But, I wouldn’t be opposed to a blog collaboration, as it would streamline all of our ideas on one site. I think a lot of the reefing community would benefit from this, as there will be a lot of hands-on articles that people can skim through. But I have my reservations on how we can achieve the business side of things.

As far as your banner questions go – we do mostly Affiliate banners nowadays. Anytime you see one of our banners it is 99% likely that Forum or Blog is part of an Affiliate program. We do not pay for those – rather the sites that use them get money back if somebody purchases via the banner. We sometimes give out $20 gift certificates or something to reef clubs and they will put our banner up for that.

Great commentary – thanks!
-Melissa

(SIDE NOTE: Do I use a lot of punctuation or what?)

I agree that Reefbuilders, GlassBox Design, and NanoReefBlog are different. I also think I am different from you (at least I hope so). I was not lumping you into the same category as forums. But, I disagree that forums and blogs are very similar. I think they are quite different. But, I also think they are a natural progression from forums. In forums, its about all people having an equal voice. In blogs there is a hierarchy. The blogger and those who comment. Also, blogs enable you to stand apart and stand on your own. Forums are not about individuals. You could never post again on ReefCentral and it will get along just fine. You stop posting on ReefBuilders and its gone.

Forums are able sharing information with everyone having a voice. Its a dialogue. The dialogue exists but is muted in blogs. Both exist and thrive for different reasons.

Finding out that Hydor is recalling heaters is a good example. I may never know that, even if it was stickied in a forum. It might just get lost. But, with the blog its front and center.

I wish I could make a living in the reef space. I would quit my job in a minute to do this full time. Building all these portals, superblogs, own a store maybe or work for another… But, there is no real money in it as far as I know. If anyone wants to offer me a job! LOL

Melissa, how do you decide where to spend your money on banner ads? Some are no brainers. But, how many can you really support? And what is the payback? At what point do you say enough? Or do you feel obligated to support them because if you don’t others will and possibly steal your business. All rhetorical questions you need not answer here.

But, I think Reefbuilders, GlassBox Design and NanoReefBlog are part of the next generation format. Your blog too!

One of the sites that has potential, but is just too annoying to me right now is Melev’s new site ReefAddicts. I like the idea of multiple bloggers in one location. Think about the benefits of a massive blog with you, RB, GB, NanoReef, and I dare say, myself in a single blog. All different points of view and experience in a single spot! Hmmmm…

I wish people would realize that there is very little difference between our blogs and the somewhat aging bulletin boards format. The only difference is that in the blogs you know who is posting stories but still anyone can comment on a blog post just as if they were replying to a thread. Blog readers are starting to understand that and we are seeing more comments on blog posts all the time.

Great topic Derek, we could all use more critical thinking in the virtual reef space. I know there is a lot of information out there but just keep making the rounds and eventually you’ll settle for stopping by just a few sites that hold your interest the most.

Jeff – I agree I would LOVE to see more tank profiles, etc., like you mentioned. I scour the internet hard trying to find that and it’s rarely seen, with the except of some forum posts.

Keep up the good work guys!
-Melissa

You are right in that both GBD and RB are more like magazine sites than blogs, however GBD still center’s around the ‘Glassbox’ 90g reef, making it more blog than mag, kind of like NRB. RB is a full blown community with their forums.
I see each of these 3 sites sitting nicely in a niche at the moment. RB is very generalised, GBD leans more towards the design/modern side of the hobby and well, the nano arena is for NRB. At times certain things will overlap across all three sites and the other great blogs out there -it’s just going to be a race to see who posts that ‘breaking’ story first, ha ha.

I just wish we could all work together in the blogosphere and in turn further contribute to the growth and innovation of this hobby. If the webdesign community can work together, surely us reefers can do the same?

As for forums… been down that road too. I’ve seen a very small scene split down the middle and two forums born as a result.

One thing to remember as markets saturate, competitive nature rears it’s head, and those who won’t/can’t play ball get left behind and are forgotten.