Live Granades has been invited to join an ad network. I have no idea how we got onto these people’s radar or why they thought we had the readership (outside of the LOLTrek juggernaut) to support ads, but there it is, we’ve been approached. It creates a dilemma for me that I had no idea we’d ever be faced with: whether or not to make this site more commercial.

Stephen is to blame for whatever traffic we get, what with the aforementioned LOL addictions, the toilet disassembly and the flash video instruction guide. I’m just here for the kid commentary. And the photos, the shiny, shiny photos. So on one hand, I’m sorta flattered that someone thinks we have what it takes to rake in some dough and on the other hand, I think, what the…? ads on a blog? that’s crazy talk. I know people do it. And I’m happy for them if that’s what they want and double, extra happy if they can make a living doing it. I’m just not sure that it’s right for us.

I’d love to be able to recoup some costs associated with the site (thanks to Geof the rates are low, low, low) but don’t want to have flashing, blinking things up all over our page. I’d love to have a wider readership, but that’s an ego thing talking. I guess the real ego here is thinking that they didn’t just send that email specially tailored to make a blog feel special to thousands, or tens of thousands, of other “selected” blogs. Or maybe it’s that ol’ fear of failure rearing its head. The voice in my head that whispers, “No one reads this drivel. Why bother to put ads on a page that no one looks at?” And beyond that, what would we advertise here? Breastfeeding Support Services? Guitar Hero Merchandise? Craft Supplies? Scott Westerfeld novels? Actually, that one isn’t a bad idea. I mean, I’ve read them and love them so I could be a spokesreader of sorts.

So Stephen and I have talked about it. He’s looked at some figures and we have an idea of what it means to put ads on the site in terms of redesign and also what sort of money we’re talking about here. It ain’t much, let me tell you, but all big things start small. We’ve made our decision but wondered what others think and if some of you have been approached in the same way. Maybe this is just the latest in spamming techniques and I’m slow to catch on. Regardless, we’d like to hear what you guys think.