What do you think of PayPal donation buttons?

[freeflow]

I have seen a few websites with a PayPal donation button. What are your opinions or experiences? Is it worth having one?

 

[kosvam]

probably none will use them

 

[elias75]

haven't use them either but seen it in some cases as "If you like this site buy me a beer!" which I think it is a pretty smart way of putting it

 

[N-A]

I would only assume the PayPal donate buttons work for loyal visitors. If you have a blog, game, forum, etc-- the ones who come back day after day would only consider donating.

 

[glaxxon]

Its free to put one so no harm in trying but works well only if you have a dedicated loyal fan base as said above.

 

[Timewarp]

I used to think the looked like begging but now they are more common...the "buy me a beer" or "buy me a coffee" is a nice way to dress it up.

Ive donated through those buttons a few times but only for sites/people that really worked for it and didnt have other revenue streams. Specifically podcasts that I regularly listen to or a free software tool that I ended up using a lot.

 

[freeflow]

Thanks for your replies. I guess I might give it a try...

 

[Jolin]

Probably those might work for sites that offer free downloads and services appreciated by people otherwise, I don't think it will be useful.

 

[Eric]

In most cases they're pretty much worthless, and a waste of time. I had buttons up on a site for an open source project for 4 years, it was very rarely used.

 

[Soofi]

useless IMO

 

[elias75]

Thanks for your replies. I guess I might give it a try...

go for it and let us know in this thread if any good....

 

[Soofi]

good luck with it and let us know