Blog Money Whore

One of the most popular affiliate programs out there is LinkShare Corporation. Most people don’t even realize that they’re clicking on a LinkShare link much of the time simply because they’re so ubiquitous, and many, many websites out there earn income by referring people to online stores that have affiliate programs through LinkShare. It’s a great way to earn a little extra income, especially if you set up a site like FatWallet using their links. (Note that I do not actually know if FatWallet uses them, but I wouldn’t be surprised and it would be a great way to do it.)

Anyway, if you haven’t joined yet and run a website, then give it a shot! Click here to become a LinkShare Affiliate! I don’t think you’ll be displeased. You can easily run affiliate programs alongside the regular contextual advertising from AdSense and whatnot.

Most small-time online publishers out there (like me) use Google AdSense to generate revenue. It’s pretty effective and allows a steady stream of income to come in without much thought. However, it’s not the only advertising network out there. One that’s definitely making waves is AdBrite, and the best news out there is it’s compatible with Google AdSense. Here are the relevant AdSense program policies for reference. Make sure you check to see if they’ve changed:

Competitive Ads and Services

In order to prevent user confusion, we do not permit Google ads or search boxes to be published on websites that also contain other ads or services formatted to use the same layout and colors as the Google ads or search boxes on that site. Although you may sell ads directly on your site, it is your responsibility to ensure these ads cannot be confused with Google ads.

The coolest thing, however, is you can run both AdBrite and AdSense ads in the same exact space. In AdBrite, you can set the eCPM of your other ad network, e.g. AdSense, and AdBrite automatically shows the network that makes you more money. Pretty cool, huh? All you do is copy and paste the complementary ad network’s code into AdBrite, and they take care of the rest.

You can run ads from your current ad networks within your AdBrite code, and we’ll always show the ads that earn you the most money. In other words, when we can earn you the most, we’ll show our ads. When we can’t, we’ll rotate your other ads back in. You can’t lose.

I, for one, think this is just awesome and a boon to online publishers and recently signed up myself. I’ll switch this site over as soon as I have more data on eCPM for different ad slots.

I remember the days when CafePress.com simply had a t-shirt and nothing more. These days, there’s a heck of a lot of merchandise available for sale! You can make just about any sort of apparel imaginable including a zillion varieties of t-shirts, hoodies, underwear, etc. Plus, they have all sorts of nifty housewares like mugs, clocks, magnets, and stickers. Then, you even have the ability to publish books, audio CDs, and data CDs. It’s really become a powerhouse for the self-publisher, and the best part of it is it’s all FREE. You can still set up as many basic stores as you want without paying a single dime. It’s also ridiculously easy. I took me no more than a few hours to set up my store using pre-existing designs that I tweaked a bit for each product.

So how do you make money? Simple. You specify the markup on the base cost. For example, I’m selling the Days That End in Y T-Shirt for $9.99 on a base price of $8.99. That means for every t-shirt I sell, I earn $1. (Please buy a t-shirt!)

Anyway, what are you waiting for? If you’ve been sitting on an idea for an awesome t-shirt or poster, then do it now! Go create that store!

For the last couple years, I’ve been a member of Zipcar, and I’ve loved it! It’s really convenient, and I’ve been able to survive without owning a car. Why do I love it? Well:

• There’s no need ever to deal with annoying humans. Just use the fast website to reserve a car yourself and then pick it up yourself using your member card.
• The cars are parked everywhere. There’s at least half a dozen cars within a few blocks of my apartment.
• You can rent by the hour rather than by the day!
• Gas is included!
• Insurance is included!
• The cars are nicer than comparably priced cars at rental car companies.
• There is no underage fee. If you’re under 25, then don’t let the rental car companies stick it to you!
• All sorts of random discounts like buy one get one free meal at Ikea!

I’ve driven the cars as far as New Haven, CT and Providence, RI from Boston without any troubles, and I’m often able to pick up a reservation at the last-minute. If I need to go somewhere in a few minutes, then I just log online, reserve a car, walk over, and pick it up. It’s very simple. Even better, if you join using my link, you will get $25 of free driving. What are you waiting for?

Plus, due to their recent merger with Flexcar, they’re present in even more cities around the world! I’ve even used a Zipcar in Vancouver, BC, Canada before!

Join Zipcar and get $25 in free driving!

For the last couple years, whenever someone has asked me for a shared web host recommendation, I’ve pointed them in the direction of IX Webhosting. I used them for two years and am happy I did, as they’re inexpensive with decent service. I’ve had no problem reaching them via email, chat, or phone whenever I need assistance. In particular, I recommend the Business Plus Linux plan, which costs only $6.95/mo.

In exchange for a few measly dollars, you get a really freaking good deal:

• Unlimited domains
• 1000GB web space
• 2 Free domains
• 8000GB data transfer
• 8 dedicated IP addresses
• MySQL/PostgreSQL
• PHP/Perl
• And a whole lot more!

The cheaper plan doesn’t offer database support, so don’t get that. The more expensive plan doesn’t really add much, so don’t get that either. Get the middle plan, and for the love of God, don’t get the Windows plan.

The main reason I moved was so I could have a little more control over my server to deal with heavy traffic and custom applications. If you don’t expect millions of hits each week, then IX Webhosting is a really good place to park your website. They’re no fly-by-night operation like many other inexpensive web hosts and actually do have good service for a good price.