Ben’s insights are far from “spot on” in my opinion. If the year was 1985, then yes, he would probably be correct. Of course that’s not what we are debating.

The thing that makes everyone so angry is that a lot of people have stumbled across his blog and he has inspired a lot of those visitors in some way. Now he is saying that isnt enough for him, he wants donations because the notion of being a muse is a cash worthy venture, and that is bull.

Just my thing.

Many posts? Good. That lends some credibility to what I’m about to say…

DISCLAIMER FROM Treausre Never Buried: Please continue to read Ben Henry’s work until you feel lead to do otherwise. He is one of the most talented and knowledgeable card bloggers on the internet.

Chem, I agree with most everything you’re saying. Even though I’ve written what is apparently a very controversial post I still agree with you. And you can bet your collection that I’m going to pursue every avenue available to make some “card” money from my blog. Donations are a great idea for blog authors. Ideally, I think everyone should give their readers the option of anonymously contributing to someone that has inspired them.

But, If you feel that you’ve truly inspired people in whatever way, shouldn’t you be able to put a donation button on your site and then let it and your work speak for itself? If you’re really “that” good, do you need to give reasons?

I don’t see any need to personally knock Ben Henry and I don’t advocate anyone else doing it. If 100% of Ben Henry’s readers quit reading his blog tomorrow because of my post, is that wrong of me for pointing out my problems with his post? His readers have as much of a choice to donate as they do to continue to support him with their presence, no matter the reason.

Either way…

I wasn’t being unfair, I didn’t misquote him, and I didn’t ask anyone else to follow my lead. I linked specifically to his post and I praised him wholeheartedly as much as I felt necessary.

You say, “I for one would hate to see this backlash lead to him quitting the blog world.” If there is backlash, isn’t that his fault? I don’t think anyone reading the various card blogs is so naive’ to stop reading Ben Henry just because someone else did.

I’m glad that there were “many posts” about the donation button. I would hate to feel like I was the only that considered this an arrogant way to beg for money.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If Ben Henry loses all his readers over his post, if I lose all of mine over bashing his “reasons” (not the donation button), or if you lose all of your readers for defending it, then so be it.

I’m like you,

“I do what I want to do on here and if you don’t like it then whatever”

At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

I might give the option to donate on TNB someday but you can also bet your collection that I won’t be giving reasons why. I’ll let my work speak for itself.

Considering that Ben Henry’s work could be considered “outstanding” by most, I think that he should have done the same…