I wondered how that got there but didn’t feel it warranted a comment. I don’t in any way feel that you are trying to sell us anything or pushing anything on us. Anyway, that’s all I have to say about that.
I would also like to add to those people calling Liz jealous, etc…well, that is just uncalled for. I will never get why women do that to each other. It’s really just silly. Can’t women debate or have a discussion without throwing the jealousy thing out there? That really annoys me.
M – I’m glad you brought that up as well! I should have mentioned it in response. The google ads are context ads (the ones below the posts) so google selects what to put there based on the content on the page. I don’t customize it at all.
I hope one day to be able to pull the google ads from the site but for now they are a big chunk of the income.
As for your other comment I TOTALLY agree. I try to stay even toned in my response. Stand up for myself and give my side of a discussion and I try very hard not to offend or put the other person down. I don’t think Liz’s comment was about jealousy at all. I think she was just honestly curios. However her original question could have been posed a bit more nicely.
Like..
Roni? Just curious, do you make money from the site?
Instead of
Are you here to help us stuggling with weight loss or is this a weight loss business in disguise?
Tone is sometimes interpreted incorrectly online so I think people have to be very careful how they phrase things.
Thanks again guys!
Wahoo! I just made you two cents! I would have clicked those before if I had known!
Hi Roni,
First, I think you would make a great leader. I work for WW myself as well now and I am working to be a meeting leader by sometime next year. There are other things that WW sells besides candy with fiber added. Books, scales, water bottles and such. I also think WW is going to be selling better food products in the future as well. I do understand the WW business aspect of it and it has taken WW a long time to understand that if they want people to be successful at the plan (which I feel they do now more than ever) they have to sell better food choices as well. Not to mention Momentum is a huge step in the right direction. David Kirchhoff gets it, IMHO. I just hope it trickles down through the rest of management as well.
Before I started working for WW, I owned my own business and have since sold my share of my business to my brother. So I completely understand that the blog is a business and should be. I personally feel that you making money with the blog is essential to being able to do it unless you were independantly wealthy. I don’t feel that you have compromised any of your values to make money. Anyone who thinks that is not reading your blog long or well enough.
The joy and hope you bring to the overwhelming majority of your readers with your sincerity and honesty is a debt we in our lifetime can not repay back to you in any monetary way. I am glad you can sustain yourself with the blog. Most of us know time is money and if you are doing this you can’t be making a living in other traditional occupations. I have no problem with what you do or how you do it. Anyone who thinks you are in this for the money is just not paying attention, again IMHO.
I hope you know this and you don’t think Liz is, by any means, a representation of any minority that reads your blog. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I am sure you know that this is most definitely an isolated or miss guided one. Not to mention you have handled the comment really well with a dignified and rational response.
YOU are one of the BEST! Don’t think for one second you are not.
Now that this has become a business for you, how you respond to critics (however mild) is going to be incredibly important. What I think would have been the most diplomatic response from you would have been to not include Liz’s original post, but to describe what she asked and to answer it like you have.
You have put a potential customer, and others who might share her thoughts, in an uncomfortable position – as the outsider. And opened her up to any negativity that the rest of your readers might feel she deserves.
Your explanation was clear, but could have been made without pointing anyone out as the cause for your making it. As you said, you assumed if one reader was curious – other were as well. No need to single her out. If you wanted to reach her directly you had the option of sending her a private email. What you ended up with was an unprofessional public conversation in your comment section.
You are now a business. Keep in mind all of your potential customers – not just the ones who already love you. There are new people (like me) coming to your site all the time and you want to draw them to you, not create a line in the sand for them to choose sides.
If you are a supporter of this blog – keep this in mind too. If you want to help Roni’s business then don’t attack critics. Convince them to see your side, but not with anger or negativity, but with a welcoming heart.
(okay – that was a dollar’s worth of “2 cents”)
I hope you enjoy great success, Roni!
Erin – Thank you for your opinion. I would have never thought of it that way!
Hi Roni! I dont comment a lot, but wanted to say I totally agree with what everyone else has written! I think you are great and your site is great!
Roni,
I feel the conviction to use this occasion to take action with this documentation.
Not that you need confirmation, validation and affirmation, but you need to know that you have my appreciation. Along with the rest of your Bloggin’ population (Blog = contraction for web log).
The birth of your son led to a nutrition investigation which led to weight reduction and eventual physical transformation. You made an invitation to the nation as you shared your new information, where you to made the proclamation that you received satisfaction from your Bloggin’ population. We have watched your progression and are in awe of your motivation.
With an obsession for food and a passion for computers, you laid the foundation for an amazing profession. What gumption! You even took a demotion with your newly chosen vocation. My impression is that your decision came with some hesitation, but your little addition (“The Toddler”) helped the decision. Now he gets more of your devotion, admiration and attention.
Upon my own reflection, I received a sudden intuition (epiphany by definition). I shared with you my ideation about set-point and my own complication with weight reduction. Although you receive an inundation of e-mails from across the nation, you gave personal recognition through communication and more inspiration.
Now, I wait in anticipation for the next installation of your latest invention from your imagination, which you add to your blogging collection. Plus, a photo composition of your food creation creates the causation of salivation. I can see the caramelization now. With your recipe directions, I seek transportation to purchase the grocery acquisitions although some require refrigeration. Your creations put an end to starvation.
However, you do caution about portion and moderation, yet without deprivation. Hmm… What was that last beverage concoction? Oh yes, it was mint tea and chocolate syrup – what a combination! You add a whole new dimension to digestion (or is it ingestion? I know it’s not indigestion).
You never use fiction or fabrication, but you do have conviction. You were even honest when you had an operation. Upon closer examination during my retrospection – I have no objection, nor do I need justification when you receive restitution for the addition of a new fashion dimension.
It would take a stretch of the imagination to think your intention would be to create a false impression. Solicitation is not a violation (well, in some States it is!). But, you get my intention. Move ahead with your vision of expansion, you’re in a great position. You will be met with a warm reception.
And you do this all from the location of not a mansion, but your little workstation? Without charging monetary admission? Did I mention that you are an inspiration and deserve a standing ovation?
I do have one final important question – Are you in this for the duration? Because if not, I have a confession – I will experience an emotional reaction, maybe even hyperventilation. In addition, my family will make the observation at the depletion of nutrition provision through meal stagnation. I would be in a state of confusion and discombobulation.
Roni, in my opinion – You are a champion! One in a million. No – one in a billion, one in a trillion, one in a zillion (and that’s no exaggeration!).
With Gratification,
Jenn
Roni – Absolutely! I’ve read through more of your blog. You are doing great things here. Keep it up!
Hi Roni. You are great at what you do.. and also lucky to get paid for something you love to do. This blog has educated me in nutrition in many ways! i love them all. (blogs)..
I would pay to come here and get my daily fix. You are the only blog I can realy relate to .You have the same problems and issues as me and a big inspiration.
I did in the past use paypal to help pay to keep another weight loss site open and it was worth it. Bandwith isant free.
You rock and I will support you as I need you.
I think that since you do this full time and by yourself you’d have to be
stupidnot so smart to not make some money doing it. And we all know how smart you are.You’re amazing and we all love you and your t-shirts!! Some of us even love Vitatops!!
I sure wish I could find a way to make money doing something I love, but I don’t think anyone would pay me to go to the beach everyday.
To be perfectly honest….I never even thought of this site as a business…..must be because my focus has been on the REAL purpose.
Roni – I have read through each comment and agree with two things –
1) You are inspirational, down to earth and creative
2) Perhaps responding to Liz in a personal e-mail might have been helpful only based on what someone said above – you don’t want to draw lines in the sand. However, this is something new for you – running a business and this tip is helpful for next time.
I think that you are an amazing person and that it is terrific that you took a chance and started your own business doing something that you love. Too many people spend their days in a job that they don’t even like a little bit…this is unfortunate because we only live once and we need to make the most of it. I know that I comment often and that I have asked questions about things. You have answered me when you were able and appreciate that I feel as though (even though I am one of many fans) like I know you as a friend. Roni, keep doing what you are doing. It is an amazing service that you provide to those of us who struggle every day with their relationship with food and body image. You have never hid behind your web site…you have been honest and up front. There is nothing that proves that more than your tummy tuck section. Thanks for being who you are and for all that you do. I know that there are many of us who appreciate it whether you are making money or not. Happy New Year.
YEAH! I’ve been “lurking” for a few years now, tried the blogging thing,(never could keep a diary) but this really got my attention. I have never felt as if you were trying to peddle things. More like a friend who suggests ideas out of genuine concern. If I had known you make 2cents whenever we click on an ad, I would have been clicking ages ago. ( is that really how it works? I’m serious! Thats cool!!) I’ll click just in case!You really have a site to be proud of. Not that it was bad before. I was reading before the “crash” and must say its a whole new world you’ve created here! It’s great! Be proud! I’m a fan! (not in a stalkery way either:))
I have been reading your blog for months, but until recently have never posted a comment. I wanted to take this time to say that you have helped me more times than I can count. Whether it be your daily words, all the information available about nutrition, links to others, or your personal story, I always find something at your site that makes the day better. So, thanks. I’m glad you are here.
Roni aside, that Jennscookin comment was AMAZING! The rhyming and the tone was sensational. I just had to write about it. And I do love Roni.
I KNOW! I’m going to post it when I get a chance. So talented right?!?
-Roni
Ronie,
OMG! Where do I start? Let me sum it up-you are an INSPIRATION and a smart business woman. We should all tap into what our contributions are in life and if you follow your passion, you will automatically help others and yourself. Kudos to you for the kind clarification to Liz. It was profound, honest and extremely respectful. You are amazing and I look forward to reading your blog for years to come!
Sheri
Hey Roni,
Thought I would share. Got my first ANGRY flame. ;-) http://livewell360.com/2009/01/my-first-flame/
Sheila
Roni,
I’m in total awe of ALL you have accomplished. I came across your site in this month’s Womans Day magazine and it’s an answer to a prayer. I’ve just spent over 2 hours on your blogs and am only stopping now because my eyes may be permanently damaged :-) Truly, thank you for this inspiration – I’ve been a blogger for a few years and tomorrow I’ll be starting one for my weight loss journey – only wish I could make mine as functional and lovely as yours. Take good care and I look forward to reading more – once I can blink again!
I’m glad you linked to this post today. I think about this from time to time and this helped me to sort of my feelings. I found your honesty refreshing and I couldn’t agree more.
My Weight Maintenance blog has adverts too, and there’s no shame in that. Why should Google and whoever else make money from our hard work? Writers get so little pay as it is, so why not boost our income. At the end of the day, we couldn’t maintain our blogs unless we loved what we do. Readers get passion and we get paid. How many lucky people love their day job?