The one phrase I’ve heard constantly repeated throughout the Mom blogosphere is: “I’m not in it for the money.” In fact, I said that often myself in the beginning.

I certainly have a ton of respect for bloggers who subscribe to that theory for the life of their blog. That’s their prerogative, and good for them if they are happy just writing.

But I don’t understand why monetizing a mommy blog has such a stigma. Personally, I spend around 30 hours a week working on my blogs. In addition to my time, I spend money on hosting and mailing out giveaways. Is it wrong to want a little income in return? I don’t think so.

Yet over and over again, I read posts where bloggers apologize when they begin running ads or feel the need to justify their advertising. I honestly believe that’s not neccesary.

Here are my personal reasons for monetizing my blogs:

• As a stay-at-home mom, I’d like to help with the income in any way I can. When that way includes my passion for writing and being able to stay home with my children, so much the better. And every little bit helps.
• I put a lot of effort and hard work into my blogs. I don’t have a problem with receiving a little something in return for that.
• I pay for my own hosting on a few of my blogs. I also pay to mail out giveaways to my readers. If the need ever arises, I will pay to have my blogs worked on professionally. Monetizing allows me to do those things without cutting into the household budget.

Those are basic but very valid reasons, I believe.

And reasons aside, I believe there is a limit to everything. I will proudly monetize my blogs. If an ad opportunity ever arises that I feel I would need to justify to my readers, I would not do it.

What is your stand on monetizing? What are your reasons for choosing to monetize, if you have or if you plan to in the future?