I don’t find the ads annoying. I actually find the ads entertaining because of the titles she puts above them. The one that caught my attention says “in my world… readers click ads to show support.”

In the perfect world of many bloggers who use Google Adsense ads – mine included – readers would click on ads of blogs they like to show support for the blogger. Occasionally I do this. When I read a blog I really enjoy I will click on a relevant ad or two to show them support. If they are on a blog network I will click around the site a bit and give them a few extra pageviews. As a blogger I know how hard it is to support your work, so I like to help support other bloggers.

But many of my friends don’t do this. Many of the non-bloggers (and some bloggers) I know use ad-blockers to stop intrusive and annoying ads from showing while they surf the web. I understand this move since many websites have taken advertising too far and are very annoying with their use of ads. But as a blogger it makes me sad to realize that many people read blogs and websites for information and entertainment yet never support those sites through viewing the advertising.

I only know what I do myself and the habits of a few friends. I’m curious what other people do. Do you click on the ads of sites you love to support the blogger? When you notice they are using Adsense do you click on a relevant ad or two after a good post? Or do you give them a few extra pageviews? Or do you use an ad-blocker? I’m very curious about what other people do and why, so please share in the comments!

BLOGS TAKE YOU PLACES

The funny thing about blogs is that they take you places.  Sean’s took him from Portland to Thailand.  Matt’s took him from Nashville to a new life and job in Chicago.  Mine has taken me from Memphis to Vermont to New Zealand.  Because of our blogs we connected with the right people who helped us make these moves and plans possible. Blogging can take you places if you are open to the possibilities that will grow out of your blogging.

BLOGS GIVE YOU SUPPORT

No matter what you want to do – be it become location independent, lose 50 pounds, pick up a new hobby or start a whole new career, there is a community of people online who have already done it or are doing it now.  Getting online and starting your own blog gives you a chance to connect with these people.  When I started trying to lose weight I didn’t have the support I needed in my life so I started blogging.  Now I have a great weight loss support community that helps me in my journey to be healthier.  Blogging is one of the fastest ways to connect with like-minded people.

BLOGS GIVE YOU DIRECTION

Many of us bloggers started blogging without any direction.  We have found our paths or at least a good directional wind in life because we started writing and putting ourselves out there.  In some ways I’ve done this already and now with this blog I’m trying to do it again.  I’ve not been writing here long (and I still can’t decide on a blog name) but I’m beginning to see how I’m drawn to travel, lifestyle design, and business related blogs and blogging.  The more I blog here the more I will be able to clarify what it is I want to be writing about and what I want to be doing with my life.  Blogging can help you figure out what you want to do with your life.

START BLOGGING NOW

I agree with Sean and Matt that a blog can and will help you achieve your goals, no matter what they are.  I also believe a blog can help you define new goals and explore new experiences.  No matter what you want to do we all seem to agree that a blog can help you.

If you aren’t a blogger yet, I suggest you start a blog on anything that interests you.  Start writing and find out what a blog can do for you.