Begging Vs Donations
By misskatonic
@misskatonic (3723)
United States
February 7, 2007 7:04pm CST
Today, I was making some adjustments to my blog. I was sprucing it up and adding a few features. One of which is a small, discrete donations button.
A friend of mine, following my blog alterations, commented on it and remarked that it was tacky and 'begging'. I was a bit stunned. I didn't draw any attention to it, I didn't put it at the top of the page or make it prominent. There's no message soliciting money - just a little quip that I wouldn't mind a few bucks from those who enjoy what I write. I honestly didn't think it was a big deal.
If I had updated my blog *about* the donation button, went on about all the reasons I need money and *asked* people to give me money, then I'd be begging.
To me, it's the same difference between pan handlers and buskers. A pan handler is just asking for handouts, actively approaching people and asking for money. A busker is offering some sort of entertainment - singing, dancing, juggling, whatever - and has their little hat next to them. To me, there is a huge difference.
Am I the only one who feels this way? Which is worse? Are they both in bad taste or what?
I know some of my social views are peculiar, but I didn't think this was one of them.
15 people like this
45 responses
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
8 Feb 07
1. It's YOUR blog. Do what you want with it.
2. Writers don't deserved to get paid (sarcasm)
3. Are you sure you want to go around calling this person your friend?
4. You are 100% correct about the difference between panhandlers and those who offer a service (even if it is something like playing music).
I have no idea why I put that in the form of a list.
LOL
1 person likes this
@unusualsuspect (2602)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Right, freak. It's just tacky for writers to get paid. After all, if you do something for the love of it, you should just give it away.
Some of the most popular bloggers have donation buttons. I doubt that anyone thinks they're begging.
@candygurl24 (1880)
• Canada
8 Feb 07
You are not wrong by any means, you are in fact providing people with a form of entertainment, and if it is their choice to donate to you, then so be it! Don't mind people like that...look in a couple weeks and I bet you'll see one on their blog too:) Keep your chin up!
1 person likes this
@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
• United States
8 Feb 07
MissK, I am off to view your blog, will be back with an honest opinion and answer. As for right now, I think you need all the money you can get to take care of that little baby boy. In addition, I am thinking about starting a blog also and may be asking for your help if you don't mind. ~Donna
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I would love to help you get started on a blog! :D And when you do get up and running, I'd love to do a link exchange with you.
@Wanderlaugh (1622)
• Australia
8 Feb 07
What’s so peculiar/tacky about trying to help people? Is a collector for a charity a “beggar”? Even reading your intro, it didn’t even occur to me that a donations button could possibly be considered a form of begging. Must be some new form of PC, "Say nothing and look aloof."
Don't agree, by the way, about doing a blog about the button. Surely you have the right to say something on your own blog about a cause that means something to you. Since when is something like "Save The Environment" or "Make Poverty History" a non-topic? I'd think people (at least anyone who's actually read you, on any subject) would be interested to hear that you've found something you want to support.
I have to do a massive upgrade on my site. Maybe I’ll put a whole page of the things there and see what happens. I'll make a point of doing an article on it, too.
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Because it's a personal donation button - it's linked to my paypal account. I don't exactly make it a secret that I'm not having the easiest time to make ends meet, but I definitely don't ask people for help. That's why I would never make a post about it or draw attention to it that way - it's completely optional and I don't expect anyone to donate. But if someone does, awesome, so much thanks to them and all of that wonderful stuff. And I mean that seriously, not in my usual sarcastic way.
But drawing attention to causes is a very good idea. I do have a few charities I support - mainly the Assistant Dogs of America Foundation - and I think I will do a post about them.
@Wanderlaugh (1622)
• Australia
8 Feb 07
Sorry, should have checked your blog first. Still don’t think it’s tacky, and I’ve seen millions of them. Even some corporates do that.
Now utterly mystified that anyone’s surprised that a freelancer would put that up. We do have to eat, occasionally, so I’m told.
Actually, if nothing else, the perception of freelancers as June bugs that can live on nothing could do with a bit of correcting, too.
Amazing how many people "love art" and don't know the slightest thing about the realities of creativity.
Like the blog.
@chaygylmommy (2470)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I wouldn't have even thought twice about the donation button. I don't think you are wrong by putting that on there. A lot of people do it. I wouldn't think twice about this person who complained or made a comment.
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I'm glad I'm not completely alone, then! I was just really thrown off by that. I see donation buttons everywhere, and I've never thought much of them. If people are offering up something for free, I figure they have every right to at least have the option up.
@unfathomedpsyche (858)
• Thailand
8 Feb 07
I agree with chylgymommy, you don't have to feel bad about it a lot of prominent bloggers and web site owners are doing the same thing. I would also do the same if paypal is a vailable in my country. Besides there's nothing wrong in donation, if you feel that you have given your readers a very informative and interesting information then why not do it. It was even mentioned in several SEO sites as a way of monetizing a site or blog. Don't mind anyone commenting on your donation box, you are the only one using it.
1 person likes this
@unfathomedpsyche (858)
• Thailand
8 Feb 07
"you are not the only one using it" sorry i have to correct myself LOL.
1 person likes this
@onabreak2 (1161)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Yes they are in bad taste. Yes it is begging and your friend is right. You should listen to her.
Any foprm of pan handling is disgusting. I see it every day downtown. I personally work for a living and dont think it would hurt if the people that have their hand out did too.
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
9 Feb 07
How is it begging? When there's no active asking for money, I just can't see where begging fits into it. I'm not pestering anyone for money, I'm not asking them for money, I just have the option available for people who like what I do to send me a couple of bucks.
You're the first person who's equated busking to pan-handling here and I'd just really like to see why you see them as the same.
1 person likes this
@givemechance (3794)
• Indonesia
8 Feb 07
woow.. ehem, okey can i visit your blog. i want to see your donation button.Paypal or e-gold?
I think begger is just ask the money. with no doing anything. But if we could do something work, i can say thta this is not begging.
here my blog , you can see what i am talking about:
http://blogman07.bravejournal.com
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
My blog is here: http://grumpygimp.blogspot.com/ .
Thanks, I'll take a look at yours!
@suedarr (2382)
• Canada
8 Feb 07
I will also add my voice to the majority here and say that I too do not think it is tacky of you to add a donation button. There is nothing wrong with giving people the ability to throw a few bucks your way if they find they appreciate your blog and your writing. They are actually receiving something in return. It is a voluntary thing, and in my opinion no big deal. Best wishes!
@silver1beans (281)
• United States
20 Feb 07
suedarr, I agree with you there is nothing wrong with giving the choices to your fellow people to donate to you if they would like. Therefore I do think it is a bit to greedy for me and I would not do that, but then it's not begging so it is soley up to the blogger to put that buttom in there or not.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
8 Feb 07
I think it makes perfect sense to offer the option of "donating" to you on your blog. Obviously it's effort to write it, you're entertaining, and if people are coming to read it they must be getting something out of it. It's not you're saying "You have to give me money". I know there have been a lot of times I've read blogs or entertaining websites and wished there were some way to show the writer how much I appreciated their work.
I pretty much have the same opinion as you on buskers and such. I'm far more likely to give money to someone who's putting effort into it than someone just sitting there begging, unless it was obviously all they COULD do.
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Thank you.
Man, I love buskers. Some of them are really, really good! And I'm the same way - I'll gladly give a buck or two to someone who's willing to do something for it.
@nw1911guy (1131)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Hey, I think you should keep it on there just to see if anyone does donate and then report back to us on the results. Have fun and let me know!
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
If someone does end up donating to me, I will be sure to let everyone know! Thanks. :D
@marief2rnurse (2704)
• United States
20 Feb 07
I have my own website asking for donations so I can finish schools. I hope you don't mind me sharing the link here. Yes I'm pretty desperate.
http://singlemomneedsyourhelp.blogspot.com/
@flagbabygirl (891)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I guess I don't understand why do you ask for donations? I am new here and I didn't knoe one could do such a thing is it here on my lot? Do you offer a service on this Blog? Just curious. Butv yes you are right and for the first thing why did they have to disrespect you anyway. I though about asking for donations for help with my som but I don't know how or where to do this. He has a bone disorder and I have to stay home to help him..... anyways good luck to you
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I have a donation button because I'm struggling right now and could use some extra money. It's on my blog, the link to my blog is on my profile. I write articles on coping with my disability and other daily challenges, offer advice and anecdotes and things like that. And all of it is humorous. I am providing something, and for free. And good luck to you! Have you thought about starting a page for him? I've known some folks who have done that - I'd be happy to help you, if you'd like.
@saralee1 (1983)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Actually, I do not think that it is in bad taste to put a donation button on your site. If anything, it keeps things more interesting, and those that want to hear what you have to say, or are entertained, or helped, or whatever have a way of thanking you. I can honestly say I have been given some truly heartfelt advice while blogging, which has been more valuable to me than visiting an expensive "therapist" who is more concerned with how you are going to pay her, than what your actual problem is. So, no, adding the button is not begging at all, it is just plain smart in my opinion.
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Thank you! I really didn't think it was a big thing. And you're very right there! Some blogs can be extremely helpful and allow a safe place to discuss issues and problems and get helpful advice.
@Mednurse9 (18)
• United States
8 Feb 07
You are right. Leave the button. By applying this button to your site you are not begging, you are simply allowing your avid viewers to make donations IF THEY LIKE. The choice is theirs and the opportunity is there if they decide to use it. Soemthing done in modesty is not begging. Begging is when you constantly remind them, tell them how much you need their money and pressurethem into a "guilt Offering". Websites are not usually free and it takes a lot to keep them up, so, if your readers would like to extend an offering who's to say that is not ok.
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Thank you. I'm very glad that I'm not the one off in whacky land here!
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
9 Feb 07
There is a difference. To me it would be begging if you made an entry about your donations button. (With the intent to draw attention to it in hopes of receiving some)
What you are doing is like putting out the tip jar. What's wrong with that? I don't see a problem with it. If they like your writing they now have the ability to give you a tip if they feel like it. I think it is perfectly fine.
@juliocstryfe (2019)
• Brazil
11 Feb 07
Hmm, I put the donate button, but decided to get rid of it in all but my art blog, as there's enough drawing comissions coming into make my net time worthy
@momokoseiya (453)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I think your friend was being a little harsh with her comment. Nearly every site I visit has a small "donate" button in it. That isn't asking for a hand-out, that isn't begging. It's just a reminder that if you like the content on the website, you can donate to the owner. That isn't outright ASKING for money, it's just giving visitors the option. Huge difference.
@sakura_ryuzaki (348)
• Philippines
8 Feb 07
well theres nothing wrong with some donations from people who view your blog. its that you asked them to donate everything they visit your blog. its noy only you who put donation button to thier blog. a lot of the site now that their donation button. its up to you if want to give or not to that site. but if your that rich why not share it to others for them to continue thier site/blog on running. think of it as a gift as a donation or what your friend say as begging for money.
@scythe_101 (43)
• Philippines
13 Feb 07
I think its not actually bad but we all have our differences and some people might think that what we are doing is bad yet we are just being fair..and the best thing to do continue to do what you think is write and feel no guilt..
