After writing The End of TBODC? a couple loyal readers suggested that I put a donations link on the blog.I was a bit hesitant at first, but Jake (one of my more devoted followers) encouraged me to do it anyway. He said since I provided a service to the online community (with articles, tutorials, and freebies) why not ask for donations? He felt TBODC had a lot to offer and had certainly been helpful enough for him to consider donating to support it.
I thought this was very kind of Jake and it made me realize that perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea. I mean, being on unemployment stinks, and it's hard enough coming up with grocery money. So I searched around on Google to see what people had to say about making a donations link on a blog. I didn't want to implement something that had any negative ramifications, but for the most part people considered it a good idea. There was, however, one site in particular that raised an interesting point.
In her article Using a PayPal 'Donate' Button on Your Blog? Rosalind Gardner said, "My friend’s business wasn’t a charity and Paypal took serious issue with the fact that he was respresenting himself as such by using the word ‘Donate’. That’s not to say that you can’t accept PayPal payments from your blog readers. What you can use is a text link or button graphic that reads Buy Me a Beer, Buy Me a Coffee, Support our Blog or anything else that comes to your mind — just don’t use the word ‘donate’."
This made good sense to me and I'm sure it isn't something most people think about when putting something like this on their blogs. I know I didn't. Since I'm not a drinker I wanted to create something that was less obtrusive and yet in keeping with the style of TBODC. So I dug out my old PS file of Gary in his "hottub" and added the words "Buy Me a Latte". I didn't want people to feel they had to donate, either. So I placed the graphic at the bottom of the right sidebar. I figured this way it would not appear as a desperate plea.
So if you feel like Jake and find the articles, tutorials, and resources here on TBODC of value then consider buying a mug a Mug! Please keep in mind you are under no obligation to do this, but I would sure appreciate the gesture.
Thank you.
Represent! Thanks for the shout out Doug!
It's a great idea and perfect graphic! Hope you enjoy the refreshment I sent a few minutes agor --- wonder if it will still be hot?
I appreciate the thorough and informative tutorials you come up with. Not to mention the unique blog design on Blogger no less!
I suggest add a text link to this post below the graphic at some point (after the article moves off the homepage) --- good background for visitors.
Jake, SBA, thank you for your support. It is much appreciated. I'm working on a couple new tutorials so stay tuned.
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