Online begging…yay or nay?

Fair readers, I need your advice and input. If you read my previous post you are aware that a nasty virus seems to have rendered my trusty 3.5 year old laptop not very usable. I was already on borrowed time with my baby but now it is literally knocking at death’s door. Boo hoo. I have a mini netbook I bought a while back but as I have learned it’s too damn small to be useful for daily work and writing, or maybe its the fact I am getting old. Therefore my age is preventing me from seeing the screen well. I don’t know….

In any event I need a new computer, I use my baby for work and writing, both the blog and my columns that run in the local paper. Obviously I don’t get paid for this blog but I do get paid for my column so a fully functioning computer is essential. Now I have not talked frugality in a while but lets just say slamming down at least $1200 for a Mac is not in the budget and probably won’t be for at least another 5-6 months.

I had pretty much resigned my self to the fact that it would be a while before I had a new computer until I came across a well-known blogger who is holding a fundraiser. Actually I know a few bloggers who have used their blogs as a vehicle to solicit money and then it hit me…hey I could do that? I have to be honest though the idea leaves me feeling a little uneasy. On the other hand I have thrown spare change at causes and I know a little bit of change from a lot of folks can add up.

So I am asking you, what do you think about bloggers and others online who hit you up for money? Is it tacky or a great and ingenious way to avoid debt for a good cause?  Better yet if a sista went that route might you considering helping out? Or maybe I should see if the local strip club needs a black woman with a potbelly.

5 thoughts on “Online begging…yay or nay?”

  1. I was wary of it until I realized, people are loving my stuffs and do want to help out. I just placed the button on my site and allowed folks to decide what the content was worth to them. Supporting artists, do-gooders and such is my way of tithing since I don’t really go to Synagogue or church much anymore.

  2. I don’t have a problem with it. I have spent $10-$20 bucks on books that I did not enjoy, so why not chip in to continue your blog, which I enjoy a great deal. Count me in.

  3. Amazon.com usually has some good deals on computers. You can also try the shopping channels like QVC or HSN where you can buy a desktop or notebook on 3 to 5 easy pays instead of paying for the computer all at once. It’s easy on the budget.

  4. It’s not my cup of tea, on the blog, on social media, wherever (phone calls from “friends” about their latest charity walk…) , but that’s me.

    Also, the laptops the kids use, by Acer, are amazing. and run about $600 or so.

  5. Died @ Black woman with a potbelly… And girl when I get some extra change I would be more than happy to help. It prolly won’t be much but it will be something.

    Now if you can’t get a Mac, I’m a fan of Gateway. My dinosaur is 9 years old. She has been slicked like three times and she just keeps on kicking. I asked the guy at Best Buy who makes them and he said HP and Gateway merged so I don’t know how that works out. He said not to go under 500 for that brand because they have problems. Whatever you do make sure you get a warranty. I plan to buy a Gateway from Best Buy. I hae had no issues and I like them.

Comments are closed.