No Shade to Other Writers But What’s the Deal with Buying Coffee Around Here?

Summary

The author reflects on the trend of readers buying coffee for writers through platforms like Kofi or Patreon, questioning whether it's a form of financial assistance or a tip for enjoyment, and expresses a personal desire for such support while also providing an alternative method for readers to show appreciation.

Abstract

The article titled "No Shade to Other Writers But What’s the Deal with Buying Coffee Around Here?" discusses the author's perspective on the practice of readers financially supporting writers by buying them coffee through digital platforms. Initially, the author was indifferent to this trend, viewing it as a side income for writers who might be struggling financially. However, after encountering a writer in genuine need, the author was compelled to contribute. This experience prompted the author to ponder the true purpose of these donations—whether they are meant for those in financial hardship or as a form of tipping for readers' enjoyment of the content, regardless of the writer's financial situation. The author, who writes daily on Medium with the intent to inform, entertain, and uplift, admits to receiving minimal support in return. The article concludes with the author expressing openness to receiving such support as a sign of reader appreciation, suggesting a direct PayPal donation as an alternative to Kofi or Patreon.

Opinions

The author initially viewed coffee buying requests as an additional income stream for writers and was indifferent to them.
The author felt compelled to help a writer who seemed to be in real financial need, indicating a belief that such platforms are for those truly in need.
The author questions the intention behind the trend of online gifts like buying coffee for writers, wondering if it's for those in need or a way to tip for good writing.
The author expresses a desire to receive support from readers, equating it to showing love and support for the writing.
Despite the playful tone of the article, the author seriously considers the ethics of using platforms like Kofi or Patreon if the primary goal is to show support rather than provide financial assistance.
The author provides an alternative method for readers to show support by directly donating to their long-standing PayPal account, bypassing Kofi or Patreon.

I mistakenly thought this was just for those who really need it!

I see the stories all the time, with a Coffee or Kofi request at the end. Mostly, I’m just indifferent to them. From my vantage point, this simply amounted to a few writers using this as an additional way to earn a few bucks on their stories.

I say I’ve been indifferent, because I never knocked anyone for doing it, especially since I was under the impression that they were creatives trying to make ends meet. Once upon a time, I could really relate to that, so I say kudos, but I wasn’t moved to act.

I did act, however, when I came across a story of someone who really seemed to be in a financial jam. I was moved to help out, especially since that’s not my situation anymore. I felt good going to Kofi and leaving a contribution.

Now, about a week later, I’m beginning to wonder what’s really up with this whole, Patreon or Kofi, buy me a coffee situation.

Like I mentioned above, I’m not pointing fingers or knocking anyone, I just want to understand how it’s supposed to work.

Is the trend of these type of online gifts rooted in simply helping someone in need, or is it really about giving a tip because you enjoy someone’s writing, regardless of the writer’s financial standing.

The reason I’m asking is this:

I write on Medium and publish every day. I try to provide useful information, entertaining and even humorous stories, and above all, motivating and uplifting material, without bias.

In spite of all this, I get very little back, relatively speaking. If leaving a tip, via one of these methods, equates to showing your love and support of the writing, then by all means:

I’d be HAPPY AS HELL IF SOMEONE WOULD BUY ME A COFFEE!

Final Thoughts

Although this story was inspired in the spirit of fun, when I thought to myself, “Damn, I could use a cup of coffee too…” I’m actually quite serious about what I said.

The last thing I want to do is abuse a practice that was designed to help people who are truly in need. But if merely showing a writer your support is the primary objective, I say bring it on.

I don’t really have a Kofi or Pateron account, nor do I plan on getting one. You don’t have to buy me coffee.

As far as I’m concerned, anyone who is truly motivated to show me some more love, other than reading my stories, feel free to send it directly to my trusty old PayPal account [[email protected]]. I had this account for twenty-two years, so I’ll be sure to receive it.

Thanks for reading 😄

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