Well I don't quiet agree with blogging ad free for the first year. I strongly believe that you need to implement some sort of ads in case you are planning to place ads later. the reason I say this is because once you get a loyal readership, it will be difficult for people to digest the fact that the blog they love (Maybe for being ad free) just started putting in ads. this will just irritate your regular readers. I would suggest a no no for adsense if your site is not laser targeted. Go for affiliate sales. Dont just sport it in your sidebar, instead write a review and place a buy it now link. That's your best bet!!!