Just tripped over the Blogging Network which launched last fall. It's an interesting combo of business models. The founders have gotten a whole bunch of bloggers (including a few slightly famous-names such as the author of Planet of the Apes) to agree to be subscription-only via the Network which charges wanna-be-blog-readers $2.99 per month for access. As co-founder 'Humayun's letter on the site says, "[asking for] donations -- doesn't work for online writing. Reader reactions range from "giving a donation is slightly stressful" to "I will not voluntarily give money to a [blog]."

Most of the subscription fees collected are redistributed back to the Network bloggers to pay them for their content. Based on current sales, the Network claims it will distribute about $10,000 this year to its Bloggers. Which may be enough to pay for a pack of gum to chew while you type. In a fun twist, when you click to see individual blogger's pofiles on the Network, it also shows you how much money they've earned so far. Humayun himself has made $3.24 to date including forecasts.

The Network is advertising via pay pay click ads on Google on keywords that people who would like to make money as writers might search. It's also offering a $5 bounty per referred friend for current subscribers and potential affiliates.

http://www.bloggingnetwork.com http://www.bloggingnetwork.com/Blogs/Redir/Writers.aspx