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Milehimama Forum Pro
Joined: July 16 2008
Online Status: Offline Posts: 202
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Posted: Sept 30 2009 at 12:10pm | IP Logged
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Couldn't find the best place to fit this question, so I hope I picked the right forum!
I recently blogged about being denied food stamps after my husband was laid off. Several of my readers asked me to put up a Paypal donate button on my blog so they could help. My husband's all for that
I'm torn though. We aren't in dire need (yet). We can make it through the end of October (but job prospects are not looking good). I don't want my blog to be a place to drum up money, though I do run ads and make a little revenue from that.
I'm blown away at the comments and emails from people asking to donate to my family - the bloggy world really IS a community! But I have a hard time receiving charity.
I don't want to drive any readers away. A big reason I blog to begin with is as a witness of large family, Catholic life. To show that Catholics aren't psycho, dumb, idolotrous whackos (hm, can you tell I live in the Bible belt?) but are normal people. I also want to be an example to the world that having a big family isn't the burden everyone thinks it is. I want my blog to encourage.
Also, I'm working on a book proposal and my blog gives me a place to gauge which anecdotes are comedy gold.
Should I post the button, and work on humility? Should I encourage my kind readers to donate to their local IRL community?
Any advice or comments? What do you think when you see a "donate now" button on people's blogs?
I will admit that part of my trepidation is simple pride. I'm worried about people talking about me and saying negative things. I'm worried that people will see my blog button and think that Catholics or big families or bloggers can't do for themselves and always have a hand out.
Am I WAY overthinking this? I need some perspective!
__________________ Milehimama in Houston
Mother of 11 - 8 Church Militant and 3 Church Triumphant
Mama Says
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JodieLyn Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006 Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline Posts: 12234
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Posted: Sept 30 2009 at 12:39pm | IP Logged
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Well, you say your dh is all for it. Have you told him your concerns about it? Does he think they're "real" or just excuses because of pride?
Is there a less "hands out" way of doing the same thing? I don't blog much so I'm not sure what could be done.. maybe a link in a post rather than a button that's always "on top"?
Also think about it.. if it is more blessed to give than recieve.. think about the wonderful opportunity you are giving others by allowing them to give.
__________________ Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Angie Mc Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005 Location: Arizona
Online Status: Offline Posts: 11400
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Posted: Sept 30 2009 at 2:54pm | IP Logged
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I'm praying for you, dear.
I'm AOK with donating to blogs for 2 reasons. The first is when a blog writer is asking for a donation for their work of writing, just like the author of a book asks us to pay for her book. I like the idea of being able to pay a blogger for their excellence in work because I'm grateful for their help. The second is as a fundraiser, hosted by a friend, loved one, or the organization that has taken on the fundraising responsibilities. I would be cautious about donating to a blog that was running its own fundraiser, if that makes sense. To be a fundraiser, I would want accountability from an outside source - a friend, relative, or organization. Plus, the outside source can act as a buffer to a family in need who may, God forbid, become the target of uncharitable action.
Love,
__________________ Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
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