As you may have heard, b5media has a new pay structure in the works, soon to be implemented. Since we aim to cover network news, following are some links if you’d like to learn more…
Tech Crunch posted all the new pay structure stats from a personal email sent out to b5 staff. Is it right to post emails like this – maybe not; in fact, I’d be kind of pissy if someone snagged my emails and posted them on the web. However, on the flip side, if you’ve thought about joining (applying for work) at b5, it’s best to have all the facts. Also, it’s a business, and business news breaking out into the world is hardly unheard of. If you’re interested read: Big Blogger Pay Cuts At b5Media
Here’s the Blog Herald coverage of the issue: B5media Revamps Pay Model, Bloggers Lose Money
Jeremy Wright responded at his own blog: Initial (3am) Response to TechCrunch
I work at b5, and honestly have no concrete comment yet. I’m still considering my own options; trying to work out the math and pay per time spent part of this new structure. That said, I’m sure I’ll be back with some thoughts soon. What I do know is that one of my favorite blogs won’t be worth writing for anymore. Meaning, I’d have to put in too much time for too little pay, which blows, seeing as how I adore this blog. On the upside, that’s not how it’ll be across the board.
Do you work at b5? Do you have an initial take on the the pay structure?
As you know, I no longer work for b5. I didn’t leave through any fault of theirs, however. More to pursue a full time opportunity. I enjoyed working for b5 and felt there were many benefits to being a network blogger (as outlined in some of my other posts here this week.)
With that said, I always encourage writers to make sure the end justifies the means. Only each individual blogger knows which formula works best. If it’s a small supplemental income, a network such as b5 may be the way to go. If it’s a full time income, that’s not always going to happen at a network blog. It depends on the niche and the work you put into it.
I made more money with FWJ each month than I did with several network blogs combined. That’s not a complaint. I enjoyed my blogs and giving up Simply Thrifty is one of my life’s biggest regrets. BUT I was burning myself out trying to make the equivalent of a full time salary.
I was trying to build up my blogs at the expense of my family and my health and I had to take a step back – which is why I went full time and stopped freelancing for the most part.
So a blogger for any network has to consider a couple of things:
1. Does the amount of pay you receive justify the amount of work put into your blogs? If so, rock on. If not, perhaps you need to rethink your blogging strategy.
2. Times are uncertain. We saw Gawker lower their pay, we saw AOL cut pay altogether and we saw Know More Media fold. If you’re going to be blogging for a network, you always have to consider the future. I’ve worked for blog and content networks since 1999. Since then several of my past employers have closed doors. Others have gone from a base pay model to a rev share or traffic based pay. Now, that’s not to say b5 is in trouble, but anyone blogging for a network nowadays has to be prepared for all likelihoods.
I think I’m with Jennifer, I’m going to wait and see how it all shakes down in the end. I enjoy blogging for b5media. My biggest concern is a blog I co-blog for. There’s really not much incentive to co-blog in the new plan.
I think it definitely will depend on the blog. Some blogs are easier to write, have high traffic, and have the added bonus of being able to use affiliate links once in a while and get some extra $.
The comments at Tech Crunch are brutal! The interesting part is most have no clue what they’re talking about.
“I work at b5, and honestly have no concrete comment yet.”
When it comes down to the wire, Jeremy will betray you. Trust me on that.
@Linette – I know both you and Jennifer will go with your heart and do what you feel is best for your situation. I enjoyed working for b5 too and leaving was one of the hardest decisions I made in my life.
@Mike – You’ve been bashing Jeremy all over the web. That’s not what this is about. We’re a nice blog. I might not be in total agreement with b5′s new pay plan, but I don’t believe Jeremy or anyone in b5 set out to screw over or “betray” bloggers.
I, too, am a b5 blogger. I haven’t made up my mind yet. Still looking at things. It’s going to be a tough decision.
Deb,
I, too, used to work for b5. I thought that your comment was really thoughtful/insightful.
That’s been my best advice, too, to step back and think about what your priorities are and what you hope to accomplish.
I would add: consider how you feel about this (or any) gig. If it’s something you enjoy, maybe the money doesn’t matter. But if you don’t enjoy it, if you consider it a burden, if you’re jumping through hoops and you’re not sure why, maybe it’s time for a rethink.
I agree that the market is volatile. But it’s certainly not dead (I got offered two gigs the day that I announced I was leaving). And I don’t think you should make decisions about any job solely based on money (at least I hope not).
I say, in the end, you trust your gut. Don’t bail because other people are bailing. But don’t stay because you fear leaving. Weigh your decisions carefully and you’ll make the right one.