Boarding Area's Fall
Jul 23, 2014, 10:16 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
I am thinking out loud here...don't read anything as inside information as I don't have any!
Why do so many bloggers go to BA, especially now that there are SO many blogs there? I was shocked to see Barbara Dellolis, the former USA hotel beat writer, to go there yesterday.
I understand there could be a bump in readers initially but then it tends to fall off if the content quality is not there.
I understand BA blogs get a break in hosting expenses, SEO related help, and share on some of the adv revenues based on clicks their own blogs generate (correct? Or is there like a general pool they also share too? Like a profit sharing plan?). I also understand they are free to to do their own affiliate relationships. Especially now that Amex appears to be out of the picture (and not back in yet) and the rest become so quantity based to maintain the cc clicks (cough).
Why give up your own unique URL and be master of your own domain instead of becoming just one among nearing 100 blogs?
I understand for part time blogs this can be a pretty good deal at BA. But for full time endeavors (like Barbara's) I think staying independent can make more sense and still maintain flexibility for future directions.
I also hear BA blog all get invited to BAcon conference and everything is paid for? If yes, that is a sweet deal indeed!
I notice a sudden influx of many bloggers at once and wondering if the BA ship is being primed for a sale. And then what? Would there be traffic and revenue minimums implemented?
Comments?
Why do so many bloggers go to BA, especially now that there are SO many blogs there? I was shocked to see Barbara Dellolis, the former USA hotel beat writer, to go there yesterday.
I understand there could be a bump in readers initially but then it tends to fall off if the content quality is not there.
I understand BA blogs get a break in hosting expenses, SEO related help, and share on some of the adv revenues based on clicks their own blogs generate (correct? Or is there like a general pool they also share too? Like a profit sharing plan?). I also understand they are free to to do their own affiliate relationships. Especially now that Amex appears to be out of the picture (and not back in yet) and the rest become so quantity based to maintain the cc clicks (cough).
Why give up your own unique URL and be master of your own domain instead of becoming just one among nearing 100 blogs?
I understand for part time blogs this can be a pretty good deal at BA. But for full time endeavors (like Barbara's) I think staying independent can make more sense and still maintain flexibility for future directions.
I also hear BA blog all get invited to BAcon conference and everything is paid for? If yes, that is a sweet deal indeed!
I notice a sudden influx of many bloggers at once and wondering if the BA ship is being primed for a sale. And then what? Would there be traffic and revenue minimums implemented?
Comments?
I've no idea how ad revenue is shared, seems puzzling that it would be enough to pull in an established solo blogger. I do wonder what entices the ones who are joining now.
I guess I wouldn't be shocked if BA was ramping up for a sale, so from the site's perspective I suppose it makes sense.
Jul 25, 2014, 9:50 am
#78
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I think that some of your understandings are accurate and some of the others are not. Among other things, there are plenty of blogs which participate in the Boarding Area ecosystem which do so on their own URLs/brands rather than as a subdomain.
Jul 25, 2014, 1:40 pm
#79
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
I would venture to say that 95% of the BA blogs are on a subdomain (and not on their own URLs). If not correct, it must be close. Easily 90%.
Jul 25, 2014, 2:33 pm
#80
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I believe your 95% number is wrong. The 90% number might be closer to correct, but of 70 blogs (includes BA and P2B) I can think of 3-4 off the top of my head. If you only go with BA then the % not as a subdomain gets higher.
Jul 28, 2014, 9:40 am
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Fort Worth TX
Programs: Earned status with AA, DL, SPG, HH, Hyatt, Marriott, Seabourn, NCL, National, Hertz...I miss my bed!
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The "tech" in techgirl is for Texas Tech, not technology. The more I started diving into getting set up (I was originally using Blogger), the more I realized I didn't know squat about the backend - and as I have my day job and regular business travel to worry about, I didn't need that hassle either. I liked that BA did the backend in exchange for managing some of the advertising buckets on my site. I also liked that they let me maintain my own unique URL so that I can own my own content and have portability in the future (not that I see a reason to be portable at the present time). The BA staff has been nothing but wonderful to work with and I've learned more in the last couple of months from them than I think I would have learned across a couple of years of trying to go it alone.
In short, I think a lot of folks here are giving BA a black eye because they don't like the content of some of the blogs hosted there. Never has anyone at BA suggested to me "hey, you should post about this credit card" or "you should only say this". In fact, when I was getting ready launch, I asked the other bloggers a couple of questions akin to "hey, what kind of posts do you find resonate most in your experience" and "is there anything that you hear readers asking for that isn't personally in your wheelhouse or that someone maybe should be blogging about but no one wants to"? With the exception of some very nice advice from VFTW and OMAT, it was pretty much crickets. So if there is a mass conspiracy to all post about the same thing, we newer folks definitely aren't in on it.
It IS difficult to build up a readership when you are new. I think I saw TBB post that at one point there were over 600 blogs in the daily feed. My hope is that I continue to post interesting content and find a few unique affiliates that help cushion some of the cost of my time, as I just refuse to pimp credit cards or work with any affiliate that dictates my editorial, no matter how much those folks might pay. I'm sad to think that some might stay away solely because of where I choose to host.
Jul 28, 2014, 9:41 pm
#82
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
I can only speak for myself - and I'm a newer blog. I had been working on the backend (graphic design, tentative content calendar, possible affiliate relationships) for a few months before I talked to Randy. I decided to go over to BA because I have worked with him before here at FT and was very comfortable with his team and what they bring to the table.
The "tech" in techgirl is for Texas Tech, not technology. The more I started diving into getting set up (I was originally using Blogger), the more I realized I didn't know squat about the backend - and as I have my day job and regular business travel to worry about, I didn't need that hassle either. I liked that BA did the backend in exchange for managing some of the advertising buckets on my site. I also liked that they let me maintain my own unique URL so that I can own my own content and have portability in the future (not that I see a reason to be portable at the present time). The BA staff has been nothing but wonderful to work with and I've learned more in the last couple of months from them than I think I would have learned across a couple of years of trying to go it alone.
In short, I think a lot of folks here are giving BA a black eye because they don't like the content of some of the blogs hosted there. Never has anyone at BA suggested to me "hey, you should post about this credit card" or "you should only say this". In fact, when I was getting ready launch, I asked the other bloggers a couple of questions akin to "hey, what kind of posts do you find resonate most in your experience" and "is there anything that you hear readers asking for that isn't personally in your wheelhouse or that someone maybe should be blogging about but no one wants to"? With the exception of some very nice advice from VFTW and OMAT, it was pretty much crickets. So if there is a mass conspiracy to all post about the same thing, we newer folks definitely aren't in on it.
It IS difficult to build up a readership when you are new. I think I saw TBB post that at one point there were over 600 blogs in the daily feed. My hope is that I continue to post interesting content and find a few unique affiliates that help cushion some of the cost of my time, as I just refuse to pimp credit cards or work with any affiliate that dictates my editorial, no matter how much those folks might pay. I'm sad to think that some might stay away solely because of where I choose to host.
The "tech" in techgirl is for Texas Tech, not technology. The more I started diving into getting set up (I was originally using Blogger), the more I realized I didn't know squat about the backend - and as I have my day job and regular business travel to worry about, I didn't need that hassle either. I liked that BA did the backend in exchange for managing some of the advertising buckets on my site. I also liked that they let me maintain my own unique URL so that I can own my own content and have portability in the future (not that I see a reason to be portable at the present time). The BA staff has been nothing but wonderful to work with and I've learned more in the last couple of months from them than I think I would have learned across a couple of years of trying to go it alone.
In short, I think a lot of folks here are giving BA a black eye because they don't like the content of some of the blogs hosted there. Never has anyone at BA suggested to me "hey, you should post about this credit card" or "you should only say this". In fact, when I was getting ready launch, I asked the other bloggers a couple of questions akin to "hey, what kind of posts do you find resonate most in your experience" and "is there anything that you hear readers asking for that isn't personally in your wheelhouse or that someone maybe should be blogging about but no one wants to"? With the exception of some very nice advice from VFTW and OMAT, it was pretty much crickets. So if there is a mass conspiracy to all post about the same thing, we newer folks definitely aren't in on it.
It IS difficult to build up a readership when you are new. I think I saw TBB post that at one point there were over 600 blogs in the daily feed. My hope is that I continue to post interesting content and find a few unique affiliates that help cushion some of the cost of my time, as I just refuse to pimp credit cards or work with any affiliate that dictates my editorial, no matter how much those folks might pay. I'm sad to think that some might stay away solely because of where I choose to host.
I don't think I've ever felt certain that BA dictates some sort of content on its blogger members...I think it's just that the lower-quality P&M bloggers tend to have a monkey-see-monkey-do thing going on with their daily content...kind of like how I can turn on any of the 3 or 4 local TV stations at 11:00 PM and they all tend to have similar top news stories.
Jul 29, 2014, 11:02 am
#83
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
Thanks so much for the input, greatly appreciate it. Makes more sense now.
So, why would the more established mainstream names like Barbara Dellolis would join BA? Is it the same reasons? I guess keeping the URL intact makes a lot more sense (like Hack My Trip and some others) but what do they lose for doing that?
With the entry of Prior2boarding blogs it is getting surreal how many blogs cover this field everyone looking to stand out. I mean, there is just not THAT much to blog about every day
I appreciate your perspective on the credit cards. Others have said the same thing. BUT damnit, the $$$ make it an option that blows away every single other one combined unless the blogger is willing to shed blood and tears to build it up to a barely sustainable level. I have experience with Amazon link lol.
Anyway I blew about 200 blogs off my Feedly, now down to 347 so it is...manageable
So, why would the more established mainstream names like Barbara Dellolis would join BA? Is it the same reasons? I guess keeping the URL intact makes a lot more sense (like Hack My Trip and some others) but what do they lose for doing that?
With the entry of Prior2boarding blogs it is getting surreal how many blogs cover this field everyone looking to stand out. I mean, there is just not THAT much to blog about every day
I appreciate your perspective on the credit cards. Others have said the same thing. BUT damnit, the $$$ make it an option that blows away every single other one combined unless the blogger is willing to shed blood and tears to build it up to a barely sustainable level. I have experience with Amazon link lol.
Anyway I blew about 200 blogs off my Feedly, now down to 347 so it is...manageable
I can only speak for myself - and I'm a newer blog. I had been working on the backend (graphic design, tentative content calendar, possible affiliate relationships) for a few months before I talked to Randy. I decided to go over to BA because I have worked with him before here at FT and was very comfortable with his team and what they bring to the table.
The "tech" in techgirl is for Texas Tech, not technology. The more I started diving into getting set up (I was originally using Blogger), the more I realized I didn't know squat about the backend - and as I have my day job and regular business travel to worry about, I didn't need that hassle either. I liked that BA did the backend in exchange for managing some of the advertising buckets on my site. I also liked that they let me maintain my own unique URL so that I can own my own content and have portability in the future (not that I see a reason to be portable at the present time). The BA staff has been nothing but wonderful to work with and I've learned more in the last couple of months from them than I think I would have learned across a couple of years of trying to go it alone.
In short, I think a lot of folks here are giving BA a black eye because they don't like the content of some of the blogs hosted there. Never has anyone at BA suggested to me "hey, you should post about this credit card" or "you should only say this". In fact, when I was getting ready launch, I asked the other bloggers a couple of questions akin to "hey, what kind of posts do you find resonate most in your experience" and "is there anything that you hear readers asking for that isn't personally in your wheelhouse or that someone maybe should be blogging about but no one wants to"? With the exception of some very nice advice from VFTW and OMAT, it was pretty much crickets. So if there is a mass conspiracy to all post about the same thing, we newer folks definitely aren't in on it.
It IS difficult to build up a readership when you are new. I think I saw TBB post that at one point there were over 600 blogs in the daily feed. My hope is that I continue to post interesting content and find a few unique affiliates that help cushion some of the cost of my time, as I just refuse to pimp credit cards or work with any affiliate that dictates my editorial, no matter how much those folks might pay. I'm sad to think that some might stay away solely because of where I choose to host.
The "tech" in techgirl is for Texas Tech, not technology. The more I started diving into getting set up (I was originally using Blogger), the more I realized I didn't know squat about the backend - and as I have my day job and regular business travel to worry about, I didn't need that hassle either. I liked that BA did the backend in exchange for managing some of the advertising buckets on my site. I also liked that they let me maintain my own unique URL so that I can own my own content and have portability in the future (not that I see a reason to be portable at the present time). The BA staff has been nothing but wonderful to work with and I've learned more in the last couple of months from them than I think I would have learned across a couple of years of trying to go it alone.
In short, I think a lot of folks here are giving BA a black eye because they don't like the content of some of the blogs hosted there. Never has anyone at BA suggested to me "hey, you should post about this credit card" or "you should only say this". In fact, when I was getting ready launch, I asked the other bloggers a couple of questions akin to "hey, what kind of posts do you find resonate most in your experience" and "is there anything that you hear readers asking for that isn't personally in your wheelhouse or that someone maybe should be blogging about but no one wants to"? With the exception of some very nice advice from VFTW and OMAT, it was pretty much crickets. So if there is a mass conspiracy to all post about the same thing, we newer folks definitely aren't in on it.
It IS difficult to build up a readership when you are new. I think I saw TBB post that at one point there were over 600 blogs in the daily feed. My hope is that I continue to post interesting content and find a few unique affiliates that help cushion some of the cost of my time, as I just refuse to pimp credit cards or work with any affiliate that dictates my editorial, no matter how much those folks might pay. I'm sad to think that some might stay away solely because of where I choose to host.
Jul 29, 2014, 11:47 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Fort Worth TX
Programs: Earned status with AA, DL, SPG, HH, Hyatt, Marriott, Seabourn, NCL, National, Hertz...I miss my bed!
Posts: 10,927
Thanks so much for the input, greatly appreciate it. Makes more sense now.
So, why would the more established mainstream names like Barbara Dellolis would join BA? Is it the same reasons? I guess keeping the URL intact makes a lot more sense (like Hack My Trip and some others) but what do they lose for doing that?
So, why would the more established mainstream names like Barbara Dellolis would join BA? Is it the same reasons? I guess keeping the URL intact makes a lot more sense (like Hack My Trip and some others) but what do they lose for doing that?
Anyway I blew about 200 blogs off my Feedly, now down to 347 so it is...manageable
Jul 29, 2014, 3:23 pm
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
Being a Brit, I had never heard of Barbara before she turned up on BA and I have found some of her pieces (eg the Hilton room service one today) very interesting - so she has certainly gained some extra readers from it!
Given BA advertising pays more than Google, if you're in the US, and its a relative no-brainer if you can keep all of your own branding and IP.
Having dug into what was Travora - theoretically a specialist ad network for travel sites and potentially the only real alternative to BA - pays, they certainly don't pay much after taking off their 50% commission. That is despite requiring 500,000 page views per month (which I have) to deal with them.
Given BA advertising pays more than Google, if you're in the US, and its a relative no-brainer if you can keep all of your own branding and IP.
Having dug into what was Travora - theoretically a specialist ad network for travel sites and potentially the only real alternative to BA - pays, they certainly don't pay much after taking off their 50% commission. That is despite requiring 500,000 page views per month (which I have) to deal with them.
Jul 29, 2014, 9:34 pm
#86
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
I know Barbara since the Fairmont Lifetime Platinum deal days, google it
500,000 page view per month!! Must be a template for that
500,000 page view per month!! Must be a template for that
Being a Brit, I had never heard of Barbara before she turned up on BA and I have found some of her pieces (eg the Hilton room service one today) very interesting - so she has certainly gained some extra readers from it!
Given BA advertising pays more than Google, if you're in the US, and its a relative no-brainer if you can keep all of your own branding and IP.
Having dug into what was Travora - theoretically a specialist ad network for travel sites and potentially the only real alternative to BA - pays, they certainly don't pay much after taking off their 50% commission. That is despite requiring 500,000 page views per month (which I have) to deal with them.
Given BA advertising pays more than Google, if you're in the US, and its a relative no-brainer if you can keep all of your own branding and IP.
Having dug into what was Travora - theoretically a specialist ad network for travel sites and potentially the only real alternative to BA - pays, they certainly don't pay much after taking off their 50% commission. That is despite requiring 500,000 page views per month (which I have) to deal with them.
Jul 29, 2014, 9:38 pm
#87
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Fairmont Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,041
Hmm, you are making me reconsider. Do you know if I make it there Delta Points has promised to leave Boarding Area? You are welcome! 
Yous is one of the 347 blogs that survived. Which could be a good or a bad thing. Cough #mysteriousTBB
Yous is one of the 347 blogs that survived. Which could be a good or a bad thing. Cough #mysteriousTBB
I'd assume so. Randy really does have an amazing team behind the operation. I think scalability is key. If your prime interest is writing (which I think for many of us, it is), it's nice to sit back and let someone manage. I'm guessing that Barbara didn't have to worry about selling advertising or getting the paper to press or making sure that the website didn't malfunction when she was at USA Today. She focused on editorial and let the other experts do their thing. If she were to do the same thing solo, she'd need to hire all those people to help her behind the scenes. She probably couldn't afford several of them so she'd either have to settle for a jack-of-all-trades helper or pick one area for help and figure out the rest herself. Having BA means access to specialists in design, SEO, social media, advertising, relationship management... so she can focus on the content, not the operation.
We only hope to stay on that radar of relevance.
We only hope to stay on that radar of relevance.
Jul 30, 2014, 7:16 am
#88
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
I'm trying to get on your ignore list. Can you send me some templates?
Jul 30, 2014, 10:07 am
#89
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
Jul 30, 2014, 10:17 am
#90
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Somewhere above the Mason-Dixon
Programs: DL Ham Samich
Posts: 1,659