The high points of independent Web publishing
The pros of publishing your own site are more nebulous than the cons, but that's because good feelings are based on exactly that -- feelings. The catalysts for these feelings can be as varried as the sites on the Web, but most fall into three categories.
Pro 1: Audience
At some point in every independent publisher's life, he or she will receive the first e-mail from a reader. The subject doesn't really matter because the message proves that someone, somewhere, is visiting the site. You have a bona fide audience.
Writing for an audience is the high point for independent publisher J.D. Lasica (New Media Musings). The best part of running his site, he says, is "having the freedom to spout off on any subject under the sun and, amazingly, having readers who think the entries are worth reading."
Pro 2: Accomplishment
Given the small staffs that oversee independent publications, it's common for everyone to be involved with everything. This presents a unique opportunity because there's a significant sense of accomplishment that comes from handling all stages of publication.
Andrew Womack, editor of The Morning News, finds enjoyment throughout the publishing process. "Getting the site ready each day, getting all the new content up, and taking a look at what we've done each morning is particularly rewarding," he says. "It's a great feeling, every single day."
Norman Betito Weiss (TVTattle.com) agrees. "The satisfying part is, well, the satisfaction of it all. I wouldn't waste so much time on this if it wasn't so much fun," Weiss says.
Pro 3: Improvement
As your site ages you'll probably notice improvements. Maybe your design has gotten better or perhaps you've honed your writing style.
Pete Rojas, publisher of the tech Weblog Gizmodo.com, says running his site makes him sharper. "Doing the site has really forced me to learn a lot about what's going on in the world of gadgets," he says.
Signs of improvement may also come from contributors. "It's really satisfying seeing a writer who starts out contributing things that are rocky and questionable and after three or four submissions starts writing much more strongly and confidently," says James Norton of Flak Magazine.
Pro 4: Freedom
In the professional world, writing and producing content can be a creative, emotional endeavor, yet the end product is often manipulated by multiple forces (corporate policy, advertising, available space, etc.). Independent Web publishing offers a way to shoot words to the world with a minimum of outside influence.
This is the key for writer Christopher Elliott (Elliott.org). "I'm not beholden to a publishing empire that controls the content and can pull the plug on my site whenever it wants to," he says. "The Web allows me to have my own personal brand -- one that transcends the outlets that I work
for. This is revolutionary, democratizing, and most important of all, FUN!"
Pro 5: Seem more important than you are
Occaionslly, running a site can be deemed an impressive pursuit by the people around you. This is most often true when you're surrounded by folks who know little about the Web and are generally frightened by computers. Nonetheless, it's a nice, ego-boosting side effect.
Josh Griffin, editor of TheForce.net, has benefited from his association with a popular, highly-publicized "Star Wars" site. For him, the recognition factor is a plus. "When people meet you in person it's like you're a celebrity," Griffin says. "At conventions, it's very entertaining."
The perks aren't bad either. "I got to visit Skywalker Ranch and meet George Lucas," Griffin says. "The average fan isn't going to be able to do that."
