I think there are two separate ideas here.

The first is whether or not WordPress news content and information can be monetized. To this, I say, absolutely. I don't know how big the potential market is, but I do think that the success of the commercial theme, plugin and services markets indicates that there are plenty of opportunities to successfully monetize a news and community focused publication about WordPress that isn't just a side project for a larger more sustainable business like consulting or theme development.

I'm not saying its easy (successful content creation is not easy, it's just not), but I certainly think it is possible.

The second issue is understanding what it would take to make such a site -- or any niche news site or blog -- a success. And to me, that's the crux. It's not just about selling ads and doing affiliate links -- though that can be a good start, it's about looking at the business aspect of the creative process too.

One of my best friends is Dan Benjamin -- who runs 5by5.tv. Dan started 5by5 in early 2010 as a niche podcast network focused on web developers, designers and people who like to stay on top of tech and tech related stuff. It's a niche audience. His most popular shows get a few hundred thousand downloads. This isn't mainstream stuff. Yes Dan makes it work and is successful at it.

That's because in addition to creating the content, he also understands and is willing to run the business.

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I totally understand not being interested in dealing with advertising and affiliates and reviews and sponsorships as a way to make money. I totally understand that all of those things impede with the actual act of creating content.

But that's what it takes to make something a financial success.

I've often thought about trying to make a living just on my own writing for my own properties -- a la John Gruber or Shawn Blanc. While I'd be OK with selling sponsorships and doing the other stuff that would be required to make that work, I'm realistic enough to know that even if I were successful, it would be difficult for me to make as much as I make as a salaried journalist. I fully understand not wanting to embark on those types of decisions because I do it myself -- Mashable takes care of the business stuff, I focus on writing my own content.

And fortunately for you, that's what you get to do now too. What you created WAS deemed important enough to be worthwhile and of value to continue to exist.

But make no mistake, just because you weren't interested in making WPTavern a business, doesn't mean it couldn't have happened or that it can't happen for others. In fact, the content creator who is also adept at wearing the business hat is rare -- which is why in the media world we keep them separate (or at least, try to). In a perfect world, WPTavern would have hired or partnered with someone to think about all the business and advertising logistics about making money and you could have focused on content.

Not being able to do both parts doesn't make someone a failure -- but both parts are almost always necessary for success.