This from Business Week Online. . .

While Web log entreprenuers search for a viable business model, venture capitalists are backing companies that make it all possible. . .Truth is, the fledgling blogging industry's business model is closer to a question mark than a dollar sign.

Two things:

First, small businesses have a blogging business model. We use blogs to market (i.e., create a conversation about) our business, connect with our customers, and humanize the face of our business. We don't depend on blogs to make our living for us, but to illuminate us in the minds of customers/clients/prospects.

Second, the fact that a blogging business model is still a 'shadowy vision lurking in the mist' is yet another reason (perhaps the prime reason) to form a professional association, chamber of commerce, or alliance, whatever you want to call it, to promote the industry.

I have extended an invitation to an A-list of business blogging professionals to join me on a conference call to discuss forming such an association.

BTW, this meme is beginning to garner some attention. I'm getting emails from business bloggers who have indicated interest, and Wayne Hurlbert is certainly a "partner-in-crime" on this, as is Yvonne Divita. (It was Wayne's idea in the first place.) Therefore, so far as I'm concerned, it will happen.