A question from a reader of Problogger:

I would like to get your opinon (and that of your readers) on “Donate� buttons on personal blogs. I am seeing them more and more. Is it “begging�? Are they tacky? Or is it simply requesting a donation for providing entertaining or informative commentary?’

Here’s my personal take on the issue.

I think a donate button is useful for sites where the authors are experts in their particular field, and where there is a high level of original quality content, yet where traditional affiliate (eg Anazon) or contextual advertising methods (eg Adsense) may be inappropriate or undesirable.

Whilst this may be more applicable to academic or educational sites, the same often holds true of personal sites. Though I am happy to rely on AdSense and Amazon links to generate a little revenue, some writers may feel advertising is inappropriate: contextual advertising is generally not yet smart enough to undertand the meaning of articles as well as keywords.

The donate button is a way of providing free content without advertising cluttering up or distracting from the content. I don’t see it as begging, unless every article makes reference to it, or it flashes up in pop-up windows. A prominent but subtle donate button is all that’s required.

I’m considering putting a donate button on one of my sites; I’m fairly certain that AdSense will display conflicting ads, and I’m happy to gain revenue from readers if they think my content is worthwhile.

A donate button is one of the least intrusive ways of seeking remuneration for content, with the decision to reward financially for worthwhile content left entirely to the readers’ discretion. It’s not begging; it’s online tipping – monetary appreciation for valuable information.