February 19, 2013

Purchases of the day.

From the February 18, 2013 Amazon Associates Earnings Report:

Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Moist Wipes - 294 ct. (Earnings to the Althouse blog = $1.51)

(2) GE 12983-6 25 Watt Globe G25 Light Bulb, Crystal Clear, 6-Pack (Earnings to the Althouse blog = $3.12)

ch ching:

Leonard Bernstein - Young People's Concerts / New York Philharmonic (1961) Bernstein (Actor), New York Philharmonic (Actor) | Rated: NR | Format: DVD (Earnings to the Althouse blog = $26.84)

aden + anais Cozy 4-Layer Sleeping Bag-Star Light (Earnings to the Althouse blog = $3.60)

Hamilton Beach Stovetop Slow Cooker - Black/silver (6 Quart) (Earnings to the Althouse blog = $4.21)

Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker (Earnings to the Althouse blog = $7.99)

... and 80 other items purchased — at no additional cost to the buyers — all of which convey the unmistakably soft cozy slow dreamy flushably warm harmonic message: Blog on, Wisconsin blogger. Blog on.

Thank you.

65 comments:

Dante said...

Honestly, this whole thread is starting to remind me of the chick who had a high credit card build, and posted a blog to get people to donate to pay it down.

I don't think she gave anything to anyone (not the case here), but seriously, I think there is a reason businesses don't talk about these things.

I don't care, but a friend of mine (who introduced me to this blog) pointed out that this might be crowing, inducing of jealousy, and in some ways rude.

Far from me to tell you how to run your blog, but at least one person ran the math, and found it highly offensive, and jealousy inducing.

Let's also not forget your good commentators. A lot of the value (and I applaud Ann for this), is to get good comments, and they get nothing, but add to the draw.

Lauderdale Vet said...

I ordered a new holster ; did it show up?

Just curious if I am doing this properly, or if it doesn't work for Prime members.

Joaquin said...

And the purpose of posting this is ????

Lauderdale Vet said...

Perhaps you're right, Dante, but for myself, I find it 1) curious and 2) I like the idea that I can hit the tip jar without really having to go out of my way. Win Win!

Meade said...

Dante, thanks for your comment, opinion, and free advice.

LV, I don't see any holsters in the last 7 days.

Joaquin, advertising, marketing, monetizing, commerce.

Nonapod said...

Now I feel bad. I'm always ordering crap from Amazon but I keep forgetting to go through your portal. I'll try to remember to thought.

Lauderdale Vet said...

So I (2/18) clicked on the "Shop Amazon" link, did a keyword search, found my product, and bought it.

Did I screw that up?

Wince said...

Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Moist Wipes - 294 ct.

"Ooooh, pretty sure I'm gonna need a bath afterwards."

Alex said...

I didn't order the vibrator. Really.

Bob Ellison said...

Dante, I see these comments as both an interesting metaview into the Althouse commentariat and a leap of faith by Meade and the Professor. They are publicizing funding amounts in a very direct way. If we can add value with interesting comments, at least we can take pride in that, and our comments are freely invited and freely hosted, even when nasty.

It's like open-source blog funding. Free and honest!

Bob Ellison said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Freeman Hunt said...

People are jealous? Are we talking about adults?

john said...

I'm still waiting for thanks on
that vacuum cleaner I bought.

jees.

If I need to return it, do you have to write a refund check to Amazon?

Chip Ahoy said...

Roosters make better bragging sounds than crows.

I like it because it's showing a little of the behind the scenes action.

Dante, I would consider mentioning to your friend that a lot of readers know about this place because of Instapundit who is also an Affiliate and actively directs traffic. And to comment here one must sign up one way or another and one of the ways is the exact same way that allows Althouse to be an Amazon affiliate, that is, commenters often also have blogs and those excellent commenters can direct traffic to their own blogs where they are prompted to monetize this way. One selects 'monetize this blog' the same way one selects a template and chooses options.

So, very high traffic Instapundit about which we get no reporting, to high traffic Althouse where we get glimpses of reporting, and you, low traffic blogger standing in wonder, "My, how can people be so interesting as that?" A pyramid. Everybody likes good solid pyramids.

But that got me thinking how people say that rooster sound in other languages is hilarious. Actually better than ours.

dreams said...

I like Meade's Amazon posts.

Meade said...

"Did I screw that up?"

Not if, within the set of those actions, you didn't click away and then click back. In other words, for the blog to earn it's percentage, once you start through the portal, you must remain there until completion of your purchase. Otherwise, start over by reentering the portal.

dreams said...

Just a guess on my part but I bet that those who are showing their envy are the liberals. We conservatives believe in the free enterprise system.

Meade said...

john, thanks for buying the vacuum cleaner. Sucker.

Kidding kidding. Don't get mad and return it all because I made a tired old joke. They'll deduct our earnings. Lose, lose.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Meade. I love the way you covered the left-leaning protests at the Wisconsin capitol. I live in Texas and I don't have an equivalent service to keep track of what Texas' left-leaning activists are up to--not that they dominate here. If you raise enough money would you consider taking your skills on the road?

Meade said...

dreams, I think there is a lot of truth to that. Ironically, true liberals welcome and encourage free economic activity and true progressives appreciate openness and transparency.

Meade said...

Thanks, Grundoon. Like THIS?

Lauderdale Vet said...

I did it as a straight through action, purpose driven.

Clicked on link, did keyword search, added product to basket, clicked to check out, asked to signed in again and then purchased. No side trips.

:(

john said...

Works well.

Meade said...

LV, let not your heart be troubled. Can I interest you in a new vacuum cleaner?

kentuckyliz said...

I like the sales reports. I like checking out the shopping carts of the rest of the commentariat, and seeing what weird crap they're buying. Or ordinary crap.

I'm Full of Soup said...

On Sunday, I acquired a Keurig K-cup Platinum via Meadehouse. Anyone in the market for my old old coffee brewer which is less than a year old?

kentuckyliz said...

"Opinions are like assholes; everyone has one."

"Yes, but mine are super fresh, because I use Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Moist Butt Wipes. I also fart roses and shit candy."

kentuckyliz said...

I am so glad you don't reveal who is buying what. Bad for business.

I don't even know who I'm teasing about the butt wipes.

Don't confess, please.

Shanna said...

If I need to return it, do you have to write a refund check to Amazon?

Hee.

Speaking of Amazon, does anyone know when that kindle class action with the publishers is going to result in actual money back on your account? I got an email about it a while back but haven't heard anything since then.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

It IS interesting and amusing to see what people are buying. I often go to the links to get more information.

It IS a great thing that Amazon has this portal to be able to help bloggers garner some extra money for all of the hard work and time they put into their blog. For many bloggers, this is a full time job and not just a hobby and they rely on the 'tip jar' as well as the purchases made.

I have no animus or jealousy towards people being able to make money. It is the free enterprise system embodied. I'm glad it exists and that people can make use of it.

What I find crass, distasteful, low rent, low class is the crowing and chortling about the pennies and dollars. That part is completely off-putting and disgusting to the point that I will go out of my way to NOT purchase something that I might otherwise through 'this' Amazon portal.

Perhaps it is just the way that I was raised and the manners that my parents taught to me. You don't brag about how much money you make. You don't even TELL people how much money you make. You don't make a point to show off your possessions and you certainly don't advertise or crow about how much you spent on clothing, cars, jewelry or anything else. When you receive a compliment on any of those things you sincerely say "thank you" and move on.

We don't need to be beat over the head about the fact that purchasing through the portal supports the blogger. We already know this.

Anonymous said...

We're in the Money

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJOjTNuuEVw

Anonymous said...

My parents taught me to not insult my host and hostess when I visit their home and if you inadvertently do, apologize as soon as you realize your mistake or never show your face at their home again.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Meade! I ask for a special favor and you produce results immediately--and include time travel to the past. Thanks! This must be the best blog ever.

khesanh0802 said...

Meade;

If you notice these things, some of Ann's long time commenters are beginning to feel that your "crowing" about shilling for Amazon is in bad taste. DBQ hits the nail right on the head: some were brought up to believe that talking about money was crass.

I continue to argue that you are having a negative impact on the quality of Ann's blog.

Anonymous said...

Keep it up Meade, it's fun to see what people are buying and Meadehouse's cut of the purchase. Sheesh some people here are very controlling.

Jana said...

It is very wise to make these posts. It helps people like me, about to make an $80 doll house purchase for my kid, remember to click through. Because it is easy to forget.

Now, I'm not sure if you get credit for it, because it is a "fulfilled by Amazon" instead of Amazon. Alas, I'll try.

Freeman Hunt said...

The money is only a few dollars and change for each thing. I wouldn't consider that crowing. It's interesting.

Anyone in the market for my old old coffee brewer which is less than a year old?

Was it a Keurig? If so, take it apart! They are really neat inside. All kinds of sensors, two pumps, some other nifty bits. I saved the cool stuff from mine in hopes that I'd figure out how to reuse them in making something else for fun someday.

Meade said...

bluegrassliz, even if we wanted to - which we don't - we have no way of revealing who buys what because Amazon keeps that information confidential. ps: enjoy your butt wipes.

AJ, if you don't find a local buyer, tell me more about your old old coffee maker. I might be in the market. And thanks.

Queen Dust Bunny, tl;dr

khesanh0802, dr

Grundoon, we may be no cattle, but we're all blog. Thanks.

alan markus said...

I don't even know who I'm teasing about the butt wipes.

My first thought was Titus.

I'm Full of Soup said...

Freeman - no it's not a Keurig. You are too funny btw.

Meade: thanks but I'll probably give it to my brother - he drinks more coffee than anyone I know and could probably use a new one.

I'm Full of Soup said...

Re returned items, I suspect Amazon pays its agents when an item ships and will deduct commissions on returned items from the agent's future commissions so no need for Meadhouse to write a check to Amazon.

Anonymous said...

Haha, I just saw dreams conjecture that the biggest complainers and detractors here on this thread were liberals.

Dante and DBQ could hardly be called liberal. :)

Known Unknown said...

I don't mind these posts, but the ch-ching is a little much.

Known Unknown said...

Was it a Keurig? If so, take it apart! They are really neat inside. All kinds of sensors, two pumps, some other nifty bits. I saved the cool stuff from mine in hopes that I'd figure out how to reuse them in making something else for fun someday.

We've been through 3 Keurigs, but we've only paid for one. They kept busting and Keurig kept sending us replacement ones --- we didn't even have to return the broken one. We messed with the old one, got it working, and donated it to a friend in need.

Palladian said...

Keurig is bad, partially instant coffee. Fine for an office environment but unacceptable at home.

Palladian recommends the handblown Chemex, the French press or, if you're feeling flush, the beautiful Alessi 9090, which makes pseudo-espresso.

All through the Althouse portal, naturally!

Palladian said...

With the Chemex and French press makers I recommended, you'll also need a kettle for boiling water. The kettles that receive the official Palladian recommendation are the Simplex chromed copper whistling kettle for gas stoves (they also make one for electric-type stovetops), the electric Hario Buono V60 kettle or, if you're feeling flush, the Alessi 9091 kettle with a melodic whistle.

kentuckyliz said...

I didn't order butt wipes, I swear it.

I agree about the Titus speculation. He hasn't been hitting the loaf pinching theme lately, but that doesn't mean it's not longer a zone of interest, concern, and delight.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Count me in as someone who likes these posts, too.

I mean, I can understand how some people might find it crass from a traditional standpoint, but this is the internet era. Things are as public and as intimate as ever. Many of us spend a highly disproportionate amount of time here. We are participating in a community that requires effort and there is nothing wrong with understanding that in monetary terms. And sheesh! At least it gets Althouse away from the "I'm just a humble law professor!" tagline.

I don't think I'll make my purchases through the portal, because as a sometimes admittedly strident critic, I don't think that Althouse is as supportive of dissident voices as she might otherwise choose to be. Yes, she herself is not a strict Republican, and often heterodox. And that's good. But flies in the ointment like myself and the other lefties put up with a lot of scorn. Some deserved, most not. Although much of it more understandable, abated and/or easier to deal with over time.

But I still appreciate that she is able to make some decent coin this way, and regardless of whether or not I am valued among her "community of commenters", will still appreciate the venture - even if in a voyeuristic way. It gives people who fart around on the internet all day hope. And in this economy, who can get enough of that!

kentuckyliz said...

OK I take that back. I may need the butt wipes after all. Usually after reading Ritmo I feel the need to get fresh and clean again and wipe away the shit.

Anonymous said...

Oh now Liz, my little buddy Ritmo is not at all shity. He's quite particular about his hygiene.

Meade said...

Sorry Inga but Ritmo's entire shtick - his characteristic attribute, talent, and trait that helps him secure recognition and attention - is shittiness. No one does shitty better Ritty.

Anonymous said...

Well Meade, there are a few bad boys of Althouse, Ritmo is just one of them. Shouting Thomas is another, both have some redeeming qualities. Some have no redeeming qualities, not naming names.

Palladian said...

cough

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Nothing like being looked down at by someone touting their earnings for doing so. And liberals are accused of being economically jealous of what, exactly?

Anyway, it is funny that Thomas becomes the blog-pet while I get whacked at by rolled up newspapers. Every one of his posts is like an endless diaper derby.

Palladian said...

Ritmo, are we still gonna have our gay tumble?

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Meade, you can get to see my sweet side one day. But that would involve you getting a sex change, anti-aging cream and a bottle of Quaaludes or two, one of which - I'm sure - might be available for purchase on Amazon for $19.99! Supplies limited order yours today!

Blog earnings from the cream will be posted by Meade. And the purchaser's identity, of course, will be concealed to protect the reputation of the innocent (yet curious).

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

It depends, Palladian. It looks like I'm already offering that to Meade, and only in his case after some, er, modifications.

But you I might take as is. It would depend on how you'd treat me afterward. I know how guys can be. You don't have to say hi to me in the hallways when you pass each time, or even, er, rise to my defense when subjected to the usual thuggery.

But a little bit of lingering politeness will go a long way. That, and, well, I'm sure I can think of other things. Just don't say you were grossed out by me and pretend to deny it happened.

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AllenS said...

Remember, everyone, if you don't want to buy anything through the Althouse portal, there's always Pierre.

Nichevo said...

Ritmo http://althouse.blogspot.com/2013/02/purchases-of-day_19.html?showComment=1361331276801#c6933963876567746212

just a question, and this is not intended as an attack: what would you regard as quote supportive unquote from the blogstress? How would she demonstrate this support?

Of course, I believe she is purely selfish, self centered, self important, self interested, in a way that would make Ayn Rand blush, although she has a right to be as long as Cass Sunstein doesn't find her; I just don't know why you feel particularized. My indites of her are much sharper than anything I've seen from you and, perhaps not coincidentally, are deleted by I suppose Meade out of gallantry, but at least they and I know. So what is it you seek? +1? Attaboy? HOWARD JOHNSON IS RIGHT!?

Nichevo said...

As for these DL deals, Ritmo, has it been agreed whether you are to be pitching or catching?

Nichevo said...

and Inga, for your judgement, are you relying upon smell or taste?

Nichevo said...

Actually I think I may have been struggling for the word solipsistic, if solipsistic can be extended to one's family, clan, party, tribe, interest pack of the moment. Parasolipsistic? Quasisolipsistic? Pseudosolipsistic?

Dante said...

Like I said, I don't care. Just reporting on what a very conservative person mentioned, and I think ideas are always free to share so long as they aren't merely ad-hominem. I made the same comment to him, these are adults here. But I thought I'd share the comment anyway.

Looks like there is lots of support for showing how you get a return on the blog, and in my view, it's well worth it. I read it every day (or night).