Sunday, April 13, 2008

Cyber Beggars : Blog Begging

Lately, I have noticed an alarming trend: BLOG BEGGING.

I am sure you have seen these thinly disguised solicitations:
  • "Like my post? Pay me."
  • "Help me buy a domain."
  • "I need a new computer."
  • "Help me pay my tuition."
  • "Buy me a cup of coffee."
  • "Buy me a beer."
  • "Help me move out of my parents' house."
  • "I want implants. Can you help?"
Now, do not get me wrong. I have sponsored runners and walkers for cancer, Muscular Dystrophy and the United Way. I have charities that I support and am a soft touch for kids, animals, the homeless and disabled Veterans.

If you are struck by an emergency, like fire, flood, tornado or hurricane, then, by all means, post a plea for assistance. If you are uninsured or underinsured and you or a member of your family needs an operation or other medical treatment, a wheelchair or medicine, please ask for help.

I am not including anyone who provides software, templates, plug-ins and has a spot for donations. Without these types of developers, we would not have many programs, like SpyBot or Mr. Linky.

But, if you need money, put up a plug board, sell ad space or get a TopList. Or, be honest and call it what it is, begging, and sign up with CyberBeg or DonateMoney2Me.


10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I honestly don't mind the "buy me a coffee" ones. I'm not sure how much income they generate but they're much nicer than "donate" and in reality, if a friend had helped you out, you would be happy to buy them a coffee. Having said that, I don't have one on any of my own blogs as I don't expect anyone would actually use it.

The rest I tend to agree...meh!

CastoCreations said...

It's totally obnoxious to ask in posts for money but the "buy me a cup of coffee" buttons don't bother me. :) On Etsy people get for sales for this reason or another and it is SO annoying. And a total turn off.

kRiZcPEc said...

Hi, I have a donation button on my blog, it will be off-putting for some I know, but then when I produced something, and you came and viewed them, it's shouldn't be regarded as shameless. And I don't think it's a form of begging, it's more like give and take. I post something up, you read them. Then, is it too much to ask you to consider making some donation, at any amount you like if you feel like to?

Anonymous said...

This is very interesting! I have enjoyed reading this very insightful post. Very engaging and informative. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for saying it, many think it, few convey the words. It is obnoxious, but so often obnoxiousness gets in the media, gets dugg, and so forth.. promoting others on the coat tails.

Anonymous said...

I wrote about this topic last year:

Buy Your Own Coffee

Divine Copy said...

I don't mind people having donate buttons on their websites or blogs. What is the harm really?

If you don't want to donate don't bother! There is no need to get offended by it, you either donate or you don't! :D

Life is too short to be offended by such small things! :D

Michael said...

I really don't mind the little buttons and stuff but there are some places where I feel bombarded. There is nothing more irritating than having someone come all up in your area and obnoxiously ask you for money? Youd never do that in real life!!

Anonymous said...

Blog begging: let's call it "blegging".

CyberCelt said...

Woah! I struck a nerve. Thanks for all your comments.

@lightening-You and I agree.

@cc-I agree it is tacky.

@kriz-Good point.

@aurelius-Thanks for visiting.

@susie-Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

@jhs-LOL. You always were a trend setter.

@sfolega-You have a good point.

@mark-I had not thought of that. I help the homeless, but hate the panhandlers.

@feefifoto-Blegging, I like it.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails