Pro-Bloggers: In Focus

This site has been talking about pro-blogging, how promising it is as a profession and the challenges that come with it. Well, it’s about time for us to hear (or read) about pro-bloggers themselves – their thoughts, opinions, motivations and struggles in their chosen career. Let us now bring the pro-bloggers in focus.

Most pro-bloggers we came across with have been blogging within the span of 3 to 5 years. They did it for fun and self-expression. They later on discovered that they can actually get paid for having fun. While they chose not to reveal the exact amount they earn, I guess it is safe to say that it is profitable enough for them to stick to it. It’s no wonder that when we asked how long they see themselves blogging, some answered “forever” while others said “for as long as blogging exists”. From there we can infer that they do not perceive blogging as simply a job but a career.

Although probloggers have different reasons for blogging, it is important for them that a lot of people are reading their blog. Marhgil Macuha, a pro-blogger mentioned, “A blog without readers is not a blog. It’s just a piece of HTML code on the internet.” In addition, all of them said that they became probloggers for the same reason people get into business – to earn money. Because of this, readership is of primary importance. It is only logical that no advertiser would place their ads in a blog with only a few readers.

When asked how they choose the advertisements they allow in their blog, they answered that it is not their call. One of them said, “I don’t decide. Google Adsense decides for me. They simply check via their Google Adsense robot the content of my blog and decide automatically which advertisement to put into it.” In this case, we can only hope that the Google Adsense robot has good discretion.

Each problogger should have their own criteria of measuring their effectiveness. When asked, they gave us 2 answers. The first is earnings and the second is ranking. They deem themselves effective in their craft when advertisers are willing to pay a good sum to place ads in their blogs. Ranking is also important and monitored. One blogger considers himself effective for being part of the top 40 bloggers list in the Philippines.

Being an effective blogger is not the same as being a responsible blogger. We asked the probloggers what they think their responsibilities are. Here are some of the most striking answers:

· Posting Regularly

· Respecting the readers and fellow bloggers

· Verifying information before writing about it

· Not stealing or “scraping” content from other blogs just to make a quick buck

· One of them even went out of the way and made a full definition of a responsible blogger. “A responsible blogger is an open-minded one. He's not afraid to voice out what's on his mind, but still is considerate of other's feelings and opinions. He is honest and fair (although at times, this may take a backseat because of the blogger's emotions). He knows that not everyone will agree with him, and he acknowledges the fact that his blog CAN influence other people. He's the type to accept the consequences his blog may have caused.” – Sharline Cruz

Some bloggers however, do not seem to share the same beliefs as the rest. When asked the same question of what the responsibilities of a problogger are, some answered “it depends”. They think that it varies from one blogger to the next. Their responsibilities are for them to decide. Some answered that a blogger’s responsibility is to post regularly – nothing more.

Given the varied answers of bloggers and the proliferation of problogging as a profession, do you think there is a need for a blog advertising code of ethics? Tell us what you think!