Big Blogging Business

Hype Machine

Hypem.com, or Hype Machine is quite possibly the largest mp3 and music news blog/aggregate on the net. With roots buried deep inside the indie scene, Hype Machine is known for its obscure music coverage, however the site also features an aggregated mp3 system that allows users to search for, and easily listen to, thousands of songs.  

Yes, Some blogs are profitable - very profitable

The above story comes from the San Francisco Chronicle, and is a feature on entrepreneurial blogger, Michael Arrington. A few years back, Arrington started a blog about developing Web companies that quickly rose to a point of fame, and now has a staff of five, and a newly appointed CEO.

Is Blogging really an industry? 

This second story comes from a blogger for Web-Strategist dot com, whom was blogging from the first annual World Blog Expo. The writer explains that the WBE was just like any other industry expo, full of  'buyers and sellers, advertisers and content creators, celebrities, personalities, press, media, analysts, and even booth babes.' 

Interview with Hype Machine Founder, Anthony Volodkin

 It is clear that blogs are sanctioning off a well-deserved nook in modern history, and that this little nook is creating more passionate careers for every day individuals than most any other tech phenomena. The web in general has fostered a wider palette of self-promotion since its inception, but the degree to which that promotion is producing worthwhile rewards is unprecedented. Take for example, seemingly increasingly archaic means of promotion from the past; a spot in the local magazine, a commercial on public access at two a.m., or coupons in the mail. Though these and other forms of business promotion are still in favor amongst small businesses, the potential for motivated individuals that the blogging industry has created is still yet to see its apex, and thus far already has a long list of ‘benefactors.’

Given the inexpensive startup costs of a blog, I believe a lot can be said for the opportunity that the blogosphere has to offer. Any individual with access to a computer can start a blog, and reach potentially millions of people. Obviously a business opportunity as promising as such can’t be beat, and its creation has already begun, right under our noses.

 

5: Strongly supports my thesis.