2009 has seen many fumbling around looking to try and nail this online advertising caper.A lot of talk has been around charging for content. Other talk has been around more impactful ad units. Even more talk has been around video content.Gawker this year has increased revenue by following its gut instinct and doing what it does well – strong, unique content and interesting and appealing ad units.http://advertising.gawker.com/For me, Gawker is a modern magazine business … the kind most magazine businesses wish they were in todays climate.

I’ve always been a big fan of the designs and layouts used by Gawker blogs throughout the years. They seem to always been trying something new and they iterate often. While some blogs push the same tired look from years ago, Gawker continues to innovate. Since they just pushed some new features last week I thought I’d take you through them. Tips Share Bar: In the header of the Gawker sites you’ll now find a share bar for sending in tips.

Just one of the sarcastic designs on http://BalloonBoyWear.com Everyone’s talking about Balloon Boy.  At first they were saying “Oh… the poor kid.. I hope he’s going to land safely.”  Then it was “The family says it’s not a scam.. they’re just glad he’s ok.”  It was during those times where I was saying “They’re a bunch of pricks, there’s no way the kid’s in the balloon, and if he is, he’s having a great adventure.” – now though, everyone wants to torch them (good thing they used Helium, not Hydrogen, eh?), and I’m thinking they’re not so bad.  Am I just that much of a devil’s advocate?  Here’ s a few reasons: Today’s links:  Balloon Family likely faces charges.