Usually on my own websites, as the boring topics generate organic Google traffic. On Medium, I tend to go for whatever I think will interest the people on Medium.

On my own websites, I definitely use display ads and affiliate marketing.

I have a whole playlist of exactly how I build websites. Here is the link inc ase your interested: https://christopherkokoski.medium.com/list/grow-a-moneymaking-website-0c21be9e95db