Andrew I think Ned having a chop at you like that is just him being funny. It gets lost in translation when you take it at face value of just the text. So do my "your mum" jokes so I've found out
I always thought the site would be valuable to Ned and Demonoid as a platform for their views and through the contacts they make especially when their main game is to sell domains. Just like Elliotsblog.com now called domaininvesting.com. I reckon adsense and other stuff would be just small biccies in comparison.
I'd be shocked if there's really any money in running a forum especially when the participants provide most of the value.
Ned and Demonoid with their blog provide value and insight with their articles so it's very different. Especially when you consider the current situation we are faced with from the threat of direct registrations with no rights for current holders. There is a fight going on for those rights and these guys are at the forefront.