I think Andrew's making a good point here -- if you can offer some sort of value-add to your customers, it'll help diversify your business. Virtual goods (have

I think Andrew's making a good point here -- if you can offer some sort of value-add to your customers, it'll help diversify your business. Virtual goods (have to be scarce and desirable!), extra services, special privileges all qualify. But you don't need a gigantic avalanche of hits to make an ad-supported site work, if your goal is to make a business that adds some cash to your pocket or might be picked up by a large organization. The days when every startup dreamed of IPO and sky-high revenues are over. Most of us, I dare say, aren't shooting for that at all. Yes, plentyoffish (god's favorite example) does make millions per year from ads. Like $9 million. I don't need $9 million. $2 million would be fine. Selling the business for $9 million would be even better.