Making Money For Darren Rowse
There are two reasons why you’re reading this post. The first is you’re a regular reader of John Chow dot Com and this is the latest post on the blog. The second reason is you just clicked on a Google Adsense ad running on Problogger.net that looks something like this.

If you belong to the second group, then maybe you’re wondering why I sent such an ad to Problogger. Darren and I have been “AdSense IMing” each other with Google Ads. I started it, Darren replied. The above ad, which is running on Problogger, is in reply to Darren’s John Chow Loves Me ad that is running on this blog.
Now I don’t mind giving Darren some money. After all, he runs a great blog and should be rewarded for it. I’m also very flatter that he is running ads on my blog. I guess that makes us even since we’re spending money on each other. I know Google is very happy about it and is praying that this “love fest” continues.
I like to welcome all the Problogger readers who clicked on the Make Darren Rowse Money ad. If you love reading Problogger, then chances are you’ll love reading John Chow dot Com. In addition to showing how to make money from blogging, John Chow dot Com covers technology, investments, other internet income opportunities, and food (lots of food)! It’s best not to read this blog on an empty stomach.
Feel free to have a look around (check out the Top Posts) and chat with the community members. We have a very vibrant and lively readership. It’s not unusual to have a post with over 100 comments.
If you haven’t done so, please subscribes to the full feed RSS. I update this blog multiple times per day and the full feed RSS will ensure you get all the latest information.
I would really appreciate it if you tell me what you thought of my Google IM ad. You may do so in the comments. Thank you.
- Posted in The Net
- 49 comments what's your take?
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You’re quick to act. Didn’t you just mention this “landing page” yesterday at pho?
Reply to this commentHe was soliciting for new ideas on Friday or so. JC doesn’t wait long to do something.
I like the choice for the ad, too.
Reply to this commentIf you wanna send some money my way…by an advolcano link…$20 for 30 days….hard to beat…
Reply to this commentits a good chosen text
Reply to this commentmmmmmm lovefests…
I guess both of you are gaining from each other so its a worthy investment eh.
Reply to this commentI am not sure which is better… eating this blog on an empty stomach or eating it with a full one…with high resolution photos of cow stomach, octopus, goat uterus, etc… Fear factor style!
Reply to this commentI wonder how much profit John could make if he started a fear factor blog … straight from Canada!
Reply to this commentEven if he did just a blog on restaurants in Canada he could make money.
Reply to this commentHaha that is the truth. If anyone could make a Fear Factor food blog into a money making machine, it is John Chow.
Reply to this commenthow much does it cost to get your ad up on his site?
Reply to this commentThis is a good question. I do know that the ads are based on a CPM basis that you have to bid for, and to take over an entire block you also have to outbid the effective CPM of the four text links… so it could be a fairly high CPM!
Reply to this commentThe ads are CPM based. You set a max bid you are willing to pay plus a daily budget that you won’t exceed. You need to set your CPM at about $3.00 in order to have your ad show up at Problogger.
Reply to this commentOk, well $3.00 per CPM isn’t that bad. I thought it was CPC based which could easily get out of hand. At least with CPM there’s some predictability.
Reply to this commentFunny text, I’m lovin’ it John
Reply to this commentGood one. Make google rich both of you. Mind if I jump in on the bandwagon?
Reply to this commentHi John just sent you an email check out my redesign idea for your blog. I did it just for fun.
http://www.everybodygoto.com/2007/02/05/re-design-idea-for-john-chow
Reply to this commentI like that, and I would use that on a blog for me, but it doesnt have enough expensive automobiles for john’s taste.
Reply to this commentAli - very nice redesign! Although I am so used to John having a flashy car in his header that it seems to suit him. Over-the-top cars match Over-the-top John.
The “JC.com” looks great as well, but again, I think of him as John Chow, not as “JC” as in “JOHN CHOW…THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.” “JC - The Root Of All Evil” doesn’t seem to carry the same weight.
I still think it’s a nice design.
Reply to this commentAlso, some people may associate JC with Jesus Christ and we dont want that anywhere near the root of all evil.
Reply to this commentThis is getting out of hand. Please let us stop talking about lovevests. With Johns big head, and Darrens Bald head, I dont like it!
Reply to this commentYeah, the turtle-neck in his avatar is freaking me out too…
Reply to this commentThat post linked in from Darren killed my browser.. 100+ comments..! better get mine in whilst it’s still number 11.
As a self proclaimed member of the early John Chow readers, it’s great seeing a blog go from 0 to fame.. even better when it’s within a matter of months! Well done Jono.
Reply to this commentNice choice with the landing page, I assume there will be a better conversion rate now that you target speak directly to newcomers
Allen.H
Reply to this commentPerhaps, I’m not quite sure if it’ll actually be worth the money, it’s rather just fun to do so
Reply to this commentI’m aware the main aim behind this is just showing some love and strengthening relationships, but if he can gain 5% more readers by adding a specific landing page, why not?
Allen.H
Reply to this commentYou just made a similiar post like this like 3 days ago. You must really love Darren or running out of content. The last few days I have notice a really big change in the writing. Lets turn it around:-D
Reply to this commentWe all have our moments of fluffing it up. It happens to the best of us
Reply to this commentI appreciate the IM ad on my site. Maybe I’ll send one back.
Reply to this commentI just loaded your site, and does it always show up on the 3rd block? Nice use of CPM money there.
Reply to this commentFor me it actually loads on the 1st block after each page load. I guess it’s a matter of geo-targeting..
Allen.H
Reply to this commentVery interesting advertising concept, I might try it myself to promote my own blog
- MENJ
Reply to this commentWhile I certainly understand wanting to support Darren’s blog, why not just cut him a check? Why give Google a slice? I think what you guys are doing is cool and all, but I can’t help but feel that I’m missing a piece of the puzzle…
Reply to this commentAny chance to share with us how much do you pay for a click on Problogger.net?
Reply to this commentI answered the question in an above comment.
Reply to this commentSorry, didn’t noticed it!
Reply to this commentJohn, why gives a f*ck if you want to screw Darren? We don’t so stop posting this BS on your blog.
Reply to this commentWow, that’s some kind of pent up rage going on there…
Darren’s actually got a very useful blog. While the post is certainly fluffy, it’s not the end of the world
Reply to this commentThis blog never ceases to amaze me. Way to light up the blogosphere with creativity.
Reply to this commentI learn something new from this blog every day.
Reply to this commentJohn I have written a post about this “love fest”. I hope you are not offended by it! (its on the address in the required fields).
Matt Jones
Reply to this commentI guess it makes for an interesting blog post and an attention getter.
Reply to this commentsmart ad, you won an rss subscriber! (that’s me!)
Reply to this commentAn interesting way to get people visiting your blog. It certainly caught my attention.
Reply to this commentThis is the first Google ad I have clicked on for years. (apart from 1 or 2 by mistake)
- Worth coming by the way.
I will add your blog to my blog list. Haven’t got round to using RSS feeds yet though…
Reply to this comment