Just a quick note to start out the year.
As anyone who accesses this blog knows, it is available to all free of charge. I plan to keep it that way.
I began this blog as a labor of love, writing out of concern about the issues of the day… issues that are filtered through my own worldview and Hashkafos. A brief sketch of those Hashkafos and where I got them is located just below my photo in the right margin.
Little did I know when I started that I would be as successful as I am. Just recently I surpassed the 3,000,000 ‘hit’ mark on my blog’s hit counter. That means that my blog has been accessed over three million times since I started counting hits shortly after I started the blog. That is truly humbling.
I enjoy what I do, and that’s why I do it for free. I recall many an entertainer saying on late night television that they enjoy what they do and would willingly do it for free – even though they are paid millions for doing so. That is kind of what I am saying.
But the fact is that they do get paid millions. I don’t.
I – like many of my colleague J-bloggers – work hard at what I do. I personally spend hours daily researching, writing, and monitoring my posts. All for free. Although I do receive an occasional donation (some were very generous) from a few of my readers for which I am very grateful, it does not come anywhere near (by ‘light years’ of difference) the amount money I would probably make if I were to be paid professionally for even a weekly column.
I do, however, get “paid” in the amount of satisfaction I get from the thousands of people who regularly access and my blog daily… and to those who have personally contacted me expressing their appreciation and encouragement.
That is offset a bit by the grief I get from those who tear me down – and would like to shut me down. That is not going to happen if I can help it. But I am human and it hurts when I occasionally get so viciously attacked (verbally, not physically) for expressing my views.
I am also human in another regard. It is a bit disheartening to me that I get absolutely no pay for what I do. So at this time I am asking for those who can afford it at all – to consider donating to this blog any amount you wish. This is something I rarely do – but will do from time to time. It can be done easily via credit card through the “Donate” button on the top right margin.
The truth is that I am uncomfortable asking for donations. I’ve only done it once before. I am not a charity case. But neither am I a millionaire. I could use whatever income this blog would generate.
That said, if you feel in any way that you cannot afford giving anything, then please do not. I absolutely do not want to put pressure on anyone. I know that living as an observant Jew is expensive (especially when it comes to the cost of Jewish education) …and that even people making above average incomes have a hard time making ends meet. Especially if one has a large family. So even if it means that not a single penny is donated by anyone so be it. The blog posts will not be affected.
But if you can afford it and are so inclined, it would be very much appreciated.
At this time I wish to thank all of my readers for your support in helping to make this blog the success that it is.
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