Free Blog Hosting Service Pitfalls
The disadvantages of adding online content to open blogging websites
Jul 2, 2009
Free blogging websites are easy to use, making them attractive to average internet users. Many of these free blog services provide a simple drag-and-drop style that nearly anyone can learn. A free blog website can offer immediate satisfaction but there are disadvantages that come with these easy-to-use services.
Bloggers Can Lose Control Over Their Content
Content ownership problems may arise, even if blog authors owned the rights to their posts initially. Many free blog hosting services are not reliable and can change their terms of service at any time. Some websites that offer free blog hosting services allow members to upload or publish content on their servers.
There are circumstances where the blog host claims that they have rights to distribute and make derivative works of a blogger’s content. Even partial ownership of rights by free blog hosting companies can have a negative impact on future publishing opportunities for bloggers.
Uptime Guarantees are Risky with Free Hosting
Reliability is very important since internet readers visit blogs around the clock. What if the website server crashes suddenly or the blog hosting company merges with another online service? Blog authors who publish and manage self-hosted blogs are in a better position where uptime reliability is concerned. Any blogger who believes that a free blog hosting service meltdown is not likely could be in for a rude awakening.
Consider similar events on the World Wide Web when deciding on whether to stick it out with free blog hosting services. In 2001, Yahoo provided a free internet radio service titled Launchcast until the company merged this online feature with CBS. Customized music channels on Yahoo were removed and replaced with a selection of pre-programmed radio stations powered by CBS and Yahoo.
Bloggers have less Control over Advertising
Flexibility is another problem that bloggers face when using free blog hosting companies. Some of these hosting services have restrictions on the type of advertising that can be placed on a blog. There are also free blog hosting services that do not allow advertising at all. Advertisement restrictions can hinder the chances of generating revenue on a blog. These limitations are the result of using free blog hosting companies, which keep many bloggers from long term success.
There is a Large Revenue Opportunity Loss
Big sponsors are not likely to provide financial support for a blog that is hosted using free blogging websites. That creates a restriction on the amount of revenue bloggers can make through their blogs. Some paid to blog companies do not accept free hosted websites in their network. Paid blogging is one source of revenue that some bloggers depend on for their work.
Corporate entities and large media companies view free blog hosting as a risky endeavor. These businesses are not willing to spend their money on a blog that may not be around for long. Bloggers can generate more revenue through sponsorships by using self-hosted blogs. Skipping free blog hosting services tells potential sponsors that an investment has been made to remain in stability and perception.
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