A really awkward question
Here’s an awkward question that I’m going to ask, then bury under other posts.
It’s about the Paypal donations button. I think it’s sometimes referred to as a tip jar. Is it weird? Does it strike anyone as…grasping? Because I’m really curious about who has them, who actually donates, and why. And honestly - I’m a little inclined to try it. If, hypothetically speaking, a total stranger wanted to give me money, I wouldn’t be too proud to accept it graciously and of course I would want to make it easy for them to do so. Hypothetically speaking, that is. Unless you know somebody who wants to give me money.
I’m very thankful for the money that my blog brings in. It’s not a lot, but it is enough to impact our budget. Would a paypal tip jar make it easy for others to bless us if they chose, or would it just amount to panhandling?
What’s your reaction when you see one?
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Filed under: Huh? Category?
Well, first let me say that I like you and I like your blog and I will still like the both of you whether or not you have a “tip jar”.
To me, having ads is taking your writing a little more seriously. It seems professional; more like having your own business. So I guess I’m saying yes, my personal opinion is that a tip jar is…well, not exactly like begging, but more like a street performer, whereas ads are more like a paid gig.
I haven’t come across a Paypal tip jar before, and I don’t think it is a bad idea. I often read blogs and sites of people who inspire me and make me want to work harder for the Lord - and I want to give them something back to thank them for this gift that they have given me. A tip jar (or perhaps a wish list of some other small things that you need, and how to get them to you), sounds like a great idea for those of us who are grateful for your ongoing inspiration.
I don’t give to tip jars - I think they are a bit tacky.
Panhandling for sure. I like your blog, don’t like the tip jar idea.
I am not sure, if it is for a specific reason (Sickness, specific hardship) then I am okay with them and usually try to help out, but not so sure about it just being there to be there.
I think it’s a matter of your preference; if you want it, do it. Plus, I think with all the ads and writing that are in your sidebars, a tip jar would be just “there” and not the first and only thing a blog visitor would see. But, if someone wanted to donate, they could find it easy enough.
I’ve never donated to a tip jar so I can’t say I’m all professional on this matter. But I can’t say I never will either.
seems like total solicitation if you ask me……even though I probobly wouldn’t even notice since I pay no mind to your ads at all. Not sure that would be the best thing for you to do.
I tend to find it tacky. If you were sick or the fam or had a true need, by all means please put the button your blog, otherwise I feel it isn’t a good thing.
It sounds like my first instinct is widely shared.
Let me just emphasize to any readers who *do* have a tip jar, this wasn’t aimed at you. I read blogs through Bloglines, so I really don’t know who has them.
Also, I think that if your family has a real need, a tip jar would be a wonderful way to let others help you.
Likewise, if your blog provides a tangible service or helps readers save money, I can certainly see a good reason to have a tip jar - like the ones you see at restaurants, it is reasonable for readers to tip you for your advice or service.
But since my blog’s focus is not on providing services, saving others money (though I hope I can sometimes do so!) or on our own troubles (which hardly qualify us for such assistance), I think I’ll abstain from setting out the proverbial jar.
Good idea, Kim. I tend to see tip jars are a bit tacky EXCEPT when someone is doing a free service (like blog design, digital scrapbooking, etc.) In theory, I actually don’t think it’s a bad idea for tipping people for their writing, ideas, templates, etc..just as we buy a book for it’s content. I don’t think it would be widely accepted, though…still a bit too new.
Kim I have been reading your blog for a while, and I remember you have written about some really swell people who have donated items (the bananas guy and the washing machine lady) to you and your family. And a few times you have asked for things, free or as willing to pay (like a sewing machine). You also have given away things, and in order to win, people must proactively request to be a part of the contest by signing up.
What’s the difference?
I don’t think any less of any blogger who has a “tip jar.” I first saw one when I read Scrappleface and he had (actually, still has) a button that says “Money makes Scrappleface more funny.” It was cute. He is very talented and writes for the joy of writing. Asking for– or at least making your blog available to accept– a donation or a gift is not offensive.
Personally, what IS offensive are those blogs/websites that have billions of flashing, blinking, and tacky ads plastered all over them.
A “tip jar” just says “I love to blog and I’m not controlled by advertising. But if you can and if you want, I’d love to make a few bucks doing what I love to do!”
I love your blog and I have had good laughs, been inspired, my thoughts have been provoked, and I think I have grown since reading your blog….
At the same time, I find the tip jar idea to be tacky. I think all tip jars are tacky, I mean, those people at restaurants and such DO make a regular paycheck, and so a tip jar to me is redundant…. unless there is a need, like you’re sick or your husband has lost his job, or something like that….but just to have one to have one kinda makes me say “hmmmm…..”
And another thing I would like to mention, but please don’t take it wrong, is why do you have the Harper Collins ad on your sidebar?? I clicked onto it and explored their website, and let me just say, in the Children’s catagory, I DID NOT like what I saw, it was totally un-Christian…that’s all I’m going to say because I don’t want to lose you as a “friend”, but as a thinking Christian, you maybe ought to do some research before you place company’s ads on your blog….besides, you can get those children’s books that Harper Collins sells from other sources, such as Ebay…Just thought I’d raise the issue…thanks!
Leanne from Longview WA
I don’t see a thing wrong with it. It wouldn’t bother me either way and I certainly would never stop reading a blog because of it.
WOuld I donate? Probably not. But, again it wouldn’t bother me either way. I dont see anything wrong with trying to make a few bucks from your blog.
Nell @ CasualFridayEveryday.com