that’s only one side of it. the site operator also has to decide if placing the ads are worth the cost of having ads on his pages. So if the operator is selling

that’s only one side of it. the site operator also has to decide if placing the ads are worth the cost of having ads on his pages. So if the operator is selling static ad placement and getting buyers, then he’s at least covering that cost plus profit, otherwise it’s not worth it. So it’s like buying a billboard. The advertisers have to decide if it’s worth their money or not. But the operator will be making money as long as the ad space is occupied.