4 ms·

> You can also just do a tip jar model or patreon. I've contemplated this kind of thing, but it feels like panhandling, and I'm reluctant to go there. I would

> You can also just do a tip jar model or patreon. I've contemplated this kind of thing, but it feels like panhandling, and I'm reluctant to go there. I would do it if I thought I could do so tastefully and respectfully. I'm a (non-tech-related) "content producer," and I absolutely refuse to put up ads or be a shill or "native advertiser." Instead, I wrote a book, and if people want to support what I do, they can buy it. It's not enough to be a day job, but it probably could be with day-job levels of time and effort, and my "content consumers" appreciate my integrity.

neltnerb 10y ago
I think people donating on Patreon get the whole "predictable income makes an artist's life an awful lot easier" thing, if you're looking for a tactful way to approach the topic. Saying that you'd like to be able to make it your full time job is a very reasonable thing as well, and I imagine people get that you need some kind of salary to do it. Both of these are things that I, if I were a frequent visitor to your site, would have a pretty good incentive to make happen.
Mz 10y ago
When I had donate buttons, I literally had someone tell me I was panhandling the internet. Tip jars are a better way to signal "It took work to create value here and compensation is appreciated." It has gotten a very different response from people. I am glad your strategy is working for you. But, if you are interested: http://micheleincalifornia.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-to-make-paypal-tip-jar.html http://micheleincalifornia.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-to-make-...
- username223 10y ago
  Thanks for the link. I may give this a try and see if people use it. I think I have more drive-by readers than regulars, so this probably makes more sense than Patreon. BTW, kudos for writing the "Survival Guide." I ran across it at random awhile ago, and it has some great advice.
  - Mz 10y ago
    It would be great to hear (via email) if the tip jar works for you. So far the only data I have is my own.

neltnerb 10y ago

I think people donating on Patreon get the whole "predictable income makes an artist's life an awful lot easier" thing, if you're looking for a tactful way to approach the topic. Saying that you'd like to be able to make it your full time job is a very reasonable thing as well, and I imagine people get that you need some kind of salary to do it. Both of these are things that I, if I were a frequent visitor to your site, would have a pretty good incentive to make happen.

Mz 10y ago

When I had donate buttons, I literally had someone tell me I was panhandling the internet. Tip jars are a better way to signal "It took work to create value here and compensation is appreciated." It has gotten a very different response from people. I am glad your strategy is working for you. But, if you are interested: http://micheleincalifornia.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-to-make-paypal-tip-jar.html http://micheleincalifornia.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-to-make-...

username223 10y ago
Thanks for the link. I may give this a try and see if people use it. I think I have more drive-by readers than regulars, so this probably makes more sense than Patreon. BTW, kudos for writing the "Survival Guide." I ran across it at random awhile ago, and it has some great advice.
- Mz 10y ago
  It would be great to hear (via email) if the tip jar works for you. So far the only data I have is my own.