Creating an Online Presence - Choosing a Path

Note: This post is part of a series on creating an online presence.

So far in this series, we have discussed some key considerations in deciding how you will go about creating your online presence.  By now, you should have a good idea of the following.

• What an online presence is (from post #1 in this series)
• What resources you are willing to bring to bear (from post #1 in this series)
• Your goals (from post #1 in this series)
• Whether or not you want a domain name (from post #2 in this series)
• The type of content you want to create (from post #3 in this series)
• Whether or not you want to self-host (from post #4 in this series)
• And a short diversion to consider "free" applications/services

Now it is time to look at the paths and pick one based on these considerations.

If It's Free, Are You The Product?

Note: This is a respite from the Creating an Online Presence series, but it is part of the next step in the discussion.

"If it's free, you are the product."
- Somebody on the Internet

It sure sounds clever and when people first hear this phrase, it can be enlightening if only to expand your sense of perspective.  But it seems to be used rather sloppily and heavy-handedly. The end result can be the closing of minds and misunderstanding, things we should not propagate.

I feel there is a better way to think about this.