And Now A Word From Our Sponsor

I have to break a promise to you guys.

However, I'm going to replace it with a newer, shinier, better promise, thus I hope you'll forgive me.

2009 is the year I go back on my word to remain sponsor-free, which means I'm in the process of adding advertising to my website. 

I know.

I usually try to give you guys an idea of the thought processes behind the decisions you don't necessarily dig (e.g. the new cover/hardback format, not touring in your city, my unwavering support of the Second Amendment) so I want to explain how this came about so everyone's cool with it.

Fletch took some vacation time when we moved in November.  One day while he was working on unpacking the kitchen, he noticed I was sitting on the couch not helping.  I told him I was busy working, so he wandered over behind me to see what I was doing.

I could practically hear his eyes rolling as he scanned the laptop screen.  "Doesn't look like you're working.  It LOOKS like you're watching videos of people taking it in the nuts on the fail blog," he said.

I was ready for this argument.  "Listen, part of my job is to understand pop culture references, so, really, looking at popular videos of people taking it in the nuts is part of my market research.  Same goes for any show I watch concerning pampered housewives or Bret Michaels.  Oh, wait - brainstorm!"  I snapped my fingers.  "What if there were a show where all the Real Housewives lived in the same mansion and tried to win Bret Michael's heart?  Ohmigod, GENIUS.  Which proves that what I'm doing right now is totally work."  Then I glowered, daring him to find fault with my bulletproof logic.

He surprised me by holding his hands in supplication.  "Hey, I'm not mad at you.  I'm just saying that if this is your job," he gestured at the video of a breakdancer kicking a wayward toddler, "I want in on it."

As we bounced around the idea of Fletch becoming more involved in the micro rather than just the macro, we had a long (boring) talk about specifics on the business of being an author.  There's so much more (boring) stuff involved than just writing and I'm delighted Fletch wants to take some of the (boring) onus off me.  (Sidenote to my agent and everyone at my publishing house: Fletch requested you address him as Colonel Tom going forward.) 

When we touched on the subject of making money from blogging, I said I don't consider blogging a business; I consider it fun, thus why would I crap it all up with advertising and turn it into a job? 

Fletch asked if I would generate any revenue if I accepted ads which, duh, yes.  Then I gave him my whole rationale about why I hate sites that are so obviously ad-driven and full of paid placements.  (Like, seriously?  NO ONE enjoys grape juice that much and if GM cars kicked as much ass as you claim, would they really need a bailout?)  Anyway, then he countered by asking if bringing in a little extra revenue would allow me to reinvest in our business by outsourcing the stuff that keeps me from writing, such as laundering Fletch's sweaty gym drawers.

And... damn if that didn't make perfect sense.   

So we talked to my webhost and we've figured out how to get started.  We've got a little programming and redesign to do, so you won't see any changes here for a few weeks.  But they are coming.

The upside is now that I'm going to have ads, I'll feel obligated to post more frequently.  No more three weeks off because I'm eating cookies and watching Divorce Court. 

I still hate the idea of making my site ugly with ads, so we agreed to a few compromises.  First, if the ads are awful or obtrusive or slow things down too much, I maintain sole discretion on pulling the plug. 

Second, I'll only allow ads for stuff I like or could see myself using.  (Acai berry diet and Rachael Ray's dog food?  SCREW YOU.) 

Last, Fletch agreed that he'll not only start reading this website, but he'll actually occasionally post his side of the story. 

(Is anyone else afraid?)

To show you I'm serious about writing more, I'm going to post again shortly soliciting advice on how to throw the perfect '80's party AND I'm going to be giving away a few copies of my friend Eileen Cook's new book What Would Emma Do? 

I'll put contest info up in the morning... or as soon as I finish watching my TiVoed episode of the Rock of Love Bus.

See? 

Nothing's going to be different around here... except maybe the hands that fold Fletch's underpants.

Comments

[RobinR]

I only ask that you don't do noisy ads because those would get me busted at work. I usually read while I'm on hold with the IRS for a client and it would be tacky if music started blasting in the background or something. :)

[Reluctant Housewife]

Go for it. You're a brand, now, might as well cash in. Good luck with making the big bucks! And Fletch posting? Cool!

[DanceMom]

Well you know a girls gotta do what she has to to make $$! I say go for it and there might be some good stuff that we'll all want to buy! And if you can make money so you can write more yay! God knows I can come up with enough ways to procrstinate with out doing mundane chores.

I thought of you today when I was looking at a photo album and realized my first three (years) high school photos were all in Lacoste shirts! Sr. Year was a lovely Land's End Ensemble. ;)

[Terry from Mass.]

I'd just like to say that whatever Sally's previous comments were, her current post describing her vocation is pretty funny.
80's party? Acid washed jeans. Boom!

[Amy Katich]

I am so glad that you will be blogging more often. As for the Ads, I am ok with them as well. You have to do what you have to do.
I can't wait for your next book.
Best of luck to you and Fletch. I look forward to hearing from him, as well my husband can't wait. He checks your websight more then I. ( He read all your books and wants his own copy of the next.
Happy New Year:)

[Terry from Mass.]

Fletch's side of the story! I can't wait!

[Jill]

Can you just make sure that the adds come at the end of the page when I'm looking at it on my Blackberry?? I already have to scroll through the entire left side of the page to find out if you've posted anything new! It's not that I won't, because I will...I'd just prefer not to!

[CariZ]

I'm okay with ads if it means that we will finally hear something from Fletch! Will he get his own spinoff blog called Fletchadelphia or Fletchsburgh?

[Breanna]

Oh My God. Rock of Love is my guiltiest pleasure and the BUS HAS TAKEN IT OFF THE CHARTS! Who knew that there were EVEN MORE ridiculous ladies out there than seen on the previous two episodes???

[Heather]

Oh, and one more thing. I agree with the multitude asking for silent videos. Yes, I have my own office, but my door is usually open and I'd hate to get busted visiting Jennsylvania when I'm supposed to be...maybe thinking of ways to generate revenue for my own employer?

[Heather]

Am I the only one who's kind of excited at reading Fletch's posts? :-)

[Wendy]

Jen,
I love your blog and that won’t change, besides I have trained my brain to ignore ads so ad away. Blogging is a lot of work and you should get paid for your efforts. Because I have to punch the clock my blog will often go a week without a post, so I say if you can get paid for blogging more often and not punching the clock YOU SHOULD. Also as a writer who is yet to sell anything, I say make it while you can.

[tracyw]

Go for it Jen. Like you said in the recent Youtube, writing is your business! Why shouldn't you be getting paid to write? Count me as one who couldn't care less if you put in ads. Ads won't stop me from reading your writing--it's too damn funny and usually makes my day! More day-making, less underwear folding...why not? And as sweet as it is that you feel you're breaking a promise, please remember that just because I bought your books and read your blog, I am not entitled to anything in return other than enjoyment of your razor-sharp wit and living vicariously through your saying the things I only wish I had the guts to say!

[BetsyBoo]

can you still buy a crimper on eBay? if not, braid your wet hair, let dry and unbraid. apply Aqua-net. fingerless gloves. blue glitter eye shadow. acid wash jeans, coupled with an acid wash demin jacket. (who doesn't love the denim tuxedo?) if your hair is long enough, put the back half of the crimped hair in a nice banana clip, preferably purple. surprisingly, these can still be purchased at Target, etc. scrunchy socks and black boots. hair and face glitter. the party involves music: Tommy TuTone, Dexy, Eurythmics, Bon Jovi, Phil Collins, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Kenny Loggins, and J. Geils. i agree with whomever suggested Name That Tune and the Trivial Pursuit game. perhaps a Reaganomics quiz?

[Betsy]

OMG, will Fletch really start posting on here? My book club reads your books and we frequently wonder about Fletch! Would totally love to hear his side too! Of course, we all love and adore you Jen - but Fletch has to have some interesting stories to share:)

[Erin-EZE]

Is your 80s party workout themed? Unfortunately i seem to recall aerobic attire at its finest with a thong leotard over biker shorts...i'm praying i was not the only culprit...in addition to the catholic school girl side-pony, headbands with glittery dangles and those things to tie your shirt to the side, not just knotting it but the actual plastic accessory you had to purchase, i'd say you'd nail the 80s atrocity this girl displayed in multiple pictures...

[The Modern Gal]

Oh, and just to counter Sally, I'll even CLICK on some of your ads when I come to visit. Especially if clicking on it means one less sock that you have to fold.

[The Modern Gal]

I don't think there's anything wrong with putting a few ads on your site. You absolutely should be making money off this blog. I think most of your readers are smart enough to know a banner add is just that -- an ad.

I might have a problem if you were shoving a particular product down my throat which you'd been paid to shove down my throat. Wait ... that doesn't sound right AT ALL.

[Kimberley]

Who is this Sally person? and why does she keep showing up when I'm having fun? I'm all like "Jenn is so funny! haha! I HEART HER!" and then BAMMM!!!!! Out of the blue is
Shoot-her-mouth off Sally with her 2cents.
Oh, well. We'll all just keep our knees together and our minds on Jesus. :)

[Jen]

I think this is awesome news!

[Linnea]

Jen, I'm a new reader and I absolutely love your humor. I got Bitter is the New Black for Christmas (on the 27th though) and finished it AND the archives of your blogs a couple of days ago and I am so excited to see my first new post. I'm still like "omg she's a real person!!!", so sorry I'm so starry-eyed. BUT YOU ARE SO COOL. That being said, clearly ads are fine. If I love your site so much that I'll reread the whole thing ads won't make a difference! Thank youuu for being awesome and writing about Chicago.

[Kim Mc]

Just please don't put those stupid "flashing" ads on your site-too difficult to read while that crap is going on. Thanks!

[Ange]

Ads are ads and they are everywhere so no worries on them being here.
For the record, it is YOUR blog therefore you didn't even have to say anything about putting ads on your site, it's your site you do want you want with it and we'll deal with it. I would have to say that most people who read this blog would continue to read it regardless of the ads.
You need to get paid for working (even if it is fun to do) and if I had any inclination on how to start a blog I would and just for the record if I could get someone to advertise on it I would. I do like how you are going to control the ads and not have that very annoying acai berry one...from all of us Thank you for that!!

[amjaggie]

I just finished reading your first book (the one where you say the sort of things I think but never seem to actually get out of my pie hole!) and I thought the book would end where you were already making lots of money off this cool blog you started. So, really...why not?! And like so many others have said...as long as you stay true to you (and from what I've read, you have no trouble managing that!) then yeah you and the ads that are so common now that we hardly notice them anyway!

[Pamela]

Good for you, Jen! I come from the world of advertising, so I am ALL for it! As long as you don't get all Biggest Losery on us like "Ohhhh, I'm craving something sweet - I know! Let's have some Peach Blast Extra Sugar Free chewing gum for dessert after our delicious tandouri Jenny-O chicken and Brita water dinner!"

Soooooo transparent!

[Kathy from NJ]

I have no objection to ads. I don't know if you ever read Pioneer Woman by Ree Drummond; she has some wonderful sponsors, including HP. If you buy something thru the link on her blog you get a REEbate from HP.

[Kate from KC]

OH! And if you're looking for 80's party attire, head to the mall and go to a Claire's or DEB. My friends and I went on a 80's party bus a few months ago and thought that it would be hard to locate authentic stuff for our outfits...I'm sad to say that I found a flourecent pink shirt (shredded over a black tank top - it actually came this way), black leggings, fingerless gloves, giant earrings and plastic beaded necklaces all for a whopping $20 at my local DEB. If you can get over the initial embarassment of actually stepping into a DEB store over the age of 13, it's totally worth it.

[Sweet Jen]

More power to you and.....you might also not have to work AS hard as you originally thought in order to be able to buy the house. As for me...I'll click on the add's to bring you more revenue....I just won't buy. I've got books to buy, Woman!!!
(Did you ever notice how much the support comes out when you the nay-sayers spew?)

[TC]

For the '80s party, I'm assuming people are going to be dressing the part? Give out mix cd's as prizes for the best outfits (or mix tapes if you want to be nostalgic though I'm not sure I have the patience or equipment to make a mix tape anymore!)

[Kate from KC]

Ads, shmads...who cares? As long as you're still funny, I can look at a blinky add for a few minutes (seriously, though, as long as it's not Rachel Ray ANYTHING).

On a far more important note, HOW FREAKING GOOD was the "Rock of Love Bus" last night. What an amazing trainwreck of humanity...I must say, I'm a little bummed that hoo-ha-shot-girl and basketball boobies (the one who read the rap she wrote for him off of the back of an informational flier for genital herpes) got kicked off last night. They would've made for some delighfully white trash TV.

[alanna]

Anything that means more blogging is fantastic!

[WendyK]

The Bloody Mary recipe in The Preppy Handbook is pretty good. Esp. if your guests are all named Muffy and Skip, and dress in perfectly layered Lacostes! (Yes, my parents received catalogs addressed to "Kiki" Lastname for years...)

[Ann]

I think that's great. You should be making money off of this blog because it rocks and if it means you will post more, even better!

[Autumn]

Happy to read you....even happier to hear Fletch's side, since you admitted that you occasionally "borrow" from his sense of humor for your writing (good writers always do). I'm sure he has some retorts for the "cooking" chapters and food poisoning reports.

While I resist commercialism as much as I'm able, and totally fail at doing so, I think SOME people should stop being Commies and let a girl make some bank so she can buy her swank pad this year and not have to fold a man's drawers!

Girl POWER!

For the 80s party, Ebay is a great place to find 80s movie posters and vinyl for wall decor. Also? At a recent 80s-themed birthday party I attended, they had jelly bracelets as table "confetti" and cassette tapes a la Tiffany, St. Elmo's Fire soundtrack, etc. along with board games as centerpieces! Totally gnarly, fer sure!

[Melissa]

I'm happy to hear about any change that means I get to read more from you. This blog is what keeps me sane waiting between book releases. Also, I'd love to hear the occasional tidbit from Fletch. Besides, Adblock works wonders anyway.

[sue Treiber]

more blogging and less underpants?
Happy New Year :)

[Lizzie]

It will keep you posting more and you are dedicated to keeping them unobtrusive, so I do not see a problem. I do have to second Amanda Hill's comment though, from personal experience - my husband worked for a MLB team, which was his dream since he is a baseball fanatic but it eventually made him loathe the sport. After he changed jobs, it still took him awhile to enjoy it again.

[Phyllis]

I can hardly wait to hear Fletch's, I mean Colonel Tom's side of the story. Ads, no ads, it matters not. Fletch will be worth it.

[Jackie]

Sally, it's Jen's blog, you no likey, you no lookie!!!

[Shannon P.]

Let me first say that you ROCK MY FACE OFF!! I read your first book recovering from my first c-section and all the laughing was totally painful, yet I couldn't stop reading. I have always wondered why you didn't have ads, I think you are so talented and funny-you should be totally stinking rich! Plus I have always felt bad that I bought your first 2 books used on Amazon and therefore you made no money from my cheap ass, so we need to explore other ways to keep you out of the laundry room and into lots of shoes and lattes. Thank you for the joy you bring to us all, and those who don't like it can SUCK IT! You owe us no explanation for how you run your site. I will visit everyday and will happily search hard for the blog entry though all the ads if I have to. I am just always so excited to see a new post. More ads, more blogging, more money, really I think we all win here.

P.S. I paid full price for Pretty Fat and have pre-ordered Plaid, at full price! Sorry again!

[stephanie]

If you turn into Perez Hilton I'm outta here.

Not really. Just please don't get that bad with the ads.

For the 80s party; leg warmers and big hair.

[Sweet Jen]

You've got my support Jen...I'll even click on some adds just to show them they should pay more to be on your site! Not that I'll provide them with the revenue to support that decision....I'm a poor girl! But I'll give 'em a look-see. (Ever notice when there's a nay-sayer or two the support comes out even more in your defense?)

[Alias Mother]

Le sigh. Such is life on the internet these days. No ad space left unturned. I understand.

But what I've always enjoyed here is your refreshing voice, your great way with a story, and your ability to laugh at everything, up to and including yourself. So as long as all that remains, I shall be here.

But the first post about how Fletch's cooking has magically! Improved! Once you got a KitchenAid that is! Oh, look, a giveaway! will likely make me suspicious.

[Desi]

Horray! Hey, if you need some Ads, then so be it. As long as you're still posting, I don't mind being solicited for The Bullet. I'm very excited to see if Fletch lives by his words and writes his side!

[Jen]

So my understanding is that Sally votes for me to blog less and fold underpants more?

Duly noted. (And summarily mocked.)

[Julie Coolie]

Culture Club/Boy George....those things remind me most of the 80s.

I'm sure the ad thing will work out just fine. Thanks for asking for opinions, but just do what you want. I think I will stop reading the posted comments, however.

[Doug]

Im sure the ads won't be that annoying and it may be fun to see what Fletch has to say. I sometimes feel sorry for him, but then I think of the people that are around me and think that maybe he may be asking for it.

Glad to hear you will be post more often. And Rachael Ray isn't that bad. I love watching her. And my dogs love her pet snacks.

[Cori from KC]

Eh. Doesn't bother me.

[Texan Mama]

Whoa, "Sellout"? "Hypocrite"? HARSH! I say, whatev. Why shouldn't you be paid for doing what you do? Last time I checked, we live in America.

And, I'll have you know that I like grape juice. So there. (Guess someone WILL be clicking on her ads, SALLY!)

[Jenny]

I'm newly acquainted with the state of Jennsylvania (picked up Pretty at Target and got hooked from there). Why not ads? A little extra cash so that you don't have to do laundry is a good thing. My wish has always been to hit the lotto so that someone else can change the cat pan. Somehow, I think your plan is a tad more realistic!

Also, no one else seems to have mentioned stirrup pants and scrunchy socks with boots for the 80s party.