I recently removed the plugin for “buy me a cuppa.” It’s cute, but I have too many plugins, too much clutter on the page, and I’d sort of prefer it if you bought my book or requested it from a library instead. ;)

But I’ve recently been dumped by a reader because of it, and I’ve come across some grousing about this on the web, some from sites which are heavy with advertising. Apparently, say these folks, having this plugin is like begging.

I don’t agree. To me, it’s like putting out a tip jar. Exactly what is so reprehensible about people who make it known that they would enjoy (but do not require) being paid for their efforts? Are these people afraid of anyone’s choices but their own? I’m not, but I do get irritated when people criticize me behind my back without so much as asking where I’m coming from.

I am a good writer and I spend a lot of time on my writing, checking the spelling, grammar and flow of it. I provide readers with entertainment and it takes effort. If I were out there on the street telling stories, you’d either toss a buck into my hat or not but you wouldn’t dream of berating me for it. All I did was to give people an option to buy me a cuppa, because it was more fun than asking for a contribution.

Ohhhh! You think I’m guilt tripping you?

Guess what? That’s your problem.

You know that little word “IF”? Here it is again: IF you want to contribute something, I’ll be happy to receive. Implied is this: I think you’re smart enough to figure out that if you don’t want to, you really don’t need to. I didn’t really think I needed to spell it out.

Darn tooting I want to make a living from my writing, of which my blog is one part. I have wanted to since I was six years old. Now, it’s starting to happen and I’m starting to make it happen because I’m ready. I am absolutely not ashamed of this fact. You wouldn’t hesitate to pay me if I were your chiropractor, and believe me, I’ve already served a 30-year apprenticeship as a writer.

But do please get this. I would run this blog even if I weren’t paid a dime, but I’ve also learned to become open to opportunities, to let the universe know that I’m quite willing to receive if there’s anything out there for me to receive.

So let me make this statement. If something on my blog offends you, have the guts and courtesy to tell me so up front. I might not agree with you, but that’s okay. I’ll still listen and consider your viewpoint, and will explain mine to you, assuming you can be bothered to listen.

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