Trading Links for Ads

Wanted: A Few Good Bloggers in need of More Traffic and A Few Dollars More. Non-A-listers need only apply:

The Washington Post has come up with a scheme to level the playing field in the blogosphere. They announced a new advertising network which it calls the “Sponsored Blogroll”.

So here’s the deal:

Bloggers can opt into an agreement whereby they display advertising on their blogs and in return receive a link in the “Blogroll” section of the Washington Post’s online content. Revenue from the ads displayed on members’ blogs is split between the Post and the bloggers.

The plan is to target less well known blogs that have been unable to get links from a-listers and are looking to increase traffic and make a few dollars in the process. I guess that would include just about 99% of us.

Here’s how it works:

A link to members’ blogs will be featured in our Sponsored Blogroll index, giving your writing promotional space on the washingtonpost.com home page and giving you an introduction to an audience of 8 million readers monthly. At the same time, our hardworking sales reps will help connect your signature musings with the huge number of advertisers we deal with every day who are looking for the next big, slightly-outside-the-mainstream idea.

As a Sponsored Blogroll member, you’ll maintain your independence. But you’ll get additional site traffic, a little buzz and maybe some additional income.

Mainstream Media sponsored Blog Networks. Who would have ever thunk it? Source: CNET.

UPDATE: CNET liked what the Bloke had to say