A Corner Turned - Why I Do This

OK, I owe everyone an explanation or excuse if that's what you want to call it. Recent events with Google Adsense left me with a HUGE dose of  "who gives a crap" (toned down to maintain my PG site... LOL). But, I have decided to move past it hopefully and return to this and begin my posting of "odd & unusual" sites once again. I feel the need to explain myself and this site one more time before moving on.

The main purpose of this site is to entertain and, in a small way, maybe inform the readers. A close second reason, however, is to help support myself in a lifestyle which includes crawling into an RV in about two years and traveling full time. I love finding the "odd & unusual" and believe that there's a LOT of such places to see. The "support" goal is the reason that the website is "monetized". You'll see ads, links, etc here. Hopefully, not too many, but still, enough to live. I have no visions of becoming an internet millionaire or anything like that. My hope is that I merely make enough off the websites to buy food and gas and whatever other incidentals that are required to maintain the lifestyle as a "fulltimer." It will be necessary to have some alternate sources, but the best scenario would be to completely support myself with this site and any others I might open.

The details of the ways the site is "monetized" follow. I put a break here, just because the dang thing is too darn long without the break. I would love for you to read so that you understand what is going on. I also understand that I'm probably boring you to tears!

(continue reading by clicking the READ MORE link below)



The first and most direct way I have for support is the DONATE button, located in the upper right of every page. Through PayPal you are able to directly make a contribution to the "cause." I use PayPal because it is the easiest way for me to receive support without having to figure out how to receive mail, cash checks, etc. Plus, PayPal gives us the ability to accept credit cards.

I also use a couple of "pay per click" options. Google Adsense is, by far, the number one player in this area. But, I've been suspended for "suspected invalid activity", which I guess means fraudulent clicks. They don't tell you what happened either in their initial contact or in their denial of appeal. They are just the Big Bad Wolf and that's it. This suspension was the reason for my recent absence here. You can read more about it here.

I have signed on with another "pay per click" advertiser, AdBrite. I have no clue how they are going to work out, but hopefully even better than AdSense. Their ads are located in the upper left side and bottom of every page. It seems that so far it's always one display ad. In a "pay per click" environment, if a reader clicks an ad, the advertiser pays AdBrite for the click and AdBrite pays a portion to me. AdBrite also uses a method where they "highlight" specific words in my blogs. If you hold your mouse over a highlighted word, an ad appears. So another way to support the "cause" is to click on an ad that interests you. I do not advocate or request any fraudulent clicks. No need to get suspended again by another company.

I also use Commission Junction which is a straight commission type situation. Basically, I apply (approval is NOT automatic believe it or not) with companies for permission to post a link to their websites. Right now these links are on the right, maybe midway down. I have match.com and godaddy.com (my provider) on there right now. The only drawback is that it doesn't "pay per click" the reader must click and then "buy" something for it to pay. The pay is far better, but far more difficult to get.

Amazon.com also provides a commission program which works a little differently. On some  posts, there is a link to Amazon.com for books that are related either specifically or generally to the subject of the post. If a reader has an interest in the subject of the post and then goes to Amazon and purchases an item, I am paid a small commission.

Given all of these opportunities, you'd think making enough money to survive would be easy. It's not. On average the clicks from Adsense paid about 30 cents each. In total over the course of my most productive month I had about 300 ad clicks ($100). There were a lot more visits (approximately 6,000 that month), just that usually less than 5% actually click an ad. One of the sites I visit, Tioga George Blog, and emulate gets about 1,000 hits a day and that translates into a little less than $1,000/month.  I need to do even better than that.

I have never realized any revenue from any of the other methods mentioned above.

This is a lot of pretty specific detail about the money situation, but I'm trying to explain everything. Tioga George completely discloses his finances, so I feel pretty comfortable about using his example. So, having said all of that, I thank you for your attention and hopefully, support. Even more important, please recommend our site to your friends, relatives, co-workers, in-laws and even enemies. I need the traffic, clicks, etc.

Nothing Unusual Here... just some personal notes

During the month of April, we posted 6 times. That is quite a lot less than the month of March when we were on the road. The ultimate "goal" for this website is to generate enough interest in what we're doing (the "odd & unusual" sites) so that we can do it full time. We are aiming towards traveling full time in an RV, posting such sites on a regular basis. We probably won't match the 35 we posted in March 2010, but somewhere far greater than 6!!!

While living a stationary life, we hope to post at least a couple times a week, a goal that we obviously didn't meet in March. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who visits our site. We're having a blast doing it. The visits are great and the "ad clicks" even better, so keep 'em coming if you would. And... tell all your friends, relatives, co-workers, enemies, email lists and stranger about the site.

Thanks again everyone!

Joe

Ballerina Clown - Venice Beach, California

OK... only in Venice Beach, California... or at least most appropriately in Venice Beach would you find the "odd and unusual" site pictured to the left.

The sculpture is by Jonathan Borofsky Read more about Jonathan Borofsky and is entitled, "Ballerina Clown." When you get right down to it, it's nothing more than a ballerina in a clown mask and white gloves. It's just an unsettling sight for some reason. The juxtaposition of the ideas we have in our heads of clowns and ballerinas don't come together as one very well. I would assume that if you're one of many who are afraid of clowns, this sculpture has to rank high on the list of scary images.

The current occupant of the building where "Ballerina Clown" is located is CVS Pharmacy. They weren't the occupant in 1988 when the sculpture was erected, but we don't know who was.

You can see the articulated right knee in the photo at right. Apparently, there is an electric motor which causes the leg to "kick." We have never seen it operate, so we have no clue whether it still works.

 

The photo on the left is a little closer view of the face and expression of "Ballerina Clown."  Oddly, tears accompany the half-smile.

On the right, I couldn't resist. I had to shoot one "upskirt" pic just so I could say I did!!

Venice Beach is one of those places that is full of odd & unusual sorts. Especially on Sundays. The boardwalk along the beach is full of people selling their wares, be it anything from beads and jewelry to henna tattoos. And, lately, a dozen or so standing on the sidewalk, calling to all, "The doctor is in, get your medical marijuana card today!" We're assuming that once you get the card they sell you your first "prescription" as well. Read more about Venice Beach, California There will certainly be more to come from Venice Beach, I'm sure.

Joe