How do you make $ with a free site?

There are many popular and fun or silly websites that offer some FREE attraction and are not selling a product (such as free e-greeting cards, etc.) What is the real scoop behind these websites? I assume they make money on advertising. Is this primarily banner advertising and google ads? Is it difficult to get these types of advertisers?

We have a silly idea for a website that we were considering selling this "product" as a novelty or prank gift idea for $10 or so. It occurs to me that if it were simply an "e-product" and given away, it would really catch on because it is humorous and would work very well virally. (recent post from egalaxy on viral marketing triggered this idea.)

Does anyone have experience with this type of website? Can it generate money in a reasonable amount of time? How does one find advertisers or what are some of the ways it can be used to generate income (assuming sufficient traffic can be generated)?

I don't know if I've ever seen any sights like that. Do you have any examples?

Originally Posted by RainMaker Can it generate money in a reasonable amount of time?

How much money over what period of time?

Thanks for responding Bossman and Salesguy. I have abandoned this idea for now.

#1 way to make money with a free site:

Site Sponsors

#2 way

Donations for Premium Membership on forums and site services etc

#3 way

Affiliate Programs etc.


Honestly I think it is a waste of time IMHO. whatever floats your boat!

Thank you for your input!