***Edited to add that it is soooo tempting to email each commenter back with a response, but I think I’ll save it and respond to each question/comment/concern in a follow up post. Also, that I am sooooo glad that you guys are taking this question in stride! I was terrified that you would be offended thinking I was being pushy or snooty or…something. And that is so not the case at all! Thank you for understanding my heart in all of this!***
I’ve gone back and forth for months now about this.
About whether I should post this, or leave well enough alone.
About whether it would turn people off, or make them mad.
And I certainly don’t need any drama in my life.
But, my curiosity is getting the best of me and I feel like I need to know.
So…here’s the deal:
This little blog of mine is not huge.
Not by a long shot.
Even still, I get an average of 1,000 unique page views per day.
And that doesn’t count the people who have life.rearranged in their readers and/or subscribe through my feed.
So, let’s make it easy and say that there are 1,000 different people who read whatever nonsense I have to say for that day.
That’s pretty cool.
Hi, how are you? :)
Yet…somehow…someway…very, very, very few people donate.
As in less than a fraction of a percent of the readership.
And I am genuinely curious as to why.
Am I a terrible fundraiser?
Is there something I could be doing better?
Are the giveaways not fun enough?
Are the guest bloggers not connecting with you?
Do you feel like the charities selected are “off”?
Is it too hard to navigate the giveforward page?
I’m curious.
Not in a mean spirited or pouty way.
I’m not trying to guilt trip anyone into giving.
That isn’t my purpose with this post.
I would be lying if I said that it isn’t discouraging sometimes.
That I oftentimes threaten to give up and never look back.
That I am befuddled.
That I am often convinced that this is a huge waste of my time.
Precious time.
Time that I don’t have much of.
But… if 1,000 people can read everyday…but won’t give (for whatever reason)…what’s the point of all of this?
I’m not saying that I’m riding off into the sunset just yet.
But I am saying that I want to know why.
I want to know what I can do better.
I want to understand so that I can better assess my approach.
What could be different that might entice YOU to give?
Or was this a terrible idea to begin with?
If you haven’t given, PLEASE…leave a comment telling me why.
You can be anonymous. I totally understand. I changed my settings to allow anon comments for this post.
I really want to know. That bad.
For example, the current fundraiser has 8 donations.
And one of those is me.
So really…that’s 7.
Over an almost three week period.
Of 1,000+ people reading a day.
Be honest.
Be real in your response.
I just ask that you be respectful and kind.
Believe it or not, I can be sensitive. :)
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I forget to. Honestly, I think about it, and then don’t take the time to go find the credit card because I don’t have the number memorized. I’m lazy like that.
Sometimes the giveaway isn’t something I am interested in too, so I don’t enter because I don’t want to win something that I won’t use. Stupid reason, but it’s true.
This idea is great! you are doing amazing at it. you rock. I love you. and your squeezeable babies. that you thought of this and followed through says a lot about you.
I am just a pathetic lazy bum who gets scared about following through. I will try to be better, Promise!
PS. I just donated, because I got up off my lazy butt to grab the credit card.
Love you!
I honestly can’t financially do it…like let me show you my bank statement can’t do it. However, I totally believe in what YOU are doing and I CAN DO something. I figured I’d need some accountability so her it goes…I will tweet and FB every fund raising post you do. I will also give at least $1 to each post (starting today…cuz that’s all I can do), cuz truth be told I would BET (at least a $1…snicker) that each of your readers can afford that. And that…that $1,000 would do some amazing good and not hurt our wallets at all. So here is my info if you wanna follow along and hold ME accountability.
FB: Jenni Cates Carlisle
Twitter: @jennilynncar
XOXO,
Jenni Carlisle
http://www.texascarlislefamily.blogspot.com
PS It’s worth it I promise, I’m totally smitten with your selflessness…is that a word?
I just recently found your blog, but have only donated once to the most recent 99 balloon one. The reason I haven’t donated is because I am in Australia so have an Australian credit card. Paypal charges me money to use my credit card to donate AND an international transaction fee. I often end up paying $10 in fees on top of my donation, which is why I hesitate to donate. I wish I could do more but just cant afford to.
I hope this helps and I really hope you don’t give up
Selina´s last blog post ..Peppers professional pictures
Many of us I am guessing already give to other causes or our churches or our neighbors in need ~ some are regularly giving to charities or cancer or school fund-raisers *ugh* ~ many of us are struggling to live on a single income and still offer our families dental work and swimming ~ many of those 1000 folks may come to read for the connection of “I am not alone” ~ to feel encouraged by others stories ~ to share their own story ~ sometimes it is not about the financial giving but the emotional giving ~ ya know? So feel encouraged that you are providing at the very least two huge things ~ a place of connection and emotional encouragement and a place to try and raise funds for those in need.
I would love to donate but I just had surgery and know of at least one more that i have to have in which I pay for out of pocket because I don’t have insurance coverage and I make too much for help from medicaid.
I do pray for each story that I read as well as shed tears at almost every story as well.
I wish I could do more but as a college student who has to come up with tuition money and money to cover medical bills it is impossible for me to. (I can say that with a clear conscious because I shop at Aldi’s and eat Ramen Noodles for at least one meal a day every day of the week.)
I think that you have an amazing thing going here and hope that one day I will be able to contribute and serve in a way that you are.
I have given several times, but not every time. I’d echo other posters in saying that there are other groups/charities to which I’ve pledged money monthly, which cuts into my ability to give here (I also work for a nonprofit, so I have to be tight with funds in general to stay fiscally sound).
Occasionally there have been causes here that I don’t agree with (I don’t entirely agree with the way Dirty Girls Ministries operates, for example), and sometimes I mean to give something and I just forget. You can and should post reminders – I honestly don’t mind if you post several times with a plea to give… honestly, I’m human, and therefore more likely to do something if reminded twice. ;)
There hasn’t been a giveaway yet that I’ve been particularly interested in (I don’t have kids… I think that might be part of it) but that won’t stop me from donating when I feel led to. I usually assume that if I win and don’t want it, you can give it to someone else.
My last thought is this: you’ve said before that there’s a small fee taken for using the giving service that allows you to simultaneously set up the giveaways… if I donate $1 (which I could, honestly, afford every time) – is it worth it, given that fee?
Thanks for asking!
Honestly, Jeannett, the giveaways never entice me to give. I feel like after reading about someone’s heartwrenching story i really don’t want anything to do with fluffy dolls or cute hairclips. At the time the giveaways seem somewhat trivial, do you know what I mean? I don’t want to be rewarded for giving to someone in need, I want to give because the Lord puts it on my heart.
Also, I don’t give every time there is a new blogger because I don’t want to give just to give. I want to give where I feel the Lord calls. He makes us passionate about specific things and makes us lean in certain directions, not EVERYONE’s hard story is gonna strike a chord in everyone’s hearts. So when there is a story that I feel especially compelled to give to I’ll give, and I’ll substancially give, rather than pass out 1-5 dollars to each and every person, ya know? I guess thats just the way I roll.
Another thing I just thought of is that I struggle with the whole blogging world anyway so when asked to give to a screen and somewhat of a different reality than what is right here in my life in flesh and blood, I am a bit more hesitant. I personally am more inclined to meet the financial and physical needs of my neighbors, the homeless and/or hurting around me, and missionaries I am friends with before the others on the computer. I hope that doesn’t sound harsh at all. I don’t mean it to be, I’m really bad with the written word.
I think that what your attempting is AWESOME. Helping others is what God calls us to do and each person attempts to obey and serve in her own unique way. Good joy, Jeannett~
I meant “Good Job, Jeannett” not good joy. But i guess that could work too… :)
I’ve been reading for over a year (to be honest I don’t know how I found you), but I do know that 2 of my local friends read your blog too. Heck, we’ve even talked about particular posts occasionally.
I liked seeing the updates about your kids and was intested in Jill’s development. I like the every day posts and have read every post since I put you in my google reader list.
I’m a classic ‘lurker’. Eventhough I feel like I *know* you, if I saw you around town (we live nearby) I bet I wouldn’t say hi. Not because I don’t love your site, or enjoy your stories, but because I feel like I *know* you, but you don’t know me, and it would freak you out.
I haven’t donated for a few reasons. I read lots of blogs, and scroll through them quickly. LOTS of bloggers have guest posters or will host a charity ‘give’ event. I think it’s become more common. I think at least 10% of the blogs I read have regular posts about giving to a special cause or organization. I *DO* read the post, but I rarely click on the link and visit the featured person. I *DID* watch the 99 balloons one and thought it was very inspiring. But, I guess I feel that because since I’m a special education teacher, I suppose I feel like I’m giving to that population, but just in a different way.
I do give/support other things. My daughter’s school, through the JDRF (diabetes research), to a church, local fundraisers, etc. I guess I just assume that I’m comfortable with what I give.
I will say that I really like your blog, but I tend to stop reading blogs that start being ‘for profit’. Blogs that review products, blogs that have a bunch of adds in the side-bar, etc. I initially started reading your blog becuase I was interested in your family, found your writing funny and very honest. As a working Mom it interested me to see how you did it.
I think that the economy sucks and people are probably giving when they can, with an amount they feel comfortable with.
On a side note-
I can see that you have 119 ‘followers’ that read your feeds/posts through google reader. I have a blog (just a little family one) and want to make sure that you know that ‘page views’ is different than actual site visits. So it could be that you have less visiters than you think (not that this makes it better, but it just means that the discrepency between people visiting and people giving could be smaller). Clearly, they can be reading through other feed programs or visiting directly too, but it just may be less than you thought.
I’m a fairly new follower to your blog. I enjoy reading your posts. They are funny, insightful, and just all around great! I have yet to donate for a few reasons. The first and biggest reason is, my husband and I don’t use plastic. We only use cash. I can’t feed cash through my computer (that would be pretty cool though!) So unless I were to mail money I don’t see how it could get to the fundraisers.
Secondly, we live on a very very limited income. All of our money has a pre-determined destination and it’s rare that we come out with any “extra” money each month. Any money that would potentiality be “extra” money, we tithe to our church. I do make sure to say a prayer for each fundraiser you do.
It’s wonderful that you host the fundraisers and raise awareness but I do agree on many points other comment-ers have posted. Quite a few of the other blogs I lurk host fundraisers and I would feel guilty giving to one and not the other. It’s also great that you kind of “reward” your readers by doing the giveaways, but as previous posters have mentioned, people should be giving to give, not to get something in return!
I wish you the best of luck deciding what you will do. Just know that the Lord will lead you in the right direction!
Hi Jeannett,
I’ve been following you since Kelle Hampton was a guest blogger. I don’t donate because I honestly don’t have any money to give. There have been a couple times that I wanted to give but when I wonder how I am going to pay my rent/bills each month I just can’t do it. :(
Please don’t give up. :) I think you are doing a great job at helping others. The main reason I follow you is because I love that you started all of this to help others. You may not be raising a ton of money but you are raising awareness … at least in my mind you are.
I have been neglecting my own blog (very busy) but I will add your button to my page. I don’t have a lot of readers but since I can’t donate I want to help in anyway that I can. :)
Shannon
Shannon´s last blog post ..Sometimes
I think for me, the answer is a combination of forgetfullness (like Carrie up there) and financial. There are some things I “mean” to donate to – but I forget or don’t have my card, and then suddenly the week is over and it’s onto something else and the mad cycle of my forgetful brain continues. I think I’ve donated once since you started this whole thing.
I’m not usually very interested in the giveaway items, but that’s not really the point to the donating thing anyway, so that doesn’t bother me.
We are kind of burdened with medical bills right now, so although I know a dollar here and a dollar there wouldn’t be a big deal in the grand scope of things – in the moment, I always have somewhere else for that dollar to go or some bill that needs to be paid. And like others have mentioned, we give in other ways to other places as well – so on a monthly basis, sometimes it’s just not financially feasible. Just today, I’ve gotten two emails about sponsering a couple of friends for a charity run/walk thing – so they kinda fall into that same category. And last week, a letter from a friend going on a mission trip who also needs help. I can’t donate to everything. Believe me, I wish we could, but we’re just muddling through over here.
I think it helps that you’re asking for small amounts, so I’ll try and not be so forgetful!
Seems like I blip in and read a blog here or there throughout my day – I rarely comment – and then suddenly the day is over and I haven’t even had time to update my own blog, ha!
I don’t comment here very often, but I’ve been reading your blog since before you had Henry. I think I came in during the home birth discussion and I was fascinated by a person who would have the balls to do that, so here I am, still reading over 3 years later :)
That’s my honest answer…or excuse, whatever. I believe in what you’re doing and I like reading your blog, so stick with it.
Please don’t be discouraged by this whole thing – in this economy especially. You are doing a good thing, and like you always say “every little bit helps” – so even the small percentage you are collecting is still a good thing!
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It’s usually a budget thing thing – or a I’d better tithe first, then – gasp – forget to or am upstairs with the kids during service, so then I think I’d better wait yet again. I’ve loved the charities, especially the ones for water or cancer. Jeannett, you’re doing a great job! I’m sorry you’re discouraged.
Hi Jeanette,
I am a lurker that you mention from time-to-time. I came across your blog through another site awhile ago (don’t remember how, Lisa Leonard maybe). You had just had your twins and I loved reading your honest account of motherhood (you are a very funny writer) and seeing photos of your darling children. Since becoming pregnant with my first child (due in March), I have valued your posts more. You are honest, funny, and a pleasure to read. My friends are all young professionals and haven’t started having kids yet, so your blog has provided a nice, honest accounting of what it’s like to be a mommy. I have gone back to read many of your previous entries (e.g., pregnant with Henry, when Henry was an infant).
I hate to echo other posters but I can’t really afford to donate. My husband and I are both getting our PhD’s, have no money, and tons of student loan debt. (I am still not sure how we are going to manage a baby come March). Of course I could probably manage to give $5 or $10 of student loan money, but really, what good is $5 or $10 to charities? Although this is selfish, $5-10 is coffee for a week to get me through my long days.
The guest posts have varying levels of interest. Honestly, I don’t always read them all–I come to read you. The story about Eliot was very touching and I cried lots. If I had money to give, the giveaways (or any giveaway) are really not motivating for me. I’d give because I felt the cause was a good one. Wish I could be more help (both in advice and $$). Love reading your blog.
Okay, I’m back! I had to go tend to one of the kids. Here’s some more honesty: I like the prizes, but I’m not very technically savvy and might need a review in how to win. I think it’s every $ = and entry??? I apologize, I probably got that wrong. Okay, and here’s a little more honesty which I’m sure will garner me some hatred, but I’m just trying to help out. Ever since the having baby hormones came into my system, I’m a little wack-o with sad stories and bad news. I could not read sad novels or watch the news when I was pregnant or nursing. So even now with older kids, even though my heart goes out to those who are suffering with loss or coping, I can’t always read it if I know I’ll be sad. I don’t mean to sound short sighted and I have known sorrow and the blessing of having friends reach out with compassion. I want to do the same, but sometimes, I have to guard myself so I can continue to function. I can only imagine how this sounds, but you asked for reasons, and I wanted to truthfully tell you why I skimmed the last guest post, then closed it.
I’m so glad you’re doing this, Jeannett. I don’t want you to change it or stop. Real people are going through real messy stuff out there and we NEED to be touched by it and hurt for them. I know this. I would really like to rephrase what I wrote, but am being summoned.Let me know if you have further questions.
I am new to your blog, but I love reading your posts!! I have not donated. Honestly, I can’t afford to. You really don’t need my excuses as to why. But honestly, I can’t. I HATE using that excuse, but it is the truth. Another reason (and it is so sad that I would even have to mention this…but the truth), I would think twice before entering my credit card number. And PLEASE don’t take this personally!!!!! Other than than the fact that your name is Jeanett, you have adorable kids, you live in Cali…and write inspiring blog posts…I have no idea who you are. I have no idea who I am giving my credit card number to. I have no idea what happens to it, who sees it, and who’s hands it may get into. Again, PLEASE don’t take that personally. I don’t know you, you don’t know me. Responsibly, I HAVE to think twice before giving my card number to someone.
Honestly, if I was financially able to give, I would probably donate strait to the charity. But that DOES NOT mean you should stop doing what you are doing. It helps raise awareness. I may not financially be able to help, but I can pray, and spread the word about charities so many have never heard of. I had never heard of Sweet Elliot before reading his story on you blog. I have thought about and prayed for his family many times in the last three weeks. I LOVE what his parents have done to honor their sweet son’s life.
…again PLEASE don’t think I am saying you are untrustworthy. Totally NOT what I am trying to say!!
Why I read but haven’t donated: I love this blog and it’s mission. Haven’t donated because: A) We’re maxed out on giving. We don’t make a lot of money but we try to give as much as we can. We give to various organizations/missionaries monthly, and some things in between–usually other adoptive families.
We also decided to not have any more biological children and pursue adoption instead (2 or more adoptions) which is tens of thousands of dollars (that we don’t have, we are relying on God to provide financial supporters and from our own constant fundraising efforts).
So our giving resources are stretched beyond stretchable for our 1-income family of 4 who is growing through adoption.
I subscribe to a ton of blogs about adoption, orphans, organizations, etc. and although I’d love to give to every single cause I come across, we simply can’t.
i like to give money to people and groups that make the most difference. Im not excited about some of these charities. My tithe money is committed to others right now. When you started this, you said it was for god and the amount didnt matter…
I second kates comment for my reasons.
Jeannett,
I’m sorry you feel compelled to be questioning yourself at this point. I think what you have done up to now should be commended. Knowing you personally, I think this is a very rewarding thing for you and would hate to see you give it up.
As for my two cents: I too would mimick some of the other comments. I was so glad to hear someone finally comment on the sadness of the stories. Thought it was just me but I really struggle with that as well. Mostly because I tend to be so empathetic that I get sucked into the emotion and as someone who already suffers from depression I just try to stay upbeat. There have been some on here that have kept me thinking for days, in the same way I cried for and with you over your grief. Not because I don’t care, because I care too much.
Also agree with the prizes. Haven’t had interest in much of anything but then I would never donate to get something either so I guess it doesn’t matter. I did donate to the water cause. I thought that was awesome. I have to admit though, that my donations of choice are usually ones that have touched my life or charity I can interact with and involve the kids. For instance, I deliver meals on wheels in Solvang or when Bri and I delivered blankets to those sleeping in the streets in San Francisco.
As you can see alot of your comments have to do with finances and the economy and little if anything to do with empathy for those in need or your success at what you’re doing. You have been successful, take a look……I know you’re driven and you want to do more and God bless people like you who do. Keep at it.
I personally do what I can, when I can, but alot of times, with all the stress in my life, sometimes I come on here to see bright cheery pics of the kids, when mine are gone……and it makes me smile. Your blog is successful in more ways than you think.
Love you.
D
Your blog in principle is great: highlight charities, motivate people to give with tantalizing give-aways and balance the sad stories with funny stories and cute shots of your kids. What you need to do is ask any church in town what percentage of the membership actually contributes and then compare it to your own numbers. I don’t know of many people (including myself) that realize how fortunate/rich we all are and that we can all make a difference. As I’m guessing most of your blog readers are Americans we all think of ourselves as individuals and individually $1 really doesn’t make a difference at all. These are problems that I don’t know you can fix so don’t be so hard on yourself! Glass is half full, right? People are participating, right? We all know that we need to be more generous, right? You’ve started something good. Give it minute :)
I’ve been a follower for awhile but never donated. The primary reason would be that we focus our giving on our church and on the child we sponsor in Haiti.
We are a family living on one income (military, no less) and my disability also factors into our available dollars for giving. However, that doesn’t keep us from giving, and we have in the past made personal sacrifices when we felt compelled about a specific issue (the Haitian tragedy comes to mind; we donated to several agencies in that particular case, and continue to regularly donate to one of them).
I have wondered about some of your charities in the past, I’ll admit. I’m a bit of a skeptic at heart, especially when it comes to all things internet, so I tend to be very thorough in my research when deciding to give.
My primary question regarding an organization would be whether it is 501(c)(3) exempt. If it’s not, there’s no sense in my looking at it any further, because in my eyes, it’s for profit.
If the organization is 501(c)(3) exempt, I would then look at their administrative spending. If it doesn’t seem in line with other charities, again they would be struck off my list.
And finally, I look for the most effective manner in my giving. To me, that means direct transfer of my funds to another organization, without any middleman, contest, giveaway or anything else. I absolutely realize why they are offered (many, many charities offer a giveaway in return for a donation), but I always decline them, asking that they instead turn that money back over into charity.
So, it’s not to say that the charities you feature aren’t worthy of my dollars. It’s just that even if you reveal them to me, I’m giving for the sake of giving, transparently, without anyone knowing. I personally don’t like my name to be listed in a group of donors, whether it’s at a nonprofit hospital drive or a local fast-food restaurant displaying my name for giving.
I commend you for your selfless giving of your time and energy. Please don’t give up just because the views aren’t translating into donations. You’ll never know whether your featuring a charity resulted in a donation offline or even more importantly, whether someone remembered a charity featured and were able to get the help they needed, simply because you took the time to care.
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Um. Wow. Wrote a book there. Sorry! ::blush::
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I think it’s a great question =) I donate when I can, and I donate to other sites, so for me it’s about the budget. If the discretionary income is gone, then no more donating. I’m a sucker, too, and I buy stuff from the kid who goes door to door selling coupon books (which I rarely use, but they won’t let me just give them $20, so I’m stuck with a book), the kid selling candy bars etc. etc. etc. And I’m a county social worker, so come Christmas, we help out foster kids by picking two off the tree and making sure they have a Christmas. I think folks like to donate when they can, and it’s not a reflection on your post. Although, I will agree with one poster, I don’t always want the giveway. Just sayin’, I’m not a big fan of ‘stuff.’
Much love,
Caryl
Hey there! I know this is somewhat off-topic but I needed to ask.
Does running a well-established blog such as yours require a lot of work?
I am completely new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary every day.
I’d like to start a blog so I can share my experience and feelings online.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for new aspiring blog
owners. Appreciate it!
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