A lot of website owners probably struggle with the issue of commercialization. Once a website gets hits, then the questions begin: should a person somehow try to capitalize on these hits and turn them into cash?
There are many facets to this. The first, and one I think that is often overlooked, is that sometimes a website gets big hits because it's non-commercial. If a person is simply blogging for enjoyment and to share knowledge, this authenticity attracts people to some degree. Most people are a bit jaded after all the bogus sales pitches they've heard over a lifetime, and it can be refreshing to hear from someone who has nothing to sell.
Second, financial incentives definitely can alter a writer's behavior. If consumers are paying money for a website, then they will come to expect certain things from the producer. And now blogging can turn into a job, which can affect the quality of the information produced. I would rather write when I feel fresh and because I want to, not because I feel pressured to.
Third, why do websites "have" to make money? I don't think it's about literally needing more money. Most bloggers aren't begging on the street corner for change. Many companies offer free blogs and the costs of additional hosting space is minimal.
I think the hidden issue in all this is entitlement. If a person puts in effort and produces something of value, then there is the feeling that they should be entitled to some reward. I have to admit, I felt this way when I was getting this blog started. But there are many different types of rewards besides financial ones.
In terms of evolution, this is "recipriocal altrusim". In other words, people help others and then in a roundabout way they are eventually rewarded. In hunter-gatherer tribes, this might have been gifts in terms of food or status within the tribe. Or in the simplest way, people just said "thanks."
As such, this is the fuel for my blog, not money. Repeat visitors and the occassional good word is enough to let me know that I'm doing something right. If someone else wants to charge for their website or run ads, it's their prerogative. I don't think it's immoral or bad, but it's maybe an issue they haven't thought all the way through.
