There's a huge difference between using something for free, and paying for it, however small an amount it was.
To myself, I often justify paying for something I can otherwise have for free (or not have at all, especially if it's supporting a campaign) by thinking "I would not think twice if I were to get a cup of coffee for this amount. So instead of buying a coffee for myself, I'll send $5 towards ____".
Another aspect of this branding it that it reminds people that there are are actual, real people behind the things they enjoy, be it art, software, or political activism. That their money, no matter how small, will go towards an actual person and can have an actual, tangible benefit to that person.
"Give me money so I can support myself" is a scary message - I certainly don't to take on that burden, and I'd automatically think: how much difference $4 would make on the scale of paying rent?
"Buy me a coffee", on the other hand, makes the contributor feel that that their contribution is both personal and tangible. Sending $4 will, in fact, allow the recipient to buy a cup of coffee.
Additionally, this makes the contribution focus on the positive impact, rather than the negative impact due to lack of contributions.
It's the same reason why some homeless people in SF have signs saying "I won't lie, it's for beer" -- because for a lot of people, it's much more pleasant to throw a buck for a beer and know that it's their guilt-free choice to do so than to be guilted into doing it.
In short, why so serious - literally? And kudos to the people who make parting with money a happier, easier experience.
There's a huge difference between using something for free, and paying for it, however small an amount it was.
To myself, I often justify paying for something I can otherwise have for free (or not have at all, especially if it's supporting a campaign) by thinking "I would not think twice if I were to get a cup of coffee for this amount. So instead of buying a coffee for myself, I'll send $5 towards ____".
Another aspect of this branding it that it reminds people that there are are actual, real people behind the things they enjoy, be it art, software, or political activism. That their money, no matter how small, will go towards an actual person and can have an actual, tangible benefit to that person.
"Give me money so I can support myself" is a scary message - I certainly don't to take on that burden, and I'd automatically think: how much difference $4 would make on the scale of paying rent?
"Buy me a coffee", on the other hand, makes the contributor feel that that their contribution is both personal and tangible. Sending $4 will, in fact, allow the recipient to buy a cup of coffee.
Additionally, this makes the contribution focus on the positive impact, rather than the negative impact due to lack of contributions.
It's the same reason why some homeless people in SF have signs saying "I won't lie, it's for beer" -- because for a lot of people, it's much more pleasant to throw a buck for a beer and know that it's their guilt-free choice to do so than to be guilted into doing it.
In short, why so serious - literally? And kudos to the people who make parting with money a happier, easier experience.
I'd buy them a coffee.