The points and miles blog business model
#241
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,650
It's an apt comparison to broadcast TV (or radio even more so) in fact. It's not like a shoe salesman, or insurance, or a car dealership, etc. where an overt purchase must be made in order for the consumer to "consume" the offered product. A radio station, broadcast TV station, or blogger is putting their product out there for the world, with no direct exchange of cash from the consumer to the seller necessary, with income indirectly from advertisers.
To go into any of those types of businesses you'd have to realize that some percentage of listeners/viewers (perhaps many) will fast forward the commercials, change the radio station, or block ads. Although anecdotally, most people I know don't use blockers or even know what they are, whereas I don't know anyone who won't fast forward or TV commercials (or go to the bathroom, get a snack, etc during commercials).
While I understand the feeling/frustration of the bloggers, I think "morally wrong" is a bit much - that term, to me, goes with things in life much more serious than web ads.
I will turn off blockers for good quality sites that rely on ads (and the ads aren't intrusive)...though for the likes of VFTW, OMAAT, MMS, etc? No way - they get plenty of income from other means IMHO. If that means I'm a bad guy, then so be it.
Besides, aren't we reminded on occasion by some folks on here that the P&M bloggers are just doing this for love of the hobby, to help out friends & relatives, etc?
To go into any of those types of businesses you'd have to realize that some percentage of listeners/viewers (perhaps many) will fast forward the commercials, change the radio station, or block ads. Although anecdotally, most people I know don't use blockers or even know what they are, whereas I don't know anyone who won't fast forward or TV commercials (or go to the bathroom, get a snack, etc during commercials).
While I understand the feeling/frustration of the bloggers, I think "morally wrong" is a bit much - that term, to me, goes with things in life much more serious than web ads.
I will turn off blockers for good quality sites that rely on ads (and the ads aren't intrusive)...though for the likes of VFTW, OMAAT, MMS, etc? No way - they get plenty of income from other means IMHO. If that means I'm a bad guy, then so be it.
Besides, aren't we reminded on occasion by some folks on here that the P&M bloggers are just doing this for love of the hobby, to help out friends & relatives, etc?
What about downloading bootleg music or movies?
#243
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,269
#244
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
"Free content" sites relying solely on ads are taking a gamble through that business model. It's their choice and risk to use such a model. Though the biggest P&M bloggers seem to have gone beyond relying on ads for substantive income. But like I said I'm happy to support certain ones, not just by turning off blockers but also using their affiliate links for services, CCs, etc. but don't feel compelled to do so on a blanket basis across the web.
There are a couple of ventures out there which provide P&M type info such as this on a subscription/membership only basis.
@:-)
For those who view using blockers as morally wrong - do you not fly mistake fares, manufacture spending, add your dog as an authorized user, fuel dump, use hidden city ticketing, etc.?
#245
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,133
I feel fine about it. Next question?
#246
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: CMH, West Coast
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, oneworld emerald
Posts: 2,741
I don't know about any of you, but as the recent recipient of a full frontal lobotomy, I'm quite enjoying the blog where a stuffed monkey gives me travel advice.
#247
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,133
I made a similar comment when that blog first surfaced and didn't get the best reception here. My opinion has not changed.
#248
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in PALMYRA, PA, USA
Posts: 58,512
Karma is great!
#249
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,865
I was ok with the idea of the monkey being the guy's mascot. But I just looked again and all reader questions are being answered by the monkey. Which is bizarre. I'm surprised any readers have the shame to post a question for the benefit of a stuffed monkey to answer!
#250
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
#251
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,133
#252
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
#253
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,805
#255
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,269
Thank you for contributing to the dialogue.
If you don't like this free content, feel free to ignore. No need to troll. I'd also encourage you to actually read the content of this thread, as a lot of it is pretty substantive. A lot of people don't understand the business model of points/mile blogs.
If you don't like this free content, feel free to ignore. No need to troll. I'd also encourage you to actually read the content of this thread, as a lot of it is pretty substantive. A lot of people don't understand the business model of points/mile blogs.