UPDATED 10:15 EDT / NOVEMBER 29 2011

WordPress Deal with Federated Media Finally Pays Off

WordPress is expanding publisher monetization capabilities with a new product called WordAds.  For years, users have been requesting for a way to make money with their blogs through ads, but WordPress didn’t see anyone fit for the role, saying their users deserve something better than Google’s AdSense.

“There are more than 50,000 WordPress-powered blogs coming online every day, and every time I explore them randomly I’m always surprised and delighted by how people are using the platform to express themselves,” Jon Burke, ads lead for WordPress wrote on the post.

“As a WordPress user you’re breathing rarefied air on the internet: the Creators, the Independents. Creative minds aren’t satisfied being digital sharecroppers on someone else’s domain, and you want to carve out your own piece of the internet and have a space that you’re proud of because it’s so… you.”

“If you’re going to have advertising on your site, it darn well better be good, and beginning with our partnership with Federated Media we’re ready to start rolling out WordAds here on WordPress.com.”

In short, Burke understands that people using WordPress are really passionate, and they deserve the best if they want to advertise on their sites.  Pouring your heart and soul into something definitely requires a product that that works, and fits with existing sites’ aesthetics.

This move isn’t entirely surprising.  Back in October, WordPress announced during the Web 2.0 Summit that they will be partnering with Automattic and Federated Media so they can start offering bloggers the chance to advertise on their blogs.

WordAds is 100% optional and only those who want to monetize their blogs are encourages to apply.  Only publicly visible blogs with custom domains will be considered for WordAds.  Also, submitting an application form does not automatically put users in the advertising program, it will just show that the user is interested.  There will still be a screening process wherein the level of traffic and engagement, type of content, and language used on a blog will be considered.  Interested parties who want to apply may do so by filling up and submitting the form found here, and interested parties without custom domains should go here to acquire their desired custom domain before submitting the application form.


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