MAKE THE TIP JAR OBVIOUS

Published On: November 20, 2025Categories: Community, WritingTags:

Maria Popova started Brain Pickings “in 2006 as an email to seven friends.”

The left sidebar is titled “donating = loving,” and goes on to say “If you find any joy, solace, and inspiration here, please consider a donation.”

No tiers, no levels, no free tote bag, no bonus content.

In a recent Zoom call, Shelley told a story about going to the book store, and a kind stranger giving her quarters to buy the kids some books, to which she initially refused. She eventually took the coins, and her daughter told her afterwards, “don’t ever refuse prosperity.”

If we don’t give our readers a chance to donate, we are literally refusing prosperity.

Set up a Buy Me a Coffee account, and Ko-Fi, and a Patreon – why not? Lots of people use different services. To get the ball rolling, let people give you money in a way that’s comfortable for them.

Remind them of their options, send them links on occasion, subtle reminders.

There are people who want to support the work you do in its present form, without extra content or behind the scenes material.

If you enjoy my work, you can buy me a coffee via Ko-Fi, PayPal, Cash App, and Venmo. You can also become a Social Media Escape Club Member here, and buy my HUNTERTHEN music here.

💬 Questions or thoughts? Send me an email!

Subscribe via RSS or email.

READ MORE POSTS ABOUT:

Seth on the phone

I help creative people quit social media, promote their work in sustainable ways, and rethink how a website and newsletter can work together. Find out more here. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Join us — Get a 30 day trial for $10 and join our next Zoom call meeting!

Looking for quiet, thoughtful guidance without the noise? My Email Guidance offering gives you calm, steady support — all at your pace, all via email.

Prefer a focused conversation instead? Book a 1:1 call and we’ll dig into your work together.

Email me: seth@socialmediaescape.club

Subscribe via RSS

POPULAR POSTS

SEARCH