blog begging

Okay y'all, I may be stepping on something delicate here, but I've got to ask. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but why are people always begging for money on their blogs? I don't know why this bothers me, but I always get a little annoyed when I see those things, kinda like the never-ending PBS fundraisers. "You're enjoying our programming, now don't you feel guilty???" Ummm.. not really. Run a commercial. Or go off the air. I could care less.

Sometimes these appeals come from unexpected, dire circumstances such as job loss or medical complications. Sometimes someone has died. Well, that's terribly sad, and I always say a quick prayer when requested. But asking for money?... Don't these people have life insurance? I know that I have been very careful to plan for my family's financial security in the event of my early death.

And it's not just those serious circumstances. Why are certain bloggers always asking for free books or other stuff on Amazon? Or soliciting donations for ordinary living expenses, or sometimes for literally no reason at all? Are we supposed to feel guilty for reading and not paying? If you want to be a writer, write a book. Sell articles to magazines. Put more ads on your blog. Or, if you really think you're good, sell subscriptions to your own website. Here's a hint: if people won't pay for it, you're probably not that good at it.

I'm sorry to be harsh, but couldn't they just spend less time blogging and get a real job if they are that hard up? I know you really really want to be a successful writer, or an entrepreneur with a home-based business, and only do what you love and only work for yourself. So would all the rest of us! But I, for one, will continue working for The Man, because it pays well and has good benefits.

My favorite bloggers tend to give away free stuff, not ask for money. My favorite entrepreneurs work hard at home in the evening, when they get home from their real jobs. Then they go full-time when they have developed their businesses enough to support themselves. Again, if you believe in your grand vision and want to take a chance, more power to you. I really do admire your courage. Whether you want to start a clothing line, or consider yourself an aspiring apologist. I hope you do make it.

But I guess I just don't consider blogging to be "earning" it. Please let me know what I am missing here. Am I just a mean person?