I've been visiting a lot of political news websites. I've noticed that most of the more professional ones also sell topic-related books written by authors not connected to the sites. I emailed one of the webmaster/editors to ask if he made any money. He says that he gets a cut (can't recall the percentage) and that he uses his cut to pay for the expense of running his site. Some of the books, videos and CD's he promotes on his site sell like wildfire. He promotes these items through Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, independent publishers and through the authors or people assisting them.

Some of the material he promotes also gets promoted by members of his forum (and the same is true in the forums on the other sites). Also the community members of his site and visitors also recommend his site as the source for some of these items, especially ones that have yet to make it to the other sites. So, that brings more people to his site, as well as, more money through sales of the stuff he promotes. So, it serves a dual purpose. I know that some of the material he's promoting is very popular. I'd like to get my hands on it, but can't afford the expenses.

I've been seriously considering the prospect of doing this, too. As long as I have control of what's being promoted on my site, I'm okay with this sort of commercialism. I realize, everyone's different.

I'm also contemplating the prospect of writing up reviews. That would help some of my creative friends, but also help to sell some other things that I feel my visitors might like. Some sources will give you free demo copies for review in hope that you'll like what they offer and promote/sell it. Video venders get a lot of demo movies and music soundtracks that way. If they don't advertise free demos to promoters and outlet venders, be sure to inquire about them. For some that are reluctant, selling the idea that a demo means an honest review if you're willing to give reviews.

Reviews help boost sales.