This page explains how I make money on my blog. There actually are FTC guidelines for bloggers, and you can bet I aim to meet — even exceed — those guidelines.
Following is an explanation of income to the blog and how I deal with various issues:
- Google Ads: The main income for the blog comes from the Google ads featured on each post and page, and on the Forum. Google allows up to three ad units per page. The way I understand it, every visitor to the blog may be getting different ads, depending on your interests and web-browsing history. I have little control over these ads, although I have “opted out” of anything that seems inappropriate for my G- or occasionally PG-rated blog. Contact me if you get anything served up that you consider offensive, and I will see if I can block it. You can read more about how Google and its other third party ad networks uses cookies and similar technologies to serve up ads to you in my Privacy Policy.
- Midcentury Marketplace Ads: The second way I make money is with the Midcentury Marketplace advertisements in the far right-hand column of the blog. I sell these directly to advertisers. In general, I accept ads only for products and services that are relevant to homeowners remodeling or decorating their midcentury homes — I want these ads to be a “win win win” — a win for readers who are looking for relevant products, a win for advertisers with relevant products to sell, and a win for me so that I can make a living and continue to blog. I do not promise editorial coverage to these advertisers. When and if I do write something significant about their products while they are an active advertiser, I may note a Disclosure: at the end of the story so that it is clear that the story was not sort of quid pro quo.
- Ebay Carousels, Links and Ads — I am a member of the Ebay Affiliate Network. When you click on a product in one of my ebay carousels, or on other links to ebay posted in various spots on my blog, ebay follows you with a “cookie” and if you end up buying something, I receive a commission.
- Amazon Links, Ads and A-Store — Similar to the Ebay situation described above, I am a member of the Amazon Associate Network and receive a commission if you buy anything from Amazon via a link on my blog.
- Other Ads and/or Affiliate Programs — If it looks like an ad, all design-y like, I’m likely an affiliate and earn a spiff, or earn money directly for the placement. If I am an affiliate and mention the company or one of its products in a story with a live link, I will note this with the parenthetical (*affiliate link) next to the text.
- I do not sell text links.
- I am open to the idea of “sponsored posts,” but I have not done any yet. If and when I do, I will seek to make it conspicuously clear that these are sponsored, that is: paid for.
- In general: I don’t want my editorial coverage to be affected by advertising…
- …and I believe in, and strive for, transparency when it comes to calling out financial relationships where they may occur.
Disclosures related to direct payment, in-kind payments and samples for review:
- I seek to comply with FTC guidelines requiring “conspicuous” disclosure of any direct payments or in-kind payments (products supplied) by companies or vendors seeking to promote their products. If I accept a Sponsored/Paid Post (hasn’t happened yet) or end up doing a review of a product supplied from a company or individual vendor (yes, I’ve received samples), I note these with a Disclosure: in the story. My general policy is to not take any free products for review unless they are relevant to readers, and I do not promise a story even if a sample/product is sent.
- Similarly I am occasionally invited on media trips to review new products. I may accept these if I think they are relevant to my readers. No coverage is promised in return. If I end up doing a review, I usually note that the trip has been paid for by the inviting company with a Disclosure: right in the story where they occur.
Want to know more about the FTC Disclosure Guidelines for Endorsements, including bloggers? It’s actually pretty interesting:
I have vintage Geneva metal cabinets in my kitchen. They are greasy and faded in spots where strong cleaning was attempted. They are currently yellow. I was thinking of painting them white. How would one go about that? also, what do vintage people generally use for their countertops? Year built is 1950.
Michelle — start diving into all my stories about Steel Cabinets. They are in the Kitchens/Steel Cabinets category. This is not a DIY site, but I do share some stories of readers and the various approaches that they have taken to refurbishing their vintage steel cabinets. BE AWARE: There may be lead in that old paint. Consult with a professional so that you take the proper environmental and safety precautions. Regarding countertops, same suggestion – go to Kitchens/Countertops and start reading through all my stories. Stay in touch – we’re here to help!
Hey Michelle,
My house was built in 1952 and it has 4 x4 inch tile-covered counters and back splash. It’s gorgeous, but high maintenance. Wish I could send you a picture!
I found your page through the NY Times article and have been fascinated with it for the past couple of days.
My daughter loves the aqua retro decorating and I love 40s EVERYTHING, and there are so many fabulous things on your site that I don’t think I’ll EVER see them all.
I live in a small apartment so can’t do a lot of decorating, but I love seeing how other folks decorate with the things I love. I absolutely believe I’m reincarnated from the 1940s (was born in 1946) – have collected 40′s women’s magazines for years and years – and I get all smushy inside when I see a picture of a red and blue kitchen or a pink and black bathroom.
I’m thrilled that I have found so many people who love the same things! I will be here for a long, long time!
Welcome, JanH, we’re glad you found us!
Hi Pam,
I have a colorful 9×12 vintage linoleum carpet that is still rolled up in its shipping tube. It’s at least 40 years old, but the outer edge has some cracks, so it may be too stiff to be unrolled without cracking.
1. I hear there’s a way to treat old linoleum so it can be unrolled. Do you know where I might find out about this?
2. I know that large pieces of vintage linoleum are hard to find. If I just wanted to sell the piece as is, do you know any place (outside of Craigslist) where I should list it?
Thanks for any insights you may have!
cheers,
Pat
Pat, I do not know. Please consult with a professional, including checking to test the rug to see what it is really made of.
In terms of selling, I am guessing you would get the best price via ebay.
Hi Pam,
I just wanted to say thank you for your site. I have a little midcentury modern home on the outskirts of the historic district of a little town that thrives on preserving English colonial/cottage. Not alot of retro lovers here. I was among those that used to pine for a cottage when with your help I have started to really appreciate the character of my own home.
I have two bathrooms that need very little in the way of improvement, one is acqua and white tile..the other salmon pink and brown…I have an exposed brick wall complete with planter in the dining room, valulted tongue and groove ceilings, open concept complete with sunken living room…with brick steps and wrought iron railing, a broken tile floor, orginal cabs (they have been refinsihed and painted white), and I am looking at the place with brand new eyes. I plan on backdating the features most would want to keep. like the new stone tile floor in the kitchen! and the new front door!
Once again thank you
Peggy
Welcome, Peggy, and thank you for your kind words!
Pam -
I had some minor repairs to the pink wall tiles around my bathtub (needed a new tub). Contractor told me that this 1950s pink tile is not available anymore. Can you suggest a supplier or store in the Philadelphia, PA area? I need the bull nose tiles as well. I hope this e-mail reaches you.
Thank you for your assistance!
Michelle
see my category, Bathroom/Tiles. World of Tile is going to be your answer….
Please tell me what you know about Merry-mints in the Box.
It’s mentioned as a link to your site but nothing further.
My 97 year old mother-in-law has lived alone in her Long Island home (1960′s split) and is now coming to live with us. Her home is a museum to retro. What suggestions do you have for finding buyers for all her items? The light fixtures, the kitchen, the bathrooms (one pink and one in brown daisies)… The entire house is just amazing if you want to step back in time… But how do I best go about selling these things?
Thanks for your help, Tonya
Tonya,
You can sell them here, on ebay, on Etsy, or on craigslist. If you would like advice/assistance, you can contact me via email -
weed dot 30 at charter dot net. (I spelled it out to avoid internet bots scooping my email for spam.)
This is such a fun sight! I am more into the antiques, but I can’t wait to share this sight with my daughter and other family. I am curious about selling on this sight. I have a 1950+/- Westinghouse stove in excellent condition & I am a little leery of selling it to just anyone. I can’t keep it due to space & would love to see it go to someone who would really appreciate it.
Continued success, Pam. You always do everything right! You are smart, honest, and extremely kind to your faithful followers!!!
I recently bought and renovated a brownstone in Brooklyn and have a whole house’s worth of lighting fixtures to get rid of. The style of these is more antique than mid-century vintage. I thought I saw somewhere that you have a sales marketplace sort of like ebay where things for sale can be posted. Is that true?
http://retrorenovation.com/forums/