Guiltless Reading Confessions: Would you go pro?

Guiltless Reading Confessions is a new feature where I can blabber about bookish things, bloggy things, and generally just speak my mind. I warn you, this is mostly just "streams of consciousness" so please don't nitpick. Feel free to jump in with your own two cents. I look forward to chatting with you! 
I'm linking up my confessions to "Lets Discuss" hosted by Oh Chrys! and The Fiction Conniption. Don't forget to check out more bookish discussions!

How much time do you spend on your blog? If you're a book blogger like me, you probably spend quite a bit of time reading, writing reviews, participating in memes, emailing back and forth with authors and publishers and publicists, designing (and re-designing) your blog, tweeting ... and that's just the tip of the iceberg. 

Yes, it's fun. But admit it... who wouldn't want a few bucks in their pocket? 

I've been contemplating the whole professional (or "pro") blogging gig. There are some out there who have not only monetized their blogs but are actually blogging full time. Tons of mommy bloggers do it. Are there any book bloggers who are pro, I wonder?

But I worry. 

Will I just lose my mojo? If this becomes a "job," will I inadvertently suck out the enjoyment I get out of it? Right now, I blog when I feel like it. I don't want the pressure of having to blog. The spontaneity of blogging is what makes this fun for me!

I also worry about perception: who wants to read reviews written by someone who is paid to read and review books? Will people think that my reviews are positive because I was paid to make them positive? Is there any credibility in paid reviews? I know this is probably a whole other discussion, but just the tinge of being paid to write book reviews sends shudder down my spine. Let's discuss ...

So here's the thing. I've dabbled in a few monetizing schemes here on the blog. But for the most part, the idea of actually turning a profit from this hobby of book blogging seems to be a losing proposition. At the least I make a few bucks that could mean a new book, or contribute to my monthly internet bill.  

Affiliate programs - probably the most popular for book bloggers are the obvious. Raise your hand if you're an affiliate of Amazon.com, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble. Now raise your hand if you made more than $10 in the past month (and this was probably the result of yourself purchasing a book through your link?)

Google ads - I used to have some but the clicks are minimal and what it brings in, virtually non-existent. I'm actually thinking they're more trouble than they're worth. 

Other ad services - I've seen quite a few who have been serving paid ads on their blogs. I wonder at how much this actually generates (some popular services are Blog Ads, Passion Fruit Ads). I can see this being attractive to authors and publicists in high traffic blogs, but with so many book bloggers out there, competition is fierce for those authors/publicists willing to shell out the dough.

As I haven't really gone all out on any of these strategies, I probably haven't maximized the monetization possibilities.

So tell me, book bloggers, is monetization something you are actively pursuing? What do you think about pro book blogging? Would you go self-employed, part-time, or even look for corporate blogging opportunities?

Authors, what are your thoughts of book bloggers who offer paid ads or paid services? What do you think of pro book bloggers?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!