I think donations is a subject that needs to be handled very carefully. I’ve seen it cause trouble more than a few times. That said, DaveC’s post a few up make it clear he’s well aware of the potential problems. I have seen some people use it to show off, others to try and guilt-trip people into doing so when they either can’t, or don’t want to.
I remember one forum a few years ago, where the owner decided to post that he was instituting such a system. I posted an argument for why I thought it was a bad idea in that case. That particular individual wasn’t well-known for tolerating dissent, and I half-expected to get banned for it. Next time I tried to log on, I found …. I was now a moderator. Apparently, he liked what I said.
But I’ve also seen other forums where it caused real ructions.
My view, for what it’s worth, is if done, it’s best done entirely anonymously. People should be free to donate, by all means, but without getting rewarded, even by a badge, or any form of public acknowledgement. Or not, without feeling shamed or embarrassed because they didn’t.
I also feel it shouldn’t be for one person, or a fmall group, to shoulder the costs. For clarity, the guy in the anecdote above, was already a Ferrari-driving, helicopter-flying millionaire, and the forum was funded by a commercial enterprise. I’m NOT saying that my “don’t do it” advice to him applies here. Different kettle of fish.
There is always at least a potential conflict where money starts coming into things which can involve others spending money. I have no doubt Dave has been accused of having biased incentives for reviews at some point. I doubt anybody, in the history of reviews, has done more than a handful without getting that. Having done several thousand, I can say I sure had it happen.
I can also say how many publications, certainly good ones, handle it. There is a chinese wall between those handling financial matters, especially advertising revenue, and those providing editorial content, especially opinion-based content. In 20 years with numerous publications, not once did I ever even talk to anyone on the advertsing team, or even know their names. Nobody, even manufacturers, ever asked me, directly or indirectly, to bias a review either.
Quite how that principle could be applied here? Dunno. But it’s worth thinking about.
P.S. In case anyone thinks that that “he made me a moderator” comment is a hint here, can I just add :-
- been there, done that, got bored with it.
- I haven’t been here (or the old place) long enough.
- There are quite a few better candidates.
- I’m not expecting it, and
- if asked, my reply would be “I’m flattered, but no thanks.”