One of the most talked about, and widely used methods of earning money from a blog, is to ask for donations.
Considering the number of PayPal buttons on numerous blogs, many bloggers could use a few extra bucks to keep writing.
Another form of donation is a Wish List. In setting up a Wish List, a blogger specifies certain items they would like to receive as gifts, in lieu of cash. Amazon.com is well known for offering Wish Lists.
For an example of a Wish List, take a look at Jennifer, of the political and cultural blog, Drink This... While you are there, she might appreciate a present.
Another idea is to hold a huge Blogathon For Needy Bloggers.
Bloggers from every area of the blogosphere could take part, blogging for dollars, for less fortunate and struggling post writers.
Participating bloggers could agree to get sponsors and pledges of cash; or maybe even merchandise. In return, the blogger would commit to writing a minumum number of posts, blog for a set number of hours, or a combination of both.
The money and possible merchandise would then be divided among bloggers who are out of work, or not earning enough income in their current jobs.
I don't view this as charity for bloggers. Instead, it's more like helping out a friend and colleague through a difficult financial moment. With a bit of a boost, the recipient can then get back into the work force, or begin a small micro business.
Once employed or established, that blogger will no longer need assistance, but be earning their own income.
The idea is readers will gladly pay money to support a valuable, but struggling blogger to keep writing.
Obviously, the more readers that a blogger can accumulate, the more chances of receiving donations and gratutities. At the same time, a top quality niche blog could receive larger than average donations as well.
As good quality posts, packed with interesting information, attract links from other bloggers, so too can they cause readers to open their wallets.
Or at least click a bit of cash the blogger's way.
The question that my readers often ask me (and yes, people do e-mail me about all sorts of blogging issues, and I enjoy reading and responding to them as well) is whether it's a good idea to add a tip jar or donation button to their blog.
I can't say for certain, if many bloggers are doing well financially, from tip jars and doantions buttons. What I can say, is that some bloggers deserve more cash than they are currently receiving.
While the big name blogs haul in fairly substantial amounts, and deservedly so, many small readership blogs go without support.
When you tour your favourite blogs, be sure to consider leaving a small donation for the blogger. Even $2.00 to $5.00 will go far, if there are several such donations.
Not many bloggers are likely to retire on tips and donations, but the vast majority aren't asking for that level of support anyway. Most small readership bloggers are simply looking to get their internet and hosting bills paid.
Helping small bloggers, by way of direct donations or through a Blogathon, is a worthwhile effort on your part.
There are many unemployed and underemployed bloggers in the blogosphere. Not only are their tip jars empty, but their food cupboards are bare as well.
It's time to consider a Blogathon for Needy Bloggers.
Your participation would make all the difference.
