There's was an interesting email in our inbox from a high-school student (based in India) who wants to quit studies and become a professional blogger [i.e. make a living out of blogging]
He is looking for some advise on online monetization, how to build traffic, SEO techniques, etc. We thought of bringing this topic here to involve you in the discussion and get your point-of-view on the subject.
Frankly speaking, it may not be a very wise decision to leave studies. There are a couple of reason why I say this:
Reason 1: Most people like to read a short bio of the blogger before hitting the subscribe button. [That's the reason why most blogs have their About Page as the most popular outgoing link]
To write something substantial in your blogger profile, you have to have decent education and probably some work experience as well. [there may be exceptions if you really excel in your niche]
Reason 2: Blogging is so risky - you are dependent on so many external factors like organic search engine rankings, availability of advertisers in your niche, readers who are interested in your content, etc, etc.
These factors are never in your control and you have to have a fall back plan incase things don't materialize well. That's where education will help.
And yes, you can always have a blog while you are in school and keep posting. Even a couple of posts per week are sufficient to make a blog look fresh and lively.
Find this article at: http://labnol.blogspot.com/2007/01/should-you-drop-from-school-make.html
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
Dropping out of school would not be very advisable at all.Education is the most essential tool a person can have at this time.The popularity of blogs might be short lived but quality education goes a long way.
Written on 11/1/07 2:31 AM
The best option is to do both at once. Sure, school will get in the way of blogging, but it gives you a much better chance of getting somewhere if blogging doesn't get you where you want to go.
Written on 11/1/07 2:30 AM
hi...1st of congrats to amit...he is doin nice job.lets come to d point dt The best option is to do both at once.Education is the most essential tool..so i wud like to go wid amit.
Written on 11/1/07 5:49 AM
As a School Sudent, one can start a very good blog on his favorite subject! it can be a nice niche!
Very often you can put stuff from your text book or lecture note. Or You can talk about how you understand that particular topic.
You can have your freinds to participate in it. This way slowly you can build up your blog. Same time you can also focuss on higher studies too.
At any case leaving your education will be a foolish idea.
After some years in future, if things go in a extra ordinary way like Mr. Amit Sir, you can stop your education at decent level and become a full time Professional Blogger!
Linu
Every Day Space
Written on 11/1/07 10:08 AM
Education is the most essential pillar of a man's life .
Blogging is just an application of quality education .
And leaving schooling is just stuppidity , if education is the cost.
Written on 11/1/07 11:01 AM
Where is your about page? I seem to recall a generic blogger profile page, but nobody's proved your credentials.
Written on 11/1/07 2:36 PM
Education is waste of time if you have achieved the maturity.
I see that old school lad as a early entrepreneur who no matter what happens will not take a job but find something to do of his own.
Mostly education helps you to find a job. Entrepreneurs give jobs to ppl who are educated.
In the society we live make a direct comparison of how much money we make to the success we got.
There are many diff ways of making money but one thing which is common among all success is G.U.T.S.
Dare to leave your present job ,your present school & do something wacko.
I have a website www.bpopark.com
& my name is Pawan Wasan
Written on 11/1/07 3:21 PM
Hi i am a school student doing my +2 in kerala.i came to Blogging last year and began putting adsense on my blog one and a half month's ago an till date i have got around 21$.I have been asking this same question to myself.But as i am a computer science student i would like to get a job first(while continuing blogging)and deciding afterwards to be a pro blogger or be with the other job(just like Amitji did,i think that's the best option).My parents have always been against me becoming a full time blogger.
Written on 11/1/07 10:24 PM
Great post Amit. I really hope that every student reads this post and keeps in mind that studies should be their top most priority, atleast a graduation.
Written on 12/1/07 8:18 AM
hey we all look for a white collar job n easy money isnt it? blogging gives just that...who wouldnt waNt to sit all day long, browse around, put up some copy pasted stuff n make money. :-\
Written on 13/1/07 4:37 PM