Tip #12: Blog about something that costs a lot of money. In other words, this guy's running a website about digital cameras. I run a site about a band. While the occasional album release will net me a couple thousand dollars, what used to be a month-to-month income of $20-$50 in random CD shopping has all but disappeared in the last couple of years.
Luckily, t-shirt sales through another site and eBay affiliate links keep my site afloat & earn a little fun-money too - although I typically turn that cash around and invest it in the site, whether it's better hosting, or funding contests to keep the readers on their toes.
you're right - topic is a factor both in terms of the traffic you can generate as well as the options to monetize.
A blog about a band is a tough one to make money from. There may be opportunities to monetize by promoting products from similar bands as well (ie: if you like Megadeth you might also like this album from.... ummm.... Britney Spears). Otherwise there may be advertisers looking to get their message out to the kind of people that like a certain band (if the band has a tight demographic following).
Ultimately though - some topics are hard going. They attract audiences that are not in a 'buying mood' and as a result affiliate promotions and even advertising can be tough going.
Luckily, t-shirt sales through another site and eBay affiliate links keep my site afloat & earn a little fun-money too - although I typically turn that cash around and invest it in the site, whether it's better hosting, or funding contests to keep the readers on their toes.