The answer of whether network blogging is good or bad is not one that I can really give you. I would say that being a network blogger has some good points and some bad points and in order to make sure its right for you will depend on how you feel about those points. For me the good outweighs the bad, but at the same time the bad is something I try to keep fresh in my mind.

Some bad

First and perhaps most important, you lose some ability of control because it does not always matter how good you are, but how good the overall team is. Meaning that you can be writing great and drawing in the readers, but if the rest of the writers are poor then the site will suffer overall. And once the site begins to suffer, everyone both good and bad can see the effects.

Another downfall is that you have no (or little) control over how the blog operates and could be left hanging if the blog owner flakes out or even if they decide to sell out. This means that you could fire up your web browser to find the site has gone down to never return, or open your email to a bit of bad news and find that you have gotten a pay cut or worse, a new owner has come in and your services are no longer needed.

Some good

Some benefits that you can expect is that you have more control over your time. You are not left worrying about the site design or making new ad deals. In fact you do not really have to worry about the financials other than how much you need to write in order to make x amount of dollars or to meet any quota you may have.

What does that mean? Well for me it means freedom, which was the main reason that I decided to leave my 9-5 cubicle job a few years back. For me being a network blogger is the ideal situation, it gives me more time to spend with my family and plenty of flexibility when it comes to training for running and triathlon events. It allows me to sit down and write when I want and when I make the time, not when someone else tells me I have to “clock in.”

The good and bad can come down to money

Of course, I would say that it is also important to decide just what you are in this for. Like I mentioned earlier I wanted the freedom, but on the flip side some want the money. I can respect that, I once chased the dollar. I strongly believe that most site owners have the potential to make more money than network bloggers, but that also takes quite a bit more of a time investment.

Some advise from a network blogger

If someone is interested in becoming a network blogger, I would suggest having a blog of your own first and work on creating a portfolio of writing. This will hopefully help you in getting that first job. Then once you have that first job, be the best you can…and then try a little harder.

Its also important to be able to adapt because different owners and different editors will each have their own standards and quirks. Also don’t forget that you can always learn something new, and you should always strive to improve your work.

I suggest always keeping an eye out for new opportunities and network with other bloggers whenever you can because you never know what may happen. I also suggest to diversify yourself, meaning write for several different sites if you can. This will spread your money out and not put all your eggs in one basket, you know, just in case an owner flakes out. However if you choose to go the multiple site route make sure you are not causing any conflicts of interest because as a network blogger your writing and your name is the basis for your reputation.