The whole idea of making money from a blog really rankles some in the "blogosphere". There is still a group of people that believes that the internet should be a pristine place where information is altruisticly shared and no one makes a dime.

And then there's the real internet.

You know, the one where you spend lunch hour shopping for new running shoes, or watching a YouTube video, or even starting to work on your Christmas shopping. Somebody, somewhere, makes a little bit of money every time you do that, whether you whip out your credit card or not. The Internet is commerce driven and I would argue that's a good thing.

But back to the point of making money with your blog…

The guys over at Blue Sky Brothers are coming out with a process to help make it a bit easier to make some income from your blogging efforts. Now, to be completely frank, I haven't seen the product, don't know what it does, or if it's even any good.

But I like the concept, and I like the fact that they point out "having a niche blog is not the same as having a niche web site". I couldn't agree more. The real basis for a good blog is to build a relationship with your audience. Write stuff that you wouldn't mind your friends reading.

If you do it right, new people reading your blog will become your friends too, at least as how "friends" are defined these days on the online social networks. Since you're an online professional, you're more likely to come across things that these friends will find interesting. You might even be able to make a comission if someone buys the product you recommend.

Does that cross a line?

Why would it?

If you've used a product or service and found it valuable, why would you avoid getting some of the money from the company that makes that product if a friend buys it? Your friend will pay the same amount regardless, but you just get a bit of a "thank you" from the company for spreading the word. That's how affiliate marketing works.

And that's really key to your online business. Whether you are company that provides products or you make a living recommending other people's stuff, it's about getting the word out.

…which is exactly what blogs are great at doing. Go spread the word!