Can You Make Money at Blogging?

It's an age-old question, that every blogger prays the answer to is, "yes," and a speculative question someone happen to point-blank ask me the other night: Do you really think you can make a living, and money, by blogging?

The simple answer is, "no." The more complicated, entrepreneurial answer is, "yes."

There have been many nights, and very recently, might I add, when it's 2 a.m. and I'm in the middle of writing a blog post for The Adirondack Chick or My Tail Hurts From Wagging So Much, or when I'm writing the check for my mortgage, I often question if writing the posts are worth it.

Lets look at this logically - neither website, or blog, is generating money (yet); it takes up most of my free time and most of my vacation days are blown through for conferences and other industry events. The time, and money --  because conferences are not cheap, (more on that later) -- could have been spent working a second job, or traveling through Europe.

If I were my own financial advisor, I would tell myself to quit putting in so much time into writing the websites, skip the conferences and get a second job.

But, that's not even close to what I told the person who asked me the original question.

I explained that by blogging, and writing about various subject I am interested in, working in and am a part of, I am creating a brand. A brand that I won't get into here, but one that I think will make money in the future. My impression was that the person was very surprised at my answer.

But, now, let's look at this scenario logically - social media gives people the opportunity to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world. You can project your message, or talents, to the world and you just never know who will take a peek at your work.

Plus, it's also a great way to gain experience in an area where you may not have the opportunity to during your 9-5 job, or learn about a field before you dive into a career change.

In my case, it helped me land my current gig, has given me fun travel opportunities, the chance to meet a bunch of amazing people across the country and introduced me to many of the people I now consider friends. Plus, if you happen to be a journalist by trade, like me, it's a good way to show off your writing skills.

I think that in the end it's going to lead to more opportunities, and bigger and better things -- which will in turn, bring a paycheck. My impression is that most bloggers who are serious about the industry think this.

What would your answer to this question be?

- Michelle Maskaly